Discover the Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara (2016)
This article was originally published via Santa Barbara Taste’s newsletter in 2016 - I’ve updated it (2022) to reflect a few restaurant updates and closures. I plan on creating an updated 2022 pick-list soon. Enjoy!
Beautiful coastline, unbeatable weather, and signature Spanish architecture -- the American Riviera is more than just a stop on a road trip. This waterfront city on California’s Central Coast has an impressive culinary scene and we’ve compiled a list of our favorite local eateries. If we included all of our favorites, the list would never end…but we’ve narrowed it down and here are our top picks (in no particular order).
Finch & Fork
If you’re looking for an upscale place with great service and a welcoming setting, look no further. Located in the Canary Hotel downtown, Finch & Fork will satisfy your brunch craving for champagne and cocktails (and maybe with some food). The “Mimosa Madness” isn’t the only thing you’ll go mad for; try their lemon ricotta pancakes, or, if you aren’t a big fan of sweets, head for the huevos rancheros and deviled eggs. Locals tip: don’t forget to try their famous banana milkshake.
Chads
This modern diner can easily become your home away from home with its classic dishes and familiar environment. What’s better than a home-style meal? A home-style meal with a view. Chad’s is right across the street from the beach, you can enjoy your crab cake Benedict or scrambled eggs and bacon with a side of home fries and a cool ocean breeze. And if you’re totally convinced yet...muffins and whipped butter are served with every breakfast and we can only describe them as tasting like your grandmother made them (with a lot of love).
Stella Mares
Escape to the quaint French countryside without leaving the beauty of Santa Barbara. Straight out of a fairy tale, this cottage is a historical landmark built in 1872 that now caters to your culinary desires. Share a Champagne Cocktail with a lover, a Croque Madame with a friend, or treat yourself to a morning of Ratatouille and Steak Tartine. No matter how you choose to spend your Sunday, make sure it includes a trip to one of Santa Barbara’s hidden treasures.
The Shop Cafe
Experience Santa Barbara like a true local. The Shop Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy any sunny Santa Barbara day. This cafe is nestled in a residential neighborhood - order your food through the window and have it brought to your table in their secluded outdoor patio. This place will change everything you think you know about breakfast and toast. Take a trip to the Shop Cafe and validate our claim that ‘everything is better on toast.’
Los Agaves
Los Agaves is a local hotspot. With two locations downtown, this restaurant offers a large menu of authentic and hearty dishes in a casual family atmosphere. Favorite dishes include the ‘burrito mojado’, ‘land and sea molcajete’, and enchiladas. Dine-in customers get unlimited chips and access to their renowned salsa bar. Their avocado salsa will have you asking for “more chips please” more times than you can count. Disclaimer: you might not have any room for dessert.
Santa Barbara Public Market
In a group that cannot come to a general consensus on what to eat? Don’t fret - when it’s time for lunch, take a trip, and have your pick! The Santa Barbara Public Market has an array of eateries that offer something for everyone. Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar takes comfort food to a new level with dishes inspired by Thai and Taiwanese cuisine (the Khao Soi Curry Noodles are one of my all-time favorite dishes). Corazon Cocina serves up fresh, authentic, and modern Mexican fare. And if you’re bored waiting for your food? Have a beer or hard kombucha at The Garden.
Lucky Penny
Are you feeling lucky? Cash in your pennies and take a trip to the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. The warm atmosphere and rustic interior design will have you craving one of their seasonal wood-fired pizzas or one-of-a-kind sandwiches. Even a “basic” cheese pizza will exceed your wildest dreams with three cheeses, various herbs, and an exceptional crust. Your inner foodie will be so pleased that you’ll feel the need to update your Instagram with a shot of their famous penny wall.
La Super Rica Taqueria
This place arguably has some of the best tacos in the Santa Barbara area. Get ready to reinvent your idea of the family taco stand. Their elaborate menu leaves little to the imagination and will definitely have you coming back for seconds. If you get lucky, you can watch them knead and fry their signature homemade tortillas. Dishes like Enchiladas de Plaza and Super-Rica Especial are local favorites...and don’t forget to order a side of their fresh guacamole. It might be cash only, but there’s a reason why this is Julia Child’s favorite taco place.
