Petit Valentien

Open

Closed

$

$$$

🥖 French

•

Santa Barbara

•

casual-dining

4.6
Cozy French bistro with a patio serving fresh French and Ethiopian dishes, salads, stews, and a praised wine list.

$

$$$

•

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casual-dining

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Petit Valentien

Santa Barbara

$

Cozy French bistro with weekend Ethiopian specials, fresh dishes, patio dining, and an excellent wine list in Santa Barbara.

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About
4.6
(
162
)

Petit Valentien offers an intimate dining experience blending French bistro classics with Ethiopian weekend specials, complemented by a great wine list and a cozy patio setting.

The restaurant accepts reservations and features attentive service, wheelchair accessibility, and a menu embracing fresh, seasonal ingredients with diverse offerings for various dietary needs.

What to Expect:

    🥗 French and Ethiopian cuisine fusion
    🍷 Extensive and well-curated wine selection
    🌿 Cozy, romantic atmosphere with outdoor seating
    ♿ Fully wheelchair accessible including restrooms and parking

Important Information:

    Reservations recommended
    Outdoor seating available
    Accepts credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments
    Kids' menu and high chairs offered

Weekend Ethiopian lunch is a unique feature and a must-try for adventurous diners.

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry
🔊
🔊
🔊

📍 Local Insights

🍽️ Weekend Ethiopian Gems: The weekend Ethiopian lunch, featuring authentic injera and combo platters, is a local favorite not to miss.

🌿 Patio Dining Perks: Outdoor seating in the charming La Arcada Plaza offers a lovely European vibe perfect for people-watching.

🍷 Wine Lovers’ Choice: The carefully curated wine list complements both French and Ethiopian dishes beautifully; ask your server for pairing tips.

🔔 Reservations Recommended: Especially for dinner and weekend service, booking ahead secures the cozy, intimate seating experience.

⏰ Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:30 PM–8:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:30 PM–8:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:30 PM–8:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM

👉 Best For

Romantic dinners, wine enthusiasts, adventurous eaters, small groups
No items found.

Petit Valentien

1114 State St #14
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101

Open in Google Maps

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Petit Valentien delights guests with its authentic French fare and standout Ethiopian weekend specials. Diners praise the fresh ingredients, warm service, intimate ambiance, and excellent wine list. Minor notes include occasional understaffing and pricing slightly high for downtown, but the overall consensus appreciates the value and unique dining experience.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

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The Selection

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Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Stews, Salads, Smoked Salmon, Pork Tenderloin, Crème Brûlée, Veal, Sole, Branzino, Duck Breast, Crab Cake, Ethiopian Combos, Injera, Coffee, Flat Iron Steak

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit weekdays for relaxed lunches; weekends for Ethiopian brunch are notably popular; dinner after 7 PM weekdays offers quieter ambiance.
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