At Marisella, Chef Danny Grant’s coastal Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and sweeping Pacific Ocean views come together to create one of Santa Barbara’s most memorable dining experiences. Located at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Marisella brings the flavors of coastal Italy to Santa Barbara through handmade pastas, pristine seafood, seasonal California ingredients, and a thoughtfully curated wine and martini program.
From Golden Hour aperitivo to leisurely dinners overlooking the Santa Barbara coast, every detail is designed to invite conversation and connection. Whether celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic dinner, or gathering with friends and family, Marisella offers an elegant yet relaxed Italian dining experience in Santa Barbara you’ll want to return to again and again.
A Long Island native, Danny Grant began cooking at a young age alongside his family in New York. He moved to Chicago in his early 20s, where he trained under Bruce Sherman at North Pond, rising to chef de cuisine before refining his craft abroad in Paris and Italy and at the French Pastry School.
Grant’s career accelerated in 2009 when he became executive chef of Ria and Balsan at the former Elysian Hotel. His French bistro–inspired cuisine earned him Food & Wine’s 2012 Best New Chef award, a four-star review from the Chicago Tribune and two Michelin stars, making him at the time the youngest U.S. chef to achieve the honor.
In 2015, Grant returned to Chicago to join the predecessor of Maple Hospitality Group as chef and partner. Today, his creative vision and operational leadership anchor an award-winning portfolio including Maple & Ash, Monarch, Kessaku, Eight Bar and Marisella, top-performing restaurants recognized across Chicago, Scottsdale, Miami, Santa Barbara and Dallas.
At the core of Grant’s restaurants is experience. His dining rooms balance meticulous, technique-driven cuisine with moments of nostalgic whimsy, where serious food is delivered with energy and warmth. That philosophy now anchors his expanding team as Maple Hospitality Group prepares to debut in Boston in April 2026, with New York to follow later this summer.
Complimentary valet parking is available through The Ritz-Carlton Bacara for guests dining at Marisella.
Does Marisella offer outdoor dining in Santa Barbara?
Yes. Marisella offers dining on a covered terrace. Outdoor tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed. We will always do our best to accommodate requests; however, terrace seating may occasionally be unavailable due to private events.
What is the dress code at Marisella?
Marisella’s dress code is resort casual. We embrace the relaxed elegance of Santa Barbara with attire that is effortlessly stylish and beachside inspired.
Does Marisella accommodate large parties and private events?
Yes. Parties of nine guests or fewer may make a standard dining reservation. Parties of 10 or more are considered events and can be accommodated through our private events team.
Is Marisella family-friendly?
Yes. Families and younger guests are welcome at Marisella. Several kid-friendly dishes are available including chicken tenders, buttered noodles, rigatoni with tomato sauce and meatballs, and cheese pizza.
Does Marisella offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Several dishes can be modified to accommodate vegetarian or vegan preferences. Your server will be happy to guide you through the menu and available options.
Does Marisella offer gluten-free options?
Yes. Several menu items can be modified to be gluten-free, and gluten-free pasta is available upon request for an additional charge. Please speak with your server about dietary preferences or restrictions.
Can I bring my own wine to Marisella?
Yes. Marisella permits outside wine provided the bottle is not currently offered on our wine list. Corkage is $75 for a 750ml bottle and $100 for a magnum. We allow one bottle for every two guests, with a maximum of two bottles per table.
Can I bring a cake or dessert for a celebration?
Yes. Outside cakes and desserts are permitted for a $10 per person fee.
Can I purchase a Marisella gift card?
Yes. Physical gift cards may be purchased at the restaurant during business hours, and e-gift cards are available for purchase through our website. Please note that e-gift cards have a seven-day hold period following purchase.
Reservations canceled within 24 hours of the reservation time are subject to a $50 per person cancellation fee.
Are pets allowed at Marisella?
Professionally trained service animals that provide assistance to an individual with a disability are welcome. Emotional support animals are not permitted indoors, and service animals may not be seated on restaurant furniture.
Local Discount
Neighbors deserve something special. Sunday – Thursday, Santa Barbara residents enjoy 10% off their meal, our little love letter to the community we call home. Please provide ID with local address to redeem. Excludes alcohol, holidays, and special events.
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