In Santa Barbara, there’s no better way to enjoy a meal than by pairing it with seaside views and the splendor of the great outdoors. Lucky for us (and you), Santa Barbara’s restaurant community continues to maximize its outdoor dining spaces and has creatively elevated its al fresco footprint so you can savor regional cuisine in beautiful outdoor settings.
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WATERFRONT
Mother Nature gives an extra boost to the airflow at waterfront establishments that pair serene ocean views with delicious fare. After your meal, take a stroll along the Cabrillo Bike Path.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from its iconic location right above Hendry’s Beach—aka Arroyo Burro Beach. Securing a table on the outdoor patio is even more enviable these days given the incredible setting, especially at sunset. Consider Boathouse for a hearty brunch, fish tacos and burgers or a massive seafood platter and martinis.
Convivo Restaurant & Bar is outfitted with a prime patio that looks directly out onto the mellow swells of East Beach. The setting is elegant enough for a special occasion while being equally relaxed for casual happy hour sips and bites. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features wood-fired flatbreads and pizzas, house-made pastas, bright salads and smaller plates.
Okuspecializes in Asian-fusion cuisine prepared with the freshest seafood and seasonal produce, with an epic view of East Beach to boot. Think sushi, dumplings, Thai noodles and artful preparations of local catch like spot prawns and sea urchin. In addition to its patio dining room and rooftop bar, Oku boasts outdoor seating adjacent to the restaurant that lights up at sunset with strategically placed lanterns and glowing heat lamps.
Santa Barbara FisHouse is nestled on Cabrillo Boulevard with views of the beach and Stearns Wharf. Serving lunch and dinner daily, the breezy patio area features a firepit and string lights that add extra ambiance after the sun goes down. Naturally, the menu is seafood-centric and as fresh as it gets. And you’re welcome to bring your pups.
The closest you can get to being on the water without hopping on a boat is spending time on Stearns Wharf, where you can hit Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. The casual eatery originated as a fish market and has been serving the local community and visitors for more than 40 years. Best known for their crab dishes, this longstanding establishment also makes a mean shrimp ceviche, lobster roll and clam chowder. Dine on the limited patio or order to-go and enjoy your meal on the beach.
You can literally sink your feet in the sand at West Beach when you dine at laid-back Shoreline Café. The café features both a big patio and a selection of tables right on the beach. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus feature Mexican dishes and classic Californian fare that appeal to a wide range of dietary preferences. Plus, it’s very kid-friendly!
Between State Street’s big transformation into a pedestrian promenade and the continuation of creative parklets, Downtown and the Funk Zone channel that European outdoor dining vibe—with a Californian twist, of course.
Another top Tapas spot, Loquita can be found in the Funk Zone on lower State Street. The dinner-only restaurant’s patio oozes Santa Barbara ambiance, from the tile work to the abundant bougainvillea. Additionally, the size of the patio makes it possible for more lucky diners to savor Spanish flavors and deliciously noteworthy gin and tonics.
Pizza is the star of the table at Lucky Penny in the Funk Zone. The simple menu of griddled paninis, wood-fired pizzas, salads and small plates bursts with vibrant seasonal flavors. Be sure to take photos in front of the highly Instagrammable penny wall!
Family-run Shalhoobs is quintessential Santa Barbara through and through. Its Funk Zone restaurant is appointed with a sizable outdoor patio on a concrete lot—it’s a comfortable, relaxed place to enjoy barbecued delights featuring mindfully-sourced proteins and produce.
Spanish tapas and award-winning cocktails are on the menu at Milk & Honey. The restaurant, tucked off State Street, creates a moody and inviting atmosphere that even trickles into its outdoor patio space. Stop by this local staple for happy hour drinks and tapas before setting off on your next Santa Barbara adventure.
Nestled just a few blocks from State Street, Gala offers an enchanting al fresco experience that celebrates the region’s natural beauty and bountiful produce. Settle in on the bustling outdoor patio or grab a seat at one of the outdoor bar stools and savor farm-to-table dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients like watermelon salad and fresh oysters on the half shell, complemented by an exceptional list of unique cocktails that rotate seasonally.
From Summerland and Montecito to Goleta, these eateries are slightly off-the-beaten path. Tried-and-true local go-to’s with attractive outdoor seating options, it’s worth your while to seek them out.
Located between upper State Street and Goleta, Creekside Restaurant & Bar is open for dining every day of the week. The patio, covered with a canopy for sun protection, picnic tables line the sizable space where diners can dig into all-American fare.
If you find yourself in the Summerland vicinity, make a point to grab a bite to eat on the sunny patio of Feast inside Field + Fort. The café’s menu was made for an elevated picnic, with lovely locales like Lookout Park and Summerland Beach nearby. The breakfast items, sandwiches and heartier “feasts” provide gourmet fuel for days spent in the water or on the trails.
Over the hill in wine country, Hitching Post 2 has a roomy outdoor tent on the grounds of its legendary restaurant property, perfect for enjoying its signature Santa Maria-style barbecue grilled over red oak in this alfresco country western setting. From steaks and seafood to artichokes and ribs, any dinner at Hitching Post 2 pairs well with its equally beloved range of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wines. If you visit during the day, the winery on the same grounds serves lunch and has picnic table seating under the shade of trees.
The patio vibe of the Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery three locations (upper State Street, the corner of State and Cabrillo and Montecito) are top outdoor choices among the brunch dining scene in Santa Barbara. Sit back at one of the sunny café tables under one of the iconic pink umbrellas and enjoy your pick from a menu of breakfast and lunch items that are inherently brunch-y, healthy and delicious.
Renowned for its warm hospitality, vibrant flavors and inviting outdoor patio, Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant in Goleta is a local favorite. Delight in signature dishes like succulent tacos, sizzling fajitas and some of the freshest salsa around. The menu’s stars, from richly sauced enchiladas to zesty margaritas, are a must.
In Santa Barbara, hotel dining isn’t an afterthought — it’s the main event, where world-class chefs, oceanfront views and inspired menus turn every meal into an unforgettable experience.
