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.
Immerse yourself in the world of local and fresh California cuisine at Terra, the onsite dining experience at The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio in Goleta. Start your day with a delightful breakfast with a selection of signature toast options and end it on a savory note with a delicious dinner all at the same place, featuring the finest in farm-to-table fare. Terra proudly embraces its connection to culinary traditions, as its one of the first places with a recorded recipe for avocado toast. For a casual lunch, explore the marketplace and grab convenient and tasty items to enjoy on-the-go amidst the serene beauty of our lush garden setting—a perfect spot for a delightful picnic.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Marketing 24 Seven Hotels
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Santa Barbara Pizza House offers a fusion of Chicago’s deep-dish legacy and Naples’ artisanal heritage in its pizzas. The restaurant excels in creating pizzas with delicious crusts, flavorful sauces and fresh mozzarella. This unique combination of styles creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, celebrating the iconic pizza traditions from both cities.
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.
If you’re looking for gourmet tequila- and agave spirit-based cocktails, you’ve come to the right place. With over 700 hundred different liquor labels to choose from—many of which are additive-free—and world-class mixologists behind the bar, Augie’s is serving up a thirst-quenching and creative assortment of beverages alongside its healthy and elevated Mexican cuisine for every price range, starting with its classic margarita reposado for just $12. The restaurant’s owner and namesake Augie features his own agave spirit brand at the restaurant, also called Augie’s, that is incorporated in many of the drinks on its expansive cocktail menu.
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.
Pokewaves stands out for its use of premium ingredients like bright orange Scottish salmon and deep red bluefin tuna. The restaurant offers both signature bowls, such as the Ponzu Salmon and Hawaiʻi Classic, and customizable options with a variety of fresh proteins and unique sauces. Its commitment to freshness and quality in between Goleta and Santa Barbara makes it a must-visit for poke enthusiasts.
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
