Food & Drink

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 critically acclaimed 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 tour 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.

Food & Drink in Santa Barbara


Recommended

The Dining Room at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel

A sublime dining experience is guaranteed at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel. Playing host to some of the best restaurants in southern California, our passion for artisanal ingredients and exceptional flavors matches the region’s culinary abundance.…


Recommended

Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours

Immerse yourself in the heart of Santa Ynez's flourishing wine country with expertly curated tours, offering a chance to sample the region’s finest wines and learn about local vintages. Santa Ynez Wine Tour (Most Popular!)Experience…


Recommended

Captain Jack’s Santa Barbara Tours

Captain Jack’s offers custom wine tours, beer tours, historical and architectural tours, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and whale watching. The company prides itself in making sure each tour is suited to the individual needs and…


Shaker Mill

A contemporary Lower State Street neighborhood cocktail bar inspired by the fusion of the Golden Age of Cuban cocktails and al fresco drinking. We are driven by coastal influences (due to our proximity to the ocean), local produce,…





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