Opened in 1999 by the husband and wife partnership of Alberto and Elaine Morello, the Italian restaurant Olio e Limone quickly became one of the best restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara. Over a decade on, it is still providing top Italian food to Santa Barbara’s discerning diners.
With plenty of fine dining and gourmet restaurants to choose from in Santa Barbara, for an eating place to survive and thrive for ten years shows a restaurant where standards are not allowed to slip. The fact that it is busy and bustling every night, packed with both locals and visitors, is a testimony to its quality. It does mean that booking is highly recommended, even on quiet nights.
Award-Winning Italian Wine List
The Olio e Limone wine list is definitely something special, and has won the highly coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002. The 230-strong list covers both Californian and Italian wine, and isn’t overly expensive with glasses of wine from about $12. The list of Italian reds is particularly impressive, ranging from cheap and eminently drinkable Chiantis to a wide selection of the more subtle and pricier Barolos.
Olio e Limone Décor
Part of the wine cellar is behind a glass wall in the dining room, adding a striking visual touch to the subtle décor. The walls are relaxing shades of ivory and sage, the tablecloths white, and the floor tiled in Italian tradition. But while the décor may be retrained, the diners usually aren’t. There’s a terrific buzz bouncing around the room, but the tables are not crowded together so there is still a feel of privacy for those romantic dinners.
Italian Cooking Santa Barbara Style
The Olio e Limone menu has all the usual Italian favourites, including a range of risottos, and is strong on Sicilian dishes. Daily specials include the fresh fish of the day (perhaps salmon or sea bass), and treats like pumpkin ravioli. There are signature dishes too, like a visually stunning and equally tasty warm eggplant soufflé with warm goat’s cheese in the center, and a delicious tomato/basil sauce.