The Hungry Cat, photograph by Andrew Stuart
ALCAZAR TAPAS BAR 1812 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-962-0337, alcazartapasbar.com; open Mon.-Sat. for dinner, Sat.-Sun. for brunch. Head to this cool Mesa boîte for Cal/Mex-infused Spanish-style nibbles.
ALCHEMY ARTS CAFE 35 W. Haley St., Santa Barbara, 805-899-8811, alchemyartscenter.com; open Mon.-Sat. for breakfast and lunch. Serving food that cleanses the body, the cafe at the Alchemy Arts Center offers vegan and gluten-free items.
AMERICAN ALE 14 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara, 805-845-6226, americanale.net, open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner. This all-American spot offers burgers and beer, and a wood paneled Americana aesthetic to match.
ARCH ROCK 608 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, 805-845-2800, archrocksantabarbara.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. This neighborhood seafood spot has delicious weekly specials and popular early and late happy hours every day.
ARIGATO SUSHI 1225 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-6074, arigatosantabarbara.com; open daily for dinner. Arigato (“thank you” in Japanese) to the owners of this superb State Street sushi restaurant.
ARLINGTON TAVERN 21 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-2626, arlingtontavern.com; open daily for dinner. This New American restaurant with an expansive beer and wine bar uses local ingredients such as produce from the farmers market and seafood from the fish market.
ARNOLDI’S CAFE 600 Olive St., Santa Barbara, 805-962-5394, arnoldis.com; open Sat.-Sun. for breakfast, daily for lunch and dinner. Honest Italian cuisine and bocce ball out back—that’s been the Arnoldi’s story since it opened in 1937. From the twin 7-Up neon signs framing the front door to the lively bar, this joint is as genuine as it gets.
ARTS & LETTERS CAFE 7 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805-730-1463, artsandletterscafe.com; open daily for lunch. Enjoy bistro fare, and fine art, on either patio of the Sullivan Goss art gallery.
BARBARENO 205 W. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-9591, barbareno.com; open Wed.-Sun. for dinner. This California-style bistro celebrates the surrounding terrain through its decor, menu, and name, which is derived from one of the extinct Chumash languages spoken in the Santa Barbara area.
BELCAMPO MEAT CO. 38 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-7800, belcampomeatco.com; open daily. This counter-service restaurant at the butcher shop located in the Santa Barbara Public Market serves seasonal meat-based dishes as well as grab-and-go favorites to takeaway.
BELLA VISTA 1260 Channel Dr., Montecito, 805-969-2261, fourseasons.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sun. for brunch. The Four Season Resort Biltmore’s chef Alessandro Cartumini prepares elegant Italian-inspired California coastal cuisine.
BENCHMARK EATERY 1201 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-845-2600, benchmarkeatery.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Get comfortable in a family-friendly environment with a broad menu consistent with their motto, “Just B.E.”
THE BISTRO AT BACARA 8301 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, 805-571-3018, bacararesort.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy sweeping ocean views and menu highlights such as pastas and brick-oven flatbreads as well as lighter, coastal cuisine.
BISTRO 1111 1111 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, 805-730-1111; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try the signature crab cakes at this Hyatt Santa Barbara restaurant.
THE BLACK SHEEP 26 E. Ortega St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-1113, theblacksheepsb.com; open Tues.-Sun. for dinner. At this lively and intimate dinner destination with an innovative menu, the Ramen is a fan favorite.
BLIND TIGER 409 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-957-4111, blindtigersb.com; open daily for dinner. Housed in one of downtown’s historic buildings dating back to 1889, this multilevel venue offers drinks, dining (think cheese and charcuterie plates as well as flatbreads and sliders), dancing, and live performances.
THE BLUE OWL 5 W. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, 805-705-0991, theblueowlsantabarbara.com; open Tues.-Sat. for lunch and Fri.-Sat. late night. Starting as a “night owl” pop-up, this eatery with Asian influences quickly became a local staple. For a midnight snack, try favorites like the Thai basil burger ($8) or pork bahn mi ($7.75).
BLUSH RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 630 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-957-1300, blushsb.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. This upscale trendy restaurant serves up innovative versions of classic American favorites.
BOATHOUSE AT HENDRY’S BEACH 2981 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-898-2628, sbfishhouse.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Head to Hendry’s Beach to dine on local seafood.
