Renaud's Patisserie and Bistro — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

In general I love Renaud's. At every other location I leave happier than when I came in. But the service in Montecito is ok to downright awful. I've had several terrible interactions with the heavy set girl. Most recently I asked her to cut a croissant in half so my friend and I could split it. She said, "No, the kitchen is closed." WHATT?? Apparently all the knives had been cleaned and put away- is that an excuse? I easily found a butter knife and did the job myself.

I am VERY sensitive to caffeine due to a serious health condition. Another time, I ordered a decaf latte from her and a third of the way in I started having heart palpitations and was feeling shaky and confused- all the symptoms I experience when I consume caffeine. I brought this to her attention- health issues and all and she refused make me another cup. If she was certain that she hadn't accidentally given me caffeine, then I could have been offered a refund, or a cup of herbal tea- instead she acted like I was an impossible customer. A bakery as beautiful as Renaud's should be warm and comforting and offer its visitors a pick-me-up. This woman is ruining that...

Some of the best food I have had in California, and I’m quite good already at finding this state’s most sustainable, delicious munchies.

There are lots of reviews complaining about service and I honestly wouldn’t mind if you had to stand on one foot and order with your eyes closed, it would be worth it. Relax. You cannot miss anywhere on this menu and everything is ridiculously fresh. There’s a mini farmers market right nearby in fact.

If you leave a bad review because you have an unreasonable request or don’t like your interaction with one staffer for one second, I don’t understand what you’re expecting. Perfection is an illusion. Chill. You’re in a beautiful place near the beach.

Food was literally “wow” level. 5.1/5 stars. Michelin grade. Would teleport here daily if I could. Flavor, plate quality, portion - all on point. Not crazy expensive, not the cheapest. Reasonable for the area. Just...

I like this place, but I'm sad that it has driven out of business the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf down the street which provided much more comfortable interior space and more of the products that I like which is to say varieties of coffee. This one is cold and sterile on the inside, the prices are pretty high, and the only redeeming features are that it's still on Coast Village Road and has some nice outdoor tables. It has few of the charming features of the Renaud's at Loretto Plaza. It competes directly with Jeannine's, with a smaller menu. I can't think of any reason to go here instead of Jeannine's except that it's usually less crowded.

UPDATE 3/1/22: ALL OF THE ABOVE STILL APPLIES, BUT I MUST SAY THAT THE CROISSANT CHEESE AND HAM SANDWICH...