Restaurants

Delicious Santa Barbara Restaurants

With more than 470 different Santa Barbara restaurants to choose from, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy, from five-star dining to mom-and-pop cafés to the burger joint voted Best Tasting in the United States. You’ll find memorable meals here that are sure to delight — no matter your taste.

From California-centric interpretations of Mediterranean flavors to spicy regional Mexican cuisine, you’ll find plenty of great food. Seafood lovers will delight in tasting the catch of the day, fresh from our own waters off the Channel Islands. And no matter where you choose to dine, there’s likely to be a selection of local wines grown in one of the nearby AVAs. Taking advantage of fresh ingredients paired with local wines and beers, you’re sure to discover something delicious here that you won’t find anywhere else.

Can’t decide where to eat first? Get recommendations for a few must-try restaurants in Santa Barbara to help you start planning.

Farm-to-Table Dining

Treat yourself to a farm-to-table dinner in Santa Barbara you won’t soon forget. The area has some of the best weather year-round, which makes for bountiful harvests in our fields and vineyards. Our restaurant’s creative chefs are sourcing from daily farmers markets that feature beautiful local produce and fish markets situated adjacent to the Santa Barbara Harbor for the freshest seafood. These wonderful local ingredients build the foundation for incredible dishes and an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re wondering what wine or local craft beer to pair with your meal, just ask your server — they’re likely a trained sommelier or cicerone and can offer insights into a fantastic local discovery.

Where to Eat in Santa Barbara

Splurge-worthy fine dining, off-the-beaten-path taquerias, or family-friendly restaurants with an oceanview — you’ll find a variety of dining experiences in Santa Barbara, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Continue reading this page to discover featured local restaurants, articles packed with recommendations and insights, and more to help you plan your next delicious visit to Santa Barbara.

Restaurants in Santa Barbara


Helena Avenue Bakery

Helena Avenue Bakery is a homestyle artisan bakery and kitchen that brings together wholesome, homemade specialities using the highest quality ingredients found along the Central Coast.  We offer rustic, organic breads, handmade seasonal…


Bob’s Well Bread Bakery

Since its inception in 2014, locals, travelers and journalists alike have embraced BOB’S WELL BREAD BAKERY artisan breads and bakery. The bakery has successfully become a family business and integral part of the growing Los…


Santa Barbara Public Market

The Santa Barbara Public Market offers a captivating array of artisanal culinary delights in a bright, LEED-certified space in the heart of downtown. This bustling food hall showcases the unparalleled bounty of California's Central Coast region,…


Toma Restaurant & Bar

Toma Restaurant was the 2015 "Most Booked" restaurant in Santa Barbara on Open Table. The selection is determined by recent, verified OpenTable diner reviews within Santa Barbara. According to OpenTable, these awards are not random or…


Bouchon Santa Barbara

The original “Santa Barbara Wine Country” restaurant, bouchon santa barbara searches for the freshest, most local ingredients available.  The wine list features local treasures that complement the seasonal, ingredient-driven…


Chad’s Restaurant

The restaurant is currently owned and managed by the original founders' grandson, Chad Stevens. Chad's continues the family tradition established by Chad's grandfather Sam. Enjoy family dining from a family run business.


Opal Restaurant and Bar

A local's favorite, opal restaurant and bar infuses an eclectic California cuisine with creative influences from around the World. Their chefs use the freshest of ingredients to create dishes inspired by the colorful multi-cultural heritage of…


Additional Experiences


10 Must-Try Santa Barbara Restaurants
So many restaurants, so little time. The 10 must-try Santa Barbara restaurants for the time-strapped foodie.
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