French Country Bistro
Santa Barbara, California
Come to our house...
In 1872, Captain W.H. Johnson built this house on De La Vina Street in downtown Santa Barbara for his family. It was moved to this site in 1962 to become an antique store for many years. Since 1996, as Stella Mare’s…we call it home.
Stella Mare’s focuses on French Country Bistro cuisine, emphasizing on classic and seasonal dishes paired with French and American wines. We also offer a wide selection of beers as well as handcrafted cocktails from our Full Bar.
French Country Bistro design meets casual Santa Barbara in our historic landmark house on the Bird Refuge… for close to 24 years, Stella Mare’s has been known and recognized for hosting Private Dining Events and offers an excellent selection of private dining rooms.
Stella Mare’s has been the number one destination for private Events in Montecito and Santa Barbara. From intimate events of 10 to fully customized events of 80 to 130, Stella mare’s is the ultimate destination for social events such as Wedding receptions, Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, after wedding brunch, baby showers and more as well as Corporate Events.
Le Chef
Roth Ironside, Executive Chef
“Back in 1996, when Stella Mare’s opened its South of France – inspired dining room at the eastern edge of Santa Barbara’s Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Chef Roth Ironside was working his way up the ranks of professional cooking. After attending culinary school in Las Vegas and working in kitchens around California, he came to Stella Mare’s five years ago. Now, inspired by French culinary giant Paul Bocuse and the late local cooking legend Julia Child, Ironside taps into the endless array of outstanding local ingredients to turn out classic French country bistro cooking with flair. Coq au vin, cassoulet, mussels with frites, quiche lorraine, croque monsieur, beautiful shimmering salads, bone marrow with brioche crostini, grilled artichokes, and an array of steaks at fantastic prices are all on offer. It’s comfort fare extraordinaire, especially given Ironside’s staple culinary guidelines: “Season your food,” and “There is no substitute for butter.” There are seasonal cocktails from the bar, plus French and American wines with an emphasis on local wineries. Dine in the airy and historic main dining room (it dates back to 1872), with its sunny yellow walls and high-backed wood chairs, in the long country-style table of the private dining room, or in the greenhouse for a spectacular experience you’ll cherish forever.”
Private Dining & Custom Menus
Our facility offers several private event rooms to choose from, and we have a unique space for all party sizes and budgets.
Whether you’re looking to host a birthday party, an anniversary party, graduation, going-away party, or to celebrate another kind of special occasion, we have a space that will work for you and your guests and we offer 3 great options to suit your needs…
We offer multi-course customized menus for any size gathering and groups. All menus are customized and most items and selections are not available on our regular menus. We provide a variety of Dining Rooms and seating configurations to best suit the needs of your event. Every Event is designed specifically to your wishes and is hosted in your own private room, serviced by your dedicated Event service staff. We can accommodate Events ranging from 10 to 80 guests.
(Stella Mare’s is also available for full buy-outs on Mondays for Events up to 130 guests)
A Taste of France
Menus
Roth Ironside / Executive Chef
We are committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients at the peak of their season
French Country Bistro
A Taste Of France
PETITS PLATS
ARTICHAULT GRILLÉ / Oak grilled artichoke, roasted garlic aioli / 1275
ESCARGOTS PERSILLADE / Snails in the shell,
