Santa Barbara is one of the most idyllic beach towns on the Central Coast. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a fun escape for the whole family, this coastal gem never fails to impress.
Over the years, Santa Barbara has really expanded its culinary scene. Though it was originally known for its amazing wine-tasting rooms, it has since become a hub for a diverse range of gastronomy.
As a Northern California native, Santa Barbara is always a must-stop when we head out on a Southern California road trip. From Montecito to the Funk Zone, here are my top picks for the 20 best restaurants in Santa Barbara!
The 20 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
1. Sama Sama Kitchen
Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, Sama Sama Kitchen specializes in Southeast Asian fare and craft cocktails. Sama Sama was added to the Michelin Guide in 2021, so expect quality cuisine and great service at this casual yet charming eatery.
Address: 1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
2. Bouchon Santa Barbara
Bouchon is a beloved French eatery that serves farm-fresh dishes with a California twist. This is the ultimate place to come for a romantic date night paired with vintage wines and classic French flavors.
Address: 9 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
3. Loquita
Be sure to make a reservation if you plan on visiting Loquita. This is perhaps the most popular restaurant in town and serves up Spanish tapas and innovative craft cocktails.
The patio is gorgeous, so try to plan a visit during a nice evening at sunset for the full effect.
Address: 202 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
4. Blackbird
Located at the lovely Hotel Californian, Blackbird is a modern and cozy restaurant that puts an elegant touch on New American cuisine.
Though you can easily have a full sit-down dinner here, it is definitely more of a cocktail-driven spot. Even just coming for drinks and appetizers is well worth your while.
Address: 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
5. Bibi Ji
Between the Indian-fusion fare and the amazing wine list, Bibi Ji has risen in the ranks to become one of the best Santa Barbara restaurants. The vintage portraits that line the wall set the scene for a relaxed yet inviting space, but the back patio offers a more quiet and intimate dining experience.
Address: 734 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
6. The Lark
Nothing beats sitting in the rustic dining room at The Lark while indulging in some brown butter cornbread. The New American menu features lots of other tasty favorites like grilled artichoke, buttermilk fried chicken, and crispy Brussels sprouts with sweet dates.
Address: 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
7. Toma Restaurant
When it comes to Italian food, Toma Restaurant is legendary in Santa Barbara. It has been a local staple since 2013 and continues to offer masterful pasta dishes and a huge selection of wine.
Address: 324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
8. Flor de Maiz
Nothing beats sitting on the patio at Flor de Maiz with a mezcal margarita in hand. Flor de Maiz sits right across the ocean and specializes in modern Mexican cuisine. The octopus is tender and cooked to perfection every time, but ceviches and raw bar items make for the best appetizers.
Address: 29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
9. Barbareño
Barbareño has mastered the art of modern California cuisine. The wine list is huge and the dinner menu is best enjoyed when shared.
From the ricotta dumplings to the Santa Maria tri-tip BBQ, Barbareño always manages to impress.
Address: 205 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
10. Dune Coffee Roasters
Santa Barbara is home to tons of cute coffee shops, but Dune Coffee Roasters is my personal favorite. It’s been around since 2009 and is great for working remotely, gathering with friends, or simply posting up with a good book on a quiet Sunday.
Address: 1101 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
11. Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
When it comes to brunch on the beach, no one does it better than Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. The views are amazing and the seafood-forward menu has plenty of options for every kind of palette.
Though Boathouse is really popular for brunch, it also makes for a great dinner spot at sunset.
Address: 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
12. Cold Spring Tavern
Those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience will love Cold Spring Tavern. This rustic and transportive eatery sits nestled in the mountains and is famous for its iconic tri-tip sandwiches.
Address: 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
13. Santa Barbara Public Market
If you’re craving a variety of different cuisines, head to the SB Public Market. You can get everything from tacos to noodles to pizza, making this a great option for groups with different tastes.
Be sure to stop by the beer garden for a cold pint.
Address: 38 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
14. Milk & Honey
Caught a craving for tapas? Milk & Honey is a charming little restaurant located right next to State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara. This is the perfect spot for vino and apps with friends but the cozy booths in the back also make for a solid date-night setting.
Address: 30 W Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
15. Arigato Sushi
Arigato Sushi is a staple in Santa Barbara. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but the nigiri is always fresh and the rolls are very creative. Be sure to pair your meal with some sake for the full experience.
Address: 1225 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
16. Bettina
Don’t be surprised if you run into your favorite celebrity at Bettina. This Montecito pizza joint puts an elevated twist on classic pies in an elegant and upscale setting.
Address: 1014 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
17. Santa Barbara FisHouse
Once of the most well-known seafood spots in town, head here for a selection of fish and seafood sourced daily from local Santa Barbara fisherman right off their boats.
Address: 101 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
18. Brophy Bros.
When it comes to classic seafood on the water, it doesn’t get better than Brophy Bros. Expect lots of fried classics along with some fresh seafood options ranging from Dungeness crab to seasonal favorites like spiny lobster.
Address: 1559 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
19. Jane
If you’re looking for something elegant and intimate, Jane is a great option. They are only open for dinner, and some popular menu highlights include the signature caesar salad, veal marsala, and the lemony chicken piccata.
Address: 1311 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
20. La Super-Rica Taqueria
Santa Barbara is home to a lot of great taco shops and stands, but none are quite as iconic as La Super-Rica Taqueria. In fact, it was known to be one of Julia Child’s favorite restaurants in town!
The prices and carne asada tacos are pretty much unbeatable.
Address: 622 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
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I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
