Located inside The Leta Hotel in Goleta, CAYA brings a laid-back yet refined take on coastal California cuisine. The menu showcases fresh, locally inspired flavors — from wood-fired seafood to seasonal produce-driven plates — paired with gourmet cocktails and regional wines. With its breezy, stylish ambiance and open-air patio, CAYA is a go-to for relaxed dining, whether you’re staying at the hotel or simply savoring the lifestyle of the Santa Barbara South Coast.

Perched in the Riviera, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel is a serene hideaway offering sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Within this luxurious retreat, The Dining Room at El Encanto emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor seasonal California-coastal cuisine, from seafood to artisanal pastas, all complemented by an extensive wine list featuring top Santa Barbara vintages — and it can all be enjoyed al fresco and under the stars on the restaurant’s terrace or in the elegant indoor space.

Nestled within the historic San Ysidro Ranch, The Stonehouse offers an enchanting dining experience recognized by the Michelin Guide. Set in a 19th-century citrus packing house, the restaurant features a cozy ambiance with wood-burning fireplaces and twinkling overhead lights. Executive chef Matt Johnson crafts seasonal American cuisine, highlighting fresh produce from the on-site organic garden and locally sourced, protein-forward dishes. Complementing the menu is an extensive wine list, honored with the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 2014. Click here to view more restaurants that boast incredible wine lists.

Photo credit: Blake Bronstad

Inside the Kimpton Canary Hotel, Finch & Fork celebrates California’s bounty with market-driven dishes like charred Spanish octopus and braised short rib, paired with craft cocktails and local wines. The stylish yet inviting space complements the hotel’s boutique charm, making it a go-to for brunch, dinner or drinks in downtown Santa Barbara. Check out the hotel’s events page for an array of monthly events to choose from!

Inside the luxurious Hotel Californian in the bustling Funk Zone neighborhood, Michelin-recommended Blackbird is a chic yet approachable destination for elevated coastal cuisine. The restaurant’s sleek, moody aesthetic — marked by rich textures and dramatic lighting — sets the tone for a refined dining experience. The menu highlights hyper-local ingredients in standout dishes like wood-grilled branzino, handmade pastas and inventive small plates, complemented by craft cocktails and a robust wine selection.

Photo credit: Blake Bronstad

Perched along the coastline inside Mar Monte Hotel, Costa Kitchen & Bar brings a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired perspective to Santa Barbara’s dining scene. The airy, sunlit space — where ocean breezes meet warm, modern design — sets the stage for a menu that celebrates land and sea. Expect vibrant, ingredient-driven dishes like citrus-cured crudo, grilled seafood and house-made pastas, all thoughtfully paired with craft cocktails and a dynamic wine selection.

Located inside the Santa Barbara Inn, Convivo blends coastal living with its signature “nomad Italian” cuisine. With sweeping ocean views from its sun-drenched patio across from East Beach, the restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, inventive, hearty salads and housemade pastas that celebrate bold, worldly flavors.

Perfectly situated along the pristine shores of Montecito, Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach boasts a coveted Michelin and Green Star, which awards restaurants for their exceptional cuisine and commitment to sustainability. With al fresco seating that offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas, diners are treated to a feast. Under the direction of chef Massimo Falsini, the various prix fixe and multi-course menu options showcase local ingredients, with standout dishes that feature Santa Barbara uni (sea urchin), spiny lobster and prime cuts of meat.

Photo credit: Blake Bronstad

Set within the serene luxury of Rosewood Miramar Beach, Ama Sushi delivers an authentic Edomae-style experience, earning a place in the Michelin Guide as a recommended restaurant. Guests can opt for two versions of an intimate omakase (the Susuki or the Pearl) at the sleek sushi bar, indulge in a carefully curated prix fixe menu — showcasing pristine seafood and Japanese flavors — or select from the restaurant’s diverse a la cart options. Highlights are assembled with ingredients like kanpachi (amberjack), local black cod and toro.

Located inside Riviera Beach House, Santo Mezcal elevates modern Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and artful presentation. The menu showcases fresh, high-quality ingredients in standout dishes like ceviches, grilled Spanish-style octopus and mole-braised short rib, paired with an impressive selection of mezcals, tequilas and other cocktails. The stylish, contemporary space — featuring vibrant artwork and an open, airy design — creates a lively yet refined atmosphere just steps from the waterfront on lower State Street.

Photo credit: Blake Bronstad

Tucked inside the historic Montecito Inn, Sushi by Scratch is an intimate, 10-seat omakase experience led by talented chefs crafting fresh, inventive bites  — and it’s Michelin-recommended. The restaurant delivers a meticulously curated 17-course tasting menu alongside its speakeasy-like ambiance, highlighting pristine seafood, unexpected flavor pairings, and artistic presentation. Located in the heart of Coast Village Road, the Montecito Inn offers a refined, old-Hollywood charm just moments from Santa Barbara’s coastline.

Tucked inside the Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown, Saint Remy brings a Mediterranean twist to California cuisine in a stylish, retro-inspired space. The menu spotlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a mix of shareable small plates, seasonal specialties and vibrant coastal flavors. Whether dining indoors or on the breezy patio, guests can pair their meal with a selection of artisanal wines and flavorful cocktails for a relaxed yet elevated experience.