garlic & parsley butter / 1395
PATÉ DE CAMPAGNE / Country bacon wrapped pork paté,
pickled shallots, cornichons, whole grain mustard, crostini / 995
3 FROMAGES & COMPAGNIE / MP
CARROTES RÂPÉES / Classic French finely shaved carrot salad,
brunoise shallots, flat leaf parsley, whole grain mustard, lemon juice,
citrus Dijon vinaigrette, pickled shallots, olive oil / 775
CUISSES DE GRENOUILLE PROVENÇALE / Herb crusted frog legs,
diced tomatoes, garlic, shallots , lemon, capers, white wine, parsley / 1475
OEUFS MIMOSA AU HOMARD / Deviled eggs, lobster tail slices,
tobiko caviar, pickled shallots, dill, toasted French baguette,
arugula, olive oil / 1075
BURGERS
With rosemary garlic fries
STELLA BURGER / Beef, blue cheese, bacon, caramelized onion,
Dijonnaise sauce, brioche bun / 1550
LOS PATOS BURGER (is back!) / Ground duck, arugula, goat cheese,
black cherry gastrique, Dijonnaise sauce, brioche bun / 1975
SOUPES
SOUPE A L’OIGNON / French onion soup / 1075
SOUPE DU JOUR / MP
SALADES
ENDIVE & POMME / Endive, apple, bacon, blue cheese, toasted
pecans, honey mustard vinaigrette / 1350
SALADE LYONNAISE / Frisée, fresh herbs, lardons,
diced tomatoes, bacon vinaigrette, toasted French baguette / 1475
LAITUE / Bibb lettuce, fresh garden herbs, red onion dressing / 1175
GRILLED CHOPPED / Grilled zucchini, corn, radicchio, tomato,
avocado, green onion, mixed greens, lemon-mustard vinaigrette / 1450
GRILL
Provence herbs, ratatouille, and a choice of fries,
roasted potatoes, or Yukon potato puree
SALMON / Sauce … Béarnaise, lemon caper Beurre Blanc
or Bordelaise / 2975
PORK PORTERHOUSE / Sauce … Nasturnium sauce verte,
Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise sauce / 2675
FILET MIGNON / Sauce … Nasturnium sauce verte, Béarnaise,
Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise sauce / 3595
NEW YORK STEAK / Sauce … Nasturnium sauce verte, Béarnaise,
Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise sauce / 3575
PLATS PRINCIPAUX - SPECIALITÉES
COQ AU VIN / French braise of chicken with red wine, lardons, pearl onions, bacon,
mushrooms, green peas, garlic, carrots, potato batons / 2650
SOLE MEUNIÉRE / Pétrale Sole, butternut squash purée, roasted red potatoes, roasted asparagus,
lemon caper butter sauce, flat leaf parsley / 2995
CHICKEN CORDON BLEU / panko crusted chicken roulade stuffed with black forest ham, gruyere cheese with spinach pea puree, broccoli florets, cherry tomato confit, beurre blanc / 2775
CANARD A L’ORANGE / Crispy skin duck breast, parsnip purée, roasted broccoli florets, charred red wine braised shallots,
orange gastrique, candied orange zest, pea shoots / 2950
SALMON ALMANDINE / Salmon, almonds, purple cauliflower purée, sautéed haricots verts,
cauliflower florets, crispy sage, sweet carrot vinaigrette / 2975
MOULES FRITES A LA CRÈME / Mussels in white wine and Pernod, braised leeks, shallots, cream sauce, French fries, mayonnaise / 3775
ASSIETTE NATURE / King trumpet mushrooms, cauliflower florets, pea tendrils, spinach, almonds
over couscous, sweet carrot vinaigrette / 2775
SHORT RIBS Á LA BOURGUIGNONE / Cabernet braised beef short rib, mushrooms, carrots, lardons, pearl red onions,
potato baton / 2995
SIDES
SAUTÉED MUSHROOMS / 575
SAUTÉED GARLIC SPINACH / 575
CREAMED SPINACH / 895
SAUTÉED GREEN BEANS / 695
GRILLED BROCCOLI BÉARNAISE / 875
ROASTED BROCCOLI / 675
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions"
Roth Ironside / Executive Chef
We are committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients at the peak of their season
Dessert Menu
French Country Bistro
A Taste Of France
DESSERTS
TART AUX POMMES / Apple tart…pecan crumble, caramel sauce, creme anglaise / 1075
TART AUX POMMES A LA MODE / With your choice of McConnell’s ice cream / 1275
CLASSIC CREME BRULEE / Vanilla Bean / 875
TARTE AU CHOCOLAT / Chocolate torte…walnut, pecan and almond crust with strawberries, mocha cream, chocolate sauce / 995
