Petit Valentien

Frances Queen

The best deal and most delicious! Their lunch special is a steal! $18! We had petrale sole, grilled flat iron steak, pan seared branzino, all came with some veggies or salad, are all very tasty! Big portions too. Beautiful restaurant, great indoor and outdoor seating. It’s my favorite restaurant and spot in town.

Amy “FabulousFoodie”

Who would've thought that a charming French restaurant in Santa Barbara would harbor one of the city's best-kept secrets? Petite Valentien, on the weekends, transforms into an Ethiopian food lover's paradise. Having recently moved from the bustling Ethiopian food scene of LA, I was craving authentic flavors and warm hospitality. Little did I know, I'd find it all just a few blocks away. The moment I stepped into Petite Valentien, I was transported to a world of rich spices and vibrant flavors. The Ethiopian brunch is divine. From the fluffy injera to the flavorful stews, every dish is a masterpiece! If you're a fan of Ethiopian cuisine or simply curious to try something new, I urge you to visit Petite Valentien on a weekend. This hidden gem is a must-try for food lovers in Santa Barbara.

Daniel Seah

A quaint little restaurant in a cute alley with a turtle water fountain and dolphin ‘benches’ that are instagram worthy. The restaurant itself probably has only 10-12 tables so it earns its name petit. We were seated at one of the high back booths you can see from the door. Cozy and cute settings except the cushions could have used some re-upholstery. We came in for dinner and arrived at 5PM due to a change in our plans. Our reservation was actually for 6PM but they worked to accommodate us quickly. Apparently it worked in their favor. We ordered the quail and crab cake appetizers. My wife enjoyed the quail immensely. It was expertly cooked and not dry. It was served on top a wine poached fig which I thought was boozy and yummy. My crab cake was good but not as outstanding as the quail. We had the duck breast and their daily special steak as entrees. Both were delicious. Duck was accompanied by a hibiscus sauce which was silky and mildly tangy which helped tame the richness of the duck. The steak was served with a creamy peppercorn sauce which matched well wit the steak. Service was prompt and friendly. We also enjoyed our craft root beer and ginger ale. Overall a lovely date night experience!

Emily

Always fabulous; and now open for inside dining. Robert, the owner and chef has a deft hand in the kitchen. We had the delicious kale Caesar salad, mushroom crostini (seasonal mushrooms in a fabulous sauce, with more than a little butter...yum) and the sautéed sea bass over braised leeks (the photo is one plate of the split order). Wow! We were lucky we had room for creme brûlée. Anything you get will be delicious and priced fairly. The service is also personable and excellent. Enjoy! It’s always special and memorable.

S Sum

Quaint restaurant with a beautiful interior. The yesiga tibs off the ethiopien lunch menu was one of the most flavorful dishes I've ever had in Santa Barbara. There was only one server working but she was very polite and attentive even though she was extremely busy. Highly recommend the yesiga tibs.

Duc Nguyen

Small cozy place with great atmosphere ideal for a date night. The French food here is amazing. We got a branzino and a duck breast confit. The fish was perfectly cooked with skin intact and crispy. The duck confit was amazing. Spices and taste were just right. Highly recommended. We are going back tomorrow for Ethiopian lunch.

Paige Kaye

Exquisite! Every bite a perfectly balanced delight. We had the prix fixe Sunday dinner. Amazing! Andoule soup to start, tomato and pepper purée with fresh so fresh! Local herbs, 2nd course butter poached Shrimp Petite tortellini in a saffron beurre Blanc, followed by a generous portion of sole piccata on leek (my fiancé had pork tenderloin medallions that melted in the mouth)and the lightest creamiest creme brûlée I’ve ever tasted to compliment out americano coffee delightfully lingered over with the contentment of really nourishing meal made with love. Pictured is Branzino in a lovely sauce! Social distancing makes the place roomy and sweet and did I mention the value is amazing too! I’d give it ten stars if I could!

