I love introducing great people to the "best of" Santa Barbara hence sharing my favorite local restaurants, coffee shops, spots to imbibe and procure in the below list. We know & love that Santa Barbara is quite casual thus, not all restaurants require reservations, yet wise to make them secure your outing. Bon appétit!
Most restaurants offer outside dining and many have curbside pickup or DoorDash should you want to dine in your own space or perhaps picnic at the Rose Gardens by the SB Mission or at a beach. Santa Barbara also has a number of amazing companies that will provide custom catered “picnics” and private chefs to elevate your gastronomy experience.
Casual Restaurants
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LOS AGAVES
Some of best Mexican restaurant in town. There's a line at times yet worth the wait or order to go. My favorite is their Crispy Beef tacos, Chili Verde & the Salmon Tropical their guacamole is also fabulous and their crispy beef tacos. They have a large portion stew called "Molcajetes" that's beyond fabulous & great in rainy weather!
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SECRET BAO
Amazing Korean Fusion with melt-in-your mouth seafood, bao & more. Evolving menu and awesome service in an elevated casual dining space.
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LOS ARROYOS
Another BEST Mexican food restaurant. Their chips are light & super fresh - pair with bowl of guac and spicy guava margarita. The Montecito location has a full bar and terrific outdoor seating.
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SB PUBLIC MARKET
A public market featuring fabulous fare to choose from as well as wines, Olive oils, gourmet cupcakes, coffee, ice cream, beer gardens, etc. Great setting, casual setting any time of day or night.
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EMPTY BOWL
Thai food go to: Tom Yum noodles my fav as is the Northern Thailand Curry Noodle “Khao Soi” the chicken just melts in your mouth! Super tasty and the line goes fairly quickly to get a seat at the bar!
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CORAZÓN COCINA
Another FAV: Mexican food with fresh fish - ceviche tostadas are a must! Fresh ingredients with sushi flair and so much flavor!! Love this place!
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EUREKA
Tasty burgers & salads, generous portions. In Paseo Nuevo shopping center, 30+ beers on tap & good vibe.
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MESA BURGER
Great burgers & sweet potato fries are delish! Casual.
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THIRD WINDOW
Claimed by some to have the best smash burger in SB in a great location with a brewery and room for all to relax and unwind. Casual & fun. Caje Coffee company on E Haley in the same location.
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SANTA BARBARA SHELLFISH COMPANY
On Stern's wharf, it's at the end, park on the wharf & use the free valet. Very casual, delicious & pretty reasonable. Limited wine and beer options as well as limited indoor & outdoor seating. Go early and put your name on the list.
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BETTINA
Excellent pizzeria and lively, fun setting in the Montecito Country Mart Rori's ice cream is next door.
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LA PALOMA CAFE
Your tastebuds will thank you when you try the Vegetable Pozole Verde soup and their Wagyu tri tip is truly outstanding. Their Paloma cocktail is perfection!
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OLIVER'S
Outstanding vegan restaurant loved by omnivores & vegans ;) Beautiful indoor & outdoor seating well designed and delicious food! Wine, beer & cocktails.
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LOQUITA
Fun atmosphere, creative decor, hip vibe, excellent food.Located near the train station at Lower State Street.
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OLIO PIZZERIA
Best negroni in town and their Truffle pizza is a fav. Insalate/salads are terrific & the butterscotch custard for dessert is sublime. Relaxed atmosphere. Wine, beer & cocktails.
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THE DAISY RESTAURANT
Fresh & vibrant fare that's locally sourced, locally owned by a sweet couple & all organic. Love everything they serve including their handmade sourdough!
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SAMA SAMA
Unique dishes with great flavor & Indonesian influence. Outdoor seating in the back is great. Their spicy margarita is top notch.
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SANTO MEZCAL
Excellent Mexican food with an emphasis on seafood (same owner as Los Agaves). The ahi tuna ceviche is fabulous as is the green salsa served on weekends. Cocktails are excellent!
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THE LARK
Great cocktails in a warm & the rustic atmosphere in the Funk Zone. Try it all.
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HONOR BAR
Hip bar & restaurant with a simple yet tasty menu and consistently excellent service. Cozy interiors plus terrific outside seating for lunch or dinner. Their coffee shop has the world's best scone!
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CONVIVO
Restaurant & bar located a stone's throw from the beach. Brunch, lunch & dinner all tasty from the blooming pergola, beautiful views and delicious. Fantastic appetizers & perfect sharing plates.
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BIBI JI's
Creative & delicious Indian fare. Lively & fun atmosphere. Owner has 11 restaurants with SB being the newest addition. Other locations such as Sydney & NY have been tremendously successful. Wine & beer.
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BARBAREÑO
Unique food that'll delight your tastebuds! Seating indoor & outdoor dining that's comfortable and uncomplicated.
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CA DARIO
Fantastic Italian food, intimate interior and excellent service! Wine, beer & cocktails.