SEASONAL CLAFOUTIS / 1075
CLAFOUTIS A LA MODE / With your choice of McConnell’s ice cream / 1295
LEMON CAKE / Lemon curd filling, caramelized Mascarpone cream, vanilla sauce / 1050
Cake Plating fee / 250
McCONNELL'S
FINE ICE CREAMS & SORBET / 695
DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND NIBS / A trifecta of Guittard dark cocoa, our melted, bittersweet chocolate chip and heaps of roasted cocoa nibs
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY / Melted Bittersweet Guittard chocolate and perfectly ripe Santa Barbara strawberries
SWEET CREAM / Velvety smooth, dense and oh so creamy
SEA SALT CREAM AND COOKIES / A hint of local sea salt and Guittard chocolate chunk cookies
PINK LEMONADE SORBET / A cool and refreshing, mid-summer sorbet of Santa Barbara strawberries, paired with tangy-tart local Eureka lemons
ASSIETTE DE FROMAGE
A SELECTION OF 3 CHEESE / with accompaniments / MP
COFFEE
Espresso / Macchiato / Cafe Creme / 4
Capuccino / Cafe au Lait / Cafe Noisette / 450
Cafe & Calvados / 8
French Coffee…Coffee liqueur, Cointreau, coffee, whipped cream / 10
PORTS / DESSERT WINES
Adriano Ramos Pinto, Quinta da Ervamoira / 9
Cockburn, 20 year Tawny / 12
Fonseca Bin 27 / 8
Fonseca, 20 year Tawny / 10
Graham’s Six Grapes / 8
Castelnau, Sauternes / 10
HALF BOTTLE
Chateau D’Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux / 430
Delas, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise / 40
Castelnau, Sauternes / 45
DIGESTIFS
Curvoisier / 11
Remy Martin V.S.O.P. / 18
Martell V.S.O.P. / 13
Hennessey X.O / 29
Calvados, Christian Drouin / 9
Benedictine / 12
Roth Ironside / Executive Chef
We are committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients at the peak of their season
Happy Hour Menu
French Country Bistro
A Taste Of France
HAPPY HOUR
Tuesday - Sunday / 5pm - 7pm
$3 BOTTLED BEER /
KRONENBOURG
COORS LIGHT
SOL
BUDWEISER
$3 SPARKLING BY THE GLASS /
POL CLEMENT, Blanc de Blanc Brut, sparkling POL CLEMENT, Rose, sparkling
$4 WINE BY THE GLASS /
RED /
Stella Mare’s Merlot / Central Coast
WHITE /
Stella Mare’s Sauvignon Blanc / Central Coast
$4 COCKTAILS /
MINT-LIME MOJITO / Rum
MEYERS LEMON MARGARITA / Tequila
CHAMPAGNE JULEP / Whiskey-Champagne
$4 PETITS PLATS /
CLASSIC DEVILED EGGS / arugula, smoked paprika
FROGS LOLLIPOPS / Bacon wrapped frog legs lollipops, roasted garlic aoili
PETITS PLATS
OEUFS MIMOSA AU HOMARD / Deviled eggs, lobster tail slices,
tobiko caviar, pickled shallots, dill, toasted French baguette,
arugula, olive oil / 895
ARTICHAULT GRILLÉ / Oak grilled artichoke, roasted garlic aioli / 1050
MOULES A LA CREME / Mussels in white wine, braised leeks, shallots, cream sauce / 1495
ESCARGOTS PERSILLADE / Snails in the shell,garlic & parsley butter / 925
3 FROMAGES & COMPAGNIE / MP
FOIE GRAS / Seared fresh foie gras, mushroom custard, arugula pecan foam, mini Brioche toast, mushrooms, wild arugula / 1950
PATÉ DE CAMPAGNE / Country bacon wrapped pork paté,
pickled shallots, cornichons, whole grain mustard, crostini / 895
MINI CROQUE MADAME / Black forest ham, Gruyere cheese, Mornay sauce, crispy prosciutto, sunny side up quail egg / 950
CUISSES DE GRENOUILLE / Frog legs,
chili flake, lemon, garlic, butter, cream, parsley / 1475
NOIX DE COQUILLE SAINT JACQUES / Seared scallops, mushroom consomme, melted leeks, butternut squash, haircots verts, shitake mushrooms, truffle oil / 1475
Reserve your Table
Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare’s Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French Country Cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like Coq Au Vin, Cassoulet, Escargots and Moules Frites. Sip seasonal cocktails or enjoy a great Glass of Bordeaux Rouge amid cozy décor — all the right ingredients for a great and fun dining experience. Bon appétit!
We can't wait to invite you back to our house.
