Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Best Restaurants
Mexican • $$
American • $$$
“Our server,Cole R, was awesome-very informed and articulate. Food was amazing-cannot overstate the incredible preparation and presentation of the prime rib!”
Indian • $$
“We traveled from Irvine California to santa barbara and had dinner here. They have variety of choices on vegetarian food. I really liked tikki, dal makhani. paneer tika and complimentary carrot halwa.
Joban and hritik's warm service made our evening more special.
We loved everything here.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
American • $$
“This is a great spot in the scenic mountain area of Santa Barbara California. Awesome food and the staff is amazing. Perfect stop for lunch while on a motorcycle ride.”
French • $$$
“The pan-seared peppercorn-crusted filet mignon with potatoes au gratin and sautéed asparagus were as good as I've had anywhere. Thick, small and perfectly cooked medium-rare. And the thinly-sliced tomato salad was the perfect starter. We brought our own wine, but their in-house selection is outstanding. The staff were all extremely courteous and helpful. Our waiter, Dominic, was professional and attentive, and we never felt rushed. We enjoyed a two and a half hour anniversary dinner in a lovely outdoor setting and will definitely revisit when we're back in Santa Barbara! Thanks to everyone at Bouchon for a very special evening.”
Restaurants with Delivery
Mexican • $$
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Mexican • $
“Parking can be a struggle, but it's totally worth it. One of, if not, the best places to eat in town.”
Indian • $$
“We traveled from Irvine California to santa barbara and had dinner here. They have variety of choices on vegetarian food. I really liked tikki, dal makhani. paneer tika and complimentary carrot halwa.
Joban and hritik's warm service made our evening more special.
We loved everything here.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“I had a main course of chicken, a side of rice, and a dessert (a panne cotta variation) and mixed drinks. Using Indonesian & Vietnamese flavors, the chicken & rice succeeded deliciously! I sat outdoors by a fire and enjoyed the street scene -- State St., Santa Barbara. Nothing could match that evening since the theater district experienced magic at next door Granada Theater, however, you can create your own magic at Sama Sama!”
Breakfast • $$
“The lightest, buttery moist scones. They also had hamburgers and salads that looked were very generous portions. All was freshly made. The silverware was REAL silverware.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Lovely atmosphere. I'm a connoisseur of tortilla soup and have tried all kinds of varieties from all over and the soup at La Paloma was outstanding! More than that, Linda, our server could not have nicer! She helped make the experience a good one.”
Sushi • $$$$
“This was an experience of a lifetime. Everything was amazing and I couldn’t recommend it more. Cheers”
Mexican • $
“Maiz Picante catered our wedding recently and did a phenomenal job! Not only were they professional, but the food was outstanding. We got nonstop praises about the food and service. I will definitely be using them again when we have another event. Otherwise, I try and support them whenever we are in town. They are friendly, professional, and know their food!”
French • $$$
“The pan-seared peppercorn-crusted filet mignon with potatoes au gratin and sautéed asparagus were as good as I've had anywhere. Thick, small and perfectly cooked medium-rare. And the thinly-sliced tomato salad was the perfect starter. We brought our own wine, but their in-house selection is outstanding. The staff were all extremely courteous and helpful. Our waiter, Dominic, was professional and attentive, and we never felt rushed. We enjoyed a two and a half hour anniversary dinner in a lovely outdoor setting and will definitely revisit when we're back in Santa Barbara! Thanks to everyone at Bouchon for a very special evening.”
American • $$$
“Great service, delicious food and nice atmosphere. The guys who was playing guitar on a street was fantastic 🤗!”
Breakfast • $$
“The lightest, buttery moist scones. They also had hamburgers and salads that looked were very generous portions. All was freshly made. The silverware was REAL silverware.”
Outdoor Dining
Mexican • $
“good portions in the tacos. very tasty and fast service. the line seems overwhelming at first but moves fast. Will definitely be back, when in the area.”
American • $$
“This is a great spot in the scenic mountain area of Santa Barbara California. Awesome food and the staff is amazing. Perfect stop for lunch while on a motorcycle ride.”
Spanish • $$
“Never had tapas like these! Loved it! So sad we live in Europe…would go there everyday! It was soooo jummy!”
Pizza • $$
“We went because we saw you on Diner Drive in and Dives. We've always we wanted to try a restaurant previewed on this show but they were all back east or mid west to far for dinner. So when we saw this In our own back yard we were in. Amazing food great atmosphere staff impressive and cocktails yummy too. Some many great options too. DEFINITELY coming back. thanks Bettina.😘”
Mexican • $
“Everything I’ve tried on the menu is outstanding. Fresh ingredients and creative combinations of flavors, herbs, spices. They make their tacos on site, and all portions are substantial. I love the al pastor tacos with chunks of pineapple on top. The Colima ceviche is sublime perfection, and the plátanos are the perfect sweet compliment. The mango margarita with tajin on the rim was delicious.”
Seafood • $$
“It’s the perfect combination of almost incandescently beautiful (at sunset, it’s off the charts), great energy (you can feel it vibrating) and good food. We love this place for date nights (stand at the bar, sit outside when your table is ready, rejoice if the wait is >30 minutes because you get that time together, here) and for out of town guests (I mean does it get more Santa Barbara?). The Poke is epic. And generous. And on the other side of the coin so is the burger. Who needs more?”
Pizza • $$
“Ordered takeout and unfortunately. Pizza was delivered cold and Kate. Not entirely their fault as they outsource delivery. The did issue a credit. The previous time we ate here, pizza was outstanding.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“I don’t know what’s better: the vibes, the food or the bartenders. We loved our experience here! Such a hidden gem off the beaten path. A local told us to try the Reuben egg rolls - I don’t even like corned beef - but we still got them, they were amazing. We got a second order and a cheese burger. Such a great spot and memory.”
