Santa Barbara Restaurants
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See what locals rave about in Santa Barbara
- VVictoriaCalifornia Central Coast •3 reviews5.0Dined todayWe felt like we had been transported to one of the finest restaurant environments in Europe. Service was outstanding. Everyone we came in contact with was so pleasant and the food outstanding the Moules Frites not to be missed.  thank you to Ruben and his team. We will be back often.More infoThe Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara•4.8
- MMolllyVIPLos Angeles •27 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoLove Gala. Always treated well. Bronzino always a winner. A tad pricy… but it’s SB…. Fun & tasty cocktails. Service is A+ A tad loud.More infoGalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara•4.8
- JJaneCalifornia Central Coast •1 review5.0Dined 5 days agoWonderful relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. Staff was welcoming and professional. Can't wait to return. Special night....thank you.More infoBibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara•4.1
- LLisa MarieVIPPalm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •21 reviews5.0Dined on Jan 1, 2025Finch & Fork in Santa Barbara offers a vibrant and refined take on California cuisine, making it a standout spot for locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the restaurant blends a relaxed coastal vibe with modern elegance, perfect for everything from casual brunches to celebratory dinners. The menu is a true showcase of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their King Salmon, served with gigante beans, piquillo peppers, and marble potatoes, is a perfectly balanced dish that highlights the chef’s attention to detail. Equally impressive is the Short Rib Pappardelle Pasta, featuring tender braised short rib, wild mushroom soffritto, and a luscious touch of crème fraîche. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering a range of options to suit the diverse menu. Pairing recommendations from the attentive staff are spot-on, ensuring the meal is elevated to an unforgettable experience. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a mix of modern design and rustic touches that make the space both stylish and comfortable. Service is attentive and genuinely welcoming, creating an atmosphere where you can linger over a meal without feeling rushed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a quality meal, Finch & Fork delivers on all fronts. It’s a gem in Santa Barbara’s culinary scene and well worth a visit.More infoFinch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara•4.5
- EElizabethVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews5.0Dined on Dec 28, 2024I love this place; have been several times. I’ve only had dinner at the bar, so can’t speak to table service, but the bartenders work hard, and are funny, attentive and very knowledgeable about wines. The atmosphere is lively and sophisticated. Did I mention the food??? Pizza is amazing here. NY steak & frites is fantastic. Enjoy!More infoIntermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara•4.6
Restaurant experiences trending in California Central Coast
Discover Santa Barbara
Only a two-hour jaunt from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is a busy seaside town with a relaxed vibe and proximity to California's booming wine region. Sometimes called the American Riviera, Santa Barbara exudes alfresco charm while benefiting from local, fresh produce and sustainably harvested seafood. From the taco trail to cracked fresh crab at the pier to eclectic wine bars with delicate snacks, Santa Barbara is a culinary delight for a range of tastes. One thing you won't find much of is pretentious, black-tie dining; Santa Barbara prefers it low-profile. Fresh and local is the name of the game here. Copious nearby ranch land, wine country and independent distillers and breweries keep chefs inspired to design their menus with a distinctly local bent.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Santa Barbara is Chase Restaurant
The best vegan restaurants in Santa Barbara are Convivo, Opal Restaurant & Bar and The Black Sheep SB Brasserie
The best vegetarian restaurants in Santa Barbara are Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, Opal Restaurant & Bar and Olio Pizzeria
The restaurants with the best service in Santa Barbara are El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Dining Room, Chase Restaurant and Enterprise Fish Co. - Santa Barbara
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Santa Barbara are El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Dining Room, Chase Restaurant and China Pavillion at Chapala
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