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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Goleta

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1874)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 times today
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.
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5416)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 23 times today
Bouchon in Santa Barbara is a local gem. It's known for its fresh, local ingredients and Californian cuisine. Reviews rave about the excellent service and the exceptional food, calling it an 'elevated experience'. The restaurant's warm ambiance, featuring a blend of French and Santa Barbara influences, makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As one reviewer put it, 'Bouchon never disappoints! It is the perfect combo of fine attentive service to delicious local fresh ingredients!'
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1755)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 18 times today
Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company. Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.
A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1742)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
Opal Restaurant & Bar is a neighborhood gem, known for its Eclectic Californian cuisine and an award-winning wine list. Reviewers rave about the 'great food', 'excellent service' and the 'relaxed upscale atmosphere'. The restaurant's consistent high ratings in food, ambiance, and service make it a favorite among locals. The menu's inventive blend of world cuisine influences with American regional touches makes it a standout dining destination.
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(700)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 11 times today
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.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2535)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 19 times today
Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's ARTS District, serves artisanal Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with eggplant souffle, then tuck into a plate of house made duck ravioli or Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties. Bonus: their contemporary Italian breakfast, lunch & retail spot Olio Bottega, and authentic pizzeria next door at Olio Pizzeria. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests.
A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1793)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 24 times today
"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."
A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1768)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 27 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of Olio Pizzeria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1481)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara
Booked 22 times today
Olio Pizzeria is an upscale-casual pizzeria with salumi bar/wine bar/full bar which was inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie and enoteche found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy. This idea began to take shape before Alberto and Elaine Morello even opened Olio e Limone Ristorante, their fine dining Italian restaurant next door. Wine bars serving boutique salumi and formaggi are ubiquitous in Italy, as is a regionalism which the Morellos are excited to share with you. Sicily is an emerging powerhouse, and touches of Sicilian food and wine delight their guests. You’ll also find exciting tastes from Campania and other emerging regions on their menus, wine and beer lists. Takeout available. Buon appetito!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Solomon
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Celebrated our Anniversary Day! Beautiful place, excellent service, Michelin star entrees!! We will be back.
    More info
    Stonehouse at San Ysidro RanchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Kirstenvip
    London •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Love the waiters at Luckys … nothing is too much trouble!
    More info
    Lucky'sPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Montecito
    4.8
  • Alex
    California Central Coast •56 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent service from Tom, one of the waiters. Nice selection from a slightly small menu which means the chef can do an outstanding job on all those preparations. We like that approach rather than 2-3 pages with unlimited choices. The kitchen can never do all those well. Great European ambiance.
    More info
    Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Darcyvip
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    One of my absolute favorite placed in Santa Barbara! If you care about what ingredients you put into your body this is the place for you! Homemade breads, dressings, sauces. Locally sourced. All the dishes are truly unique and special. They change the menu so currently my favorites are the Hamburger, lamb dish, persimmon salad. I do miss their smashed crispy potatoes so I DO HOPE they bring those back!!
    More info
    BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Emily
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The experience was exactly whay we hoped for and then some. We asked to be seated near a heater since they only had outdoor seating left (late November) and this request was met! I’m told they also have blankets if the heater isn’t enough for you. The waiter was extremely accommodating and happily answered ~10 questions for us about the menu before we actually ordered. The food is wonderful as is the service. The free valet is a great perk as well, especially during busy season. All around great experience.
    More info
    OKUPrice: Expensive• Asian• Santa Barbara
    4.7
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