Seafood • $
“It’s small but it’s gets busy fast. I love this place. My fav is the miso/crispy chicken bowl with brown rice but today I got the charred salmon bowl. I WILL becoming back!!!”
Seafood • $$
“It’s the perfect combination of almost incandescently beautiful (at sunset, it’s off the charts), great energy (you can feel it vibrating) and good food. We love this place for date nights (stand at the bar, sit outside when your table is ready, rejoice if the wait is >30 minutes because you get that time together, here) and for out of town guests (I mean does it get more Santa Barbara?). The Poke is epic. And generous. And on the other side of the coin so is the burger. Who needs more?”
Pizza • $$
“Ordered takeout and unfortunately. Pizza was delivered cold and Kate. Not entirely their fault as they outsource delivery. The did issue a credit. The previous time we ate here, pizza was outstanding.”
Online Reservation Available
Italian • $$
“Took our youngest for her 16th and the staff was exceptional, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious! Thank you!”
American • $$
“The Yukon Gold Cinnamon Roll is a DON’T MISS ITEM! The best cinnamon roll I’ve EVER had! The Dirty Fries were amazing. The Shrimp Cocktail - the best part was the sauce 🤦🏻♀️.”
Asian • $$
“This restaurant is A M A Z I N G 😀 The tastes and creations are absolute delicious - they have wine too and all kinds of good food and drink, I highly recommend!”
Fine Dining • $$$
“Intermezzo by Wine Cask is a true gem! The restaurant boasts a stunning atmosphere with gorgeous decor and perfectly set lighting, creating a wonderful ambiance. The service we received was truly phenomenal – our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience even better. We tried the pizza, fries, and chicken, and each dish was outstanding. The quality of the food was evident, and everything tasted incredible. This was an amazing experience, and we can't wait to return. Highly recommend!”
Chinese • $$
“It was my family time of the year and our first time trying Authentic Chinese food. Super busy as we walked in the Meet Up, but our food came quickly, the food was great and service was always there.”
American • $$$
“Food was great! We tried the sweet breads- my favorite, lobster gnocchi-daughters fave, ramen-good, scallops-super lite and fresh, and the catch of the day-very tasty. The amazing menu doesn’t necessarily lend itself to picky kid eaters (my son) but he loved the catch of the day with the sauce on the side. The food took a while as they were pretty busy so the manager comp’d 2 desserts which were both spectacular! We will be back!!”
Vegetarian • $$
“Nice bar ( take any seat ) order at the counter. Good vibes from the live DJ on the board walk. Delicious Sprizz!”
New American • $$
“A great place for celebrating! You always have a great experience at The Palace”
New Mexican Cuisine • $$$
“Absolutely amazing. We were totally blown away by every dish! We spent a special weekend eating out in Santa Barbara area and this was our favorite place. Thank you!”
Italian • $$$$
“We visited Marisella for Valentine’s Day dinner and were fortunate to secure an 8:45 p.m. reservation. From the moment you pull into the circular drive for valet at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, the experience feels elevated. After being directed through the property to the back where the restaurant is located, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly at a table that was ready and waiting for us.
For Valentine’s Day, they offered a curated four-course menu rather than à la carte ordering. The courses were well executed and thoughtfully paced. I have a fruit allergy, and the staff was very mindful of that, which I appreciated. Accommodations were handled professionally without making it feel like an inconvenience.
Service was somewhat mixed. Our primary waitress seemed informal and borderline overwhelmed throughout the evening. In contrast, the support staff—runners, bussers, and cocktail servers—were polished, attentive, and proactive. At times, they felt more engaged than our assigned server.
The food itself was excellent. Everything we had was flavorful and well presented. The wine list was strong, which is not surprising given the property’s location and reputation. There are plenty of higher-end selections available. The exclusive cocktail menu, however, is fairly small. They can certainly make anything you request, but if you are hoping for a large selection of signature house cocktails, you may find it limited.
Overall, it was a very good experience, especially for a major holiday evening. I would absolutely return and look forward to visiting again on a non-holiday night to see how the restaurant performs under more typical conditions.”
Japanese • $$$$
“Awesome meal with the finest ingredients! Romantic evening with the wife.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Lovely atmosphere. I'm a connoisseur of tortilla soup and have tried all kinds of varieties from all over and the soup at La Paloma was outstanding! More than that, Linda, our server could not have nicer! She helped make the experience a good one.”
24 Hour Restaurants
Fast Food • $
“They are so friendly all the workers there specially these employee her name is Alma she works there 5 days a week & all the employees there @ Milpas McDonald I will recommend you to go there is a nice & best fast food we went to they treat the people so nicely there pls have your family come to Mc Donald's here @ Milpas have a GD holidays everyone & god bless to all 😍😍😍”
American • $$
“I don't know why people give The Set such low reviews. There were only a few people on staff( from what I overheard, staff was cut because i corporate party had canceled), but that didn't deter us.
My daughter had their upscale mac n cheese, I had the braised beef and creamy mashed potatoes, wife had the salmon and pilaf. All the food was excellent! Would definitely eat here again”
Fast Food • $
“he menu is impressive. There are tons of options sushi, bowls, wraps, desserts and most stuff is raw or mostly raw, with really interesting flavor combinations. I especially loved the rainbow wrap & some of the juice choices. Presentation is beautiful.”
Fast Food • $
“A Beautiful OLD Fashion McDonalds in Downtown SANTA Barbara Beach Town boasting true ol' school architecture & retro-vibes......authentic signage....Adobe fahsion & southwestern feel.....brings you back to the past....Plan to spend a few extra pennies for your favorite treats, since we are near the playa...and the Beverly Hills of the area here.”
