Restaurants

Delicious Santa Barbara Restaurants

With more than 470 different Santa Barbara restaurants to choose from, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy, from five-star dining to mom-and-pop cafés to the burger joint voted Best Tasting in the United States. You’ll find memorable meals here that are sure to delight — no matter your taste.

From California-centric interpretations of Mediterranean flavors to spicy regional Mexican cuisine, you’ll find plenty of great food. Seafood lovers will delight in tasting the catch of the day, fresh from our own waters off the Channel Islands. And no matter where you choose to dine, there’s likely to be a selection of local wines grown in one of the nearby AVAs. Taking advantage of fresh ingredients paired with local wines and beers, you’re sure to discover something delicious here that you won’t find anywhere else.

Can’t decide where to eat first? Get recommendations for a few must-try restaurants in Santa Barbara to help you start planning.

Farm-to-Table Dining

Treat yourself to a farm-to-table dinner in Santa Barbara you won’t soon forget. The area has some of the best weather year-round, which makes for bountiful harvests in our fields and vineyards. Our restaurant’s creative chefs are sourcing from daily farmers markets that feature beautiful local produce and fish markets situated adjacent to the Santa Barbara Harbor for the freshest seafood. These wonderful local ingredients build the foundation for incredible dishes and an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re wondering what wine or local craft beer to pair with your meal, just ask your server — they’re likely a trained sommelier or cicerone and can offer insights into a fantastic local discovery.

Where to Eat in Santa Barbara

Splurge-worthy fine dining, off-the-beaten-path taquerias, or family-friendly restaurants with an oceanview — you’ll find a variety of dining experiences in Santa Barbara, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Continue reading this page to discover featured local restaurants, articles packed with recommendations and insights, and more to help you plan your next delicious visit to Santa Barbara.

Restaurants in Santa Barbara


Recommended

Angel Oak

Angel Oak is a modern steak and seafood restaurant showcasing the culinary talents of Chef Josh Kellim. The diverse menu includes classic steakhouse dishes under a certified Kobe and dry-aged beef program, as well as locally-sourced fare such as…


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

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

The Lark

A shared dining experience featuring artisanal and seasonal ingredients celebrating the abundant bounty of the Central Coast. OUR STORY The Lark, named for the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa…


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 and the…


Recommended

La Paloma Cafe

Welcome to the old way of California cooking and hospitality. Quality meats, poultry, fish and vegetables cooked over California oak. What's Old is New Again: La Paloma Reopens after 37 Years Welcome back in time, back in Santa Barbara history…


Recommended

Helena Avenue Bakery

Helena Avenue Bakery is a homestyle artisan bakery and kitchen that brings together wholesome, homemade specialties using the highest quality ingredients found along the Central Coast. We offer rustic, organic breads, handmade seasonal pastries…


Additional Experiences


10 Must-Try Santa Barbara Restaurants
So many restaurants, so little time. The 10 must-try Santa Barbara restaurants for the time-strapped foodie.
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