Santa Barbara is getting a new addition to its dining scene, with Bistro Amasa opening its doors on November 14, 2025. The new restaurant will offer modern American fare featuring lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
Bistro Amasa is located at 1404 De La Vina Street, inside the historic Upham Hotel, which was earlier home to Louie’s California Bistro, a longtime local favorite.
The new establishment is the sister restaurant of Barbareño, a Michelin-recognized restaurant in Santa Barbara. Founders Julian Martinez and Jesse Gaddy are longtime friends who are collaborating to bring their shared passion for craft, comfort, and community alive with their new restaurant.
“We are so excited to welcome you to Bistro Amasa,” the founders said. “It’s a place where guests can linger, share something memorable, and feel at home.”
The restaurant encourages guests to make a reservation ahead of its grand opening on November 14, 2025, from 5 p.m.
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Idea Behind Bistro Amasa
The restaurant was founded on a simple idea – that great food and genuine hospitality can make guests feel at home, according to the founders.
Bistro Amasa aims to create a refined and relaxed dining experience by blending the old-world technique with modern California creativity. The restaurant embraces a neighborhood bistro feel, using seasonal ingredients to deliver a polished but approachable menu.
Classic and nostalgic dishes inspire the restaurant menu, prepared in fresh and inventive ways that emphasize quality, craftsmanship, and comfort. Bistro Amasa’s founders describe their culinary vision as balancing familiarity with innovation, serving dishes that feel timeless yet fresh.
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The menu combines modern American fare with California influences, paired with a selection of wines and creative cocktails chosen to complement each dish.
The ambience of Bistro Amasa draws inspiration from the Upham Hotel’s 19th-century heritage, preserving its classic charm while adding contemporary touches. The space is designed for a relaxed evening out or a special occasion alike.
Martinez and Gaddy, known for their work at Barbareño, say Bistro Amasa builds on the same foundation of creativity and hospitality as Barbareño. Their goal is to create a place for community connection, where the artistry of good food meets the ease of a neighborhood gathering spot.
The restaurant will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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