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NOW OPEN. Marisella—translated as “star of the sea”—is a coastal Italian restaurant perched on the bluffs beside The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. From Chef Danny Grant and Maple Hospitality Group, Marisella offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience inspired by the Italian Riviera and California’s central coast. The bar captures the spirit of aperitivo culture with crisp martinis, house spritzes, and inventive coastal cocktails. The design blends Spanish Mission influence with natural textures, candlelight, and sweeping ocean views—creating a warm, romantic setting above the Pacific.
Hours
| Friday | 4–9 PM |
| Saturday | 4–9 PM |
| Sunday | 4–8 PM |
| Monday | 4–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–8 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 8301 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Phone: (805) 505-8888
Website: https://www.marisellarestaurant.com/
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Marisella
Menu · About · Hours & Location · Private Events · Gift Cards · 8301 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93117 · Careers · Reservations; Email Signup.
Santa Barbara (@marisellarestaurant) • Instagram photos and videos
From handmade pastas to fresh coastal flavors and signature cocktails, Marisella is designed for long dinners, easy evenings, and everything in between.
Marisella Restaurant – Santa Barbara, CA – OpenTable
Marisella has a swanky, romantic seaside atmosphere, dim lighting, polished coastal decor and dramatic ocean views from the patio. Guests frequently praise the …
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Reviews
Frank Risard
Local on a date night. Made it in and out in 60 minutes. Not sure that’s a good thing on a date night and a meal this expensive. Seemed like bad training or understaffed. Got nominal attention, some quick check ins, but the courses need work, especially at this price point and environment.
Ordered focaccia, meatballs, and crudo. Then a couple pastas.
Appetizers came out all at once and we were part way through apps when the mains came. They saw that we were still working but dropped off mains anyways – was tempted to ask to send it back and hold so we didn’t eat cold food. Really should have. Apps should’ve come out staggered with the crudo following the fresh tomatos, then the meatballs and focaccia next together after we finished the crudo. Those 2 together since the waiter knew we were pairing them. Mains should never come out so close to the apps and staff need to communicate to the kitchen.
Good thing was the Manhattan and the mocktail were fantastic.
Decided to get the dessert elsewhere. And the bill landed on our table at about the 55 minute mark.
Didn’t ask to rush. Just got rushed the heck out the door as quickly as possible. Dirty plates and all from appetizer and main course with the bill on the table. At least he said he hoped we enjoyed the meal after he returned our credit card.
Food was definitely above average, quite nice, but the rush ruined the experience. Better service at fast casual dining.
… moreOrdered focaccia, meatballs, and crudo. Then a couple pastas.
Appetizers came out all at once and we were part way through apps when the mains came. They saw that we were still working but dropped off mains anyways – was tempted to ask to send it back and hold so we didn’t eat cold food. Really should have. Apps should’ve come out staggered with the crudo following the fresh tomatos, then the meatballs and focaccia next together after we finished the crudo. Those 2 together since the waiter knew we were pairing them. Mains should never come out so close to the apps and staff need to communicate to the kitchen.
Good thing was the Manhattan and the mocktail were fantastic.
Decided to get the dessert elsewhere. And the bill landed on our table at about the 55 minute mark.
Didn’t ask to rush. Just got rushed the heck out the door as quickly as possible. Dirty plates and all from appetizer and main course with the bill on the table. At least he said he hoped we enjoyed the meal after he returned our credit card.
Food was definitely above average, quite nice, but the rush ruined the experience. Better service at fast casual dining.
Rachel Russell-Clark
We had the most delightful dinner here. The service was immaculate, Austin so kindly made us tableside tiramisu. Great service all around from ALL staff! The food was good. I’m a huge brown butter sage pasta gal, it was okay, but I wouldn’t order it again nothing special. It would have been great to add a sweet component in there somehow. I just got back from Italy so perhaps I’m being harsh. I’d recommend getting another main! The deserts were both great but I liked the apple crostata best!
We had a large group and though they didn’t have enough tables for us (we neglected to make a reservation as we didn’t plan to have time, so that’s on us) they were so accommodating and moved tables together for us!
… moreWe had a large group and though they didn’t have enough tables for us (we neglected to make a reservation as we didn’t plan to have time, so that’s on us) they were so accommodating and moved tables together for us!
Mark Goldsmith
Such a beautiful and romantic setting, especially outside. While not unusually pricey for a nice Italian restaurant, it is pricey given the portion sizes. They gave us these beautiful tomatoes as a complimentary appetizer and they were delicious. My wife’s pasta was her entree and was delicious (once we put a small amount of salt on it) but the portion size was a joke. If it were an appetizer, then acceptable but as an entree, not at all. The focaccia bread with the cheese (or spread) was beyond delicious but we both misread the price which was $20, kind of pricey. After reading other reviews, many complain about the portion size so know that before you go. Service was great, wait staff were all very nice.
… moreDanny Delgado
Truly one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. Reservations were full Valentine’s Day but they said the bar was open and included full service. My wife and I were met by David, a great and friendly bartender who made the best old fashioned I’ve ever had, I had two! From the friendliness of the staff to the tastiness of their food. Especially the filet mignon, it was a great night. My wife and I will definitely go back.
