L’antica Pizzeria da Michele has opened at 1032 State Street, the former home of Embermill, Aldo’s, and the Copper Coffee Pot, the latter occupying the address from 1927 to 1982.
Italian entrepreneur, restauranter, and owner Francesco Zimone—who opened the first U.S. outpost of the 152-year-old Naples brand in Hollywood in 2019— is dedicated to sourcing and highlighting Santa Barbara-based vintners, locally-grown produce, and fresh seafood.
“We are thrilled to expand our Naples footprint with the opening of our second California location in Santa Barbara – a city we are proud to embrace as our new home,” says Zimone. “Our cozy new location is equally on par with the authentic flavors diners could expect whilst eating in Italy, without having to leave this beautiful beach town. I for one, have fallen in love with the Mediterranean-style architecture of the city, and hope that our Naples style dining will add to Santa Barbara’s already rich and diverse dining community. With a dream to continue to share the treasured 152-year-old Italian recipes and sense of genuine hospitality and place, we look forward to welcoming the Santa Barbara community with open arms this season.”
Head Pizzaiolo Michele Rubini includes the original recipe for the Naples original Neapolitan pizza, along with a selection of house made pastas, salads, barley-fed steaks, an on-site salumeria, and a more laidback and casual lunch menu featuring paninis, pastas, salads, and more. Menu highlights include Gnocco Fritto (deep-fried pizza dough and stuffed with burrata, prosciutto and arugula $19), Diavola Pizza (imported tomatoes, fior di latte, pecorino, spicy salame, & calabrian chili $28), Spaghetti Nerano (housemade spaghetti, fresh zucchini, parmigiana, pecorino and basil $25), and Maccheroncini Carbonara (macherroncini, guanciale, egg & pecorino $28).
The new downtown dining destination has a 60-seat tree-covered courtyard with views of State Street, indoor dining, and bar seating for an additional 40 guests, as well as sidewalk-adjacent seating accommodating 20 guests. Hours are Tuesday- Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (counter service lunch), 4-6 p.m. (take-out only), and 6-9 p.m. (full-service dinner). Call (805) 770 8055 or visit damicheleusa.com.
