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Trattoria Mollie Reviews List
Trattoria Mollie
Local favorite, chef to the Hollywood stars and great family dining. Chef Mollie has been featured on the Oprah's Show and in "O" magazine. National Geographic Passport to the Best has recognized Trattoria Mollie as one of the "Ten Best Destination & Special Restaurants in the World"
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48 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 48 reviews
5 stars
(26)
4 stars
(14)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(29)
- fit for foodies(24)
- neighborhood gem(23)
- romantic(21)
- great for outdoor dining(13)
- good for groups(10)
Trattoria Mollie Reviews List
Review 1 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Simple, elegant & delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I made a reservation on open table for Mother's Day. My mom arrived before me and she said that when she checked in, the host acted like they had no idea about our reservation and interrogated her about how & when I made the reservation before seating her. Of course, she didn't know any of the answers to their questions because she didn't make the reservation so I'm a bit upset that she was flustered when I joined her a few minutes later. Even on mother's day they weren't packed so I docked a star for their disorganization.
Other than that, our waiter was very pleasant. I wanted to order everything on the menu. Our bruchetta was good/standard. My grilled veggie panini was perfect for brunch, and my mom loved her mushroom chicken."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Italian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Highly recommended by a friend and it was clearly a great choice. Excellent food and excellent service. Real Italian cooking with expert waiters to explain the food."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My two friends and I select a different restaurant for the first Monday of each month. Trattoria Mollie stands out for great wait service. I mentioned to our server that I always take half of my dinner home to my husband. She boxed half of my order before serving me my share. She also added extra delicious bread and T.Mollie's Italian cookies for my husband. That has never happened before. Trattoria Mollie is in the top of our ratings now of over 30 Santa Barbara restaurants. The food was well prepared. Also, this is the first time I've made reservations on line. It was a good experience."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 4 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mollie is the Best
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We just ate lunch at Trattoria Mollie a few days ago and everything was wonderful. Mollie was in the kitchen cooking and she was kind enough to come out and chat with us. The service was better than excellent, a very happy atmosphere, and the food was great, just a little smaller portions that we would have liked. We highly recommend this cute little place!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was amazing. Cork
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was amazing. Cork fee a little high at $25 per bottle, and we had a large group and 4 bottles. Thought a break would be nice, but no. We had to ask for additional wine glasses, and at this price point, shouldn't have to. That is the only complaint though. The food was fantastic!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2012
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Review 6 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
An all time favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Extremely outstanding Italian. Fresh, clean flavors, unfussy dishes, light and delicious. Simple dishes like the Caprese salad are just so light and the tastes are distinct and unmuddled. Meatballs are to die for. Carpaccio is the best I've had anywhere. Steak melts in your mouth. Pastas are so light, unlike any pasta I've ever had. To last 20 years in Montecito is a testimony to how good Trattoria Mollie is.
Mollie is there 7 days a week and her dedication to her craft shows in every dish.
If you love Italian and enjoy cooking, her cookbook available on site, is wonderful!!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
we had a 7.30 reservation
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"we had a 7.30 reservation the restaurant was full on arrival, we stood and waited 30 minutes to have a group who arrived after us seated before us. Very poorly managed."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
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Review 8 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best Italian food on the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The best Italian food on the planet"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic
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Review 9 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
portions were very small and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"portions were very small and food mediocre. What a disappintment as we had dined there a year ago and it was fine."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Heard so much about this restaurant
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Heard so much about this restaurant ... but I guess I should have learned by now about a restaurant that's been hyped by celebs. Not a bad find, but ... I guess Ophra must had been hungry!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 11 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Girls weekend in Santa Barbara.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Girls weekend in Santa Barbara. Had just gone to a book signing for Mollie's new cookbook and heard about her restaurant. Decided to try it. We loved it! Mollie was greeting everyone at the door. Server was attentive without being intrusive. Knowledgable about the food. And the food was fantastic! Fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. Kitchen sent out a pizza for us to share on the house. Best crust ever! Mollie walked us out and thanked us for coming. Felt like a local. Would definitely recommend and go back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 12 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The most amazing food, the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The most amazing food, the staff is gracious and Mollie, always there,always welcoming and always inspiring"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Everything was wonderful but
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everything was wonderful but the food ~ it was WAY TOO salty. The service was exceptional, very outstanding."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Thank you to our waiter for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Thank you to our waiter for an excellent wine selection paired with our meal."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were there on a busy holiday
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were there on a busy holiday night, and were greeted and served very well. Food was excellent.
Service was quick, which might have been prompted by the busy night, but we were never felt rushed, and I think we could have lingered without feeling any pressure.
I have not been here in years, but it was as nice as I remember."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
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Review 16 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We absolutely loved it. It
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We absolutely loved it. It was our first time there, but we were treated with such care and gentleness that we know we'll be back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Italian food in Santa
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best Italian food in Santa Barbara for sure. Excellent staff as well."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 18 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Italian Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had lunch here last July and dinner in February. The lasagna and ravioli were wonderful! We bought Mollie's cookbook and she was kind enough to sign it for us."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
In Agust, 2012, I celebrated
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"In Agust, 2012, I celebrated my wedding anniversary at your restaurant. The experience was a 5+. This time, I celebrated my wife's birthday. During the New Year's weekend, it's very tough having a wonderful, sedate, and quiet evening, but we were very happy with the ambiance, setting, and our meal. We had a wonderful time and we will be back."
Dined on 12/29/2012
2010
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Sad Birthday at Mollie's :(
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Off Night for Mollie, unfortunately, it was my birthday & my husband had taken alot of time to make
arrangements for a wonderful evening fot me! We were greeted at the doot by Mollie to tell me she did not
have the local lobster he had ordered, would substitute crab, fine,except it arrived on top of a pile of GREEN
pasta, which I despise! The waiter would not have noticed if we were on fire!!! When he removed my husband &
grandson's plates, he noticed mine had not been touched; I asked to speak to Mollie,he came back from the kitchen
& offered me something else! I explained to him the duties of a waiter & told him I was not going to sit there & eat alone! Then came the birthday dessert, Tiramusu..my husband had specified NO TIRAMUSU!"
arrangements for a wonderful evening fot me! We were greeted at the doot by Mollie to tell me she did not
have the local lobster he had ordered, would substitute crab, fine,except it arrived on top of a pile of GREEN
pasta, which I despise! The waiter would not have noticed if we were on fire!!! When he removed my husband &
grandson's plates, he noticed mine had not been touched; I asked to speak to Mollie,he came back from the kitchen
& offered me something else! I explained to him the duties of a waiter & told him I was not going to sit there & eat alone! Then came the birthday dessert, Tiramusu..my husband had specified NO TIRAMUSU!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
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Review 21 for Trattoria Mollie
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had dinner with friends
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had dinner with friends at Mollie's last night. The food was good, not exceptional, but good. The two pasta dishes ordered as main courses were only warm when served... not hot. The appetizer we ordered for the table was completely forgotten and the restaurant was not that busy. We had to ask for it and then it was served with the main course. It tasted good but it lost its appeal being served at the wrong time. We had to ask for refills on water and refills on coffee - neither were offered although the water glasses remained empty for some time as did the coffee cups. Our main server was a little snippy - not nasty or rude - just snippy. I would probably go back to Mollie's but... not quickly."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2011
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Trattoria Mollie
Based on the average of (27) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic