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The Ballard Inn Reviews List
The Ballard Inn
The Restaurant at the Ballard Inn is considered by many to be among the best dining destinations in the Santa Ynez Valley. With just 12 tables, soft music, candle light, and a roaring fireplace, the atmosphere is intimate and inviting. Chef Budi Kazali's award winning French Asian cuisine is sure to please, with signature dishes such as Hamachi Sashimi with Soy-Yuzu Vinaigrette and Grilled Kurobuta Pork Belly . Our servers are eager to help guests to relax and enjoy what we hope is a memorable dining experience. They will help to navigate our extensive wine list, replete with local and international offerings, to select the perfect wine to compliment your meal.
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74 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 74 reviews
5 stars
(44)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(55)
- fit for foodies(53)
- romantic(45)
- notable wine list(39)
- neighborhood gem(27)
- great for outdoor dining(8)
The Ballard Inn Reviews List
Review 1 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Lovely setting and superb food. Such an enjoyable evening!"
Dined on 6/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dinner for 3 to celebrate a birthday. Included salads, main dishes, and desert. Outstanding flavors. Fresh food. Friendly service. Chef stopped by table to inquire on meals. Small restaurant so make reservations."
Dined on 6/08/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Special spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful setting with both indoor and porch seating. Not a lot of tables which feels i timate but not stuffy. Wonderful cuisine. 3of us split the octopus ceviche. This would not be something we would ordinarily choose but the server was so enthusiastic we gave it a try and weren't disappointed. Our entrees were all perfect and beautifully presented-beef, duck and black cod. The creme brule was outstanding-silky smooth! We would definitely go back!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding night
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everything about the night was great. The food was amazing. Make sure you try the pork belly. We will be heading back for our next special occasion."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We really enjoyed the dinner. Rack of lamb wonderful so was sashimi even ceaser salad was great . Would definitly go back"
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Awesome food. Service.......
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"There's no question Budi Kazali is one of the top chefs in the area. We've eaten here many times, and our recent dinner was outstanding once again. Innovative flavor combinations, perfect preparation and great presentation. The setting is also very nice - quiet if you're on the patio. The wine list is also tops - not huge, but they carry the right wines from the right producers to make it almost a "can't miss" affair.
Our only beef here is with the service. There's no one thing that's terribly bad, but small missteps throughout the evening all add up and take away from what would otherwise be a superb dining experience.
Still a strong "recommend" if you're into great food and can stand a little sloppiness with the service."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
anniversary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We celebrated our 38 wedding anniversary. The service was wonderful, the restaurant is small and intimate. The food was melt in your mouth delicious. Next time we will save room for dessert!"
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Slow Service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Took one hour to get our food after we ordered. The place was not full and it was odd no one was receiving their meal. Nice atmosphere."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 9 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Beautiful Ballard Inn
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"After a week of biking in and around Los Olivos and Solvang it was a wonderful treat to have dinner at the Ballard Inn. The setting is quite lovely and the staff was outstanding with an attentive and helpful attitude. The meals were across the board above average and several were signature dishes indeed. Anytime we visit the Los Olivos area the Ballard Inn is on our list for dinner."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Southern Wine Country Gourmet
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A great place in the heart of the Santa Ynez Wine region near Santa Barbara. In the heart of a tiny town (Ballard, CA), but near more touristy Solvang and Los Olivos. Beautiful old inn setting, and classic small, cozy dining room. Food was excellent, and interesting with a Eastern/Western fusion -- e.g. Rack of Lamb on Edamame puree with asparagus. It's the best restaurant in the Santa Ynez/Solvang area. Great service and very good wine list with a good balance of many local wines, as well as wines from northern Cal and Europe. Service was also very good."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 11 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Quaint
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very small restaurant with a delicious menu. Romantic dining while in wine country. The hamachi appetizer melts in your mouth."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful food and atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful dinner. Had venison and it was tender and flavorful. My wife had beef tenderloin and it melted in your mouth. Great place for any occasion."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 13 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The waitress argued with us
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The waitress argued with us when we noted that the temperature of the wine was too high. Then she neglected to bring us the red wine we had ordered. Hence the Fair rating."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2003
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Review 14 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As usual, the food was fantastic!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As usual, the food was fantastic!! Pork Bellies are a must! Best food in all of Santa Barbara! Oh, and service ROCKS!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Meal prepared as requested
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Meal prepared as requested with excellent flavor. Service was excellent and friendly. Value for money was excellent. No regrets and will definitely return. The only concern is the menu is limited, but developed around what is in season. None of the appetizers apealed to me, but several of the entrees did as well as several deserts."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 16 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We loved our experience!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We loved our experience!! The food was amazing! The chef has a special touch with his dishes! We reccommend it highly."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It Could Be Better
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at the Ballard Inn is limited and a little presumptuous, but the real problem is the service. Although the dining room is small, there was only one mail wait-staff person, along with three "helpers." The dining area was about half full (maybe 15 tables total), but it took twenty minutes before our salad was served. The food was very good (skip the caesar salad), but when it came time for dessert we were "deserted" by the wait staff. We declined dessert, paid the bill, and when the bill was returned our credit card was missing. Although they did find it, it took a while and it didn't seem like a big deal to them. Good restaurants should have good service."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 18 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful place. Great traditional
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful place. Great traditional food with a modern flair. Old B&B with an up to date chef. Sweetbreads were magnificent,the rack of lamb sensational and creme brulee above average.
