Ellie's Tap Vine - SANTA YNEZ

A friend has been eating here a couple times a week so my expectations were already high and this quaint and beautiful spot met those expectations and then some. Our server Kris (sorry if spelled wrong) was just lovely, and Chef Joy knows how to satisfy. Every bit I tried was just exquisite and took us on a real journey. The sweet and spicy of the ahi tuna was a future craving in the making and that sauce on the halibut made me want to swim in it. The space is both homey and eclectic, so much inspiration for my home. Can't wait to try more of the menu!

We enjoyed a perfect first date post-baby while we were in town, thanks to Michelle and Joy! We started with the burrata on Baker’s Table bread and the beet salad, followed by Thai mussels and larb on special—all were delicious and generously portioned. Michelle was so helpful in assisting us in selecting wine and went above and beyond to make our night special, letting us know there was a full moon out and moving us to a table outside for dessert! We enjoyed chatting with Michelle and Joy and they made it a perfect night out from our baby Ellie! We’ll be back next trip for sure. Be sure to get the bread pudding!!! Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Bread Pudding

Ellie's is our favorite Santa Ynez restaurant. The food is excellent, chef/owner Joy creates amazing dishes and Kris is our favorite server. They also have an extensive wine collection and are really helpful with suggestions without choosing the most expensive one.

OMG this is a fabulous restaurant! Please do not miss this place. We were staying in Santa Ynez and love being able to walk to dinner. We started with the sautéed calamari. Warning, it's spicy! But oh my. We have never had anything like this, ever. It's served with an oh so favorable, spicy, sauce so order the bread basket to sop up the sauce. Perfectly cooked, not chewy. For our entree, my husband had the crab cake and I had the halibut. Both were over the top delicious, and the servings were beyond large. Beautiful sauces. Chef came out to ask us how we liked it. We could not stop gushing.

To quote my friend Robert who recommended Ellie's, "Joy is a joy." She ensures that everyone is happy and having a great time, and indeed, we were! On top of that, she shines in the kitchen, serving up the most delicious, perfectly cooked dishes! The interior of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, beautifully designed—honestly, I’d love for it to be my home! Kris was attentive and her recommendations were spot on. And the food—wow! The Seared Ahi Nicoise with Finley Farms Lettuce, green beans, egg, olives, red onion, and lemon-Dijon vinaigrette was beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and bursting with flavor. I could drink the dressing! The Brined Pork Chop with apple butter cream, caramelized onions, whipped potatoes, and wilted greens has become one of my all-time favorites. Joy knows exactly how to cook everything to perfection. To top it all off, the Bread Pudding with caramel ice cream was truly spectacular. I can’t wait to return and, when the weather's nice, sit outside on the patio. This meal was a highlight of my dining experiences... and yes, it truly was a joy!