… moreWook Chung
Nestled within the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Marisella is quietly screaming to stand out. With an intimate and elegant, yet cozy atmosphere that is not snooty yet classy, with fabulous views, and the way the restaurant is tucked within the resort perched on the highest point, the setting and atmosphere does not get much better than this. Whether for a perfect romantic date night or a family dinner celebrating various things, Marisella will absolutely elevate the entire evening. Marisella isn’t chasing a Michelin star. Rather they are chasing a special evening for their customers.
The ambience is perfection. With the Bacara’s Spanish style cottages, you walk into Marisella greeted by an interior that is modern yet cozy and welcoming. It definitely isn’t intimidating but also not casual per se. It’s just about right to be cool and suave, yet indicate that this is a serious dinner.
The service also is perfect. They’re not in your faces all the time, but always there when you need them to be. Our server was friendly, considerate, and was just intimate enough.
The food is an Italian cuisine, however I wouldn’t consider is orthodox classical. It definitely involves a pseudo progressive interpretation and appraoch. The foccacia with hot honey ricotta cheese was absolutely marvelous. Everything came together to a creamy, sweet, savory, and slightly herb-salty ending. The salad too was perfection with the cheese, and the occasional sweet dates that refreshened the potentially “harsh” greens. The pecans, the balasamic… it was really well put together.
The short clam vongole linguine was a masterpiece with strong and bold flavors, yet a home-style pasta made fresh. The tuna crudo and the wagyu carpaccio all had their unique signatures, whether it be slightly sweetened peeled tomatoes or truffle oil. Again, Marisella means business, no matter how easy they may make it look.
Finally, the lamb chops were grilled and seaoned to near perfection. And yes, the desserts. Not too sweet but definitely approached it with fresh fruit-first mentality. You could feel the distinct grainy pear texture in the sorbet while the cinammoned apple in the crostada came across clearly.
Marisella is not cheap and their portions are quite small as well. So be prepared to spend. But keep in mind, this is not a place where you gouge food till you are bursting. This is a place where food is part of the experience. You will impress whoever you take along. You will leave happy. And yes, you will return time after time.
… moreThe ambience is perfection. With the Bacara’s Spanish style cottages, you walk into Marisella greeted by an interior that is modern yet cozy and welcoming. It definitely isn’t intimidating but also not casual per se. It’s just about right to be cool and suave, yet indicate that this is a serious dinner.
The service also is perfect. They’re not in your faces all the time, but always there when you need them to be. Our server was friendly, considerate, and was just intimate enough.
The food is an Italian cuisine, however I wouldn’t consider is orthodox classical. It definitely involves a pseudo progressive interpretation and appraoch. The foccacia with hot honey ricotta cheese was absolutely marvelous. Everything came together to a creamy, sweet, savory, and slightly herb-salty ending. The salad too was perfection with the cheese, and the occasional sweet dates that refreshened the potentially “harsh” greens. The pecans, the balasamic… it was really well put together.
The short clam vongole linguine was a masterpiece with strong and bold flavors, yet a home-style pasta made fresh. The tuna crudo and the wagyu carpaccio all had their unique signatures, whether it be slightly sweetened peeled tomatoes or truffle oil. Again, Marisella means business, no matter how easy they may make it look.
Finally, the lamb chops were grilled and seaoned to near perfection. And yes, the desserts. Not too sweet but definitely approached it with fresh fruit-first mentality. You could feel the distinct grainy pear texture in the sorbet while the cinammoned apple in the crostada came across clearly.
Marisella is not cheap and their portions are quite small as well. So be prepared to spend. But keep in mind, this is not a place where you gouge food till you are bursting. This is a place where food is part of the experience. You will impress whoever you take along. You will leave happy. And yes, you will return time after time.
Susan Schiferl
Lovely meal! We had a large group and had nice service. The focaccia was amazing, with the whipped ricotta and other dipping sauce. All of the pastas we ordered were delicious. We will happily come back again soon.
… moreRanda Seif
Celebrated my birthday with my family amd we had a fun and relaxing time!
Food’s flavor is very good.
Local wine and Olive oil is a great choice!
Very nice atmosphere!
Alcohol drinks not very strong!
… moreFood’s flavor is very good.
Local wine and Olive oil is a great choice!
Very nice atmosphere!
Alcohol drinks not very strong!
Timothy Bozek
Fabulous atmosphere and food! I sat at the bar and still got the full experience as a solo diner. Tasty, well thought out cocktails and a fresh, savory bite to start. Amazing seafood and pastas, with steaks that definitely show that this place has steakhouse pedigree under its belt. The wine list is loaded with rarities and hidden gems as well. Don’t miss a chance to dine here!
… moreEmily Lowe
We hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner at Marisella and could not have asked for a better experience. Every single bite of food was incredibly delicious, the setting was beautiful, and the service was outstanding. Erica who leads special events was a delight to work with in making sure the event was everything we envisioned and more and the wait staff was fantastic. We can’t wait to come back and dine again!
… moreMike Aparicio
I met with my friend at Santa Barbara for a hiking and winery experience, and our uber driver told us about this new restaurant in town ; and what can I say , it was phenomenal from start to finish, the house made pastas were so good!! We also had the filet mignon , the snapper crudo , and the oysters… so refreshing with the raspberry mignonette. For dessert they recommend us the table-side tiramisu and is definitely a Must!!! They have great ambiance, everyone is super attentive and the food … no words ! .
… more