One of my favorite Spanish restaurants! Second visit, about 5 years apart. We sampled a wide range of items and nearly all were excellent. Tomato bread, patata bravas, grilled octopus, and so many other dishes were really outstanding. The one issue for me was mainly a personal preference. The Tortilla Espanol was made to order and a mini version that was served hot, with a bunch of stuff on top. It was too loose and wet for my taste. Service was great as were the drinks. Noise is a bit loud, but not unusually so. Parking is easiest if you use the Amtrak lot across the street. The small lot attached to the restaurant offers valet, but is very crampt and a little crazy on the weekends.
Jason R.
A fantastic dinner spot for tapas, and somewhere I will be trying to return to every time I visit Santa Barbara in the future. The chic, low-lit vibe is perfect for a date night or a group of small friends, and everything we tried was excellent: croquetas de jamon (our fav), patatas bravas, whipped goat cheese (pera), and mariscos paella. The churros we got for dessert were a bit overdone, and therefore underwhelming, but that did little to dampen my enjoyment of the meal, and I'm eager to try other items on the menu next time!
Lucia T.
The ambiance is lovely , food is nice and drinks are fabulous. We had some appetizers and of course paella!
Bill M.
Laquita used to be one of our favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara but for us it has gone down hill. The service is great, as always. What is lacking is the food and drink. There were four of us for dinner and we all ordered cocktails. The problem was they forgot to put the alcohol in each one. They were all very, very weak. The food was very good but the portions seem to have gotten smaller. We had small plates and ordered the paella. The small plates were very small and the paella for 4 was great for a party of two but not four. It's unfortunate to have one of our favorite restaurants turn a corner downwards. We will not be back for a long time.
Christopher R.
This restaurant is always a wonderful meal and experience. Looking forward to visiting again. Delicious and delightful.
Anika B.
We loved our meal at loquita. Although they were so busy and we didn't get to sit in the beautiful patio, the vibes inside were really cool as well. We loved the croquettes, the crudo, and the seafood paella. The paella was squid ink so it was different from ones I've had in the past but it was so rich in flavor, really delicious. Our waiter was super helpful and kind throughout the night, he recommended the churros for dessert and although they were more of a Mexican preparation than a Spanish churro, they didn't disappoint.
Zoe W.
THE CRUDO IS HEAVEN! Gin and tonics delish obviously. but yeah get the crudo. Crazy flavor
Vilkas S.
Ambience and food are both good. Restaurant is busy so we have to wait for service which is understandable. BUT we realized they add extra tips on our bill after we left. This is ridiculous that we didn't complained about the long wait of service, but they just eager for more tips.
Rex M.
My new favorite restaurant. I just wish it wasn't 120 miles from home! Broccolini was the best I've had anywhere, the Pastas Bravas and Croqueta de Jamon were very good, the Gambas Al Ajillo were absolutely delicious and the Mariscos Paella was good, but for three people this was a lot of food! The Flan and Basque Cheesecake were a great way to finish a wonderful meal.
Lindsay H
This was so AMAZING. Hoping this place continues with such high quality food and service!
Pretty decent. Reminded me of my trip to Barcelona. Carpaccio and pulpo tapas & pollo paella were strong points.
David Bulfer
First, our server, Dakota, was exceptional! She gave us great advice on food and wine. She has a great personality. Next, the food … wow! We had three tapas and finished with the vegetarian paella. Presentation was fabulous and the taste even better. I’ll definitely go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carpaccio, Croqueta De Jamon
Sydney H.
This is truly one of my favorite restaurants. My partner and I came here years ago on one of our first dates and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us coming back. The food was exceptional. Our server Saul was hospitable and so friendly. Every dish is well curated and transports you. Thank you for such an incredible experience.
Spencer C.
Our favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. The tapas style allows you to try a real variety of dishes. I cannot recommend this place enough. From the cocktails to the pallela to the ambiance and amazing staff it is a must visit when you're in Santa Barbara
dd g.
