Taste the best of the Central Coast’s food and drinks in The American Riviera®. From the Santa Ynez Valley to downtown Santa Barbara you’ll find the freshest ingredients on your table and in your glass at restaurants in Santa Barbara. Locally sourced, farm-to-table meals, craft brews and criticallyacclaimed wines await your palate. When it comes to food and drink here, perhaps the hardest choice you’ll make is where to dine. Fresh-off-the-boat seafood, Santa Maria-style barbecue, authentic Mexican cuisine and other coastal-inspired creations all pair perfectly with local wines and beers.
If you’re looking for a new way to discover Santa Barbara, plan an unforgettable foodie feast through town and indulge in unique, creative, and delectable dishes. You’ll be hard-pressed to find chain restaurants in our neck of the woods!
For more of a hands-on experience, treat yourself to a fun and educational cooking class or book a food or wine tour where you’ll go behind the scenes, meet the makers and find out why our restaurants and tasting rooms are so special. And keep Santa Barbara on your calendar during the month of October, as the abundance of harvest is celebrated with food- and libation-centric festivals.
Dig in and discover new places to dine and drink every time you come to Santa Barbara. Every meal is a reason to celebrate.
The 1880 Union is a historic landmark stagecoach stop built by Wells Fargo in the late nineteenth century in the town of Los Alamos. Since the early 1900s it has operated as a hotel & saloon, and now offers an authentic,…
Gourmet Cheese Shop C'est Cheese is Santa Barbara’s premier gourmet cheese shop. We feature over 100 artisan cheeses from all over the world, which we sample and cut to order. Our meat case features over a dozen types of…
Initially established in 1979 as a buying station for local lobster and abalone, Santa Barbara Shellfish evolved into the area expert when it comes to local crustaceans, shrimp, and other seafood specialties. Very affordable fresh fare!
Convivo is a Santa Barbara restaurant with an Italian soul. Chef-Owner Peter McNee's food is best described as ‘Nomad Italian’. It strays from the standard or traditional Italian, sourcing inspiration from many other cultures’…
This is the ' ORIGINAL' Sambo's Restaurant that started it all! The restaurant is currently owned and managed by the original founders' grandson, Chad Stevens. Sambo's continues the family tradition established by Chad's grandfather Sam. (In fact…
Finch & Fork Restaurant is a gathering place where guests are welcomed to share in small plates and great conversation. Chef Peter Cham brings to life a menu designed to be paired with craft cocktails, artisanal wines and great…
Spend some time at the Santa Barbara Harbor, where you can watch fishermen bring in fresh catch, and then grab some for yourself. Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman
With 6 different markets to choose from each week, take your pick on which day and location to visit. No matter where you choose, you’re always guaranteed the freshest produce around. Photo Credit: Instagram @yummymummykitchen
Southern California inspired cuisine, Outpost is designed to offer guests an incredible Santa Barbara dining experience. Photo Credit: Instagram @irenecheneats
Loquita’s cocktail list showcases Spanish vermouths, farmers’ market Sangria, handcrafted cocktails and a rotating selection of Spain’s king of cocktails, the Gin-and-Tonic. Photo Credit: Instagram @loquitasb
A lunch spread that dreams are made of. Bring the family to Santa Barbara Public Market for a little something for everyone. Photo Credit: Instagram @TheDefinedDish
Next time you're wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, make a stop at this quaint cafe with bountiful brunch fare. Photo Credit: Instagram @losangelesfoodiegirl
Taste a delicious spin on the quintessential breakfast burrito with an order of Milpas flatbread, a Mexican-style pizza covered in salsa verde, potatoes, chorizo and fried egg. Photo Credit: Cecilia Rosell
Morning recommendation: Wake up to a gorgeous sunrise followed with a bagel sandwich and a giant latte at Helena Avenue Bakery. Photo Credit: Instagram @TheDefinedDish
Will pose for ice cream 🍦 Kids & adults alike can't resist the sweet taste of Rori's Creamery inside Santa Barbara Public Market.
Photo Credit: Instagram @TheDefinedDish
Big Eye Raw Bar taking lunch goals to a whole new level with poke bowls at the Santa Barbara Public Market. Photo Credit: Instagram @santabarbarapublicmarket
When visiting Santa Barbara, a day trip to Los Olivos is an absolute must. And so are these oysters for The Bear and Star. Photo Credit: Instagram @losangelesfoodiegirl
Dine in at The Lark for marinated & grilled hanger steak with charred broccoli, calabrian chile, crispy shallots, and mint. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @TheLarkSB
Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara is weekend must when in Santa Barbara. Photo Credit: Image by Instagram Fan @_thomasdawson
For the most incredible shrimp tacos and breakfast burritos, head to the harbor for a stop at On the Alley. Photo Credit: Image by Instagram Fan @_thomasdawson
Lunches are fun and easy at opal - excellent food, outstanding service and reasonable prices make this a local favorite. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @opal_sb
Delectable food and cocktails over lunch are the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. S.Y. Kitchen does it right. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @wanderandwine
In every visit to Brophy Bros., visitors and locals alike enjoy views of the harbor, fishermen and fresh seafood from the Santa Barbara Channel. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @lizhubbard16
Treat yourself to a gorgeous table right on the patio overlooking the ocean and eat our way through the menu at Bella Vista at Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Photo Credit: Instagram @_thomasdawson
Enjoy a taste of Italy at Olio Pizzeria Enoteca & Bar. More in the mood for pasta? Don't fear! The formal Italian dining is just around the corner at Olio Limone. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @oliosantabarbara
Cheers to a sun-filled vacation in Santa Barbara spent atop the Canary Hotel's rooftop with bubbles and Bloody Mary's. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @canaryhotel
This mouth watering dish comes with a melange of wild mushrooms, toasted almonds, red peppers, carrots, zucchini, red and green cabbage, surrounded by fresh capri tomatoes, avocados and crispy wontons. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @opal_sb
