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Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Santa Barbara

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Santa Barbara? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Secret Bao restaurant

4.8

4.8 (680)

$31 to $50

Asian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Modern Asian American Restaurant from Chefs Peter Lee & Felicia Medina.

"Consider the bao. Chinese in origin, it’s most easily described as a steamed bun filled with something savory. Yet, like the American concept of a sandwich, the bao exploded into a flexible format of untold bounds — served at any meal, filled with you-name-it, completely closed or wide open, with endless regional variants from across Asia and far beyond." - Matt Kettmann (SB Independent)

1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Bao, Food, Restaurant, Asian, American, New, Modern, Fried, Chicken, Octopus, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paelo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design

Top review

J

JudithVIP

Dined 3 days ago

This is our very favorite restaurant in SB and we are reluctant to let others know about it because then we fear we'll never get a reservation!

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A photo of KFC Bao of a restaurant

A photo of KFC of a restaurant

A photo of Kung Pao Cauliflower of a restaurant

Kung Pao Cauliflower

A photo of Tre Lune restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2020)

$31 to $50

Italian

Montecito

About the restaurant

"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010

Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails.

Award Winner of Italian wines list.

Please call to make reservations.

Top review

RS

RitaS

Dined 4 days ago

We celebrated my husband’s birthday. The food was delicious and our server so nice and knowledgeable. Everyone greeted us kindly when we arrived. They brought a fabulous dessert for my husband special occasion.

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A photo of Lasagne Maria of a restaurant

A photo of Gnocchi Tartufati of a restaurant

Gnocchi Tartufati

A photo of Fettuccine Alfredo of a restaurant

Fettuccine Alfredo

A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant

Bouchon - Santa Barbara

4.9

4.9 (5456)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

We are delighted to have added additional outdoor seating but Santa Barbara nights are chilly so bring a sweater or light jacket!

Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of our region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambiance, service at a relaxed, leisurely pace. Santa Barbara ‘Wine Country Cuisine’ means we source our ingredients using an ‘as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible’ approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from the surrounding countryside. We then take into account how these flavors can be presented in concert with our local wines. We believe you’ll taste the difference. Bon Appètit!

Top review

J

John

Dined 3 days ago

The mushroom appetizer was copious and delicious. Onion Soup very good. Duck two ways copious and excellent. Pork shank same. We took enough home for two mains. It is refreshing to go to a fancy restaurant and be able to enjoy large main portions as opposed to nouvelle cuisine nonsense. I like fancy and creative but please give me a decent portion.

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A photo of Scallop Trio of a restaurant

A photo of Dungeness Crab Cakes of a restaurant

Dungeness Crab Cakes

A photo of Bouchon French 'French Onion' Soup of a restaurant

Bouchon French 'French Onion' Soup

A photo of Barbareño restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1902)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work. In all of our efforts, we hope to capture the essence of a particular place or local flavor, embracing the nuances that make our food and drink unique to our home.

Top review

C

Christopher

Dined 6 days ago

An amazing surprise of tasteful dishes complete with intimate atmosphere. The vermuth is intoxicatingly delicious, and the staff deliver with enthusiastic appreciation. A must experience in Santa Barbara's dining scene that should be on your A list.

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A photo of Santa Maria BBQ of a restaurant

Santa Maria BBQ

A photo of Baked California of a restaurant

Baked California

A photo of Grilled Avocado of a restaurant

Grilled Avocado

A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant

Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.8

4.8 (2660)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

The Stonehouse, located in a beautiful 19th-century citrus packing house, offers an unparalleled dining experience. Guests can unwind in a relaxing lounge with full bar service or enjoy the ambiance of the separate dining room, complete with a crackling fireplace and world-class views. Chef Matthew Johnson creates evocative regional cuisine, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden. The Stonehouse boasts the only Grand Award-winning wine program in Central California, ensuring an unparalleled selection of wines to complement your meal. For a unique twist, visit the restaurant's speakeasy for before or after dinner drinks, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, nostalgic setting.

Top review

L

Leslie

Dined 2 days ago

We went to San Ysidro Ranch for Sunday Brunch. The food was outstanding. You can really tell how much care goes into each dish. The pastries were delicious. The mimosas added to the overall experience. The ambiance and service are what really made our brunch special. Since it was our first time at the Ranch, our fabulous server told us to walk around after our meal and experience the grounds, which are so beautiful. From the chefs garden, citrus trees, and pond, San Ysidro Rancho is a magical place. We will return soon!

