Restaurants

119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA

One restaurant that should be on your dining list is Brophy Bros, a seafood restaurant on the Santa Barbara Harbor. Customers can enjoy clam chowder bowls, fish and chips, and other staples of coastal cuisine while sitting outside and viewing the marina. Brophy Bros is known for its signature clam bar and Bloody Marys.

2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA

Another great dining spot is the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, where you can enjoy delicious local seafood and stunning ocean views. The laid-back atmosphere and beachfront location make it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal or happy hour with friends. The restaurant serves all meals and is known for its seasonal dishes with daily caught seafood. The raw bar features ceviches, oyster shots, sea urchins, baked clams, and local stone crab claws.

134 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA

If you want to dine at a cozy cafe with delicious baked goods, look no further than Alessia Patisserie and Cafe. Located in downtown Santa Barbara, this European-style bakery is known for its delectable pastries, bread, and cakes baked fresh daily. With a charming interior, friendly staff, and mouth-watering treats, it is the perfect spot for a delicious meal or afternoon coffee.

900 San Ysidro Ln, Santa Barbara, CA

For a truly luxurious dining experience, make reservations at The Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch. This restaurant is in the tranquil hills of Montecito and features an upscale menu focusing on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Diners can enjoy their meal in a romantic and rustic setting, with stone walls, cozy fireplaces, and elegant chandeliers. The Stonehouse also offers an extensive wine list and signature dishes like plant-based cuisine, chickpea and artichoke cake, and Alaskan halibut.

3888 State St, Santa Barbara, CA

To continue the gastronomic journey in Santa Barbara and Montecito, we cannot leave out the mouth-watering delicacies at Chuck’s Steakhouse of Hawaii. Chuck’s has served delicious steaks, seafood, and other island-inspired dishes in downtown Santa Barbara for over 50 years. The vibrant decor and island ambiance add to the unique dining experience, and the extensive drink menu serves tropical cocktails, beer, and wine.

3313 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Harry's Plaza Cafe is a classic American diner in Santa Barbara serving comfort food for over 50 years. It's a local favorite with friendly service, homestyle cooking, and a casual atmosphere. Featuring both indoor and outdoor dining, in addition to takeout, it’s the perfect place to stop for a quick bite. Try some of their staples like the “Famous Dips” sandwiches or the beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips.

1279 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108

Lucky's Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse in Santa Barbara serving USDA prime steaks, seafood, and cocktails in an upscale atmosphere. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Featuring an attractive old-school bar with wainscoted walls, Lucky’s is a great place to grab a drink with a friend, enjoy a tasty brunch, or dine on a delicious dinner from their expansive menu.

1255 Coast Village Rd STE 101, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Honor Bar is a chic cocktail bar in Montecito, Santa Barbara, with a focus on classic cocktails and small plates. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it's known for its friendly service and sophisticated atmosphere. One unique aspect of Honor Bar that patrons love is its exhibitionist kitchen, which allows everyone to be in on the action. They highlight the in-person dining experience and are a great option when looking for an upscale, romantic spot.

29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Oku is an intimate Japanese restaurant in Santa Barbara serving omakase, or chef's choice, sushi, and other Japanese dishes. It's known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative dishes, while also balancing an enticing and welcoming atmosphere. With a large emphasis on hospitality and catering to guests’ needs, Oku consistently delivers a delightful, beachfront dining experience.

101 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Another beachfront oasis, Santa Barbara FishHouse is a seafood restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its fresh seafood, outdoor patio, and stunning ocean views. Along with ensuring the freshest ingredients, they also aim to source as much of their menu locally as possible, in order to support the surrounding community. Paired with fantastic service from their expert team, Santa Barbara FisHouse is a much-loved spot that many return to again and again.

1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

A Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient, Sama Sama Kitchen brings its Southeast Asian dishes to life with locally sourced ingredients. The vibrant, welcoming interior is perfect for the Sama Sama idyllic downtown State Street location, next door to The Granada Theatre and across the street from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

1014 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Lively as it is delicious, Bettina is a stylishly hip pizzeria with a vibe to match its Coast Village setting. Serving up a near-endless list of creative wood-fired pies that honor Italian tradition, there's no wrong choice to be made from the menu, simply the right choice for whatever your pizza craving may be. Located at the Montecito Country Mart, Bettina is a great spot for dinner and drinks with friends.

1919 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

If you've yet to plunge into vegan-centered Mediterranean cuisine, Mesa Verde should be your first for sampling the excitingly creative fare. In fact, given the care and reverence put into every vegetable-based dish at the West Mesa eatery, including potatoes, tacos, and their notable soup and salads, you'll want it in your regular dining rotation, regardless of your palette's primary desires. Weekend brunch here is a must.

