We were in Santa Barbara and people recommended Bettina in Montecito. The atmosphere is a balance between modern sophistication and cozy warmth. The space is often bright and airy, with clean lines and tasteful decor that speaks to a relaxed yet refined dining experience. But the best part of Bettina is the outside eating area including the heaters for cool evenings.
Bettina focuses on serving Neapolitan pizzas and salads. But they do it with a Californian twist. The star of Bettina’s menu is, without a doubt, its wood-fired pizzas. The pizza dough is made 48 hours in advance with high quality and fresh ingredients. The tomato sauce is vibrant and fresh, the mozzarella is high quality, and toppings range from traditional pepperoni and Margherita to more adventurous combinations featuring local vegetables, unique cheeses, and house-made sausage. Every pizza feels thoughtfully constructed.
We ordered a Caesar Salad and a Margherita Pizza. The Caesar Salad was one of the better ones we have had in a while. I still miss the table side Caesar Salad which is the standard for Caesar Salads.
The waitstaff are friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. They know their menu and offer valuable recommendations.
Overall: Bettina is a must-visit destination for pizza lovers and anyone seeking a fantastic meal in Santa Barbara. They really nail traditional Italian pizza-making craft with a California-inspired approach with high quality and fresh ingredients. Bettina delivers a delightful dining experience. We highly recommended it for both the food and the ambiance.