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BLACK BIRD
inside the new California Hotel. Fabulous decor, ultra unique menu from appetizers to desserts plate servings are TINY and expensive.
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NOOK & LLAMA DOG
In the Funk Zone casual setting with an order window for Nook and too many beers to list on tap and bottle as well as wine served by Llama Dog. Inside the Waterline building with some little boutiques next door to shop while you sip.
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ZAYTOON
Excellent Middle Eastern food, outdoor dining is seated at round tables with individual fire pits. Their baba ganoush is the BEST.
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BLUEWATER GRILL
Beautiful newly renovated building across from Stearn’s Wharf serving up abundant seafood dishes & fantastic cocktails. Great setting & views of the ocean from upstairs.
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ARIGATO SUSHI
The garlic wokked edamame are delish as is the Fiesta Roll and the carpaccio. Local uni shot is a must.
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COAST & OLIVE
Inside Montecito Inn - Mix of French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
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BLACK SHEEP
Terrific food, evolving menu, elevated atmosphere and the owner is so great!
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TOMA
Excellent Italian food, highly recommend the Ahi Cones appetizer, love most all their dishes. The owner has a great story, started working here 30 years ago and now owns the restaurant!
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THE BISTRO AT THE BACARA
Love this casual yet fine dining locale that has both indoor & outdoor seating, full bar & fantastic service!
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DUTCH GARDENS
A longtime local favorite, this casual spot serves up authentic German cuisine and an impressive selection of beers—bringing the flavors of Germany to a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
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CHUCK'S STEAKHOUSE
A beloved Tiki-themed destination since 1967, serving up steaks, fresh seafood, a classic salad bar, and a curated wine list—all in a one-of-a-kind tropical setting.
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VEGAN
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SATELLITE SB
Stylish natural wine bar serving excellent vegan farm, farm to table eats. Menu focuses on natural, environmentally conscious farming & winemaking.
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OLIVER’S
Magical indoor/outdoor dining with sophisticated style offering beautifully prepared and healthy plant-based cuisine. Extensive menu offering an excellent range of creative options plus organic juices for craft cocktails. Highly recommend sitting outside under the twinkle lights of the olive trees create and bask in the ambiance. (Dinner Only in Montecito)
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THE DAISY (Vegan Options)
Light, bright & airy: an elevated counter-service restaurant and wine bar during the daytime, with a lovely patio looking out onto bustling State Street. At night, it transforms into a candle-lit and intimate dining space. Modern American food with a Middle Eastern twist.
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ZAYTOON
Numerous & ultra flavorful vegan options of Lebanese & Middle Eastern fare with outdoor fire pits & weekly belly dancers. Sitting outside by the fire pits is a must at this beautiful restaurant.
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RASCAL’S
Delicious all-vegan, plant based food serving breakfast / brunch until 2pm.
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GREEN TABLE
Ultra casual downtown location serves organic casual health-conscious fare from vegan, vegetarian, and GF. Great menu of superfood-infused dishes and invigorating juices, lattes and all made in house.
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MESA VERDE
Seat-yourself place with a hip vibe offering creative vegan bites, weekend brunch & outdoor seating. Mediterranean style and innovative vegan dishes.
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Fine Dining
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TRE LUNE
Lovely little Italian restaurant in the lower village of Montecito.
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OLIO E LIMONE
Fine dining, exquisite food, lovely fancy date night. Recommend reservation.
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BOUCHON
One of SB's best restaurants and you'll need reservations. Truly exceptional and a great dining experience!
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EL ENCANTO / BELMOND HOTEL
Overlooking the city of SB, ocean & islands, enjoy a great cocktail or any meal here with a fabulous view. Excellent patio & outdoor seating as well as inside. Live piano some evenings
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LUCKY'S
Montecito's steak & chop house. Every dish served al la carte and is traditional and tasty! The Turtle Ice Cream Sundae is my fav in town. Local Yokals Ellen & Portia as well as Michael Douglas and many other normal people also eat here.
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STONE HOUSE AT SAN YSIDRO RANCH
The most mesmerizing location under the stars surrounded by gorgeous grounds. Always special dining here... yes this is one of the locations where JFK & Jackie O spent their honeymoon.
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SUSHI BAR MONTECITO
Superb 17 course omakase style at the bar with an intimate setting of ten seats for an intimate dining experience.
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ANGEL OAK AT THE BACARA
Fine dining in a beautiful setting with a solid menu and excellent wine list! Delish!
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BELLA VISTA
Inside Biltmore Hotel in Montecito is across from Butterfly beach with amazing outdoor seating and ocean views as well as indoor seating. Soft opening May 31, 2024.
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Snacks
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JUICE RANCH
Fantastic array of healthy juices, smoothies and concoctions to keep you feeling great. Bone broth also avail here. Two locations downtown at Chapala & Parker streets (by Yoga Soup) and Coast Village Road.
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BACKYARD BOWLS
Amazingly tasty & hard to believe it's good for you... Great alternative for breakfast or in between meal snack & Santa. We always order the Diego bowl large & split it adding strawberries as a topping.
