At the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe you really do get to taste the Central Coast. They take great care in selecting each item that makes its way on your plate. Choosing ingredients that are local, wild, and organic whenever possible. You will enjoy the rustic-elegance of the Cafe paired with friendly and attentive service. Their extensive wine list offers the best wines of the Central Coast Region. The best part is after you dine you can take home your favorite wines at competitive pricing and bring the taste of the Central Coast home with you.
"We were looking for a quick and decent dinner before a concert at the nearby Chumash Casino. Service was excellent, food was quite good, and the wine list is amazing in this quaint little cafe. We want to go back for their wine flights and appetizers!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"Delicious local/sustainable food--hearty and satisfying, flavorful, uncomplicated yet distinctive. Nice patio and indoor option is casual yet refined. Service was excellent."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"I came here years ago and either my memory is kind or the quality here has severely declined. Most notably ad was the service. You're in the heart of Santa Ynez, you'd think they know how to serve food and especially wine. Not so. Our first glasses of wine (after two ordering misteps) came while we were already half way through our appetizers. Then the bread came after that. Then the meal itself which was just average. A real disappointment. Pluses: amazing wine list...if you can actually get it served."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, hot spot
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"A true wine and dine experience. Their food is tasty well prepared and presented well. Their wine list is extensive for dining and retail take away. We've dined here several times love to sit on their small patio. Its has a comfortable feel and ambiance. You will be happy
We like to dine. We like to wine."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The restaurant was packed on a hot Saturday afternoon and the waitress could not have been more friendly or attentive. She definitely made the experience very pleasant and we will be back in large part due to the exceptional service!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"We tried this place for Mother's Day which isn't the best time to judge any restaurant. Our steak was good but the Caesar Salad was basic and the cheese plate portions were very small compared to similar restaurants."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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"Dinner reservation honored promptly and given a choice of indoors our out. We chose outdoors which gave us an opportunityt o enjoy the charming setting. Service was excellent, as was the wiine selection. Each of the eight of us ordered something different from the menu, and all were fully satisfied. I choose the Whitefish, a special of the day and it was tender/flaky/hot and seved on a bed of risotto with asparagus, crisp asparagus. Truly a 'dinind' experience....not rushed, however with very attentive service. A very special occasion for us made more so by good food, good wine, and wonderfully charming restaurant."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"Stopped there to start a day of wine tasting in Los Olivos. Friends ordered soup, which was good. My wife ordered a curry chicken salad, which was good but without enough curry flavor. I ordered a turkey sandwich, which was a turkey sandwich (hey, how much can you do with a slice of turkey, a slice of cheese, a piece of lettuce, and a slice of tomato?). Service was friendly and competent. Prices were very reasonable. In all, this was a good lunch and is a place to which we will return when back in town. You get plenty - it tastes good - the prices are reasonable - good service. Really a good was to start the day."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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"Love it. Staff is great, courteous and accommodating. Ambiance is exactly what we needed for my wife and my anniversary, without the place seeming like it's trying to hard. Solid wine list and the food is always top notch. Definitely recommended."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I went here for a night out with some friends. The wine list is great, but the pasta that we ordered was decent at best. The food really lacked flavor and was over priced for the quality."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Would highly recommend this establishment. Our entire experience was exceptional. We had the specials - pork and a basil asparagus pasta. Both were delicious and the suggested wine pairings were appropriate. What a terrific wine selection. Will return whern we're next in the area."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"We had the rare opportunity to dine out without kids so wanted to go somewhere special where we knew without a doubt the food and service would be memorable. The eatery that first came to mind was Los Olivos Café. We were not disappointed. From the very attentive wait staff to the food prepared to perfection, we had a lovely dining experience. With their carefully curated wine list, it was hard to choose but the Bernat Syrah Latitude was a perfect pairing for our absolutely delicious entrees. We ran into lots of friends there too as this is not just a tourist eatery but a locals hangout too. If the locals keep coming back, you know its reliably good. We are looking forward to our next opportunity to dine at the Los Olivos Café."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"The meal we had at Los Olivos Cafe was the highlight of our trip to California this year. We had dinner there one moonlit evening and sat on the patio facing the street. We each had the Fixed Price Menu which for $35 was a bargain. We each had a delicious salad of greens and pears with a very unique dressing, followed by our entree of grilled salmon over a bed of greens and mushrooms. Then for dessert, the most delicious chocolate cake I have ever tasted, served warm with a scoop of homemade ice cream. A glass of pinot noir was included also (or two if you have a spouse who orders ice tea so I could enjoy her wine.) I would highly recommend eating at Los Olivos Cafe. We will return when we are in the area again."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Stopped in here for lunch while visiting Los Olivos. Great lunch spot, had a delicious burger with hand cut fries and a nice glass of syrah. My wife had steak frites which were also tasty. Good atmosphere out on the front porch too, a nice outdoor table, and our service was very prompt and polite. All in all, a great place to grab lunch while hopping around to all of the tasting rooms in Los Olivos...would definitely recommend! Looks like they also have a nice wine shop and bar inside too!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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"We were at the San Ynez wine festival and dined the prior night at the Hitching Post. We wanted something a little lighter. If you like olives I would strongly recommend the olive assortment. Lingered on this while having a glass of albarino. Nice pair. We both had salads. Hers the Jacob salad which she said was very good and mine was green with raspberry, pecan and blue cheese. Quite tasty. This was followed by two past dishes hers was gnoochi and nine orecchiette. Both were good but we agreed the gnoochi was slightly better. You should be hungry because neither of us ate more than half of the entree. I had a glass of Happy Canyon Barrack with my entree which was the best wine I had all weekend."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, scenic view