Brewery • $$
“I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve ordered from here, including the jalapeño poppers, chicken and waffles, and the pot pies! Seriously well done, and the prices are super affordable for Santa Barbara too.”
Brewery • $$
“great beers and atmosphere from the newest brewpub in town. It's cool because there will always be different brews on tap along with a great menu.”
Takeout Restaurants
Coffee Roasteries • $
“My new favorite coffee shop!! Made from scratch flavors for lattes, made from scratch almond milk, amazing menu, staff and variety of exquisite drinks!. 💛”
Brewery • $$
“I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve ordered from here, including the jalapeño poppers, chicken and waffles, and the pot pies! Seriously well done, and the prices are super affordable for Santa Barbara too.”
Bakery • $
“We made a weekend trip from Miami to Santa Barbara mostly just to visit Kin lol. I had seen them on socials and reddit and I'm a sucker for great food and an even better experience. Kin is such a special place. Yes, the line is long but it is oh so worth it. We literally visited every day, twice a day over the long weekend and tried almost every drink and baked treat on the menu LOL. Can't go wrong with anything. Everyday I had a new favorite, it's THAT GOOD. The coconut cloud matcha, and pandan matcha are the best I've ever had. The cookie butter cream top is also stellar. The donuts speak for themselves, but trust me, the flavors taste just as good as they sound reading them on a menu. So thankful we got to try Kin and thank you a million times over to the staff and the amazing owner. I don't know how they do it but they manage to still be warm and friendly even with how insanely busy they are non-stop. For anyone complaining about the lines or prices, this is prob not your vibe. Those of us who get it, 'get it.' I really hope to be able to come back and visit in the future. I wish sooooo much success for this team and hope Kin sticks around and expands (hopefully to Miami lol)”
Brewery • $$
“great beers and atmosphere from the newest brewpub in town. It's cool because there will always be different brews on tap along with a great menu.”
Italian • $
“Still thinking about this incredible California pasta from our Santa Barbara stop 🤍
Fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced — every bite tasted like sunshine, ocean breeze, and pure comfort all in one. The sauce was light but full of flavor, the ingredients tasted unbelievably fresh, and the portion was just right.
One of those meals you wish you could relive again and again. Definitely a must-try if you’re ever in town”
Mexican • $
“The place is very nice and the tacos are great! It’s at the heart of the beautiful city of Santa Barbara Ca. I took a picture with one of the owners of Casa Comal. He knows hospitality!”
Italian • $
“Almost Instant pasta with your choice of sauces. Fast and good! I had Angel hair pasta with Tomato-meat sauce and mushrooms. You also get toast with the meal. My wife had chicken piccata and parmesano Garlic knot rolls. All was delicious.”
Breakfast • $
“Stopped to charge the car nearby and had lunch. Food was fantastic! Highly recommend the meatloaf and double toad in the hole! Hash browns were crispy and buttery. Will be back when we’re in town next! ❤️”
Brewery
“Open Mic on Tuesdays 7p-11p. The best, hands down, working Open Mic in Santa Barbara. The attending Audience here is phenomenal. The selection of Artists extensive.”
Gastropubs • $$
“Friendly staff. Great Happy Hour specials.”
Mexican • $$
“Hello Page Administrator, We regret to inform you that your page is scheduled for permanent deletion due to violations of our trademark rights. This decision has been made after careful consideration and in compliance with our user protection policies. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or wish to contest this decision, please contact us through our page: Mike be Best regards, Mike_bee”
Pizza • $$
“We went because we saw you on Diner Drive in and Dives. We've always we wanted to try a restaurant previewed on this show but they were all back east or mid west to far for dinner. So when we saw this In our own back yard we were in. Amazing food great atmosphere staff impressive and cocktails yummy too. Some many great options too. DEFINITELY coming back. thanks Bettina.😘”
Italian • $$
“Took our youngest for her 16th and the staff was exceptional, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious! Thank you!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Bakery • $
“I can't even say I have a favorite. It's all good. When you bring home a warm loaf, all is well with the world.”
Bar • $$
“Dusk Bar at the Drift Hotel is hands-down one of the best spots in Santa Barbara to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere. The space itself is beautiful—open, modern, and airy during the day, then intimate and moody at night. It manages to feel both elevated and approachable, making it perfect whether you’re stopping in for a quick happy hour or settling in for the evening.
We tried - The Picante Amante, Dapper Dave, La Adelita, and Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em were all phenomenal—balanced, bold, and beautifully crafted.
Goose and Shiloh, behind the bar, were absolute masters. Their artistry transformed each cocktail into a sensory experience. Their craftsmanship made every sip feel intentional and the evening memorable. Goose and Shiloh are not only skilled mixologists but also genuinely personable and welcoming. They take the time to connect with guests and make you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
We will be back soon!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Their cocktails are fantastic! I really liked everything I tried, but in particular the Laid Back was fresh, delicious, and inspiring. I also couldn't stop eating the churros!”
Mediterranean • $
“Like the food. Good for reasonable priced Mediterranean.”
Argentine • $
“I had a fantastic time celebrating my birthday 🎂🎈at Buena Onda last night! I wanna give a shoutout 🙌to Matias and all the team at Buena Onda for providing us with delicious food, excellent service, music for dancing and great atmosphere. Thank you so much! Muito obrigada! 💐💗”
American • $
“Excellent spot! Great location and views. The food is delicious and tasty! The waiter was kind and very helpful.
We had a couple of gluten allergic people and they were very nice to help us order.
RECOMMENDED!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Everyone seems to have their favorite coffee shop. This one’s mine. The people are nice, the coffee is good, and the seating is plentiful.”