Bouchon, photograph by Shelley Vinson
BOUCHON 9 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-730-1160, bouchonsantabarbara.com; open daily for dinner. Farmers market ingredients star in elegant seasonal French-inspired dishes.
BRASIL ARTS CAFE 1230 State St., Ste. C, Santa Barbara, 805-845-7656, brasilartscafe.com, open Mon.-Sat. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Brasil Arts Cafe shares Brazilian culture through food, and dance, featuring original creations such as juice from the superfruit cupuaçu.
BROPHY BROS. 119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, 805-966-4418, brophybros.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Locals and tourists flock to the harbor for sturdy cocktails, fish ‘n’ chips, grilled seafood, and great chowder.
BROTHERS RESTAURANT AT THE RED BARN 3539 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-688-4142, brothersredbarn.com, open daily for lunch and dinner. Brothers Matt and Jeff Nichols grew up cooking with family and incorporate that philosophy into running this feel-good kid-friendly joint.
CA’ DARIO 37 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-884-9419, cadario.net; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch, daily for dinner. This charming restaurant offers true northern Italian dishes such as the crespelle trevisane ($15), a gratin of homemade crêpes filled with ricotta cheese and radicchio.
CA’ DARIO PIZZERIA 29 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-957-2020, cadariopizza.net, open daily for dinner, Monday through Saturday for lunch. Three doors down from the original Ca’ Dario, this pizzeria specializes in only the best creative yet authentic Italian pies.
CADIZ 509 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-2760, cadizsb.com; open Tues.-Sun. for lunch and dinner. Enjoy upscale modern Mediterranean cuisine on a heated open-air patio facing State Street.
CARLITOS 1324 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-962-7117, carlitos.com; open Sun. for breakfast, daily for lunch and dinner. Enjoy refreshing margaritas and sophisticated Mexican food at this casual patio restaurant right across the street from the historic Arlington Theater.
CAVA 1212 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-969-8500, cavarestaurant.com; open Sun. for brunch, daily for lunch and dinner. Sip on sangria and enjoy a chile relleno ($14.50) or any of the many Spanish-influenced recipes served at Cava.
C’est Cheese, photograph by Steven Hong.
C’EST CHEESE CAFE 825 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-0318, cestcheese.com; open daily for breakfast and lunch. This receptly opened cafe is connected to the cheese shop of the same name; naturally their grilled cheese ($8.50) is to die for, but so are the seasonal salads, soups, and pastries.
CHUCK’S OF HAWAII 3888 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-687-4417, chucksofhawaii.com; open daily for dinner. Since 1967, locals have loved this steakhouse for their distinguishing menu printed on the side of sherry bottles and salad bar.
CIELITO RESTAURANT 1114 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-4770, cielitorestaurant.com; open Tues.-Sun. for lunch and dinner. This high-end raw bar, taqueria, and tequila lounge offers chef Ramon Velazquez’s gourmet Mexican-inspired dishes.
CLEMENTINE’S STEAKHOUSE 4631 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, 805-684-5119; open Wed.-Sun. for dinner. This steak house is old school, no nonsense, and always serves a big meal—make sure to save room for pie.
COLD SPRING TAVERN 5995 Stagecoach Rd., Santa Barbara, 805-967-0066, coldspringtavern.com; open Mon.-Fri. for lunch and dinner, Sat.-Sun. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tucked into the trees off the scenic Highway 154, this historic stagecoach stop is a rustic spot offering live music, authentic barbecue, and traditional Western fare.
CORKTREE CELLARS WINE BAR & BISTRO 910 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, 805-684-1400, corktreecellars.com; open Tues.-Sun. for lunch and dinner. This comfy, cozy spot is known for its farmers market-inspired entrees, afternoon tapas, charcuterie and cheeses, and wine flights such as Drawing a Blanc? ($13.50) of Sauvignon Blancs.
CRUSHCAKES & CAFE 1315 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-9353, crushcakes.com; open daily for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy a cupcake and cup of Intelligentsia coffee, or grab a healthy omelet, sandwich, or salad with friends.
CULTURE COUNTER 38 West Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-7778, culturecountersb.com; open daily. What is not to like about a cone full of cheese, salumi or prosciutto to enjoy while walking around the Public Market? Cold sandwiches and panini are also available to go.