Matt Collins

Went here recently on a Sunday evening with a friend. They have a multiple course dinner on that specific evening. The food tasted great! The service was prompt and friendly.

Erika Kato

Great spot for a date or a dinner with a small groups of friends. We ordered the branzino and sole and both were cooked to perfection. Excellent desserts and service.

My granddaughter and I came for dinner. We both thought this restaurant was amazing! We had the gorgeous smoked salmon starter, the roasted beets, the perfectly cooked pork tenderloin, and crème brûlée. Tres magnifique!

Me and my husband just had a wonderful dinner at this absolutely beautiful restaurant. Both of us are more than satisfied with our entrees, and the staff is very friendly. The chef even treats my husband a glass of wine after he saw he needs to dance around to put my little daughter to sleep. We will for sure come back for other dishes.

Took a group of 7 foodies out for a special occasion, and everyone was delighted with the freshness of the food, the seasoning and presentation, and the menu options. The intimate atmosphere was ideal, as we could all hear everyone around the table so it's a great place for a social dinner. This place is a gem.

We loved everything about this. Went here for dinner before the Opera at the Lobero. It was a short walk, very convenient to everything. Food was fantastic. Two of us had the veal dish and the other had the sole. We also shared an order of bread. Excellent. The server was so kind and helpful. The other two men there were so warm and welcoming. It was a great night. Will dine there again soon.

I wouldn’t exactly call this place a hidden gem because it actually appears to be a wildly popular restaurant in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. I think the hidden part is the fact that this beautiful little French restaurant transforms into an Ethiopian restaurant on the weekend. I met Serkadis this morning and she invited me to the restaurant for lunch. WOW! This place did not disappoint. She cooks everything herself and it’s clear that she takes great pride in the food she prepares. I am a huge fan of Ethiopian food and I can honestly say that this is some of the best I have ever had. Her hands are truly gifted. While the food was excellent, I think the most impressive part was the high level of service I received today. If I could, I would give this place 10 stars. Oh…and don’t even get me started on the coffee. Just wow! Thank you, Serkadis, James, and Desta. You have my heart! I wish you all much success.

Kathryn Arthur

My granddaughter and I came for dinner. We both thought this restaurant was amazing! We had the gorgeous smoked salmon starter, the roasted beets, the perfectly cooked pork tenderloin, and crème brûlée. Tres magnifique!

Amy Chen

One of the best places for delicious and elegant French food! My husband and I were visiting Southern California, and found this restaurant by chance. What serendipity!

Diane Siegal

Took a group of 7 foodies out for a special occasion, and everyone was delighted with the freshness of the food, the seasoning and presentation, and the menu options. The intimate atmosphere was ideal, as we could all hear everyone around the table so it's a great place for a social dinner. This place is a gem.

Indira Mohamed

I wouldn’t exactly call this place a hidden gem because it actually appears to be a wildly popular restaurant in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. I think the hidden part is the fact that this beautiful little French restaurant transforms into an Ethiopian restaurant on the weekend. I met Serkadis this morning and she invited me to the restaurant for lunch. WOW! This place did not disappoint. She cooks everything herself and it’s clear that she takes great pride in the food she prepares. I am a huge fan of Ethiopian food and I can honestly say that this is some of the best I have ever had. Her hands are truly gifted. While the food was excellent, I think the most impressive part was the high level of service I received today. If I could, I would give this place 10 stars. Oh…and don’t even get me started on the coffee. Just wow! Thank you, Serkadis, James, and Desta. You have my heart! I wish you all much success.

M

We loved everything about this. Went here for dinner before the Opera at the Lobero. It was a short walk, very convenient to everything. Food was fantastic. Two of us had the veal dish and the other had the sole. We also shared an order of bread. Excellent. The server was so kind and helpful. The other two men there were so warm and welcoming. It was a great night. Will dine there again soon.

