Ospi Montecito Brings Italian Elegance to the American Riviera

Montecito just got a little more delicious. The latest gem to grace the neighborhood is Ospi – a California-Italian restaurant with a bold Brooklyn soul and an unmistakable Westside edge. It’s not just another opening, it’s an invitation to live la dolce vita, one forkful of rigatoni alla vodka at a time, which by the way was outstanding!

Ospi restaurants, founded by Chef Jackson Kalb and his wife and partner Melissa Kalb, are known for their Southern Italian inspired cuisine with a California twist. Their menu is a masterful blend of the classic and the contemporary: house-made pastas, thin-crust pizza tonda romana, crispy provolone, seasonal vegetables, and a curated selection of craft cocktails and Southern Italian wines. Their philosophy is simple but transformative – elevate the comfort food you crave and serve it in a space that feels like the most fabulous dinner party you’ve ever attended.

With thriving locations in Venice, Brentwood, and Costa Mesa, the Kalbs are now bringing Ospi to Montecito and locals are in for a treat. The concept behind Ospi, short for ospitante, or “host” in Italian, echoes throughout the space. More than just a restaurant, Ospi is a welcoming, multi-faceted experience: a cozy trattoria for lunch, a familial gathering spot for dinner, and the go-to recovery brunch destination on weekends. In Montecito, this spirit is amplified with a touch of European elegance that feels tailor-made for the community.

Step inside and you’ll be struck by the aesthetic harmony: green piping leather barstools pop against warm wood tones, intricate Spanish tile underfoot, a stunning centerpiece glass bar, and an open kitchen that pulls guests into the energy of the culinary action. It’s casual yet elevated, with layers of style and comfort that feel distinctly European, but with the easy sophistication only Santa Barbara County can offer.

The menu reflects the same balance of refinement and approachability. Signature dishes like branzino and rigatoni alla vodka are executed with impeccable technique, while pizzas come thin, crisp, and made for sharing. The crispy provolone, kissed with Calabrian chili honey, is already a cult favorite. And let’s not forget the cannoli, a hug from Italy on a plate.

Complementing the food is a thoughtful beverage program, boasting Southern Italian wines, California standouts (especially from Santa Barbara wine country), a rotating selection of craft beers, and effortlessly elegant cocktails. Whether you’re craving an Aperol Spritz at golden hour or a post-dinner amaro, Ospi delivers the goods and the vibe.

At the helm is Chef Jackson Kalb, whose culinary vision combines the nostalgia of red sauce with the freshness and vibrancy of the California coast. With Melissa Kalb shaping the guest experience, the result is a restaurant that feels both stylish and soul-soothing. Every element – from the playlist to the plating – has been designed to make guests feel like they’ve stumbled into an effortlessly chic dinner party.

I think Ospi is exactly what Montecito needed. A place that feels celebratory yet familiar, where locals gather, glasses clink, and every dish is both a comfort and a revelation. With its lush design, vibrant energy, and thoughtful menu, Ospi Montecito is not just a restaurant, it’s a lifestyle.

So pull up a green leather barstool, order a glass of Franciacorta, and toast to la dolce vita. The sweet life officially arrives on the American Riviera – and its name is Ospi.