Photo of Terra, courtesy of Twenty Four Seven Hotels
As far as we’re concerned, there’s always room for more good eats in our bountiful city surrounded by organic farms, family-run ranches, avocado and citrus orchards and the seafood-rich Santa Barbara Channel. You’re definitely going to want to sample what these new Santa Barbara South Coast restaurants are cooking up with the ingredients of the season. From casual to refined and everything in between, this fresh crop of eateries is ripe for your restaurant picking.
Azul Cocina and Cantina offers an innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine, masterfully prepared by executive chef Manny Diaz using the finest local ingredients. This vibrant eatery is a culinary highlight right off State Street, bringing a lively atmosphere and modern twist on classic flavors to downtown Santa Barbara. Guests can enjoy an array of unique tequila and mezcal cocktails, alongside a selection of seasonal wines, perfectly paired with the restaurant’s fresh and inventive dishes.
Alma Fonda Fina, the latest culinary venture by Ramon Velazquez—also behind Corazon Cocina, Beast Taqueria and Corazon Comedor—brings elevated Mexican cuisine to Montecito Country Mart. The restaurant offers an intimate and cozy setting that enhances the dining experience, combining traditional flavors with refined, artfully plated dishes like a refreshing citrus halibut ceviche, melt-in-your-mouth tacos suadero and a colorful, open-faced quesadilla made with fresh vegetables.
Santa Barbara Sunshine Café, located in Goleta, boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious, home-style cooking. Specializing in hearty breakfast and lunch dishes, the cafe offers a diverse menu featuring classic American fare with a California twist. From fluffy pancakes and omelets to fresh salads and gourmet sandwiches, every dish is made with high-quality ingredients and a touch of sunshine.
Discover a culinary treasure in the heart of State Street at Indian Tandoori Kingdom. This new restaurant brings the traditional techniques of tandoori cooking to life, offering a sumptuous menu of tender meats and vibrant vegetables prepared in an authentic clay oven. Delight in a selection that spans from spicy biryanis to hearty curries and six different types of freshly made naan.
Step into Wexler’s Deli inside Santa Barbara Public Market, where the art of this Los Angeles-based Jewish delicatessen thrives through meticulous, in-house craftsmanship. Bite into fresh sandwiches made of pastrami (made in-house and hand-cut to order) and bagels stuffed generously with smoked salmon cured with a unique blend of spices and smoked over apple wood.
The Oyster Bar on Stearns Wharf offers a fresh and exciting dining experience with stunning ocean views. This new hotspot specializes in the finest seafood, with a menu featuring an array of oysters on the half shell, decadent raw bar platters, succulent peel-and-eat shrimp cocktails and warm and savory clam chowder. Complement your meal with a selection from its impressive local beer, wine and inventive cocktail list.
Savor the taste of New York-style bagels at Yetz’s Bagels inside Dank Bowl Kitchen, where you can enjoy a variety of fresh-baked bagels, from classic flavors to inventive creations, all served with a variety of spreads and toppings. Located in the heart of Isla Vista, Yetz’s Bagels offers a deliciously satisfying experience for bagel aficionados seeking a taste of the East Coast.
Savor the smoky flavors and irresistible aromas of feel-good barbecue cuisine at Best BBQ in downtown Santa Barbara. Whether you choose the plate of tender brisket or a rack of mouthwatering ribs, every dish is slow-cooked to perfection and served with flavor-packed homemade sauces. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of State Street and step inside to experience this brand-new, barbecue enthusiast-approved dining destination.
Jonesy’s Fried Chicken has just opened its doors in Goleta, quickly becoming a go-to spot for crispy, flavorful fried chicken and other Southern-inspired sides. The menu boasts a variety of mouth-watering options, including shareable fried chicken plates, a Korean Nashville hot chicken sandwich and juicy buffalo wings. Sides include whipped pimento cheese, creamy buttermilk coleslaw, bacon baked beans and more. For a sweet and savory twist, try the chicken and waffles, served with honey-cayenne butter for an extra kick.
A visit to Michelin-recommended Silvers Omakase is a journey for the senses in Santa Barbara’s ever-bustling Funk Zone. This exclusive new dining experience offers a chef’s choice tasting menu showcasing the finest Japanese cuisine by chef/owner Lennon Silvers Lee, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and top-notch ingredients. While the experience may come with a premium cost, the impeccable flavors, elegant presentation and thoughtful ambiance make Silvers Omakase a must-visit destination for foodies.
Nick The Greek is a fast-casual Greek restaurant that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your plate. The first Nick The Greek location opened in San Jose, Calif., and quickly became a go-to for its delicious gyros, souvlaki and fresh salads. Since then, the chain has expanded to multiple locations, including its vibrant spot in the Paseo Nuevo.
Pang Zi Noodle Shop brings bold, authentic Vietnamese and Chinese flavors to Goleta. Specializing in noodle dishes, the menu features savory dishes like spicy beef noodle soup, pork wontons and savory pho. Each dish is crafted with care, including its housemade chili oil and decadent broth flavors.
Bite into chicken and waffles like never before at Bruxie, tucked away in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center. Indulge in Belgian-inspired waffle creations ranging from savory to sweet, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients and innovative flair made fresh every day. Whether you’re craving a crispy fried chicken waffle sandwich or a decadent dessert waffle filled with fresh fruit, Bruxie invites you to indulge every savory (or sweet) bite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Café La Fonda, a family-owned restaurant located across the street from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, celebrates the richness of Hispanic heritage through traditional cuisine with a creative twist. The chef and owner infuses his grandmother’s recipes with his own artistic flair, offering guests a unique dining experience that goes beyond just food. Renowned for its warm hospitality, Café La Fonda is more than a restaurant; it’s a place where every customer is treated like family and invited to be part of the restaurant’s story.
The Funk Zone recently welcomed fast-casual Middle Eastern cuisine to the neighborhood with the addition of former Third Window Brewing pop-up, Tamar. Located in the same shared building as Dart Coffee on Yanonali Street, this is the perfect lunch detour spot for shawarma, falafel, sandwiches and hummus.
Photo credit: @danielle_rubi_productions via Instagram
White Caps Beach Club has launched two permanent food truck-style restaurants, one in the Funk Zone and another in Summerland, offering a casual yet elevated dining experience. The East Coast-style menu features indulgent options like wild-caught Maine lobster rolls, creamy lobster mac n’ cheese and Maryland crab sliders, along with other savory dishes made from fresh ingredients.
