With more than 450 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.
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.
The beautiful exterior of Casa Blanca is just the beginning for diners entering Santa Barbara’s hottest new Mexican restaurant – rivaled only by the wondrous interior created by local renowned architect Jeff Shelton. Shelton included…
Barbareno is a California-style bistro centrally located in downtown Santa Barbara. Drawing our inspiration from all that is around us, we celebrate California’s Central Coast through our cuisine, our space, and our spirit.
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…
Breakfast, Dinner, Cocktails – The Bistro Has It All Whether you are meeting with colleagues, sitting down with family or craving a snack on the go, The Bistro has what you need. Choose from a full menu brimming with options from healthy to…
BENCHMARK eatery is uniquely situated in the heart and soul of Santa Barbara’s business and cultural arts district. With a 360 degree bar and outdoor patio, Benchmark is fast becoming a gathering hub for all of downtown. It’s…
The Hitching Post specializes in Red Oak-Fired Santa Maria Barbecue of perfectly grilled meats, seafood and local farmed vegetables. Visit the famous bar where locals and visitors enjoy conversation, local wines and our Hartley Ostini Hitching Post…
The Bear and Star’s “Refined Ranch Cuisine” model is intrinsically intertwined to the 714 acre Fess Parker Home Ranch located seven miles away on Foxen Canyon. The Wagyu cattle herd are raised and finished with the spent…
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
Southern California inspired cuisine, Outpost is designed to offer guests an incredible Santa Barbara dining experience. Photo Credit: Instagram @irenecheneats
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
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
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
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
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