D’ANGELO’S BAKERY 25 W. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, 805-962-5466; open daily for breakfast and lunch. Hit this relaxing breakfast/lunch spot for fresh pastries, poached eggs, and more.
DOS CARLITOS 3544 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-688-0033, doscarlitosrestaurant.com, open daily for lunch and dinner. This restaurant and tequila bar (it offers more than 60 different varieties) is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine—the fresh halibut ceviche tostada is a delicious appetizer.
DOWNEY’S 1305 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-966-5006, downeyssb.com; open Tues.-Sun. for dinner. This high-end Santa Barbara staple is known for its comfortably charming dining room and seasonal Cal-French cuisine.
EL ENCANTO 800 Alvarado Pl., Santa Barbara, 805-845-5800, elencanto.com, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sun. for brunch. The hotel’s lounge, wine room, bar, and terrace all boast romantic settings California-coastal cuisine and stunning views.
EL PASEO 10 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, 805-962-6050, elpaseosb.com; open daily for dinner, Sun. for brunch. Head to this Spanish-style courtyard for an icy margarita, warm chips, and fresh guacamole.
Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar
EMPTY BOWL GOURMET NOODLE BAR 38 West Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-335-2426, empty-bowl-noodle.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Located in the heart of the Santa Barbara Public Market, this Thai spot offers made-to-order salads, noodle dishes, and more.
ENTERPRISE FISH CO. 225 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-962-3313, enterprisefishco.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. This lively, family-friendly restaurant—a local and tourist favorite since 1977—is known for its fresh seafood and unbeatable happy hour deals.
EUREKA! 601 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, 805-618-3388, eurekarestaurantgroup.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Discover great burgers and craft beer in a contemporary/rustic setting.
Finch & Fork, photograph by Aubrie Pick
FINCH & FORK 31 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, 805-879-9100, finchandforkrestaurant.com, open Mon.-Fri. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sat.-Sun. for brunch and dinner. This restaurant has fun with modern comfort food such as fish tacos ($4) and flatbreads (from $13) paired with carefully crafted wine and cocktails.
FLAGSTONE PANTRY 38 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-617-4568, flagstonepantry.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This counter offers a selection of prepared sandwiches and salads incorporating wholesome and seasonal ingredients.
THE GARDEN MARKET 3811 Santa Claus Ln., Carpinteria, 805-745-5505; open daily for breakfast and lunch. A stop at this seaside boutique yields sandwiches, quiches, and salads in the lovely garden.
GIANNFRANCO’S TRATTORIA 666 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, 805-684-0720, giannfrancos.com; open Wed.-Mon. for lunch and dinner. Creative takes on Tuscan grill specialties and Sicilian dishes are the draw here.
THE HARBOR RESTAURANT 210 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-963-3311, harborsb.com; open daily for lunch and dinner, Sat.-Sun. for brunch. This busy steak and seafood spot is the place to take in panoramic views.
HARRY’S PLAZA CAFE 3313 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-687-2800, harryssb.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Here, the drinks are stiff and the steaks thick and tender.
HIMALAYAN KITCHEN 431 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-882-1000, himalayankitchensantabarbara.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. This recently opened restaurant is a paleo dieter’s paradise serving up Nepalese, Indian, and Tibetan cuisine.
HOLDREN’S 512 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-3363, holdrens.com; open Mon.-Fri. for lunch, daily for dinner, Sun. for brunch. Eight cuts of high-end prime beef plus chops, ribs, and seafood are staples at this friendly spots.
Finch & Fork, photograph by Aubrie Pick
HOLLISTER BREWING COMPANY 6980 Marketplace Dr., Goleta, 805-968-2810, hollisterbrewco.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. This brewpub offers comfort food and handcrafted beers made on-site.
THE HUNGRY CAT 1134 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, 805-884-4701, thehungrycat.com; open Tues.-Fri. for lunch, daily for dinner. Check out chef de cuisine Peter Cham’s brand new menu.
JANE 1311 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-962-1311, janerestaurantsb.com; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch and dinner. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of gourmet comfort food and delicious salad bowls.
JEANNINE’S BAKERY AND RESTAURANT 1253 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-969-7878; 15 E. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, 805-966-1717; and 3607 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-687-8701, jeannines.com; open daily for breakfast and lunch. These cozy spots are popular scenes for the handmade pastries and breakfast and lunch dishes.
