7 Best Chinese Restaurants in Santa Barbara

“The Pickle Room is a "must visit" to enjoy an old-school Santa Barbara bar. I have no idea how I've lived in SB so many years without visiting the Pickle Room. It enjoys a prominent spot downtown in a well-known historical building. It is surprisingly small. There is a bar and a handful of booths. Upon entry, you are hit by the red color and intimate size of the place. We visited on a slow night and shared the space with locals and tourists. The drinks were all good and the service was friendly enough. I would not call the Pickle Room a dive. Leave those boring fern bars behind and try an SB original. We will return.“

“I just found out about this place last week, and both times I had lunch the food has been amazing. Last week I ordered the Kung Pao chicken and hot and sour soup, both were absolutely amazing. Today I stepped out of my comfort zone and ordered a more traditional Chinese dish, spicy and sour streaky beef, this was one of the best soups I have ever had. Also the service was amazing, I plan to visit many more times and try everything on the menu, I highly recommend this restaurant they have both authentic and American Chinese dishes, I am so happy I came across this amazing restaurant!“

“I found this place today and it’s seriously some of the best Chinese food I’ve had outside of China! I ordered the pork mushu lunch for $11.95 and it’s delicious. The portion size is large, the ingredients are very fresh, and the seasoning is perfect. The pancakes are prepared just right and there are two egg rolls with rice also included. The owner was so sweet and greeted me with genuine interest. I can’t wait to go back! It’s really fantastic!“

“China Pavilion is hands down one of my favorite restaurants ever, and absolutely my favorite place to get dim sum. The food and tea are always delicious and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Everything is delicious, but some of my favorites are the shrimp and chive pies, Szechuan wontons, baked bbq pork buns, and egg custard buns“

“Food was very delicious, very good service amidst a modest and simple setting. The side parking lot is a little too narrow for double parking though. Nonetheless, it will always be worth coming back to for a good tasting meal with the family.“

“Great food, great service. Food comes out fast, hot and delish!“

“It’s just a regular Panda Express, though i would say some of my rice was a little bit dry but it didn’t bother me that much. Pretty cheap, good place to go if you’re a student like me. I paid $13 for a plate and a small drink, I could say that they could add more stuff to make the atmosphere less, plain?Staff was nice, another good thing is that this place is a lot less busy than the one in la cumbre since most people go all the way over there and forget there’s one in state but other than that, it’s just a normal Panda Express?“