Asian Fusion • $
“I've been going to the Blue Owl with my daughters since it opened. The food is fantastic. The vibe is the closest to being in a late night New York eater. I always feel home here. And of course I love the Tuesday night open mic comedy. A staple in the Santa Barbara Comedy Scene.”
Wine Bar • $$
“Stopped by a few weeks ago to check it out and glad we did! Small place which makes it cozy and intimate. The outside seating is nice too. Service is awesome as well, they really make you feel welcome... We had red wine and porchetta, which is delish!!! highly recommended...and its local!!!”
Sushi • $$$$
“This was an experience of a lifetime. Everything was amazing and I couldn’t recommend it more. Cheers”
Bar • $$
“Dusk Bar at the Drift Hotel is hands-down one of the best spots in Santa Barbara to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere. The space itself is beautiful—open, modern, and airy during the day, then intimate and moody at night. It manages to feel both elevated and approachable, making it perfect whether you’re stopping in for a quick happy hour or settling in for the evening.
We tried - The Picante Amante, Dapper Dave, La Adelita, and Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em were all phenomenal—balanced, bold, and beautifully crafted.
Goose and Shiloh, behind the bar, were absolute masters. Their artistry transformed each cocktail into a sensory experience. Their craftsmanship made every sip feel intentional and the evening memorable. Goose and Shiloh are not only skilled mixologists but also genuinely personable and welcoming. They take the time to connect with guests and make you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
We will be back soon!”
Asian • $$
“This restaurant is A M A Z I N G 😀 The tastes and creations are absolute delicious - they have wine too and all kinds of good food and drink, I highly recommend!”
Cheap Eats
Cafe • $
“This is the spot for coffee, drinks (cold and hot), and delicious treats! Everything was top notch and you can tell they use all high quality ingredients and know how to make drinks.
Lots of seating inside and outside with parking, although currently (mid November 2025) there is some construction on the street right outside so it may cause a little traffic, but still enoflow to visit here. The almond croissant was one of the best I have had, seriously.
Very nice atmosphere, vibe, and relaxing, great spot for a break and to relax and have greqt drinks and some snacks.”
Coffee Shops • $
“No trip to Santa Barbara for my spouse and me -- and Louie, our rescue dog -- is complete without at least one visit -- and, ideally more than one -- visit to Handlebar. Sublime coffee. Cowboy cookie?! - don't ask, just order...two, because you will want one tomorrow...trust me.
I celebrated, this past weekend, with friends, my 70th BD, in Santa Barbara. That cowboy cookie and tall glass [trust me] of latte were sublime.Thank you!”
Deli • $
“Love you guys but did the chopped salad shrink? Just throw a bunch more romaine in. Maybe a cucumber? I was so hungry after this $18 salad. You’re the best tho.”
Pizza • $
“Excellent food and friendly people. Please support this amazing man’s business”
Coffee Shops • $
“Love this place so much. Staff is chill and awesome. The crowd is so friendly and fun. Wonderful place for a quick coffee or a relaxing hour in the sun. Can’t recommend highly enough”
Bar • $
“Beautiful place, amazing staff and delicious food and drinks! I definitly recommend.”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Actually impressed with their Deli style Sandwiches , had a Veit nom nom , impressed and tasty and very filling. More stuff with the Italian roll.”
Coffee & Tea • $
“My new favorite coffee shop!! Made from scratch flavors for lattes, made from scratch almond milk, amazing menu, staff and variety of exquisite drinks!. 💛”
American • $
“Tuesday around 2pm, not a rush day or time at all, sat down at the bar for at least 7 to 10 minutes, not one employee approached me to ask if I wanted something to drink,eat, etc.
I noticed a few others sitting there at tables and the bar, no attention to them at all, drinks were almost empty etc.
The employees (4 ) that I could see, seemed more into their own laughter and discussions than giving attention to customers.
I noticed two employees, male, walking through the kitchen doing the same thing.
I walked out, went elsewhere.
New to area, etc, maybe this is normal here?
Hopefully management may pay more attention to the customers than the waiters themselves.
Just my first impressions and I'll try again next week perhaps?
Revised and impressed.
Much better now, christian and Jennifer are great at the bar, Monday, Thursdays I come here to watch some football, etc. They are great, enjoy the interactions and good times.
Thank you for these two bartenders and the overall experience now.
Much better,
Trent.”
Italian • $
“delicious food great service. Victoria was so welcoming and made my family feel welcomed. servers were on top of things👍🙂😁😉”
Mexican • $
“Breakfast burrito was generous but the flavor was just OK. Not bad at all, but there are better in town. I has a sausage burrito. The restaurant itself is vintage carniceria. Very authentic and comfortable. Not fancy. The staff was super friendly and the food came up quick on a busy Saturday morning.”
Mexican • $
“We have we our company holiday lunch the attention was excellent as the service all the staff is super friendly el señor the Manager Marciano is awesome 👏 Felipe as well I highly recommended this place and the food and drinks just awesome 👏👏👏👏was a great time”
Cafe • $
“Such an accommodating place! Good service, a diverse, delicious well priced menu, and convenient! Wish they were open longer in the day.”
Spanish • $$
“Never had tapas like these! Loved it! So sad we live in Europe…would go there everyday! It was soooo jummy!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“I had a main course of chicken, a side of rice, and a dessert (a panne cotta variation) and mixed drinks. Using Indonesian & Vietnamese flavors, the chicken & rice succeeded deliciously! I sat outdoors by a fire and enjoyed the street scene -- State St., Santa Barbara. Nothing could match that evening since the theater district experienced magic at next door Granada Theater, however, you can create your own magic at Sama Sama!”