JILL’S PLACE 632 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-0378, shalhoobs.com; open Mon.-Sat. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fourth-generation Santa Barbaran Jill Shalhoob’s steak house offers an old-school menu and weekly specials.
JOE’S CAFE 536 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-966-4638, joescafesb.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Since 1928, American favorites and strong drinks have been served at this cozy diner-style bar/restaurant—a local institution.
JULIENNE 138 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, 805-845-6488, restaurantjulienne.com; open Tue.-Sun. for dinner. This upscale sustainable bistro uses fresh ingredients in its gourmet dishes.
THE LARK 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, 805-284-0370, thelarksb.com; open Tues.-Sun. for dinner. Named for the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 to 1968, this Funk Zone destination boasts a delicious seasonally influenced menu of family style dishes.
LA SUPER-RICA TAQUERIA 622 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-4940; open Thurs.-Tues. for lunch and dinner. With its homemade corn tortillas and casual patio seating, this family-owned Mexican restaurant has been a favorite for decades, and even made its way into a Katy Perry song.
LE CAFE STELLA 3302 McCaw Ave., Santa Barbara, 805-569-7698, lecafestella.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This contemporary French-American cafe offers everything from crepes to a classic cheeseburger.
LOS AGAVES 600 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara, 805-564-2626; 2911 De la Vina St. Santa Barbara, 805-682-2600; 7024 Market Place Dr., Goleta, 805-968-7024, los-agaves.com; open Sat.-Sun. for breakfast, daily for lunch and dinner. A local favorite for its modern Mexican dishes—the chiles norteños ($13.95, poblano chiles with shrimp, cheese, and a chipotle sauce) are a favorite—and generous portion sizes, and enjoy the salsa verde con aguacate with fresh chips while you wait.
LOS ARROYOS 14 W. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, 805-962-5541; open Sat.-Sun. for breakfast, daily for lunch and dinner; 1280 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-969-9059, losarroyos.net; open daily for lunch and dinner. The Mexican food at these popular venues is straightforward and fresh.
LOUIE’S CALIFORNIA BISTRO 1404 De la Vina St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-7003, louiessb.com; open Mon.-Fri. for lunch, daily for dinner. This upscale pleasant California-cuisine bistro is tucked into the front corner of the historic Upham Hotel.
LOVEJOY’S PICKLE ROOM 126 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-1015. Open Mon.-Sat. for dinner. Stroll through the red door of this bar for newly restored digs with an old school feel that pays tribute to Santa Barbara’s historic China Town. Try the Reuben ($8.95) to blend in with the regulars.
LUCKY PENNY 127 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, 805-284-0358, luckypennysb.com, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This hip walk-up cafe offers options from fresh-made pastries and coffee to go to wood-fired pizzas to scrumptious salads at the picnic tables on the patio.
LUCKY’S 1279 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-565-7540, luckys-steakhouse.com; open daily for dinner, Sat.-Sun. for brunch. Enjoy filet mignon, seafood, and great wine at this first-rate, four-starred steak house.
MATTEI’S TAVERN 2350 Railway Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-3550, matteistavern.com, open Wed.-Sun. for dinner. Mattei’s boasts wines from all over the world and a then-and-now menu that features items like fried pickles and ocra ($12; popular in 1886) to grilled and chilled squid ($13).
MARAVILLA 905 Country Club Rd., Ojai, 805-646-1111, ojairesort.com; open daily for dinner. At the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa’s signature restaurant, sit amid 200-year-old oak trees and take in views of the golf course and mountains while you dine on high-end gourmet international-inspired recipes.
MESA VERDE 1919 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-963-4474, mesaverderestaurant.com; open daily for breakfast and lunch. A fresh take on vegetarian with inventive and modern, plant based cuisine—try chef Greg Arnold’s popular wild-mushroom tacos with lemon crème fraîche, harissa, pepitas, and baby spring onion ($11).
MILK & HONEY 30 W. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805-275-4232, milknhoneytapas.com; open Mon.-Sat. for dinner, Sun. for brunch. Dine on flavorful modern tapas and fresh cocktails at this chic restaurant.
MONTECITO CAFE 1295 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-969-3392, montecitocafe.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. This cafe in the Montecito Inn is well loved for its feel-good food.