Private Dining & Events
Santa Barbara, California
Out of an abundance of caution, and in observance of local and state regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Large Private Events are temporarily on hold at Stella Mare's Bistro, however we are accepting inquiries for small private events, intimate gatherings, Private Dining Room, Ocean Room, and Citrus Room rentals & Custom Menus.
Off the menu...
Small intimate gatherings for up to 14 Guests…..you may directly order from our Stella Mare’s Bistro Menu. You will be seated in one of our main dining rooms, or , if available, in our Private Dining Room or Citrus Room at no extra charge.
(maximum capacity 12 guests in our Private Dining Room, 14 in our Citrus room)
Selected Bistro Menus
For gathering and groups for up to 20 guests, we offer 3 course versions of our Dinner menus. All menus are variations of our seasonal restaurant menus and are designed to provide a true restaurant-quality experience. Guests do not pre-order but are presented with a personalized dinner menu (without prices) at each place setting.
(no minimum expenditure required)
Custom Menus & Events
For over 21 years, Stella Mare’s has been recognized as being the best Santa Barbara’s venue offering a truly unique Customized Private Dining Experience.
We offer multi-course customized menus for any size gathering and groups. All menus are customized and most items and selections are not available on our regular menus. We provide a variety of Dining Rooms and seating configurations to best suit the needs of your event. Every Event is designed specifically to your wishes and is hosted in your own private room, serviced by your dedicated Event service staff. We can accommodate Events ranging from 10 to 80 guests.
(Stella Mare’s is also available for full buy-outs on Mondays for Events up to 130 guests)
Our House
Private Dining Rooms
We’re excited that you're considering hosting a party at Stella Mare's!
Our facility offers several private event rooms to choose from, and we have a unique space for all party sizes and budgets. Whether you’re looking to host a birthday party, an anniversary party, graduation, going-away party, or to celebrate another kind of special occasion, we have a space that will work for you and your guests and we offer 3 great options to suit your needs…
Out of an abundance of caution, and in observance of local and state regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Large Private Events are temporarily on hold at Stella Mare's Bistro, however we are accepting inquiries for small private events, intimate gatherings, Private Dining Room, Ocean Room, and Citrus Room rentals & Custom Menus.
The Private Dining Room
An intimate room filled with unique artwork and antiques with windows overlooking the historic bird refuge.
Minimum for a reservation: 8.
Maximum capacity: 12
The Greenhouse
A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour.
Minimum for an exclusive reservation: 20.
Maximum capacity: 30
The Ocean Room
A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour.
Minimum for an exclusive reservation: 20.
Maximum capacity: 30
The Entire House
On Mondays
Stella Mare’s is also available for full buy-outs on Mondays for Large Parties and Events.
Maximum capacity: 130 guests.
The Main Dining Room
A beautiful room set with table clothes, creating an intimate setting, filled with artwork and antiques.
Minimum for an exclusive reservation: 20.
Maximum capacity: 30
The Citrus Room
An intimate, private room with windows overlooking the historic bird refuge.
Minimum for a reservation: 8.
Maximum capacity: 12
Located in our 1872 Victorian House with it’s most Unique adjacent Greenhouse, and selection of private dining Rooms, Stella mare’s has been the number 1 destination for private Events in Montecito and Santa Barbara. From intimate Events of 10 to fully customized events of 80 to 130, Stella mare’s is the ultimate destination for social events such as Wedding receptions, Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, after wedding brunch, baby showers and more as well as Corporate Events.
Book a Private Dining Room or Event
Out of an abundance of caution, and in observance of local and state regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Large Private Events are temporarily on hold at Stella Mare's Bistro, however we are accepting inquiries for small private events, intimate gatherings, Private Dining Room, Ocean Room, and Citrus Room rentals & Custom Menus.
Contact Us
Join Us
Temporary Hours
Reopening Wednesday August 19th
Dinner Tuesday – Saturday
5pm – 8pm
50 Los Patos Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805.969.6705
Send us a message
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Awards & Accolades
French Provincial design meets casual Santa Barbara in a historic landmark house on the Bird Refuge, we can accommodate special events, rehearsal dinners, holiday and wedding celebrations, luncheons and dinners from 10 to 130 guests. Our House is divided into a variety of Dining Rooms with seating configurations to best suit the needs of your event.
Reserve A Table
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