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Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Santa Barbara

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best service 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 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 Ca Dario Montecito restaurant

Ca Dario Montecito

4.8

4.8 (897)

$50 and over

Italian

Montecito

About the restaurant

Ca' 'Dario's newest restaurant on Coast Village Road promises the same authentic and fresh Italian cuisine as our other locations, now easily accessible for residents of Montecito!
Enjoy outdoor dining on our covered patio, or indoor in our elegant dining room.
We feature an adjustable roof that keeps out the rain and allows in the sun.
Dogs are welcome (we ask that you limit the number to one per guest)

Top review

J

Jaclyn

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food and friendly timely service made this a great dinner!

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

P

Peter

Dined 7 days ago

Quite a classy restaurant and good value for money. We shared a pizza. It was enough for two and a bit different from the usual pizza varieties. Good wine list and very good prices. The servers were very polite and attentive. We will come back.

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A photo of Pasilla Chile Filet Mignon of a restaurant

Pasilla Chile Filet Mignon

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 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

J

JamieVIP

Dined 1 day ago

INCREDIBLE DINNER! We are so happy we tried a new spot for this trip to SB. Very very good. Waitress was the best!

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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 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 The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant

The Black Sheep SB Brasserie

4.7

4.7 (733)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

A locally owned and operated, modern-classic California-French Pub. We serve elevated, eclectic, locally sourced Cuisine paired with incredible wines and craft beer. We are NOW OPEN for SUNDAY BRUNCH 10am-1:30pm. Located in Old Town Santa Barbara on 18 East Cota Street, the building boasts a rich history of French restaurants and saloons dating back over a century.

We are open for Dinner Wed-Sun from 5PM. We are known for our incredible family style tasting menu’s where multiple dishes are presented to your table for each course.

Top review

T

TaraVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing! Truly a unique and different menu and our table of 6 tried everything. Pan Fried noodles, the sliders, the spare ribs, everything was delicious and amazing. Cannot wait to go back.

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A photo of "Sunday Supper" Chef's Choice 4 courses of a restaurant

"Sunday Supper" Chef's Choice 4 courses

A photo of “Apero” Early Dinner Prix Fix of a restaurant

“Apero” Early Dinner Prix Fix

A photo of Endless Moules Frites every Wednesday of a restaurant

Endless Moules Frites every Wednesday

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 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 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

L

Loy

Dined 3 days ago

Incredible, inventive menu with perfectly prepared food, delivered by a team of organized and well-informed group of waiters. Only criticism is it can be a bit noisy.

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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

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