On The Alley
Pick a picnic table and enjoy your fish & chips with a view of the harbor. Owned by Brophy Bros, On the Alley offers a more casual dining experience with the same great quality. The space may be small but the menu definitely isn’t. Get the full Santa Barbara experience - indulge in your cravings from burgers to seafood tacos right next to the water. The fish tacos are a must. (For vegetarians, the fried avocado taco can’t be beat).
Boathouse
Revel in the beauty of Santa Barbara as you sip a Blood Orange Margarita right on the sand. Delicious seafood, great service, and one of the best locations in Santa Barbara...the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach will fit all your dinner criteria. You can eat your oysters and sea bass while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean right before your eyes. (Tip: Happy hour is Sunday-Thursday 3-6pm so enjoy a couple drinks before you sit down for your feast).
Holdren’s Steak & Seafood
You can’t go wrong with a classic meal from Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood in downtown SB. Their classic decor and warm ambiance will help you make date night (or any night) a perfect one. Transport back in time to a mid 20th century parlour as you watch guests eat their sirloin steaks while sipping bourbon. The full bar and large menu has great choices that will have you asking the waiter for “one more minute” as you choose your dishes and drinks. All you can eat ribs for $27 on Monday’s...take a look at their website to see more of their daily specials.
Bouchon
Dress your best and grab a guest for a classy French dinner downtown. Their inviting ambiance and fresh, local ingredients pair perfectly with a bottle of one of their local wines.
Treat yourself to french onion soup and the grilled wagyu flat iron steak, but leave room for dessert. End your night with some creme brulee...c’est merveilleux (it’s marvelous). Bon appetit!
Arigato Sushi
Arguably the best sushi house in Santa Barbara, Arigato Sushi offers a quality of fish that is fresh and incomparable. This spot embodies class, elegance, and authenticity that is proved by the unique dishes. Choose from an endless list that ranges from traditional sushi and nigiri to creative rolls and dishes. There’s a reason locals and visitors call it the best sushi in town.
Loquita
Loquita is pretty much a must-try when you visit Santa Barbara. Be sure to make a reservation 1+ weeks in advance, and get ready for a modern twist on classic Spanish tapas-style dishes. They have a rotating menu with a few staples such as grilled pulpo and patatas bravas. I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention their famous paella - it takes 45 minutes to prepare and is worth every minute of the wait. You’ll have a few options to choose from, but my go-to is the vegetarian option or the chicken and chorizo. Both are fragrant, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Last but not least, Loquita offers cocktails by the pitcher, making it a perfect place for a group gathering * mic drop *.
Toma
Toma is perfect for any special occasion or a fancy night out on the town. This restaurant may be on the smaller side, but their twists on classic Italian food will leave a large impression on you. Start off your dinner at this romantic waterfront restaurant with their tuna cones and the Sunset Kiss cocktail. You can’t go wrong with any of their dishes, but our taste buds tell us that the gnocchi is out of this world. (Rock Shrimp and Black Truffle Butter. Seriously).
The Lark
The Lark is in the heart and soul of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. Come for a shared, family-style dining experience and stay for the creative cohesion of locally sourced ingredients. The staff here are friendly and attentive; they take every step to educate you about the food and accommodate your every need. As you can tell, we really love our appetizers so don’t forget to start with the divine Crispy Brussel Sprouts...they melt in your mouth and give you a peek of the amazing dishes to follow. For your main courses, the Smoked Pork Belly and Spanish Octopus will have you salivating for more. Don’t pass up the chance to have the dining experience of a lifetime.
McConnells
A trip to Santa Barbara isn’t complete without a visit to McConnell’s famous ice creamery. Founded here in 1949, they are now considered landmarks with a place in every local’s heart. If you’re looking for a treat that will help you cool off after a trip to the beach, their rich and flavorful ice cream is the way to go.
Make your experience special with door-to-door limousine or car service. How about a guided tour? Santa Barbara Taste offers 100% personalized tours of Santa Barbara and its neighboring wine country.
#ForkYeah,