MONTECITO WINE BISTRO 516 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito, 805-969-7520, pierrelafond.com; open daily for lunch and dinner, Sat.-Sun. for brunch. Chef Jake Reimer complements the esteemed wines of owner Pierre Lafond.
THE NUGGET 2318 Lillie Ave., Summerland, 805-969-6135; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and 5685 Calle Real, Goleta, 805-964-5200; open daily for lunch and dinner. Down-home Americana fare with the appropriate dose of Western kitsch and memorabilia is the draw at these family-friendly joints.
Olio Crudo Bar, photograph by Gary Moss
OLIO CRUDO BAR 11 W. Victoria St., Ste. 17, Santa Barbara, 805-899-2699, olioelimone.com/olio-crudo-bar; open daily for dinner. Seasonally driven crudo (raw) Italian seafood and meats, as well as cotto (cooked) bar menu items are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
OLIO E LIMONE RISTORANTE 11 W. Victoria St., Ste. 17, Santa Barbara, 805-899-2699, olioelimone.com; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch, daily for dinner. Upscale authentic Italian cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. Visible through a glass wall is the wine cellar, which represents the award-winning list of more than 230 different selections.
OLIO PIZZERIA 11 W. Victoria St., Ste. 21, Santa Barbara, 805-899-2699, oliopizzeria.com, open daily for lunch and dinner. This neighborhood pizzeria and enoteca serves gourmet meats and cheeses, fresh salads, more than 15 different wood-fired pizzas, and a delectable array of desserts.
ON THE ALLEY 117 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, 805-962-6315, open daily for breakfast and lunch, Fri.-Sun. for dinner. From the owners of Brophy Bros., this spot features quick bites for a warm summer day.
OPAL RESTAURANT AND BAR 1325 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-966-9676, opalrestaurantandbar.com; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch, daily for dinner. Eclectic California cuisine with cultural influences from around the world served in an engaging environment.
The Outpost, photograph by Aubrie Pick
THE OUTPOST 5650 Calle Real, Goleta, 805-964-1288, outpostsb.com; open daily for dinner. Situated inside the newly opened Goodland hotel, this happening spot offers a menu of price-by-the-piece international street food (bao buns and rock shrimp tacos) plus ocean-to-plate entrees with a California cool vibe and a gorgeous view of the mountains.
PACIFIC CREPES 705 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, 805-882-1123, pacificcrepe.com; open Tues.-Sat. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sun. and Mon. for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy a French-inspired favorite and practice un peu de français.
PADARO BEACH GRILL 3765 Santa Claus Ln., Carpinteria, 805-566-9800, padarobeachgrill.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Visit this local family favorite, patio-style dining. The remodeled restaurant provides ample space for large events and live music.
THE PALACE GRILL 8 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-5000, palacegrill.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. The Palace Grill honors Cajun food and hospitality in a jazzy atmosphere.
The Outpost, photograph by Aubrie Pick
THE PALMS 701 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, 805-684-3811, thepalmscarpinteria.com; open daily for dinner. Cook your own steak is a fun atmosphere that has been around for more than a century.
PALOMA RESTAURANT & TEQUILA BAR 5764 Calle Real, Goleta, 805-681-0766, palomagoleta.com; open daily for lunch and dinner, and weekends for breakfast. This Goleta go-to spot is popular for the modern takes on Mexican classics.
PANE E VINO TRATTORIA 1482 E. Valley Rd., Montecito, 805-969-9274; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch and dinner, Sun. for dinner. A cozy ambiance is the attraction at this quiet Italian restaurant.
THE PASTA SHOPPE 38 West Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-3668, thepastashoppellc.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Enjoy handmade pasta from a daily changing menu while observing an Italian kitchen at work.
PETROS 1316 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-899-9110, petrosrestaurant.com; open Fri.-Sun. for lunch and dinner, Tues.-Thurs. for dinner. If you’re feeling especially bold at this upscale Mediterranean eatery, try the spicy Greek kafteri cheese blended with hot peppers to tantalize your taste buds.
PIANO RIVIERA LOUNGE 129 E Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805-882-0050, sbpiano.com; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch and dinner, Sun. for lunch. Sit for happy hour and listen to live music while dining on salads and burgers as you overlook the courthouse sunken gardens.