Fine Dining • $$$
“Intermezzo by Wine Cask is a true gem! The restaurant boasts a stunning atmosphere with gorgeous decor and perfectly set lighting, creating a wonderful ambiance. The service we received was truly phenomenal – our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience even better. We tried the pizza, fries, and chicken, and each dish was outstanding. The quality of the food was evident, and everything tasted incredible. This was an amazing experience, and we can't wait to return. Highly recommend!”
Chinese • $$
“It was my family time of the year and our first time trying Authentic Chinese food. Super busy as we walked in the Meet Up, but our food came quickly, the food was great and service was always there.”
Gastropubs • $$
“Friendly staff. Great Happy Hour specials.”
Mexican • $$
“Hello Page Administrator, We regret to inform you that your page is scheduled for permanent deletion due to violations of our trademark rights. This decision has been made after careful consideration and in compliance with our user protection policies. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or wish to contest this decision, please contact us through our page: Mike be Best regards, Mike_bee”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Their cocktails are fantastic! I really liked everything I tried, but in particular the Laid Back was fresh, delicious, and inspiring. I also couldn't stop eating the churros!”
American • $$$
“Food was great! We tried the sweet breads- my favorite, lobster gnocchi-daughters fave, ramen-good, scallops-super lite and fresh, and the catch of the day-very tasty. The amazing menu doesn’t necessarily lend itself to picky kid eaters (my son) but he loved the catch of the day with the sauce on the side. The food took a while as they were pretty busy so the manager comp’d 2 desserts which were both spectacular! We will be back!!”
Seafood • $$
“Complimentary sourdough bread - served hot with whipped butter! This was a satisfying start because the last restaurant we went to earlier in the day was served cold bread with stiff butter.
Raw Oysters - grassy bar from morro bay. Tasted fresh, non fishy, and premium as described.
Charbroiled oysters - flavorful and tender. Actually went well with the complimentary bread.
Lure fries - thinner cut, crispy, and well seasoned. Supposedly they use lemony seasoning they usually flavor fish with.
Clam linguini - perfect balance of flavor, lightness, and health, with plenty of clams. Not too thick or heavy.
Service: Julissa was very friendly and welcoming to first timers and explained items on the menu well, including their local daily catch menu. We also sat by the back wall for more quiet & privacy, and she checked in on us at the right times and frequency without being overly attentive or having us talk mid-bite. 5 stars!
This was our favorite seafood spot during our 3 day santa barbara trip. Would definitely return!”
Vegetarian • $$
“Nice bar ( take any seat ) order at the counter. Good vibes from the live DJ on the board walk. Delicious Sprizz!”
New American • $$
“A great place for celebrating! You always have a great experience at The Palace”
Wine Bar • $$
“Stopped by a few weeks ago to check it out and glad we did! Small place which makes it cozy and intimate. The outside seating is nice too. Service is awesome as well, they really make you feel welcome... We had red wine and porchetta, which is delish!!! highly recommended...and its local!!!”
Gastropubs • $$
“Cathy was amazing. Customer service and attentiveness were top notch. I ordered a burger with goat cheese, a Caesar salad, and an Old Fashioned. Each were independently phenomenal. Definitely will return to this establishment.”
American • $$
“The Yukon Gold Cinnamon Roll is a DON’T MISS ITEM! The best cinnamon roll I’ve EVER had! The Dirty Fries were amazing. The Shrimp Cocktail - the best part was the sauce 🤦🏻♀️.”
Lebanese • $$
“ambience and stuff are very friendly. food tastes amazing 😋👌 good non alcoholic beverages 🍹🧋”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“I don’t know what’s better: the vibes, the food or the bartenders. We loved our experience here! Such a hidden gem off the beaten path. A local told us to try the Reuben egg rolls - I don’t even like corned beef - but we still got them, they were amazing. We got a second order and a cheese burger. Such a great spot and memory.”
New Mexican Cuisine • $$$
“Absolutely amazing. We were totally blown away by every dish! We spent a special weekend eating out in Santa Barbara area and this was our favorite place. Thank you!”
Seafood • $$
“Spot is awesome and lobster is 100% best I’ve ever had! 💯 recommend! 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️”
Bar & Grill • $$
“We enjoyed the Thanksgiving Buffet, it was DELICIOUS!! 🦃🥰❤️”
Japanese • $$
“I lived in SB my whole life up until 4 years ago and have been going to edomasa for near 30 years now. The food is incredible!! Santa Barbara offers many other sushi restaurants but none come close to comparing to edomasa. They are mostly too expensive, not fresh, extremely packed with tourists, etc. Edomasa is the real deal when it comes to a locals spot with even the famous that live there frequenting (they skip the fancy frills for quality too �)... Edomasa will always be my FAVORITE restaurant in SB! �”
Mexican • $$
“We stopped by to visit this beautiful little city and Corazon Comedor was recommended. I stopped here with my family and the little restaurant was cozy, well maintained and the service was great! The dècor is very nice. The menu was not huge but the food is delicious!
Definitely a great place to dine!
#D-LOrecommended😃👍”
Brewery • $$
“What a beautiful discovery in Santa Barbara, The Cruisery offered great service, waitress was a great resource in laying our food with greet cocktails! The ambience is perfect for today’s food culture-foodies! Stop by try the grilled filet tacos and drunk pig —all shareable and get the crack fries! Absolutely perfection! Oh, and they have a section to choose a game to play when you need to take a break from your device and enjoy playing with friends!”
