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


Kyle’s Kitchen

Kyle's Restaurant Family is a socially-responsible chain of restaurants based in Santa Barbara, California that supports organizations and initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of people with special needs living in the communities they…


Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop

THE LAMA STORY The idea for Lama Dog Taproom + Bottle Shop developed while the owner, an assistant winemaker at Carr Winery at the time, developed a love for craft beer during a grape harvest many years ago. Although the Lama Dog team loves wine,…


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…


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…


Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant

With a double-sided bar looking out over the harbor, and the spirited atmosphere of good times and great people, Brophy Bros. Santa Barbara doesn’t disappoint.   Genuine - Local - Causal. Since 1986


Santa Barbara Public Market

Taste an amazing array of handcrafted culinary delights at the Santa Barbara Public Market. Located in a bright and modern LEED-certified space in the heart of downtown, this bustling food hall showcases the incomparable bounty of…


Hitching Post 2 Restaurant & Winery

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…


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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