PLOW & ANGEL 900 San Ysidro Ln., Montecito, 805-565-1745, sanysidroranch.com; open Wed. -Sat. for lunch, daily for dinner. Select a cozy table near the stone fireplace or sit at the bar and sip one of the delicious signature margaritas.
RELAIS DE PARIS 734 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-6077, relaisdeparis-santabarbara.com; open Tues.-Fri. for dinner, Sat.-Sun. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Modeled after a 19th-century brasserie, traditional French food is the draw here—and the recipe for the sauce originale has been kept a secret since its creation in 1959.
RENAUD’S PATISSERIE & BISTRO 3315 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-569-2400, and 1324 State St., Ste. N, Santa Barbara, 805-892-2800, renaudsbakery.com; open daily for breakfast and lunch. Savor the French breakfast dishes as well as salads, sandwiches, quiches, and, of course, lots and lots of delectable pastries.
RINCON BREWERY 5065 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, 805-684-6044, rinconbrewery.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. The Rincon Beach coastline and local Carpinteria farmlands together form the “waves of grain” that inspire these hand-crafted beers and bar bites.
RODNEY’S STEAKHOUSE 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, 805-884-8554, rodneyssteakhouse.com; open Tues.-Sat. for dinner. The high-end Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort’s restaurant serves tender steaks and seafood.
ROOT 246 420 Alisal Rd., Solvang, 805-686-8681, root-246.com; open Tues.-Sun. for dinner. This swanky yet inviting hot spot is frequented for its interesting farm-fresh menu.
ROY 7 West Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, 805-966-5636, restaurantroy.com; open daily for dinner. A great spot to check out some art while you eat, especially for a late meal (they serve until midnight.)
SAKANA SUSHI BAR & JAPANESE 1046 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-565-2014; open Tues.-Fri. for lunch, Tues.-Sun. for dinner. Savor traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi with an artistic twist at this gem.
SAMA SAMA KITCHEN 1208 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-4566, samasamakitchen.com, open Tues.-Fri. for lunch and dinner, Sat. for dinner, Sun. for brunch. Sama Sama offers Indonesian-inspired dishes created with fresh ingredients from our farmers market.
SANTA MONICA SEAFOOD 38 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-845-0745, smseafoodmarket.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Choose from homemade deli-style takeout or a full menu at the intimate oyster bar.
SAVOY CAFE & DELI 24 W. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, 805-962-6611, thesavoycafe.com; open Mon.-Sat. breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sun. for breakfast and lunch. They say you can’t find love in a bar, but you can in the award-winning Savoy salad bar.
SCARLETT BEGONIA 11 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-2143, scarlettbegonia.net, open Tues.-Sat. for breakfast, brunch and dinner, Sun. for breakfast and brunch. With menus that change every week, this downtown eatery aims to treat guests with delicious local and seasonal bites.
SEAGRASS RESTAURANT 30 E. Ortega St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-1012, seagrassrestaurant.com; open Tues.-Sun. for dinner. Chef Robert Perez and family bring their seasoned talent to the Santa Barbara culinary scene with an upscale “coastal cuisine” menu.
SEVEN BAR & KITCHEN 224 Helena Ave., Santa Barbara, 805-845-0377, sevensb.com, open Mon.-Fri. for happy hour and dinner, Sat.-Sun. for lunch and dinner. Come to this Funk Zone joint thinking of the seven deadly sins—each of their sandwiches is named for one—and leave thinking of the creative cocktails and personable staff that make this bar a great place to hangout.
SIDES HARDWARE & SHOES 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-4820, sidesrestaurant.com, open daily for lunch and dinner. Stop for a quick bite and try the house made bacon—cured, roasted, smoked and glazed in-house ($5.)
THE SHOP CAFE 730 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara, 805-845-1696, shopcafesb.com; open daily for breakfast and lunch. A new American-style eatery and popular spot on Milpas, almost everything on the fun-to-read menu is made in-house.
SHORELINE BEACH CAFE 801 Shoreline Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-568-0064, shorelinebeachcafe.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kids can play in the sand under the sun while parents take a mini-vacation with the fresh cocktails and beach-worthy fare.
SLY’S 686 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, 805-684-6666, slysonline.com; open Mon.-Fri. for lunch, daily for dinner, Sat.-Sun. for brunch. From the retro cocktail list to the menu of classic steak house favorites, owner/chef James Sly offers up a charming dose of Americana.
