Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide
The first thing we ask ourselves when we're traveling is: Where should we eat? Of course, we've got our SB favorites that we visit on our food tour, but even we switch things up every now and then! Whether you're rolling into town first thing in the morning or arriving just in time for a late dinner, we've put together a list of our favorites in whatever Santa Barbara neighborhood you happen to find yourself.
Mesa
BreakfastMesa Cafe: 1972 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109A "come as you are" casual breakfast joint with patio seating and full bar serving up diner classics–perfect after a big night out. LunchMesa Burger: Gourmet burger hangout owned by award-winning chef Cat Cora. Fresh and conscientiously sourced ingredients that make for mouth-watering burgers.DinnerMesa Verde: Creative, hip vegan fare with Instagram-worthy plating that appeals to both herbivores and carnivores.Happy Hour & CocktailsAlcazar Tapas Bar: Don't let this ho-hum exterior side street entrance fool you. This cozy tapas bar with a cool hipster vibe serves up cocktails and a global wine list that are on-point.
Funk Zone
BreakfastHelena Avenue Bakery: Come for the freshly baked croissants and stay for the chic urban vibe in this hip artist neighborhood.LunchMetropulos: 101This bustling deli makes delicious sandwiches and soups as well as traditional Greek fare.DinnerLoquita: 202 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Enjoy an elevated Spanish cuisine dining experience with THE best gin and tonics in town, indoor or fireside on their dreamy patio.CocktailsTest Pilot: 211 Helena Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Got island fever? Head over to this kitschy tiki bar that was once a sailor's brig for traditional rum-based cocktails. As of November 2020, all alcohol must be accompanied with a purchase of food.Happy HourSB Fishouse: 101 East Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Located on the waterfront, these guys offer some of the central coast's finest fresh seafood.
Lower State
BreakfastD'Angelos Bakery: 25 W Gutierrez St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Freshly baked bread, good coffee, and sidewalk seating? Yes, please! Start your day with indulgent brunch dishes while you dine al fresco or cozied up in the bakery.LunchLilly's Taqueria: 310 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Just look for the line out the door at this little hole-in-the-wall taco joint. These guys are known for using all the parts of the cow to create their no-frills, but still tasty street taco menu.DinnerVenus in Furs: 18 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Located between two farmer's market locations, this stylish bar and bottle shop serves natural wines, cocktails, and a rotating menu of farm-focused cuisine.Happy HourApertivo: 7 W Haley St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Immerse yourself in a leisurely upscale happy hour at this hole in the wall, neighbor to one of our favorite bakeries Oat Bakery. Dive into perfectly plated Italian dishes like fava or porchetta bruschetta and crab & corn gnocchi while you sip on fine Italian wines.Late Night BitesCubaneo: 418 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101After a night of live music or strolling along East Beach, there's nothing better than a big 'ol plate of Cuban comfort food paired with a Cuban inspired cocktail from ShakerMill. And the walk-up window of this eatery serves just that with dishes like cubanos, yuca fritas, maduros and more.CocktailsThe Red Piano: 519 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Come for a drink and stay for a show at this all-request sing-along bar. Live music is happening every day of the week with revolving local talent being featured each night. Seating is currently partly indoor/outdoor with plenty of spacing to enjoy the lively music scene!
Presidio
BreakfastHandlebar Coffee Roasters: 128 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101We've said it before on our wine tour and we'll say again: best coffee in town! Grab a cup of joe and a freshly baked in-house treat before finding a seat on the alleyway patio with views of the Presidio chapel. As of November 2020, their De La Vina location is hosting a pop-up called Secret Bao, led by chef Peter Lee formerly of Loquita.LunchPanino: 834 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101We're constantly giving these guys a shout out on Instagram, because their salads are THAT good. Do lunch on the outdoor patio of one of the only brick homes on the West Coast, order the Curry Chicken Salad and find out what all the fuss is about.DinnerBibi Ji: 734 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Sister restaurant to Manhattan's Babu Ji, this hot new Indian restaurant is gaining fan-fare by the minute! All locally sourced ingredients and a chic wine bar vibe make this a "don't miss" dining experience.Happy HourLa Playa Azul Cafe: 914 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101This hot spot has one of the best outdoor patios and the biggest margaritas within the setting of a historic home settled just outside the original Presidio walls.CocktailsThe Pickle Room: 122 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Belly up to this tribute bar that pays homage to the former Chinese restaurant that was once there and neighbors the Three Pickles Deli. All the drinks are made well, but their pickletini will get you the full experience. (They also have a daily happy hour, 4:30-6:30 pm!)
Mid-Town
BreakfastScarlett Begonia: 21 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Fresh off the farm eats, freshly baked bread, and a charming outdoor cafe experience are what make this hot spot worth the wait. Show up early on the weekend or stroll in mid-week and get ready to enjoy some of Santa Barbara's best.LunchSanta Barbara Public Market: 8 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Feast on southeast Asian noodles, fresh off the boat fish, or comfort Italian food dishes before heading over to a sweet spot for a taste of real ice cream. Discover some of our tastiest "fine fast food" as well as craft beer and wines in this maze of eateries.DinnerSama Sama Kitchen: 1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Southeast Asian inspired cuisine with ingredients from our local farmer's market are what make this spicy urban restaurant a true local's favorite. (We highly recommend their happy hour, too!)Happy HourSatellite SB: 1117 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Show up before the 5:00 rush to get one of the best seats on State Street--perfect for people watching! Order one of their beautifully plated vegan dishes and pair with a well-made spritz or Italian wine to help you unwind after a full day. Late Night BitesThe Blue Owl: 5 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101If you're looking for good food after 10 pm, be sure to search out this late-night nook that features Asian-inspired sandwiches and local wines.CocktailsThe Good Lion:1212 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Cozy up in the corner and sip on inventive cocktails in this swanky speakeasy-style bar that sits adjacent to the city's tallest building and most beautiful theater.
Upper State/San Roque
BreakfastJeannine's: 3607 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105Visit the original of three locations for gourmet breakfast foods and tantalizing baked goods.LunchDutch Garden: 4203 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93110Reopening in 2021 - German cuisine and a cozy setting are what you'll find at this unassuming café. Something to look forward to in the new year!DinnerVia Maestra 42: 3343 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105Pasta made from scratch. Sauces like Grandma used to make. Food coma. Nuff said.Happy HourThe Boathouse: 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109Veer off the beaten path to this idyllic seaside restaurant that has panoramic views of the beach and a killer food and drink menu.CocktailsHarry's Plaza Cafe: 3313 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105Generous doesn't even begin to describe the drinks at this iconic Santa Barbara staple. Sink into a booth and a plate of comfort food with a good stiff drink on the side while you enjoy a view of the yesteryear pictures that cover the walls.Late Night BitesEdomasa: 710 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105Generous sushi rolls are what's on the menu at this no-frills late-night Japanese restaurant. Sushi isn't the only thing on the list, you'll also find dishes like ramen, teriyaki, and tempura.