Intimate and exclusive due to it’s limited seating, Louie’s California Bistro has long been touted as one of Santa Barbara’s favorite local secrets. Unconcerned with flashy food trends, the focus at Louie’s has always been to take local ingredients and make them shine, often through classic style cooking and recipes. Add in Central Coast wines and a table on the historic wrap around veranda and you have the makings for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Louie’s resides within a local landmark: The Upham Hotel. The Upham, built in 1871, is California’s longest continuously operating hotel and is one of Santa Barbara’s oldest buildings, having survived the earthquake of 1925.
Relaxed eatery serving Californian comfort cuisine & local wines in the Victorian-age Upham Hotel. Based on 136 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.6 stars. Price $$$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 963-7003
Website:
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Friday |
5:30–9:30 PM |
| Saturday |
5:30–10 PM |
| Sunday |
10:30 AM–1 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday |
5:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday |
5:30–9 PM |
| Thursday |
5:30–9 PM |
Menu
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Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: louiescabistro.comopentable.com
Reviews
Bennie Bennett
I’m not sure if I can find the right words to describe how wonderful Louie’s California Bistro is. Every time I go, it’s exceptional service and food.
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Quentin Fleurat
I had the filet of soul, it was great. My friend had fettuccine with cream sauce, which was ok. Our waiter was great and helpful
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Kevin Wycoff
Had the complete appetizer menu for dinner. They were all delicious, especially the crab dumplings and the shrimp and scallop cakes. Highest marks for great food, friendly service and laid back atmosphere. Prices are pretty reasonable too.
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Dennis Kirkpatrick
Louie’s was a great visit with excellent service and great quality food. Starting with my very fresh pear and avocado spinach salad with Gorgonzola, candied pecans and cilantro vinaigrette the evening was set for success. Dinner was the special lamb chops medium rare to perfection. Mashed potatoes incredible and a nice broth. Went with my wife and sat outside on a very chilly evening but were perfectly comfortable with the ample gas heaters (one per two guests). Our service was very good and our server was not only knowledgeable and pleasant about the menu but also the local wines.
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Dave Dutton
Great food, and the service was excellent.
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Thomas deBoisblanc
Very nice 4-star restaurant with a delicious style. Everything on the menu is excellent, and the desserts are always excellent as well. Consistently enjoyable place my wife and I have been visiting for over 20 years.
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John Richardson
Amazing food and wonderful service. Try the puff pastry and mesquite broiled meatloaf for lunch. The strawberry saland and Spanish omelet were wonderful for weekend brunch.
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Dolly Lappico
Well, it’s hard to compare this restaurant to others in Santa Barbara, but we are on a quest to try every place to eat in Santa Barbara. This place is amazing and should be on everybody’s list of places to go. The ambiance is relaxing and elegant. The food is really creative and well thought out.
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Laurie Teixeira
We were extremely pleased with our dining experience at Louie’s Bistro located in the historic Upham Hotel. I enjoyed the sautéed filet of sole and my husband dined on the delicious grilled filet with mushrooms and shallots. We loved our meals and Andy, our waiter, was so pleasant and attentive throughout our evening…many thanks for everything! We will certainly return for another exquisite meal!
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Hannah C
Delicious food. Staff was fun and friendly. And my pup and I had a lovely time.
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