Hello dear
Welcome To Louie's California Bistro
At Louie's California Bistro, situated in the charming heart of Santa Barbara, culinary passion meets fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This inviting bistro celebrates California’s diverse flavors, with an extensive menu featuring everything from savory salads and delectable pasta to comforting entrees. Guests rave about highlights like the Chicken in Puff Pastry and the rich Linguine with Clams, showcasing the kitchen’s finesse. Known for its warm ambiance and attentive service, Louie's is not just a place to dine, but a destination where every meal feels special. Here, every dish tells a story, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike.
About
Louie's California Bistro
Welcome to Louie's California Bistro, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara at 1404 De La Vina St. This delightfully inviting bistro captures the essence of California cuisine while ensuring a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.
As you step inside, you'll be embraced by the bistro's relaxed vibe, perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. The extensive menu showcases an array of expertly crafted dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. From flavorful soups to vibrant salads, Louie's has something to satisfy every palate.
- Soups and Salads: Start your meal with the day's featured soup or the refreshing Mixed Green Salad dressed in herb vinaigrette. For something heartier, the Tuna Caesar and Poached Scottish Salmon salads are especially noteworthy.
- Pasta and Sandwiches: Fans rave about the Linguine with Clams, prepared in a light white wine sauce that lets the seafood shine. The Fettuccini with tomato and fresh basil offers a comforting embrace of flavors.
- Entrees: The Chicken in Puff Pastry is a standout, enveloping tender chicken with a delightful blend of broccoli, saffron rice, and a creamy sauce that is nothing short of divine. The Grilled Meat Loaf, paired with sauteed mushrooms and a robust cabernet sauce, proves to be a comforting classic.
Each dish is presented with care, and the flavors are well-balanced, inviting you to savor every bite. Customers have praised the exceptional service at Louie's, noting the staff's attentiveness and friendly demeanor, which enhances the overall dining experience. Regulars like John Richardson and Karen Louis extol the virtues of the puff pastry and salmon, while newcomers are encouraged to try the complete appetizer menu, a veritable treasure trove of flavors.
The atmosphere is equally commendable. The bistro's laid-back style makes it a perfect stop for a leisurely brunch or a delightful dinner with friends and family. Pet lovers will also appreciate the welcoming vibe, as seen from the experiences of diners like Hannah C who enjoyed a lovely meal with her pup.
Louie's California Bistro isn't just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together through excellent food and service. Whether you’re indulging in a delicious dessert or enjoying a hearty meal, you’ll find that each visit leaves you eagerly planning your next. Come and discover why Louie’s is quickly becoming a favorite in Santa Barbara—a place where culinary delights and warm hospitality intersect.
Book a table
Make A Reservation
“ 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. ”
“ 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. ”
“ My husband loved the spaghetti and meatballs and wants to go back every week! I really enjoyed the salmon on the special. (I am gluten free and always grateful when normal orders are naturally GF). Sides were impeccable and the desserts were delicious! ”
“ Delicious food. Staff was fun and friendly. And my pup and I had a lovely time. ”
“ We were extremely pleased with our dining experience at Louie’s Bistro located in the historic Upham Hotel. I enjoyed the sauteed 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! ”
“ 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. ”
“ 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. So far, this is the Punks favorite restaurant, I must say, she has great taste. I had the Asian Stir Fry with vegetables and chicken, this is right up my alley. So fresh and good, the chicken had great flavor and texture. They treat children with a warm welcome, which is appreciated for such an upscale restaurant. Although they didn't have a printed kids' menu, they have things for kids (Pasta and Pizza). The Punk had pizza (again) and it came out with green things (again). Must be a theme in Santa Barbara. But we picked them off and she liked it. We had a guest diner with us today, Sister T. It is her favorite restaurant ever and she has lived in Santa Barbara for over 60 years. She's has seen many come and go. She had the Penne pasta, which she loved, but she ate the Punk's Pizza too. One of the best parts of Louie's is the Banana Louie. As Sister T put it, it's just sinful. Puff Pastry, Custard, Bananas, all topped with ice cream. Are you kidding me. We ordered 2 of those for the three of us and ate it all, and the Punk had her own scoop of ice cream. You know what that means, yep Sister T and I ate one each. Must try... and try... and try again. ”
“ Really enjoyed the dinner. Tasty and fresh dishes ”