734 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Outstanding, authentic Indian cuisine is not always easy to find. Before the appearance of Bibi Ji, it was practically non-existent. With that problem solved, locals and visitors flock to Bibi Ji's chic digs on State Street to soak in the buzzy, laid-back vibes and Michelin Guide-recognized menu and wine list. Patio dining is available.

1201 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

The secret is out on Secret Bao, Santa Barbara's newest favorite for modern Asian cuisine, at the intersection of Anacapa and Anapamu Streets. Chefs and co-owners Peter Lee (formerly of Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient Loquita) and Felicia Medina put forward an eclectic mix of international flavors with every dish—a testament to their varied heritages and extensive culinary training. While Korean, Japanese, and Chinese provide the baseline to most of Secret Bao's offerings, the flourishes of Mexican, Italian, and Caribbean influences make their one-of-a-kind fusion a must-visit establishment.

622 N Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Sometimes the best food a city offers isn't located in tony digs, doesn't come with $100 bottles of wine, or even has a website where you can pursue the menu. Spots such as Santa Barbara's taco-centric La Super-Rica Taqueria succeed in the simple fact that in the culinary world, outstanding, authentic food trumps everything else. To be sure, waits are long, and it's cash only, but it's hard to argue against a place that Julia Child considered one of her favorites.

9 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Many restaurants excel in fresh farm-to-table fare, but few do so with the warmth, elegance, and sophistication of Bouchon Santa Barbara. Sourcing as much as it can from the local land and sea, Bouchon also frames its culinary experience around its proximity to Santa Barbara Wine Country. Indeed, with an extensive list of wines native to California's South Central Coast, this is Santa Barbara's most authentically local fine dining experience.

205 W. Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Notable throughout this list, California cuisine is an amalgamation of three distinct features—seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, multicultural influences, and chefs who eschew the over-seasoning and approach their creations with a lighter touch. Downtown Santa Barbara's Barbareno achieves this delicate balance thanks to the assured talents of Executive Chef Julian Martinez and Chef de Cuisine Preston Knox, who craft California comfort food in a friendly neighborhood locale.

38 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Santa Barbara's most vibrant place to dine earns that reputation a bit unfairly—it's actually the city's favorite upscale food hall. An ideal spot for indecisive foodies or hungry patrons who want to sample a bit of everything, the Santa Barbara Public Market satisfies both camps equally. All ten of the market's establishments are outstanding, but the showstopper here are the stellar Mexican dishes served at Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient Corazon Cocina. For dessert, Rori's Artisanal Creamery is a can't-miss treat.

324 W Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Waterfront dining doesn't get much better than Toma Restaurant & Bar overlooking the Santa Barbara Harbor. Tucked between two hotels on West Cabrillo Boulevard, the elegantly relaxed yet wonderfully romantic Toma serves Italian-inspired Mediterranean fare in a cozy, historic setting. Regularly regarded as one of Santa Barbara's top-rated restaurants, it's the perfect experience for any occasion.

18 E Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Having fully settled into its new space on East Cota Street, The Black Sheep is one of Santa Barbara's premier French-infused dining experiences. What sets this restaurant apart is the commitment to embracing the more casual side of the celebrated cuisine with a loose, coastal California vibe. The Black Sheep's Chef's Table is a treat for those wanting a unique, chef-driven display of artistry beyond the already exquisite menu.

202 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

A Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient, the Spanish-fueled Loquita easily earns the distinction. The bright, open dining room feels much larger than its relatively small capacity suggests and is awash in colorful tiles and bold wood accents. The welcoming bar is a favorite of patrons who love partaking in Loquita's signature cocktails, including hyper-creative takes on the classic gin and tonic. The tapas, however, are the real star of the show with a dizzying variety of options, including yellowtail, charred asparagus, prawns, and Mediterranean branzino.

901 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93190

Situated in the Santa Barbara Inn, directly across the street from East Beach and the Pacific coastline, Convivo offers the best of indulgent-Italian cuisine in a comfortable resort-style atmosphere. The two-story mirrored dining room welcomes those partaking in Convivo's house-made pasta or main dishes of halibut or bone-in ribeye. The outdoor patio—among Santa Barbara's best—beckons those seeking an ocean breeze and signature cocktails at happy hour or a low-key spot to sample delicious wood oven pizza and flatbread.

131 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Located in the heart of the Funk Zone, The Lark's brilliant take on artisanal, new American fare fits perfectly within the high-energy district. With a number of its dishes designed to be savored and shared—from locally sourced vegetables to West Coast oysters to buttermilk fried chicken or hanger steak or ribeyes—The Lark is an ideal stop for gastrophiles who view the dinner hour as a communal affair. The decade-old eatery also thrives on its community association, with impeccable service and devotion to delivering a festive dining experience.