Dining in SAnta Barbara & Montecito.
In Santa Barbara, love and reverence for food are found among locals and visitors alike. Dining in Santa Barbara and Montecito, you’ll encounter singular influences and flavors of Californian and Spanish culture, as well as fare from around the world. From vibrant farmer’s markets stands to a local focus on fresh produce and local, wild-caught seafood, Santa Barbara captures the essence of fresh and inventive dishes.
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Italian
Tre Lune is a restaurant with a classic Italian soul, with an elegant yet old-school ambiance.
Bettina is a cozy neighborhood spot serving Neapolitan-style pizza made with seasonal local ingredients.
Anything grilled is divine, and other classic items Italain dish is delectable at Cadario.
Savor exquisite Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Toma's waterfront bistro.
Via Vai combines authentic imported ingredients and local produce in their classical Italian fare.
Olio Limone serves authentic Sicilian fare in a romantic spot. Consider their daily special with sing with layers of tastes. Next door, is the casual pizza and wine bar, Olio Pizzeria, inspired by myriad neighborhood pizzerias found in Italy.
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Japanese
Sakana's display of modern flavors, buttery fresh fish and flair for their unique sushi ‘press boxes’, is a local favorite.
Yoichi’s shares an upscale, pre-fix experience featuring traditional Japanese plates and sushi in an intimate setting.
The picturesque sea-side roof terrace of Oku sets the perfect space for their creative Japanese dishes and Asian-fusion cuisine.
In the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, Arigato shares innovative sushi, nigiri and sake in their lively brick walled space.
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Mexican
There is no better way of taking in evening views than toasting the sun as it sinks below the horizon at Santo Mezcal or their sea-side sister restaurant, Flor de Maiz. Both feature singular margaritas & seafood dishes with a contemporary twist.
Los Arroyos is rooted in local ingredients and produce which celebrate Mexican flavors and traditions.
For authentic tacos in a no-fuss taqueria, head over to Lilly’s Tacos.
It may come to a surprise that this humble little shack was Julia Child's favorite spot: La Super Rica Taqueria.
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Oceanfront dining
The Miramar Beach Bar at the Rosewood Hotel is an oceanfront oasis serving an array of cocktails and light bites in charming setting. Enjoy live music at the Manor Bar Thursday-Sunday from 4pm until 11pm.
The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach offers classic seafood & brunch dishes with panoramic ocean views.
Oku shares creative Japense fusion dishes and artisanal cocktails on their beautiful sea-side terrace.
Brophy Bros. is a local seafood joint with signature Bloody Mary’s in a casual harbor-side space.
Convivo resides in a chic ocean-front hotel, its ever-changing menu infused with Italian and New American influences.
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for Ambiance
The dreamy ambiance of Plow and Angel’s Stonehouse is elevated by its evocative menu, which is prepared with a host of herbs & vegetables harvested from the ranch’s garden.
The manicured grounds and seascapes make the various dining options at the Rosewood Miramar Hotel an exquisite experience.
Steak, seafood and martinis are famed in the upscale, old Hollywood ambiance of Lucky’s.
The Belmond El Encanto is an enchanting hideaway for those who cherish serenity while dining Alfresco.
Loquita presents authentic Spanish fare, farm-fresh tapas, and innovative cocktails on a romantic patio.
In a hidden oasis on a garden patio with a warm fire pit, Zaytoon serves traditional Lebanese fare.
The Lark offers modern, American fare in wood-lined quarters.
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Breakfast
Scarlett Begonia displays inventive American dishes with fresh, local ingredients on their garden patio.
D’ Angelo Bakery is famed for its fresh baked goods and timeless breakfast fare in downtown Santa Barbara.
Locals flock to Jeannine's in Montecito for their gourmet egg dishes in a casual yet timeless space.
Renaud’s Patisserie is a warm and inviting French-style bistro, lining the main street of sunny Santa Barbara.
In chic, rustic quarters in the lively Funk Zone, Helena Avenue Bakery offers delicious pastries and light bites.
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Plant-Based
Sitting in a lush garden terrace, Oliver’s shares an inspired vegan menu, complimented by their organic juices and fresh cocktails.
Satellite boasts a refined vegetarian and vegan menu in an breezy and inviting wine bar.
Tyger Tyger delivers Californian plant-forward dishes inspired by bold flavors and exotic spices found across South East Asia.
Rascal’s creatively harmonises Mexican traditions and flavours with plant-based ingredients and local produce.
In an organic eatery, Backyard Bowls shares fresh acai bowls, smoothies and hot porridges.
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Happy Hour
The handcrafted exotic cocktails at Test Pilot are the allure of this breezy, tiki-style watering hole in the lively Funk Zone.
Indulge in the magic of Mediterranean-like weather at the oceanfront Mexican eatery, Flor De Maiz.
Secret Bao shares a creative happy hour dim sum menu and sharable snacks.
Delight in modern Mexican Flair & and an exceptional tequila selection at Augie's.
In an intimate bar with leather banquettes and live jazz, The Good Lion offers an ever changing, vibrant cocktail menu.
A favorite of the Funk Zone, the intimate ambiance of Pearl Social’s cocktail bar is only enhanced by its amazing live music. There’s no Happy Hour, but is still worth a visit!
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Quick & Convenient
Before heading to one of Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches or the historical Mission Rose Gardens, Panino is a must for sandwiches & salads.
Merci is an artisanal cafe serving organic light bites, perfect for day-trips to local wineries.
A visit to the Public Market is a chance to revel in an inspired assortment of restaurants by some of Santa Barbara's best chefs.
There is something for everyone in the Pierre Lafond deli market.
Savoy Cafe is a vegan haven for quick, organic meals.