Emilios Ristorante & Bar

 

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Shari E.

San Mateo, CA

My husband has been here in the past and had nothing but great things to say about it. (he's Italian, a chef, and KNOWS his food).  Most unfortunately, when he brought me here, it was one of the most disappointing dining experiences we've ever had.  The proscuitto flat bread was drowning in fig jam, the heirloom tomato salad was inedible (tomatoes were mushy and overpowered by cheese doused in balsamic), the beet salad was boiled and tasteless.  We cut our losses and didn't even order a main course.  Even at that, our bill came to $125 for an appetizer, 2 salads, a bottle of VERY ordinary wine, and a bottle of sparkling water.  Insane.  The service also left a great deal to be desired...we had to flag our waiter down for every single interaction.  Apparently they hired a new chef about 6 months ago.  He/she has a great deal to learn.  Don't waste your time or money here.

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Greg GG A.

Santa Barbara, CA

Great view of the beach if sitting by the window. Northern Italian eatery, very good fish and pasta. Waiter was very good. A bit stuffy even though location was spacious, as very crowded, but overall very good food and good dining experience. I am going to what I hear is best Italian eatery in SB on Wed. evening, Pane E Vino Trattoria, so I am looking forward to that. I hear you can bring your own bottle of wine if better than any wine on their list for special occasions. Will post details later in the week. Pane e vino MUCH BETTER!!!

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Ines C.

Santa Barbara, CA

I'm from the SF Bay Area where everyone thinks they're a "foodie" and tunes in faithfully to both "The Next Food Network Star" and beloved "Top Chef."  Even our local community station has a super popular show called "Check, Please" where different Bay Area folks talk about their favorite restaurant. If you're lost and don't know what the H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY STICKS I'm talking about then you are no where near the gates of foodie. In short, yes.  Food is our religion and word has it that SB has a similar food cult personality with its wineries and bling bling. I'm gearing up to move down there soon so we'll see...

That said, the food at Emilio's will MELT in your mouth! I don't care what you order, ribs, lamb, risotto, whatever - you WILL love it.  From the outside it looks totally unassuming. It's located on the shabby side of the ocean front (if there is such a thing) next to a shady motel (I'll review that one later) so don't let outward appearances fool you.  You can even park right out front (gasp!). I actually thought the service wasn't bad but my table had eight people.  I think big tables tend to get a lot more attention.  I ordered the filet mignon (dreamy sigh), it was perfectly cooked. Good size portions too, none of that super small plate business or big ass plate with little food. Don't leave this place without dessert! Their chocolate desserts are warm, rich, and sinful.

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Edgar S.

North Hollywood, CA

Short Version: If you're in Santa Barbara, you must go. You must!

Long Version: Wonderful. If you're in town for the weekend, especially a romantic getaway, make the reservations and enjoy a lovely evening. Everything is perfect: the food (a fantastic assortment of Italian dishes), the atmosphere (the decor is simple and rustic), the wine (a great assortment from local vineyards). And when you walk out, there's the beach. Go, enjoy your vacation and take someone you love for an escape within an escape.

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Aaron R.

Los Angeles, CA

Emilio's gets three stars, 5 for food, and zero for service.
The food we eventually got looked great, seared ahi sesame cones, served in a candelabra, caesar salad, and Spaghetti bolognese paired with a local wine was very good.
The service was atrocious. We were seated before a couple next to us, who received their wine, and first course by the time we had ordered.
We had to bring our credit cards to the front to pay before the waiter came to get them. It was absurd. Located on the north end of Shoreline park its in a good spot, with a very romantic villa style decor.
All in all a good spot to stop if you have the chance. Prices are not cheap, but the food is very good.

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Elite '08

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Ryan C.

San Diego, CA

This place was recommended to me by a co-worker that lives in SB.  It is Mediterranean-Italian cuisine.  Very romantic, intimate setting and exceptional service.  Our server was readily available and made great suggestions for wine and appetizers.  We ordered the Heirloom Tomato Salad Caprese and Maine Lobster Ravioli for appetizers.  Main course we shared the Grilled Prawns with gorgonzola polenta, grilled asparagus and sauted rapini with tomato marmalade, and the Alaskan Halibut, pan seared with baby vegetables, lobster risotto in a saffron lemon sauce.  Portions were perfect - not too large or too small, and presentation was impressive.  The fish was cooked just perfectly, it flaked right off and was bursting with flavor.  I couldn't recommend this place enough.  It was costly but who's counting when you're on vacation, right?  :)  The bill came to ~$150 for 2 people but well worth it!  I'd recommend this place to anyone visiting SB and wants to treat themselves to fine dining experience.

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Ted H.

Santa Barbara, CA

I ordered the lobster ravioli, which were tasteless and much too heavy. The filet mignon was extremely tender and perfectly cooked, but the reduction was much too sweet, and the vegetables were too bitter. My server was attentive, but I was the first one in the restaurant. It took a long time to get the bill because more people arrived by the time I was done.

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