Breakfast • $$
“Overall atracks rated 9.4/10. Good service and a really special thing they do is complimentary muffins which were incredible. \n\nMy food ratings\nMuffins- 9.9/10 (butter was awesome)\nCalifornia Burrito- 9.3/10 (pinto beans added to it)\nPancakes-8.7/10 (good flavor and they did a fun powdered sugar stenzil on them) \nHome Fries- 9.5/10 (deep fried and excellent)\n\nCost $18-20 or so per item”
Mexican • $$
“I have this the perfect place for happy hour i order the soft steak tacos it was deelish cozy patio, super friendly staff, tasty pineapple margarita, so refreshing, gotta luv chips and guac. Follow your taste buds i highly recommend you give this restaurant a whirl.”
American • $$
“Food, service & location is amazing. Blackened halibut sandwich was delicious.”
American • $$
“...an absolute must culinary experience! Neptune Radio reporting. ...”
Steak House • $$
“I’ll be honest. I could have eaten anything in Santa Barbara. I hadn’t eaten anything since 9am and it was 5pm when I arrived in Santa Barbara. I walked one mile away because of the great things I heard about Jill’s Place. And you know what? I was not disappointed! I was stoked and impressed greatly 🥰😁 I had two wonderful, dazzling, and sweet waitresses (lucky me!). I was served a yummy chicken breast sandwich and it was the best one I had ever! No seriously! It wasn’t too salty and the bread was golden brown and ready to be munched on. The tator tots had the perfect texture. It’s almost as I had food from some amazing restaurant, which, hello, I did 😅 The place was packed, since it was Fiesta, but I imagine it always is. It sucks I live 45 minutes from this great establishment. The atmosphere was fun and a little country, but I love that. It’s casual, and not some elegant place like Lucky’s is. I’d still show up in a suit, if I could and would. Definitely check this place out and ask for the two blonde sisters who work there. They’ll dazzle you with their charm and diction 😉 Hope to be back again one day!”
French • $$$
“My granddaughter and I came for dinner. We both thought this restaurant was amazing! We had the gorgeous smoked salmon starter, the roasted beets, the perfectly cooked pork tenderloin, and crème brûlée. Tres magnifique!”
Wine Bar • $$
“Lovely little wine lounge with a cozy atmosphere. We enjoyed a very nice glass of local wine — great quality and perfectly served. A perfect stop to relax and enjoy the local flavors”
Italian • $$
“Excellent restaurant, cozy atmosphere, quality ingredients”
Wine Bar • $$
“Great location, service, wine, family friendly, dog friendly and live music what’s not to love ❤️”
Seafood • $$
“Very high quality seafood both prepared (vgood fish tacos, great poke bowls) and unprepared to cook at home in my experience. Inside is very basic, outside is fine.”
Sushi • $$
“FANTASTIC JAPANESE RESTAURANT Fantastic food and service - great vegan, vegetarian and other options.Food is well presented, fresh and yummy 😋. Great service, a welcoming vibe definitely will be coming back ❤️❤️❤️ 👌e”
Wine Bar • $$$
“Such amazing people from the Sweet managers of Ashley to the kind servers of Amenda and Justin… this is such a great experience you need to go in for the Riviera reserve experience and enjoy the food and wine!”
Indian • $$
“This is our go-to restaurant for great Indian food in Santa Barbara. Our favorites are the butter chicken and shrimp masala. Of course you have to get the fresh naan bread. Great customer service and the owner is very friendly.”
New American • $$$
“I visit Honor Bar every time I am in town from Arizona. I was just there two days ago and was thrilled nothing has changed X excellent food, service, and atmosphere.”
German • $$
“Just to inform you that the name Dutch is the English name for the language and the inhabitants of the Netherlands. They are called the Dutch, and the language spoken is Dutch. There is nothing Dutch about the food. It’s more traditional German food, so maybe rename the restaurant Deutsch.
And the language and culture are not the same.”
Pizza • $$
“Lucky Penny in Santa Barbara is absolutely worth a visit! The food is delicious, fresh and prepared with a lot of love. The relaxed atmosphere in the garden is particularly beautiful – ideal for sitting outside and enjoying the Californian flair. Friendly Service and a great overall package!”
Brewpubs • $$
“Excellent experience. Highly recommend. Will return again.”
New American • $$
“Wow! I was very impressed with this little restaurant. Not only was the service outstanding, the food was incredibly delicious. This is a little gem in the heart of Montecito. I will definitely visit this restaurant again when I return to Montecito.”
Italian • $$$
“The pasta was amazing and so fresh! The tuna wrapped in prosciutto appetizer was so delicious 😋! You must try it.”
Cafe • $$
“The pasta was amazing and so fresh! The tuna wrapped in prosciutto appetizer was so delicious 😋! You must try it.”
Wine Bar • $$
“I've heard so good rumors about your place, so I have to come visit some night when The Collins Jazz Tonic are playing. A dentist trumpeter doing jazz, not bad at all. I'll be right over.”
Beer Bar • $$
“The food and drink selection is great and has been consistently good since they reimagined their menu a couple years ago. It's a great neighborhood place and fills a gap for the area. The reason for removing a star is because the service is inconsistent at best. I still highly recommend coming in, especially if you're a local. I don't recommend bringing in out of town guests (due to the service).”
American • $$
“We were recommend Joe's for breakfast by a bartender and we're glad we followed up on it. It's got a Ruby's old style about it but an an adult version, way way better in all respects. Great food and super nice service, a great atmosphere with tributes to famous clientele all around. Evenings probably have a good buzz, you can feel it.”
Japanese • $$
“This place is the Go-To spot for sushi.. always fresh and delicious 😋”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Absolutely stunning atmosphere, Service excellent, Food was delicious, short ribs were delicious, but side servings were quite small. I think bread would be a nice addition. We had a wonderful night and we will return.”
