Bettina

"Even though Bettina is adjacent to the 101 Freeway, it’s an oasis with a bright dining room, communal patio, and some of the best wood-fired pizzas in all of Central and Southern California. Also on the menu are local wines, ricotta cavatelli, creamy tomato soup, or whipped ricotta on focaccia. Locals are patiently awaiting Bettina’s second Carpinteria location, which is expected to open in 2024." - Mona Holmes

"Between Lucky Penny, Olio Pizzeria, and the occasional Little Ceasar’s location, Santa Barbara had its pizza bases pretty much covered. But in 2018, an ex-Roberta's baker opened Bettina, bringing specialty flour and slow-fermented dough to the Montecito Country Mart. Crowds have been lining up ever since to try the pizzeria’s inspired takes on Neapolitan-style pie. The bubbly crust is pleasantly salty, and each delicate slice gives a satisfying crackle when folded. You should probably book a table before coming here for caesar salad and carbonara pizza, but if you don’t mind a possible wait, try walking in for a seat at the bar. " - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"After making a match at NYC’s Roberta’s, Brendan Smith and Rachel Greenspan took their pizza-powered love affair to the west coast, leaving bohemian Brooklyn for a gleaming perch in the Montecito Country Mart. Each night, the pair dishes up a dozen pie varieties tattooed with the delicate char of their wood-fired oven. Standouts include the carbonara with pancetta, egg and pecorino, or even a summery peach number with fontina, poblano, and red onions.For those strong enough to resist pizza, other notable items include fried eggplant with harissa-spiked marinara and shrimp scampi over saffron risotto. This oven also does a solid sideline in baked goods, so grab some brown-butter chocolate chip cookies or a crusty sourdough loaf on your way out." - Michelin Inspector

"Stupendous blistered, wood-fired pizzas topped with house-made pork sausage, seasonal vegetables, and the like are just one of the reasons to visit this Montecito gem. Don’t sleep on little bites like nduja-stuffed dates and a baby gem salad dressed with zippy homemade ranch. Spritzes and negronis are a must too at this cozy neighborhood restaurant that feels like a visit to Italy." - Karen Palmer, Eater Staff

"Over the past few years, one of the most consistent and talked about restaurants in Santa Barbara has been Bettina, a gem of a wood-fired pizza place that pulls blistered pies out of a roaring oven from day to evening." - Matthew Kang