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A photo of San Ysidro Ranch Meyer Lemon Tart of a restaurant

San Ysidro Ranch Meyer Lemon Tart

A photo of Blackened Ora King Salmon Salad of a restaurant

Blackened Ora King Salmon Salad

A photo of Sunday Champagne Brunch of a restaurant

Sunday Champagne Brunch

A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant

Opal Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (1785)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

We have inside and limited outdoor sidewalk dining. If you prefer to sit outside, please indicate that with your reservation request.
To accommodate our second seating, early parties should plan for a maximum stay of 1.5 to 2hrs, depending on party size. Please call 805 966 9676 for more details.
A popular local’s favorite, opal restaurant & bar’s Eclectic California Cuisine fuses creative world cuisine influences with American Regional touches, from a 14 oz. Herb-Grilled Ribeye Steak on Tuscan White Beans, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas, fresh Baked Breads, imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts.
We have a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, & a full bar with seasonal Craft Cocktails.
Our entire dining room staff assists to take care of each table, enabling exceptional service in a warm engaging manner, properly nuanced to your mood & taste. Our staff genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience!

Top review

A

AshleighVIP

Dined 6 days ago

conscientious regarding if we are attending an event after and timeline & needs. Kind & great service. Food is always good.

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A photo of Pasilla Chile Filet Mignon of a restaurant

Pasilla Chile Filet Mignon

A photo of Lucky's restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2898)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Montecito

About the restaurant

LUCKY'S is widely known for its exclusive selection of USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, farmer's market vegetables, no-nonsense cocktails and world class wine cellar.
For take-out, please call the restaurant.
We do not accept bar table reservations online, please call the restaurant.
For larger parties, please call or email the restaurant directly.

Top review

K

Kathy

Dined 2 days ago

First time at this location. Have been to Malibu location many times. Spectacular experience all around. Food, service, valet. Super easy and enjoyable! Highly recommend

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A photo of Monday - Chicken Pot Pie with Morels of a restaurant

Monday - Chicken Pot Pie with Morels

A photo of Gala restaurant

4.7

4.7 (309)

$31 to $50

European

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Gala exudes a European meets Santa Barbara charm, where you feel like you’re transported to a beautiful bistro in the Mediterranean. Enjoy shared tapas, farmer's market favorites, pasta and risotto, fresh oysters and the best steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Cozy up for our farm to table craft cocktails, a Pisco sour or martini and a full meal with friends. Curated wine list with local & Spanish wines. Right down the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse enjoy an evening at Gala.

1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Farm to table, Farmer's market driven, Tapas, Seafood, Steak, Oysters, Happy Hour, Food, Cocktails, Wine, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design

Top review

R

Ruth

Dined 5 days ago

Fabulous food, excellent service. Will definitely return.

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A photo of duck confit of a restaurant

A photo of Fried Green Tomatoes of a restaurant

Fried Green Tomatoes

A photo of branzino a la plancha of a restaurant

branzino a la plancha

A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant

Toma Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (5521)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Toma Restaurant and Bar a waterfront bistro, located along Santa Barbara's picturesque Cabrillo Blvd. Experience Santa Barbara waterfront's most romantic restaurant. Savor exquisite Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes from Santa Barbara's seasonal bounty, supporting our local fisherman, farmers, foragers and food artisans. Pour over local and Italian wines along with a full bar of handcrafted cocktails and spirits. Enjoy warm and attentive service while dining window side with a view of the enchanting Santa Barbara harbor.

Top review

R

Richard

Dined 6 days ago

My lasagna was very dry to eat I didn’t finish my meal.

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A photo of Tuna Cones of a restaurant

A photo of Lasagna of a restaurant

A photo of Ravioli of a restaurant

A photo of OKU restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1783)

$31 to $50

Asian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Tina Takaya, proprietor, welcomes you to our newest two story restaurant on the water. We feel the key to success is our passion for creating the highest quality food and warm friendly service.

We hope you will enjoy your experience as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.
"We want Locals to feel like Family and Visitors to feel like Locals"

Our menu draws from Asian favorites that inspire and excite such as Wagyu Steak, Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dumplings, Garlic Noodles and fresh local seafood.

We are located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront and Funk Zone Districts. Come enjoy lunch or dinner, soak in the sun by day at our waterfront rooftop bar while sipping on a refreshing cocktail surrounded by our beautiful ocean vista and by night, enjoy lounging by the fireplace after a delicious meal and a great glass of wine.

Our chef uses the freshest ingredients from central coast farmers and local fisherman to create dishes with the best of what California has to offer.

Top review

C

ClaudiaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Beautiful place, amazing view excelent location . We had a wonderful dinner

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