Wine Bar • $$
“Attended a rehearsal dinner here last week. Atmosphere was lovely and food was awesome. The best part was the staff- I left behind a very expensive pair of sunglasses and woke up the next morning in a panic when I realized they weren't in my bag. I went back by the restaurant and the nicest lady, Tamara, took my number and said she would reach out to the staff to see if anyone had found them. An hour later, she called and had my sunnies! Lot of integrity with their staff and it made my trip!”
Mexican • $$
“A very good dining experience. Large plates with leftovers to take with you.”
Wineries • $$
“what a great night out as far as i can remember 😬😁! Great tasting wine three bottles made me sleep well later , the band The new vibe were great and even took the time for a little chat with us and photos , thanks for looking after us and being so friendly hope to make it back again soon !”
Steak House • $$$$
“Service was so slow. Apparently some issue with the grill, but nobody bothered to say anything until our meal was almost done. Then we asked to order dessert and were told the restaurant was closing. This was 8:15pm on a Friday night. Gotta do better. Communication to customers when things are going poorly in the kitchen can go a long way.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Tonight for delicious dinner, great specials,great service!👍🌈”
Mexican • $$
“Back patio is the best, cozy and warm, excellent choice for date night. Food was fresh and presented beautifully. Taquitos were perfect, so was guacamole. Margaritas were strong and fajitas were sizzling hot. The evening does not get better than this!!”
American • $$
“sumptuous food. great beers and wine. a favorite place to meet old neighborhood friends every time I visit!”
Indian • $$
“The food was great and the staff very friendly. I’ll definitely be back when I return to Santa Barbara!”
Italian • $$$$
“We visited Marisella for Valentine’s Day dinner and were fortunate to secure an 8:45 p.m. reservation. From the moment you pull into the circular drive for valet at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, the experience feels elevated. After being directed through the property to the back where the restaurant is located, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly at a table that was ready and waiting for us.
For Valentine’s Day, they offered a curated four-course menu rather than à la carte ordering. The courses were well executed and thoughtfully paced. I have a fruit allergy, and the staff was very mindful of that, which I appreciated. Accommodations were handled professionally without making it feel like an inconvenience.
Service was somewhat mixed. Our primary waitress seemed informal and borderline overwhelmed throughout the evening. In contrast, the support staff—runners, bussers, and cocktail servers—were polished, attentive, and proactive. At times, they felt more engaged than our assigned server.
The food itself was excellent. Everything we had was flavorful and well presented. The wine list was strong, which is not surprising given the property’s location and reputation. There are plenty of higher-end selections available. The exclusive cocktail menu, however, is fairly small. They can certainly make anything you request, but if you are hoping for a large selection of signature house cocktails, you may find it limited.
Overall, it was a very good experience, especially for a major holiday evening. I would absolutely return and look forward to visiting again on a non-holiday night to see how the restaurant performs under more typical conditions.”
Latest Reviews
Mexican • $
“Warm and inviting staff, nice ambiance, delicious Mexican food. The owner is also very kind & welcoming!!! Great stopping point when on-the-go as they are fast and courteous, or dine-in of course as well.”
Steak House • $$
“We love Chuck’s of Hawaii. Service is perfect, everyone is so pleasant. Last night, on my 88th birthday, our son Chuck and son fChris, not here, took us there for dinner. We all raved about the ribeye steaks, cooked perfectly with a superb flavor, delicious hot baked potato and a surprise cheesecake for my birthday. That was very nice. Thank you so much. Janice Haines”
Seafood • $$
“The recently remodeled and totally reimagined Harbor Restaurant is excellent. The clam chowder is delicious, the crispy Harbor rice melts in your mouth and the local halibut and filet mignon were amazing. The dining room and new bar are beautiful and the ocean views from every table are breathtaking. We’ve enjoyed private events and special dinners here. This place is definitely back better than ever!”
Cafe • $
“If you are looking for an Amazing And Beautiful event venue for a wedding reception, a birthday party, a bachelorette, or any occasion venue. I Highly Highly recommend State and Fig in Santa Barbara! From planning to execution, Patrick and Serina made my niece’s wedding Perfect! I don’t use Perfect lightly, as I am known to be critical and a perfectionist especially when it comes to events. They made my niece's wedding planning experience so easy, from booking the venue to providing Customized menu options, and ALWAYS received quick responses any time we had questions as well as added personal touches of their own to the wedding. Serina and Patrick were extremely helpful, detailed, and knowledgeable and knew exactly what we wanted and how they could help. On the wedding day, The whole staff was very friendly, attentive, communicative, accommodating, Extremely helpful, and responsive, from assisting with centerpiece decorations, to serving hors d’oeuvres Always with a smile, making sure Each and Every guest was taken care of throughout the night, I was very impressed! Now for the food, EXCEPTIONAL, the taste was phenomenal, the meat was tender, the salmon was cooked perfectly, Nothing was over/undercooked, so delicious and the guests would not stop talking about how good the hors d’oeuvre and main courses were! Thank you, Serina, Patrick, and your staff from the bottom of our hearts for helping to make my niece’s wedding day beyond wonderful, and Perfect! We certainly will be back even for a weekend getaway! 😊”
Korean • $$
“First time going to this restaurant with my daughter to celebrate her graduation. Food and hospitality was amazing and I would recommend this to anyone who likes Korean bbq and all you can eat! :)”
Restaurant • $$
“Absolutely excellent quality and freshness . If your looking for high quality food this is the spot .”
Most Popular Restaurants
Seafood • $$
“Love this restaurant, great service and their menu keeps getting better.”
Italian • $$$
“Great location, good food, but do NOT order limoncello. It is their own production they say. But tastes like bad wodka. For the rest we will be back. Piet & Annette”
Steak House • $$$
“Best place for Steak! I really love their dishes here at Holdren's Steaks & Seafood. Staff was amazing! Highly recommended!”
