Food & Drink

Taste the best of the Central Coast’s food and drinks in The American Riviera®. From the Santa Ynez Valley to downtown Santa Barbara you’ll find the freshest ingredients on your table and in your glass at restaurants in Santa Barbara. Locally sourced, farm-to-table meals, craft brews and critically acclaimed wines await your palate. When it comes to food and drink here, perhaps the hardest choice you’ll make is where to dine. Fresh-off-the-boat seafood, Santa Maria-style barbecue, authentic Mexican cuisine and other coastal-inspired creations all pair perfectly with local wines and beers.

If you’re looking for a new way to discover Santa Barbara, plan an unforgettable foodie feast through town and indulge in unique, creative, and delectable dishes. You’ll be hard-pressed to find chain restaurants in our neck of the woods!

For more of a hands-on experience, treat yourself to a fun and educational cooking class or book a food or wine tour where you’ll go behind the scenes, meet the makers and find out why our restaurants and tasting rooms are so special. And keep Santa Barbara on your calendar during the month of October, as the abundance of harvest is celebrated with food- and libation-centric festivals.

Dig in and discover new places to dine and drink every time you come to Santa Barbara. Every meal is a reason to celebrate.

Food & Drink in Santa Barbara


Recommended

La Paloma Cafe

Welcome to the old way of California cooking and hospitality. Quality meats, poultry, fish and vegetables cooked over California oak.  What's Old is New Again: La Paloma Reopens after 37 Years  Welcome back in time, back in Santa…


Recommended

Eat This, Shoot That! Food and Drink Tours

Santa Barbara Food Tours in The Funk Zone This food & photo tour starts on lower State Street and will walk you through the Funk Zone neighborhood where you will taste what Santa Barbara is known for from bites of fresh seafood, gastropub…


Recommended

Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny, located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, features innovative artisanal pizzas from a wood-burning oven, with locally sourced garden fresh salads, delicious hot & cold sandwiches, handmade sweet treats, beer, wine…


Recommended

The Set

The Set Restaurant A classic American bistro with breathtaking ocean views. Dine bistro-style on a selection of classic dishes or cozy up by the outdoor fire pit with a specialty cocktail. Fireside S'mores Dine oceanfront and fireside this…


Recommended

The Stonehouse

Set inside a 19th century citrus packing house on the grounds of the storied San Ysidro Ranch, the Stonehouse Restaurant, recently named the #1 Restaurant in Santa Barbara by OpenTable exudes the rustic romance of its historic setting. Whether…


Recommended

CAYA Restaurant

A warm Santa Barbara welcome and modern culinary adventure awaits. Inspired by the fresh coastal flavors of Santa Barbara, CAYA restaurant welcomes everyone to “Come As You Are” for a modern culinary adventure paired with a mood as…


Recommended

The Lark

A shared dining experience featuring artisanal and seasonal ingredients celebrating the abundant bounty of the Central Coast.  OUR STORY The Lark, named for the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa…


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