Everything we've tried has been delicious! You do need reservations. Definitely a treat since it's on the pricier side but worth the splurge!
One of my favorite Spanish restaurants! Second visit, about 5 years apart. We sampled a wide range of items and nearly all were excellent. Tomato bread, patata bravas, grilled octopus, and so many other dishes were really outstanding. The one issue for me was mainly a personal preference. The Tortilla Espanol was made to order and a mini version that was served hot, with a bunch of stuff on top. It was too loose and wet for my taste. Service was great as were the drinks. Noise is a bit loud, but not unusually so. Parking is easiest if you use the Amtrak lot across the street. The small lot attached to the restaurant offers valet, but is very crampt and a little crazy on the weekends.
A fantastic dinner spot for tapas, and somewhere I will be trying to return to every time I visit Santa Barbara in the future. The chic, low-lit vibe is perfect for a date night or a group of small friends, and everything we tried was excellent: croquetas de jamon (our fav), patatas bravas, whipped goat cheese (pera), and mariscos paella. The churros we got for dessert were a bit overdone, and therefore underwhelming, but that did little to dampen my enjoyment of the meal, and I'm eager to try other items on the menu next time!
The ambiance is lovely , food is nice and drinks are fabulous. We had some appetizers and of course paella!
Laquita used to be one of our favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara but for us it has gone down hill. The service is great, as always. What is lacking is the food and drink. There were four of us for dinner and we all ordered cocktails. The problem was they forgot to put the alcohol in each one. They were all very, very weak. The food was very good but the portions seem to have gotten smaller. We had small plates and ordered the paella. The small plates were very small and the paella for 4 was great for a party of two but not four. It's unfortunate to have one of our favorite restaurants turn a corner downwards. We will not be back for a long time.
This restaurant is always a wonderful meal and experience. Looking forward to visiting again. Delicious and delightful.
We loved our meal at loquita. Although they were so busy and we didn't get to sit in the beautiful patio, the vibes inside were really cool as well. We loved the croquettes, the crudo, and the seafood paella. The paella was squid ink so it was different from ones I've had in the past but it was so rich in flavor, really delicious. Our waiter was super helpful and kind throughout the night, he recommended the churros for dessert and although they were more of a Mexican preparation than a Spanish churro, they didn't disappoint.
THE CRUDO IS HEAVEN! Gin and tonics delish obviously. but yeah get the crudo. Crazy flavor
Ambience and food are both good. Restaurant is busy so we have to wait for service which is understandable. BUT we realized they add extra tips on our bill after we left. This is ridiculous that we didn't complained about the long wait of service, but they just eager for more tips.
My new favorite restaurant. I just wish it wasn't 120 miles from home! Broccolini was the best I've had anywhere, the Pastas Bravas and Croqueta de Jamon were very good, the Gambas Al Ajillo were absolutely delicious and the Mariscos Paella was good, but for three people this was a lot of food! The Flan and Basque Cheesecake were a great way to finish a wonderful meal.
This was so AMAZING. Hoping this place continues with such high quality food and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Pretty decent. Reminded me of my trip to Barcelona. Carpaccio and pulpo tapas & pollo paella were strong points.
First, our server, Dakota, was exceptional! She gave us great advice on food and wine. She has a great personality. Next, the food … wow! We had three tapas and finished with the vegetarian paella. Presentation was fabulous and the taste even better. I’ll definitely go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carpaccio, Croqueta De Jamon
This is truly one of my favorite restaurants. My partner and I came here years ago on one of our first dates and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us coming back. The food was exceptional. Our server Saul was hospitable and so friendly. Every dish is well curated and transports you. Thank you for such an incredible experience.
Our favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. The tapas style allows you to try a real variety of dishes. I cannot recommend this place enough. From the cocktails to the pallela to the ambiance and amazing staff it is a must visit when you're in Santa Barbara
Everything we've tried has been delicious! You do need reservations. Definitely a treat since it's on the pricier side but worth the splurge!