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 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 Set

A classic American bistro with breathtaking ocean views. Dine bistro-style on a selection of classic dishes or cozy up by the outdoor fire pit with a specialty cocktail and ocean views. Reserve your spot at one of their s’mores fire pits and…


Recommended

Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny, located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, features innovative artisanal pizzas from a wood-burning oven, with locally sourced garden fresh salads, delicious hot & cold sandwiches, handmade sweet treats, beer, wine…


Recommended

Tyger Tyger

Tyger Tyger delivers Californian plant-forward breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus inspired by the bold flavors and exotic spices found across southeast Asia. The elevated yet casual counter service experience features a scratch-made menu from the…


Recommended

Loquita Santa Barbara

Loquita serves authentic Spanish food including hot and cold tapas, wood-fire grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella. The Mediterranean climate and terroir of Santa Barbara County mirror that of Spain, making the translation of locally…


Recommended

Opal Restaurant and Bar

A local's favorite, opal restaurant and bar infuses an eclectic California cuisine with creative influences from around the World. Their chefs use the freshest of ingredients to create dishes inspired by the colorful multi-cultural heritage of…


Recommended

Plow & Angel at San Ysidro Ranch

Enjoy a comfortable, convivial atmosphere in this locals' favorite. Famous for its mac 'n cheese and award winning ribs, the Plow & Angel, located at the San Ysidro Ranch, is the place to see and be seen. The cozy ambiance is enhanced with…


Recommended

The Stonehouse

Set inside a 19th century citrus packing house on the grounds of the storied San Ysidro Ranch, the Stonehouse Restaurant, recently named the #1 Restaurant in Santa Barbara by OpenTable exudes the rustic romance of its historic setting. Whether…


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