As any recreational foodie knows, the toughest part about trip planning is deciding where to eat. You only have so many lunch and dinner slots to work with and there’s only so much one can enjoyably eat on any given day. So, we put this list together to help you navigate Santa Barbara’s restaurant scene as a starting point. We cross-referenced the latest ratings across trusted user-generated platforms like Open Table, Resy and Trip Advisor and also polled the discerning palates of local hospitality pros and the all-knowing Michelin Guide.
Narrowing it down was a serious challenge—there are dozens more that could have easily made this list for some memorable lunches and dinners in Santa Barbara. From established classics and new favorites to local darlings and award-winning eateries, these 14 must-try restaurants represent a smörgåsbord of Santa Barbara’s ever-evolving cuisine scene.
Located at the very end of Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is a must-try for fresh, local seafood with unbeatable ocean views. This iconic spot specializes in shellfish-forward dishes like Dungeness crab, hearty clam chowder and the flavorful uni (sea urchin) pasta, showcasing Santa Barbara’s renowned seafood bounty. Casual, cozy and perched right over the water, it’s the perfect place to savor some of the region’s best seafood while soaking up the salty breeze and scenic coastline.
If you’re on the hunt for delicious Asian-fusion cuisine, look no further than Secret Bao. This hidden gem offers a mouthwatering selection of bao buns, rotating noodle dishes and seasonal dumplings all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Former Loquita chef Peter Lee has paved the way with his inventive and diverse menu that’s an all-around experience for the senses for lunch and dinner in Santa Barbara.
This charming restaurant is known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas, made with fresh and high-quality ingredients (think: hand-pulled mozzarella and farmers market greens). Bettina’s cozy and rustic atmosphere creates the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner date or a casual night out with friends over a refreshing spritz cocktail.
Located across the street from El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, Alessia Patisserie & Café is a haven for French pastry lovers and those craving refined café fare. Whether you’re biting into a buttery croissant, savoring the signature kouign-amann or enjoying a savory croque monsieur, every item is crafted with precision and care. Perfect for a morning coffee stop or a leisurely afternoon treat, Alessia brings a touch of European elegance to the heart of Santa Barbara.
Bibi Ji wowed locals and visitors alike when it debuted in 2018, giving the city its first contemporary Indian cuisine restaurant. A partnership between owners Alejandro Medina and James Beard award-winning sommelier Rajat Parr, Bibi Ji’s menu includes playful spins on Indian classics and street food that make for a delectable dinner in Santa Barbara. Order the Uni Biryani, a “local delight” topped with and served inside a freshly caught, local sea urchin.
The most casual and budget-friendly eatery on our list, La Super Rica Taqueria is a humble taqueria on Milpas Street. The late Julia Child couldn’t get enough of the authentic, flavorful Mexican far and often brought her visiting food critic and chef friends to taste the goodness for themselves. The consistent lines out the door are a testament to her endorsement and the quality of the food, which is indeed worthy of a pilgrimage.
If you’re looking to dine somewhere that feels effortlessly hip and contemporary with a kick of spice, get yourself to the Michelin Bib Gourmand-approved Sama Sama Kitchen. The lunch and dinner restaurant features Southeast Asian fusion-style cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms. It’s truly unlike anything else in town and the bright, innovative flavors will not disappoint.
The rustic chic Barbareño takes inspiration from Santa Barbara’s Chumash Indian heritage and celebrates local purveyors, turning out thoroughly modern, quality Central Coast cuisine—with a playful twist. Executive chef Julian Martinez and chef de cuisine Preston Knox are behind the innovative dishes that taste all the more comforting thanks to the restaurant’s welcoming neighborhood vibe.
It’s pretty hard to beat the oceanfront location of Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, but it’s the quality food and drink that really keeps patrons coming back for more. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the family-friendly Boathouse menu runs the gamut from eggs benedict and fish tacos to burgers and classic wedge salads. Seafood lovers are in heaven here thanks to the raw bar offerings and variety of fresh catch.
Located inside Third Window Brewing, Third Window Kitchen deserves a gold star for its creative, elevated comfort food paired with refreshing local brews. Known for standout dishes like the smash burgers made with Wagyu beef, the wood-fired pizzas and its addictive house-made pickles, this spot delivers bold flavors in a laid-back setting. Nestled in Santa Barbara’s Haley Corridor, it’s the perfect place to enjoy great food and beer while experiencing the city’s vibrant craft brewing scene.
The Lark instantly became a “new classic” when it opened in the Funk Zone. Busy and buzzy since day one, this expansive farm-to-fork restaurant is stylish, relaxed and 100% delicious. Executive chef Jason Paluska’s seasonal menu changes frequently enough to keep it interesting month after month. Family-style portion sizes are excellent value for the price point and its craft cocktail program is another tasty draw.
If you’re seeking an intimate, fine dining experience and access to some of the region’s best wines, look no further than Bouchon Santa Barbara. Established in 1998, Bouchon (no relation to Thomas Keller’s) helped to put Santa Barbara’s wine country cuisine on the map with its French-accented, seasonal California fare. You’ll always feel like a VIP here, thanks to proprietor Mitchell Sjerven’s warm hospitality.
Spanish-style tapas is the specialty at Loquita, an always hopping, dinner-only restaurant in the Funk Zone. Chef Nikolas Ramirez concocts beautiful interpretations of traditional Spanish cuisine using Santa Barbara County’s abundance of fresh produce. The menu is comprised of hot and cold tapas, seasonal paellas and wood-fired grilled seafood and meats. Loquita’s cocktail program—one of the best in town—pays tribute to Spanish classics.
Discover the unique flavors of French-California cuisine at The Black Sheep “SB Brasserie.” This modern pub-style restaurant sources its ingredients locally, ensuring that each dish is fresh and bursting with flavor. Savor its delicious filet tartare, made with the finest cut of meat and served with fresh shallots, chives and topped with shaved bottarga. Or try its mouth-watering burger, crafted from grass-fed beef and topped with gruyere cheese on a potato brioche bun. Wash it all down with a glass of wine from the extensive list of local and international selections.
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