Nini

Me and my husband just had a wonderful dinner at this absolutely beautiful restaurant. Both of us are more than satisfied with our entrees, and the staff is very friendly. The chef even treats my husband a glass of wine after he saw he needs to dance around to put my little daughter to sleep. We will for sure come back for other dishes.

Last-minute decision to come here for our anniversary, and it was a great choice. I had an amazing steak au poivre, and my husband really enjoyed the salmon. We finished with a nice cheese platter. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. Giving 4 stars only because there’s no dessert menu. Otherwise it would definitely be a 4.5!

Delicious French cooking . Simple but flavorful with moderate portions sizes. Be sure to ask about the specials and what soups are on offer, and check out the Sunday supper fixed price dining or weekend Ethiopian cuisine if you have the chance for something different. Located in La Arcata, a pedestrian walkway that feels very European , offering al fresco dining and several other food and wine locations in the area.

4+ Stars. Wonderful spot for a nice meal in an old world European setting. We have lunch weekly here and they have a number of lunch specialities at very reasonable prices. My favorite is the Petrale Sole with lemon and capers which is absolutely delicious. They offer inside and outside seating and lunch is served from 11:30 until two. They specialize in French Cuisine during weekdays and evenings and Ethiopian Cuisine on weekends. There are also open during the evening from 5:30-8:00 and have a nice wine selection. Great food at reasonable prices in a cozy atmosphere makes for a wonderful dining experience. Highly recommended.

cécile mattray

Last-minute decision to come here for our anniversary, and it was a great choice. I had an amazing steak au poivre, and my husband really enjoyed the salmon. We finished with a nice cheese platter. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. Giving 4 stars only because there’s no dessert menu. Otherwise it would definitely be a 4.5!

David B

Delicious French cooking . Simple but flavorful with moderate portions sizes. Be sure to ask about the specials and what soups are on offer, and check out the Sunday supper fixed price dining or weekend Ethiopian cuisine if you have the chance for something different. Located in La Arcata, a pedestrian walkway that feels very European , offering al fresco dining and several other food and wine locations in the area.

Joseph Dandona Jr.

4+ Stars. Wonderful spot for a nice meal in an old world European setting. We have lunch weekly here and they have a number of lunch specialities at very reasonable prices. My favorite is the Petrale Sole with lemon and capers which is absolutely delicious. They offer inside and outside seating and lunch is served from 11:30 until two. They specialize in French Cuisine during weekdays and evenings and Ethiopian Cuisine on weekends. There are also open during the evening from 5:30-8:00 and have a nice wine selection. Great food at reasonable prices in a cozy atmosphere makes for a wonderful dining experience. Highly recommended.

Came during a slower lunch. I appreciate that it was only one team member running the service that it took more time; however, I was a bit disappointed he served me last after two other customers entered after… Soup was amazing, lunch entree was great for value although a bit of flavour lacking. Really nice ambiance and friendly service (after) but the overall experience left a bit to be desired. I loved how locals checked in with the team like they were family and raved about the quality of the food, I am sure it was undoubtedly but unfortunately just missing that experience this one seating. Maybe next time, still not to miss trying!

Allie H.

Came during a slower lunch. I appreciate that it was only one team member running the service that it took more time; however, I was a bit disappointed he served me last after two other customers entered after… Soup was amazing, lunch entree was great for value although a bit of flavour lacking. Really nice ambiance and friendly service (after) but the overall experience left a bit to be desired. I loved how locals checked in with the team like they were family and raved about the quality of the food, I am sure it was undoubtedly but unfortunately just missing that experience this one seating. Maybe next time, still not to miss trying!

Don’t really know about the food but we sites for the menu for 5-10 minutes, then water dor another 5+ minutes and then we walked. Dommage.

Matthieu Bonnard

Don’t really know about the food but we sites for the menu for 5-10 minutes, then water dor another 5+ minutes and then we walked. Dommage.