Welcome to

arnoldis_logo_white

Serving Santa Barbara for over 80 years!
Since the late 1930s, Arnoldi's Cafe has been a cherished local favorite. We’re open 7 days a week, starting at 5 PM daily, with a special Sunday opening at 11 AM. Enjoy our daily happy hour in the bar area from 4–5 PM.

The story of Arnoldi's begins with the Arnoldi family, who immigrated from Lake Como, Italy, and opened the restaurant in Santa Barbara. My maternal great-grandfather also had a fish market in 1904 on State Street, housed in an Italian stone masonry building, much like the one that houses Arnoldi’s. The same stone masons who built the Arnoldi’s building also worked on my great-grandfather's market, which can now be found blocks away at the beach on the corner of Garden and Cabrillo Blvd. The city now uses it as the tourist building. In 2002, my father, mother, aunt, and uncle purchased the cafe, continuing this family legacy, and I’m proud to carry on the tradition of exceptional food and unforgettable experiences in this historic space.

At Arnoldi’s, we embrace La Dolce Vita — the sweet life. It’s about savoring good food, great company, and making lasting memories. Whether you're celebrating a wedding, rehearsal dinner, class reunion, or another special event, we promise an experience filled with laughter, love, and joy.

We look forward to welcoming you soon and crafting an event you and your guests will treasure for years to come.

Get Arnoldi's delicious food delivered through DoorDash! For reservations book with the OpenTable form below, for large parties over 15 and large events please email arnoldisevents@gmail.com.

To buy an Arnoldi's gift card, click here.

2024

Arnoldi's Cafe

Tradition

for over 80 years

One of the oldest restaurants in Santa Barbara, Arnoldi’s Cafe was founded by Giuseppe and Ilda Arnold in 1937, at 421 East Cota Street. In 1940, Giuseppe (Joe) quarried local stone and built the present restaurant at 600 Olive Street. Since then, Arnoldi’s, with the bocce ball courts in the garden, has been entertaining Santa Barbarans and visitors from all over the world.

Arnoldi’s has hosted orchestras and dancers since the 1940’s. The mural depicts Logo di Como. Bucky, the Tule Elk, overlooking the bar joined Arnoldi’s following Joe’s 1958 hunting trip to Colorado.

As of August 2024 Arnoldi’s Cafe is under new ownership, but the same traditions continue on. We are so happy to be continuing the legacy of Arnoldi’s.

Buon Appetito!