Photo credit: Justin Cook, courtesy of Clark’s Oyster Bar
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.
Santa Playa Mariscos offers a fresh take on Mexican seafood, blending fresh flavors with a casual dining experience—a great addition to the bustling downtown dining scene. The restaurant, launched by Jonathan “Yona” Estrada, also known for Yona Redz, features a menu full of vibrant dishes like ceviche, fresh oysters, shrimp aguachile and tacos.
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 on State Street.
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.
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.
Mother Dough Bagels specializes in organic sourdough bagels, naturally fermented for 48 hours for a crispy exterior and chewy interior. Featuring flavors like everything, sesame and furikake, along with gourmet spreads, this shop offers hand-rolled, small-batch bagels from its unassuming Santa Barbara location.
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.
RH Firehouse Grill, located within Montecito’s Restoration Hardware, offers an elegant indoor-outdoor dining experience in the historic Old Firehouse. The menu highlights signature salads, hearth-roasted classics like whole grilled branzino and a standout fried chicken sandwich, paired with a curated wine list and handcrafted cocktails.
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.
Happy Cat Eats, located on Cabrillo Boulevard, offers an eclectic menu packed with inventive fusion dishes from many different cuisines. Standout items include a bao taco trio and loaded carnitas fries, piled high with tender, seasoned pork and fresh toppings. For a unique take on comfort food, try the signature hot dogs inspired by Asian street food, or dive into the sushi burger—a bold fusion of sushi elements served in burger form.
Bar Lou, recently opened by Warner Ebbink and chef Brandon Boudet, offers French-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include steak au poivre, branzino almondine and smoked black cod smørrebrød, served in a welcoming indoor and outdoor setting along Coast Village Road.
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.
Clark’s Oyster Bar on Coast Village Road celebrates coastal American classics with a menu featuring 10 different kinds of oysters, lobster rolls, chowder and daily catch specials. With fresh, locally sourced seafood and a curated wine list, it’s a go-to spot for lunch or dinner.
Photo credit: Justin Cook, courtesy of Clark’s Oyster Bar
La Cantina, a new restaurant in the Noleta area between Santa Barbara and Goleta, offers a cozy and authentic New Mexican dining experience. The menu features mouthwatering favorites like rich, flavorful pozole, savory enchiladas la paz and handmade sopes, each prepared with a blend of traditional techniques and modern touches.
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.
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.
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