In cute digs with a patio, a bistro serves French & Ethiopian dishes like salads & stews, plus wine.
Frances Queen
The best deal and most delicious!
Their lunch special is a steal! $18!
We had petrale sole, grilled flat iron steak, pan seared branzino, all came with some veggies or salad, are all very tasty!
Big portions too.
Beautiful restaurant, great indoor and outdoor seating.
It’s my favorite restaurant and spot in town.
… morecécile mattray
Last-minute decision to come here for our anniversary, and it was a great choice.
I had an amazing steak au poivre, and my husband really enjoyed the salmon. We finished with a nice cheese platter.
The waitress was very friendly and attentive.
Giving 4 stars only because there’s no dessert menu. Otherwise it would definitely be a 4.5!
… moreDavid B
Delicious French cooking . Simple but flavorful with moderate portions sizes. Be sure to ask about the specials and what soups are on offer, and check out the Sunday supper fixed price dining or weekend Ethiopian cuisine if you have the chance for something different. Located in La Arcata, a pedestrian walkway that feels very European , offering al fresco dining and several other food and wine locations in the area.
… moreAllie H.
Came during a slower lunch. I appreciate that it was only one team member running the service that it took more time; however, I was a bit disappointed he served me last after two other customers entered after… Soup was amazing, lunch entree was great for value although a bit of flavour lacking. Really nice ambiance and friendly service (after) but the overall experience left a bit to be desired. I loved how locals checked in with the team like they were family and raved about the quality of the food, I am sure it was undoubtedly but unfortunately just missing that experience this one seating. Maybe next time, still not to miss trying!
… moreAmy “FabulousFoodie”
Who would’ve thought that a charming French restaurant in Santa Barbara would harbor one of the city’s best-kept secrets? Petite Valentien, on the weekends, transforms into an Ethiopian food lover’s paradise.
Having recently moved from the bustling Ethiopian food scene of LA, I was craving authentic flavors and warm hospitality. Little did I know, I’d find it all just a few blocks away. The moment I stepped into Petite Valentien, I was transported to a world of rich spices and vibrant flavors.
The Ethiopian brunch is divine. From the fluffy injera to the flavorful stews, every dish is a masterpiece!
If you’re a fan of Ethiopian cuisine or simply curious to try something new, I urge you to visit Petite Valentien on a weekend. This hidden gem is a must-try for food lovers in Santa Barbara.
… moreDaniel Seah
A quaint little restaurant in a cute alley with a turtle water fountain and dolphin ‘benches’ that are instagram worthy. The restaurant itself probably has only 10-12 tables so it earns its name petit. We were seated at one of the high back booths you can see from the door. Cozy and cute settings except the cushions could have used some re-upholstery. We came in for dinner and arrived at 5PM due to a change in our plans. Our reservation was actually for 6PM but they worked to accommodate us quickly. Apparently it worked in their favor.
We ordered the quail and crab cake appetizers. My wife enjoyed the quail immensely. It was expertly cooked and not dry. It was served on top a wine poached fig which I thought was boozy and yummy. My crab cake was good but not as outstanding as the quail.
We had the duck breast and their daily special steak as entrees. Both were delicious. Duck was accompanied by a hibiscus sauce which was silky and mildly tangy which helped tame the richness of the duck. The steak was served with a creamy peppercorn sauce which matched well wit the steak.
Service was prompt and friendly. We also enjoyed our craft root beer and ginger ale. Overall a lovely date night experience!
… moreJoseph Dandona Jr.
4+ Stars. Wonderful spot for a nice meal in an old world European setting. We have lunch weekly here and they have a number of lunch specialities at very reasonable prices. My favorite is the Petrale Sole with lemon and capers which is absolutely delicious. They offer inside and outside seating and lunch is served from 11:30 until two. They specialize in French Cuisine during weekdays and evenings and Ethiopian Cuisine on weekends. There are also open during the evening from 5:30-8:00 and have a nice wine selection. Great food at reasonable prices in a cozy atmosphere makes for a wonderful dining experience. Highly recommended.
… moreKathryn Arthur
My granddaughter and I came for dinner. We both thought this restaurant was amazing! We had the gorgeous smoked salmon starter, the roasted beets, the perfectly cooked pork tenderloin, and crème brûlée. Tres magnifique!
… moreEmily
Always fabulous; and now open for inside dining. Robert, the owner and chef has a deft hand in the kitchen. We had the delicious kale Caesar salad, mushroom crostini (seasonal mushrooms in a fabulous sauce, with more than a little butter…yum) and the sautéed sea bass over braised leeks (the photo is one plate of the split order). Wow! We were lucky we had room for creme brûlée.
Anything you get will be delicious and priced fairly. The service is also personable and excellent.
Enjoy! It’s always special and memorable.
… moreS Sum
Quaint restaurant with a beautiful interior. The yesiga tibs off the ethiopien lunch menu was one of the most flavorful dishes I’ve ever had in Santa Barbara. There was only one server working but she was very polite and attentive even though she was extremely busy. Highly recommend the yesiga tibs.
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