Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos is warm, cozy, and the epitome of rustic elegance. The restaurant is nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, a region known for its wine, horse ranches, and vibrant art scene. It serves up refined California comfort food the way only an Auberge property can.
Diners will be impressed by Mattei’s Tavern even before they are seated. The outside of the building has the look of a gleaming white farmhouse, but the moment you step inside, you can tell that there’s something different about this place. It’s difficult to put into words, but all of the energy from the space’s 150-year history practically radiates off of the old wooden floors.
Despite the restaurant receiving an extensive face lift, we’re talking Beverly Hills plastic surgeon level face lift, once you’re inside, you will feel the spirit of this space.
Start Your Evening at the Bar
While I enjoyed both lunch and dinner at the restaurant, the dinner ambiance is where it’s at. I recommend you spend the day exploring a few downtown Los Olivos tasting rooms, they’re walking distance from the hotel, and when you return, settle in to the bar for a late afternoon cocktail, or a pre-dinner tipple.
The atmosphere here, like everywhere around the property, embraces the heritage and history of the Santa Ynez Valley, but is adorned with modern comforts. The counter-top bar has this cool saloon feel, and the adjacent lounge-like seating is filled with big leather couches and over-sized arm chairs. With a wood-beamed ceiling, a big stone fireplace, and is the focal point in the room, and vintage light-fixtures lean into the Old West chic theme.
Pro Tip: The Gin Fizz isn’t on the bar menu, but it’s incredible.
Mattei’s Tavern: A Piece of California History Restored
Mattei’s Tavern is located on the property of the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, an Auberge Resort in the heart of Los Olivos. While the hotel and restaurant carry the Auberge Resort name and reputation, Mattei’s is actually co-owned by Malibu lawyer Brian Strange and Silicon Valley venture capitalist Deepak Kamra.
The history of the building that houses Mattei’s cannot be overstated. It was originally used as a stagecoach stop when it was constructed in 1886. Swiss-American Felix Mattei and his wife Lucy created what was then called the Central Hotel, and it was a wildly popular stop for travelers making their way to Santa Barbara.
A few interesting historical facts about Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos:
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- Mattei’s is one of the oldest businesses in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was founded in 1886 by Swiss-American Felix Mattei and his wife Lucy.
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- The building is one of the oldest wooden structures in the state of California. It was originally built as a stagecoach stop and hotel.
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- The Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission bestowed historical landmark status on the inn on November 15, 2010.
The Ambiance
AvroKO Interior Designers describe the aesthetic they created for this one-of-a-kind Los Olivos restaurant as “throwback modernism”. The remodel was grounded in reverence for the building’s history and significance to the community, and a comfortable rustic luxury surrounds you in the dining room.
Artifacts in the bar and dining area weave the property’s history with its present. Family portraits of Felix and Lucy hang over the fireplaces, candles illuminate the entrance, vintage rugs cover the wood flooring, and a number of wooden horse statues are placed throughout. The equine sculptures are a nod to the decades that former Chef Gin Lung Gin (circa 1910) spent at Mattei’s. He hailed from China, and the horse statues are a reminder of his time at the restaurant.
Large windows provide sunset views in the evening, and fill the room with natural light during breakfast and lunch.
Chef Rhoda Magbitang: Taking the Reins at Mattei’s
Taking over an iconic restaurant is not for the faint of heart, but Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang appears to have done so with ease. When you learn that Chef Magbitang previously held the position of Executive Chef at another Hollywood icon, The Chateau Marmont, as well as Petit Ermitage, it all starts to make sense
The menu at Mattei’s Tavern has been crafted by Magbitang to reflect the tradition of ranching, but also the ability of humble vegetables to take a starring role on the plate.
The Wine List: A Love Letter to Local Producers
Mattei’s wine list leans into local producers, with some nice options from wineries like Scar of the Sea, Lady of Sunshine, and Story of Soil. There are even several skin-contact (orange wines) from the Central Coast. But if you must go with a bottle from France or Italy, there are some intriguing options.
Raj Parr’s wines are a favorite on this wine blog, and when I spied a bottle of co-fermented 2020 Savagnin & Chardonnay from his new Phelan Farms project, I couldn’t resist. Look for a review of that wine coming soon.
What to Order: Must-Have Dishes
If the Central Coast Abalone with abalone liver mousse, mushroom confit, and white miso butter is on the menu, do order it. The blend of umami-rich, sweet, and savory flavors will leave you speechless.
We also need to talk about the Crispy Cauliflower with roasted garlic tahini, spiced local honey, and smoked almond dukkah. The first thought that popped into my head after biting into Chef Rhoda Magbitang’s Crispy Cauliflower was, “I didn’t know cauliflower could do that.” Never did I ever think I would say that about cauliflower, but this dish has this crazy, Kung Pao chicken thing going on, and it was just lovely.
The house bread has a crisp golden brown exterior and a warm, soft, and chewy interior. The surface is dusted with a salty cheese. And, it’s really, really good.
Know Before You Go
The Tavern is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a short 30-minute break between breakfast and lunch, and a longer 3-hour break following lunch to give the staff time to prep and reset the dining room for dinner.
Overall Impression
I dined at Mattei’s on a weekday and the restaurant was busy, but the staff did not falter under the pressure of a dining room full of tables. I was so happy with this experience, from the menu to the cozy atmosphere and everything in between.
A little side note: Mattei’s Tavern received its first inclusion in the prestigious Michelin Guide just a few weeks before I dined. The recognition is well-deserved, and if you visit Los Olivos, you may want to plan ahead to secure a reservation.