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"Service was great, food was very good as well. My girlfriend and I came here years ago for a weekend get away and decided to come again. We were just as happy as we were years ago."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"Wonderful service, great food and wine. We'll go back again and again."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Very average dining experience. Food was bland and proportion size was small for the price, especially the "special beef pot pie" which was not very good."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
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"We actually ate here twice in two days! Once for lunch, once for dinner. Both meals were outstanding with lots of locally sourced ingredients - everything was very fresh. The stand-out dish was the Butternut Squash Caprese Salad. We had it both meals and will be trying to make it ourselves at home! The wine list was excellent and the mark up isn't bad at all."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, great for lunch
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"We loved the special.....Halibut. It wasn't too heavy, but wonderful and a perfect meal. We love eating there when we are in town (usually twice a year) and we always introduce new people to Los Olivos Cafe. They end up loving it as well. I appreciate a meal that isn't too heavy and decadent, but rather healthy and flavorful."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We dined here for a 30th wedding anniversary celebration on 3/20/13. Our experience was positive on all levels. Our server Joann was the perfect blend of attentive yet unobtrusive. She was also very knowledgeable in suggesting wine pairings with our selected entrees. Food was superb, as was the ambience and decor. A special treat was being able to purchase a few bottles of the same wine we enjoyed with our dinner. Overall the experience exceeded any expectations we had. We will definitely recommend this gem to others and hope to return on future trips to the Santa Ynez area.
Michael and Jeanne Holub"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"While we still find the Merchant a great place to go, the waiter needed some 101 lessons in service. Perhaps just a new waiter, he had little skill or wine knowledge, which for this place should be a given. Pouring across the table, bringing us a different appellation of our ordered wine, without saying anything just opening and pouring it. This is more of a note for the restaurant, service is important, it still is a reason to select a different choice."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Los Olivos Cafe provides a consistently outstanding dining experience. Their approach to California cuisine, in their lively and eclectic environment never misses. Salads are inventive (butternut caprese), and well-presented. The entrees ( pork tenderloin and short ribs) were delicious and satisfying to some very hungry diners. Service is attentive, but not cloying. And, the wine service to food pairings is perfectly executed."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This is the first time I have eaten indoors at Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe. The atmosphere was very pleasant and I really appreciated the mirrors along the back wall so that those of us sitting with our backs to the restaurant could still see what was going on. The food was very good and hot (always important to me). I had the short ribs and my companion had the lamb shank. Both good but similar in texture. My friend's meal came with polenta. She said she had lived in Italy and wasn't a big fan of polenta but loved this version. The wine list was quite extensive and I liked the fact that local wines were fairly priced. The Gainey Merlot was a nice complement to our meals. All in all, a great evening."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We always enjoy dining at Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe, when we are visiting Wine Country. The Cafe has a very relaxed atmosphere, and is obviously a favorite of the locals."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"This is a fun place. Nice Atmosphere with bar. Good wine selection Short Ribs were great. They could improve their dinner salad. Reasonable priced with great wine and beer selection"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Me and my boyfriend went here for valentines day for a special dinner. We came to treat ourselves to some lovely dishes which we got, however, I would have to say that the service was extreamely disappointing. I dont have room to explain the whole night but I can say that we got the feeling that due to our age, we didnt matter. I thought that they were just busy at first but it soon became very obvious that we were being treated differently. Like I marked above, the food was amazingbut I left extreamely upset wishing I would have made reservations somewhere else."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We were disappointed. Had eaten here years ago and had a fabulous meal. Salmon had no flavor. Rib eye very fatty. However the dessert the Cafe Scream? was divine. YUMMY"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2011
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"Mushroom ravioli was amazing. Gnocchi was just okay but everything else was great (burger, salads)! Great stop for lunch during a day of wine tasting tours."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We loved everything about our evening. We had asked for a table beside the fireplace, but it was still occupied so we took one elsewhere - didn't matter at all. Our server was outstanding, attentive but not overly so. Dishes were picked up, or delivered by whoever was walking by at the moment - so it is a real team effort. We shared a casear salad which was outstanding - and we both ordered the classic salmon because it had been so long since we had tasted it last. It was still outstanding. The salmon was cooked perfectly, the potatoes and veggies crisp and fresh. Our Longoria Pinot Noir (yes, with fish), was perfect for our pallet.This is now local restaurant to go to."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We came in because of the special for 20.13 but ended up knowing that we will return often. The food was great but the service was outstanding including the owner/manager who stopped by our table when we were leaving to see if there was anything else we needed. Thank you for a very enjoyable experience. Sharon"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We recently ate here for restaurant week and thoroughly enjoyed it. I ordered the steak and my husband had the trout. Except for my entree being slightly underdone (still tasted great), it was perfection. The sides are always as well thought out and prepared as the entrees. Service was attentive without being overbearing. The dip for the bread is outstanding and I love the ambiance. We are local to this restaurant and have eaten here many, many times and always leave feeling relaxed and happy. We enjoyed our favorite table, a 2 top next to the fireplace. Don't forget to pick up a wonderful bottle of local wine on your way out!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe