Marisella - Santa Barbara (CA)

5 /5 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!

5 /5 Harsh: The ambiance is incredibly pleasant and sophisticated. The starter of tomatoes, drizzled with excellent olive oil, fresh basil, and a pinch of salt, was absolutely delightful. We also tried their focaccia, which was quite large and satisfying. The meatballs were fantastic, and the pasta was incredibly delicious. I would suggest skipping the focaccia and opting for dessert instead.

5 /5 Wook 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 isnt chasing a Michelin star. Rather they are chasing a special evening for their customers. The ambience is perfection. With the Bacaras Spanish style cottages, you walk into Marisella greeted by an interior that is modern yet cozy and welcoming. It definitely isnt intimidating but also not casual per se. Its just about right to be cool and suave, yet indicate that this is a serious dinner. The service also is perfect. Theyre 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 wouldnt 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.

3 /5 Frank Risard: Local on a date night. Made it in and out in 60 minutes. Not sure thats 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 didnt eat cold food. Really should have. Apps shouldve 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. Didnt 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.

3 /5 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 wifes 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.