RORI'S ARTISANAL ICE CREAM
Ice cream perfected - as well as unbelievable vegan options. A must try again and again. In the Montecito Mart on Coast Village Road & SB's Public Market on Victoria.
MCCONNELL'S ICE CREAM
Started locally is a town favorite. Two locations, on State Street.
Coffee
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MERCI MONTECITO
Perfect combination of delicious coffees, teas, tisane and treats from sweet to savory that are full of flavor and totally organic, surrounded by an elevated aesthetic that is relaxed yet chic. Carrot cake served weekends only is THE BEST EVER.
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HANDLEBAR COFFEE ROASTERS
Has a devoted following as their coffee is fantastic! They roast their coffees in-house and serve Renaud's croissants and some other locally baked treats. Multiple locations.
DUNE COFFEE ROASTERS
Great coffee shop on Cota at Anacapa Street across from Saturday's Farmers Market. SECOND location at State & Figueroa.
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CAJE COFFEE
Locally roasted, unique and distinct curated coffee beverages. Not your average cuppa joe!
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LUXXE CAFFE
Beautiful coffee shop in Montecito (next to Merci) with smooth espresso, coffee and teas.
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JEANNINE'S
Peet's Coffee served as well as and full breakfast & lunch menu.
Breakfast
HELENA AVENUE BAKERY
Excellent brunch & lunch items. Limited but very tasty menu. Fantastic, fresh baked breads. The Wine Collective inside the same space which makes for fun setting. Funk Zone location.
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BREE'OSH BAKERY
My favorite pasty is their croissant baked with an egg & bacon inside topped with sea salt and rosemary a must!!
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RENAUD'S BAKERY
Chocolate croissants (almost) rival the Parisian's. Great food, excellent chocolates, tasty coffee, café setting with outdoor tables. THREE locations
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JEANNINE's
Locally owned, great cafe on Coast Village Road and some of the best pancakes in town. Weekends they serve tasty lemon poppyseed pancakes.
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BOAT HOUSE RESTAURANT
On the beach & you can't to beat the ocean, island & sunset views. Great food for brunch, lunch, dinner & cocktails, my favorite is the crab cakes with poached eggs for brunch! Excellent decor, that's casual & sleek beach vibe. Wine, beer & cocktails.
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DAWN PATROL
Delicious and healthy breakfast & lunch with gluten free options as well as great traditional plates & healthy options. Amazing coconut milk latte (YUM)!
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OAT BAKERY
Healthy, superfood bakery of amazing breads & the rolls ever their one sweet is a HYGGE ROLL a cinnamon, cardamom & honey roll that's truly addictive! Closed Sundays. Hygge Rolls avail HOT starting at 9am Tuesday and Saturday.
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SCARLET BEGONIA
An eclectic & creative menu that will be a treat for your tastebuds. Outdoor seating… There may be a slight wait. Fabulous food & located downtown.
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EL ENCANTO / BELMOND HOTEL
From it's Riviera perch you overlook all of SB to the ocean and beyond. Great option any time of day for a bite a coffee or cocktails. Excellent patio & outdoor seating as well as inside. Live piano some evenings
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SAVOY CAFE
Superb tea selection & amazing desserts (one of the BEST carrot cakes ever!) as well as salad bar & casual dining. Breakfast through dinner served. Super casual
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THE SHOP CAFE
On Milpas at De La Guerra. Casual outdoor dining, bit of a southern flair & great coffee. Hand made everything. A bit run down and very casual / outside dining is along Milpas Street.
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SAN YSIDRO RANCH
Delicious food and beautiful setting from an old stone lemon packing house overlooking Montecito, timeless and elegant. Sunday Brunch has everything you could want & bottomless bubbly.
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THE GOOD LION
WINE & COCKTAILS
the best cocktails & small plates served from Sama Sama next door. Located beside the Granada Theatre downtown.
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PEARL SOCIAL
Glam / rustic decor with a fun vibe. Good eats, solid avocado toast and their charcuterie / cheese plates are great (the grilled bread is best). Funk Zone location behind Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company on one end and the Lark & Lucky Penny on the other.
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PALIHOUSE
Leslie hotel with a beautiful interior plaza and bar serving great drinks & excellent service.
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THE PICKLE ROOM
Small bar/lounge with limited food bites (too tasty!) and a great vibe. Feels like you’ve walked into an entirely different city’s bar. A locals fav.
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EL ENCANTO HOTEL
Overlooking the city of SB, ocean & islands. Enjoy a great cocktail or any meal here with a fabulous view. Excellent patio & outdoor seating as well as inside. Live piano some evenings.
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MELVILLE TASTING ROOM
Lower State Street location near Californian Hotel serving Melville's local wines.
SANGUIS WINERY
By appointment only. One of the best wines produced in Santa Barbara County (not stainless steel wines but barrel aged and much attention given to each barrel).
VILLA BAR
Excellent wine & beer on tap plus light plates