Old time three sided fireplace was unique and added a sophisticated touch to a turn of the century building."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Don't miss Ballard Inn
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I cannot overstate what a wonderful experience The Ballard Inn was for dinner. We started with a nice moderately priced bottle of Cabernet Franc. I had a salad that was delicious with a hint of spices. My wife had soup followed by a perfect pork chop. My entree of lamb chops was one of the best I have ever had. Overall, we both had a terrific experience. Absolutely delicious in a beautiful historic setting!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 20 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never disappoints. Always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Never disappoints. Always novel dishes, expertly prepared. Small dining room and attentive staff always make for a special evening."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was excellent. Very nice
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was excellent. Very nice dining experience. We were happy that we got to bring our own wine."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Every item that came out of
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Every item that came out of the kitchen was delicious. A very pleasant surprise."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2003
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Review 23 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love the Ballard Inn and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We love the Ballard Inn and Restaurant...a true gem."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our party of 5 had a very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our party of 5 had a very outstanding experience. Three of the party are from New Jersey and quite savy about good food and famous chefs. My partner, Barry Howard and I live in Santa Barbara and have not been to the Inn in quite sometime. We will return definitely....Adele Rosen"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 25 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We requested a table for two
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We requested a table for two near the fireplace for our anniversary and when we arrived they had set up a lovely table for us near the fireplace as requested. The ambience was nice and the wait staff were very accomadating, and the champagne was terrific!We really enjoyed ourselves!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fine Dining At It's Best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was fantastic! Every dish had a unique twist, all the flavors were balanced to perfection. The chef was gracious enough to meet our group and make sure we enjoyed our dinner. Great dining experience and one of the best diners I have had the pleasure of eating."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 27 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best in Santa Ynez valley!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"No trip to the Santa Ynez valley is complete without dinner at the Ballard Inn! The three things that never change on the menu are the pork belly, the beef, and the duck breast. Having tried all three, there rest of the menu is just there for variety. You cannot go wrong with any of these three basics, and likely not with the other dishes, although I have personally not been able to try everything."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, the staff at Ballard
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As always, the staff at Ballard Inn & Restaurant were wonderful! Attentive wait staff...knowledgeable about their wines and food...and the food was great. I recommend The Ballard Inn & Restaurant often!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Big expectation, sad experience
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We wanted to celebrate our 33 year anniversary with a great dinner.In spite to a great previous experience at the Ballard Inn restaurant, this time the food was not that great.I ordered the sesame caesar salad, the rack of lamb, and a glass of pinot noir; my wife ordered the squash soup, the fish and a glass of pinot grigio.The salad and the soup were good, but the main courses were salty. The waitress asked if I wanted another dish, but I declined because it would have taken a long time to get the new dish.We drove 43 miles from Santa Barbara to Ballard in hopes to have a great dinner, unfortunately it was a dissapointment."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2006
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 30 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Another great dinner! Budi's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Another great dinner! Budi's celery soup was a hit. Nicely prepared fresh fish.
Our server, Stacey, was very good!"
Our server, Stacey, was very good!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 31 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, but you're on a schedule
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Other reviewers called this a romantic intimate restaurant so we decided to come for a special occasion. Upon arrival, we discovered the restaurant has an open entrance that is steps away from the main entrance of the inn. The girl who brought us to our table was inexperienced and unaccommodating. With two tables left, she was unwilling to seat us at the table a little further from the open entrance of the restaurant (remember, it's right next to the main entrance to the inn). She also reminded us we were late. So? Immediately, all delusions of intimacy had all but disappeared. Small, yes, but felt like cattle on a schedule at a busy tourist location."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect for a memorable Valentine
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Perfect for a memorable Valentine dinner"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 33 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wow - this place was amazing.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wow - this place was amazing. Next time I will be staying at the inn so I can further enjoy the wine list :)"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 34 for The Ballard Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, ambience and staff
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Great food, ambience and staff for a romantic dinner!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Ballard Inn
Based on the average of (40) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
10 out of 10 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate