Santa Barbara, get ready to Eat, Pray, Love – the Naples original L’antica Pizzeria da Michele is officially bringing a slice of Italy to the coastal beachside community of Santa Barbara as of Wednesday, November 9.
Situated in the Historic Ember Mill building on State St. in the heart of Santa Barbara, diners are instantly transported to the streets of Napoli at the historic downtown landmark which previously housed the ‘Copper Coffee Pot’ from 1927 to 1982. Brought to life by Italian entrepreneur, restauranter, and Owner Francesco Zimone—who opened the first U.S. outpost of the iconic 152-year-old Naples brand in Hollywood in 2019— L’antica Santa Barbara marks the continuation of Zimone’s mission to bring authentic Italian gathering spots and genuinely heartfelt hospitality to cities across the nation, with a dedication to sourcing and celebrating Santa Barbara-based vintners, locally-grown produce, fresh seafood, & more.
“We are thrilled to expand our Naples footprint with the opening of our second California location in Santa Barbara – a city we are proud to embrace as our new home,” says Zimone. “Our cozy new location is equally on par with the authentic flavors diners could expect whilst eating in Italy, without having to leave this beautiful beach town. I for one, have fallen in love with the Mediterranean-style architecture of the city, and hope that our Naples style dining will add to Santa Barbara’s already rich and diverse dining community. With a dream to continue to share the treasured 152-year-old Italian recipes and sense of genuine hospitality and place, we look forward to welcoming the Santa Barbara community with open arms this season.”
Through the use of imported Italian ingredients and age-old Italian cooking traditions & techniques, expect a menu equally on par with the authentic flavors you’d expect whilst dining in Italy by Head Pizzaiolo Michele Rubini, including the original recipe for the Naples original Neapolitan pizza, along with a selection of house made pastas, salads, barley-fed steaks, an on-site salumeria, and a more laidback and casual lunch menu featuring paninis, pastas, salads, & more.
Menu highlights include:
- Gnocco Fritto consisting of deep-fried pizza dough and stuffed with burrata, prosciutto and arugula $19
- Diavola Pizza with imported tomatoes, fior di latte, pecorino, spicy salame, & calabrian chili $28
- Spaghetti Nerano (a Stanley Tucci favorite) featuring housemade spaghetti, fresh zucchini, parmigiana, pecorino and basil $25
- Maccheroncini Carbonara made with Macherroncini, guanciale, egg & pecorino $28
Designed by Zimone, who conceptualized and constructed every part of the new location located in the historic Spanish-style building, the space amplifies the traditional architecture of Santa Barbara with a Northern European touch. The original structure of the building serves as a canvas for a modern, yet rustic ambiance, with light natural wood wrapping the walls to evoke a cozy feel in a convivial atmosphere with an open pizza kitchen, a 60-seat tree-covered courtyard with views of State Street, indoor dining, and bar seating for an additional 40 guests, as well as sidewalk-adjacent seating accommodating 20 guests.
Expect a gelato cart by Gelato Festival starting this winter, as well as a robust selection of beer & wine with a focus on independent wineries from California & Italy.
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele Santa Barbara will operate five days a week from Tuesday through Saturdays at 1031 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Current hours are as follows:
- 11:00am – 4:00pm: Counter Service Lunch
- 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Take-Out Only
- 6:00pm – 9:00pm: Full-service dinner