Seafood • $$
“Had the Lobster Mac & Cheese this time around! So good! The Mango Margie was amazing as well! ❤️🦞🍹🥰👍🏻”
Seafood • $$
“Great afternoon spent sat outside, drinking superb local beers and nibbling on fantastic local seafood. The service was impeccable from Eva our waitress. Cant recommend this place enough.”
New American • $$$
“We love the Kimpton in Santa Barbara! A special place for us, including us getting married there. The lunch was amazing. The mussels/frites incredible, and Jamie our server was incredible. He was attentive, professional and kind.”
Mediterranean • $
“Like the food. Good for reasonable priced Mediterranean.”
“The weekday sampler menu was fabulous! It gave just enough of everything to serve two people and everything was delicious! Dessert was scoops of vanilla and chocolate gelato. The waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and the staff was accommodating and friendly.”
Bakery • $$
“It’s hard to describe perfect. Everything from the extraordinary staff, to the comfortable atmosphere, to the perfectly prepared food was spot on. We are greatly appreciative for the work that goes into an operation like this.”
American • $$
“absolutely the best chowder . artichokes and fish are awesome. Great service today from Manuela ! highly recommended 👌 💯”
New Restaurants
Ice Cream Shop
“With new and bold flavors that are constantly shifting while still keeping in some of the favorites, Cuso's Creamery is a wonderful place to get a refreshing large cone of ice cream. The waffle cones are always worth it and so fresh, they just elevate the already delicious icecream made right there!”
Ice Cream Shop
“Mister Softee is reminiscint of my Childhood till the age of eighteen.
I thought it Great Mister Softee was opening in Santa Barbara CA.
It took me awhile to remember the absolutely Beautiful and Very Professional Team responsible for bringing Mister Softee to us.
I have made visits to Mister Softee and was completely unaware of Poster describing how this Poster described the Journey embarked by the two Beautiful People Owning Mister Softee.
With Names included.
Even though I was not smart enough to read this Poster, The Two Beautiful People responsible for bringing Mister Softee to us were always very happy to see me, and always extremely cordial.
If you have never experienced soft serve ice cream, you are in for a Treat by Visiting Mister Softee.”
American • $
“Excelente servicio rico delicioso los platillos q eh probado thank you lunas café”
Cideries • $
“An amazing find during a trip to SB. My partner loves good, super-dry ciders, and through her I”ve come to appreciate them as well (and it’s a lot easier to take her to a brewery with me than for us to find a cidery for her…).
Dropped in near the end of New Year’s Day and did tasting flights - mostly overlapping, but it’s a relatively compact selection to choose from (even if you dapple into the mead options). The four ciders we tried were exceptional - complex, dry, and with robust and distinctive flavors. I can’t remember the names, but the one co-fermented with a red wine was surprising and so, so good in particular.
The guy working the bar that night was also really helpful, friendly, and brought incredible energy on a quiet, grey, cold NYD. The whole place was a great experience!”
Indian • $
“Masala Spice SB is our new favorite Indian restaurant in Santa Barbara. The extensive menu is creative with plenty of vegan and gluten free options. The service was impeccable with our server being well versed in the menu. The food was authentic, creative, delicious and fun. I appreciate that people from India were working there, as well as eating there as customers. In the past, this location was a totally different restaurant which was devoid of ambiance and felt like a concrete warehouse. The current owners have done a great job to make it feel more welcoming and comfortable. My husband and I will definitely be returning to Masala Spice SB.”
Coffee Shops • $
“It's a great spot to learn it's history of the area and the harbor and other maritime information!”
Mexican • $
“Great cocktails, the Paloma and passionfruit margarita were amazing. Tons of tvs, awesome spot to watch games and the food is delicious. Good happy hour menu too!”
Chicken Wings
“We waited for a very long time to get our food, probably because it just recently opened. We were told that the order was being packaged but that took another 5 minutes. We ordered seasoned fries nut got regular fries. The pricing is decent, and the environment is very nice, you can watch sports on the TV there live. My favorite thing to eat there is the garlic parmesan boneless wings 100% and the fries were also very good. The ranch is very good, Food and environment did not disappoint. I would also like to mention there is a good selection of things to drink.”
Chicken Shop • $
“Bruxie is not necessarily a hole in the wall, but it’s an underrated gem for sure! All the food was delicious, the coffee - some of the best I’ve had in recent memory & brought to us by the kind & warm woman at the till. The atmosphere is chill and the wait was nonexistent (granted we sat down at 3:30pm). If you’re looking for some mean burgers at a reasonable price, definitely pay a visit :)”
Chicken Wings • $
“Had the most delectable onion rings known to man at this establishment. Came with ranch, didn’t even have to ask. Onion rings were a variety of sizes and the crispy breading to onion ratio was sublime. No notes. Compliments to the chef.”
Hamburger • $
“This is amazing- simple, tasty and a cool spot to enjoy a great bite!!! I like comparing burger spots to in-n-out or gott’s because honestly burger spot is unique. These guys know what they are doing. Menu has no fluff and the quality of the food is on point!! 👊🏼 worth checking more than once.”
Barbecue • $$
“Great BBQ! I had the beef ribs, it’s a great value with a lot of meat. The ribs were perfectly cooked and flavorful, especially when paired with the spicy BBQ sauce. I also liked the sides, they have many options to choose from.”
Pet Friendly • $$$
“lovely restaurant and great service! we had our favorite the grilled avocado with caviar - little expensive but wonderful! gem salad was excellent and hamburger was good. wish they would use sirloin as the meat. :)”
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