The Tavern at Zaca Creek — Restaurant in California

Small place, very nice people, but Very Pricey. The entrance was a little tricky to find being around back behind the building facing the parking lot? It was late, 9pm, my wife was cold, they had no indoor seating. (The server said they planned to have indoor seating someday?) They did place a propane heater beside her to try and warm her up. The Menu posted on thier website IS NOT the same as what they will hand you when you sit down. The online menu has much nicer offers. We did not have any appetizers. We drank coffee (which was delicious) & iced tea. Paquita ordered their Roman Gnocchi, (NOT offered on the online menu, but sounded good to her.) This was served in a large bowl on top of a bed of roasted tomatoes(?) We both agreed this was delicious. I had wanted the seared Halibut from the online menu, but this was not on the menu I was given. The Grilled Albacore sounded good, But was Very disappointing. The server had said it was a 6oz piece, but what came out was considerably smaller than 6oz, (3?) The grilled Albacore itself had been grilled nicely, and if it had been served grilled with perhaps a vegetable side it would have been perfect. But they took the Albacore and dropped it into a bowl of watered potatoes that were mostly underdone. ( this is how it was served, in a large bowl of.) The grilling effort was washed away and the flavor of the Albacore buried under the potato soup. There were no sides, we had nothing afterwards. $70.00. RESPONSE TO MANAGER.... Than you sir, the menu came from when we found your tavern on line and where the usual buttons for; call, directions, website, reviews, was a button, "look at menu"? I do not mind the costs for delicious food, especially locally sourced! Bravo! Turnips? Ok, they were good, I just prefer a grilled fish to retain the grilling flavor. And perhaps some offering of rice or something to complement the Albacore? Again, your staff was excellent, perhaps I missed the young ladies announcement of the indoor dining date. They were attentive, prompt...

Oh, my! Our first time in was a memorable one! This establishment is owned and operated by a husband and wife team. One of the co-owners, Chelsea, took care of us while a server (Julia) expertly back her up.

We started with two well-prepared cocktails (hers a cranberry juice and vodka while I had a Manhattan with their own version of Maker's). Complimentary scones soon followed. We split a carpaccio (really, really good), then moved on to the entrees. She had the gnocchi and I had the duck breast. Both were prepared perfectly and were delicious. We paired it with a local pinot noir (Chelsea's recommendation) which was delicious from beginning to end. Topped it off with a shared creme brulee. Service was outstanding and the setting was terrific. (We sat inside, but the patio looked very inviting!)

We really admire people who are running local businesses, contributing to their communities, and making a way for themselves. But to do it in this style? Awesome. We're from out of town, but we like visiting the area. We'll have to hit The Tavern at Zaca Creek one more time before leaving, and it will be a regular stop every time...

This is only the second time my wife and I we have dined at the Tavern at Zaca Creek. We have been most impressed both times. We live north of Goleta along the Gaviota Coast so making the trek into Santa Barbara is not always what we like to do, but going north into the Santa Ynez Valley is a beautiful drive. Our dining room attendant Martha was attentive and ensured that our meal was amazing. We shared a Porterhouse steak that was seasoned and prepared perfectly. Our Peach burrata salad was a gem, and the caviar fries, to die for! The cocktails were also top notch and presented the way they should be. The rustic but sophisticated bar and dining room are truly stunning. For those looking for a great meal, romantic atmosphere, great food, with a ranch vibe, this is your place. We...