SPA CAFE AT BACARA 8301 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, 805-571-3018, bacararesort.com; open Fri.-Sun. for breakfast and lunch. Dine indoors or outd on seafood dishes with Asian-inspired flavors and textures while overlooking the Bacara pool. On select evenings, enjoy a shared-plate dinner concept based on the fresh ingredients of the day.
STACKY’S SEASIDE 2315 Lillie Ave., Summerland, 805-969-9908, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This nautical shack is the perfect stop for a basket of fish and chips after a stroll along the beach.
STELLA MARE’S 50 Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara, 805-969-6705, stellamares.com; open Tues.-Fri. for lunch, Tues.-Sun. for dinner, Sat.-Sun. for brunch. Escape to this four-starred homey hideaway for a French country-inspired meal.
THE STONEHOUSE RESTAURANT 900 San Ysidro Ln., Montecito, 805-565-1724, sanysidroranch.com; open Thurs.-Sat. for lunch, daily for dinner, Sun. for brunch. Located at the San Ysidro Ranch, this fine dining landmark—one of the most romantic restaurants in America—serves gourmet regional cuisine indoors beside the wood-burning fireplace or on the heated deck with panoramic ocean sunset views.
SUCCULENT CAFE 1555 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-691-9235, succulentcafe.com; open Wed.-Sun. for breakfast and lunch, Thurs.-Sat. for dinner. Find complete comfort with a friendly staff and large serving sizes of filling fare—from breakfast biscuits (from $10.50) to cumin and cinnamon pork belly porchetta ($29).
SUMMERLAND BEACH CAFE 2294 Lillie Ave., Summerland, 805-969-1019, summerlandbeachcafe.com; open daily for breakfast and lunch. This quaint Victorian beach house restaurant serves a wide variety of meals with down-home hospitality.
SUZANNE’S CUISINE 502 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1961, suzannescuisine.com; open Wed.-Mon. for lunch and dinner. High quality but never fussy food—SUCH AS WHAT TK—is served in a cozy atmosphere.
S.Y. KITCHEN 110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez, 805-691-9794, sykitchen.com, open daily for dinner, Friday and Saturday for lunch. The rustic Italian-inspired restaurant will whisk you into a warm and tasty atmosphere complemented by wood-fired pizza and authentic pappardelle.
TAP THAI CUISINE 3130 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-682-1114, tapthaicuisine.com; open daily for dinner. Healthy and homemade Thai food is served in a thoroughly modern ambiance, and every dish can be made vegetarian.
THE TEE-OFF 3627 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-687-1616, teeoffsb.com; open daily for dinner. This popular steak house and their delicious prime rib ($28.95) is a throwback to the good ol’ days.
THREE PICKLES 126 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-1015; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch; 420 S. Fairview Ave., Goleta, 805-964-4585, threepickles.com; open Mon.-Fri. for lunch. Enjoy great sandwiches, a view of the historic Presidio at the downtown location, and as many pickles as you can eat.
TOMA RESTAURANT & BAR 324 W. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, 805-962-0777, tomarestaurant.com, open daily for dinner. One of Santa Barbara’s most romantic waterfront restaurants serves exquisite seasonal Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Trattoria Grappolo, photograph by Luca Trovato.
TRATTORIA GRAPPOLO 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-688-6899; open Tues.-Sun. for lunch and daily for dinner. This informal, friendly, and hearty Italian bistro is located in the heart of wine country.
TRE LUNE RISTORANTE 1151 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-969-2646, trelunesb.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A sophisticated Italian eatery, this frequented spot is always packed with regulars and local celebrities alike.
TRI-TIP COMPANY 214 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-845-2222; open daily for lunch and dinner. With close proximity to the Funk Zone, Stearn’s Wharf, or State Street, this spot is a must for barbecue and cocktails.
TUPELO JUNCTION CAFE 1218 State St, Santa Barbara, 805-899-3100, tupelojunction.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Known for their menu packed with Southern influences the fried-chicken salad ($16) and crab claw bloody Mary ($12) are favorites.
VIA MAESTRA 42 3343 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-569-6522; open Mon.-Sat. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sun. for lunch. Renato Moiso’s cozy bistro serves authentic Italian cuisine.
VIA VAI TRATTORIA PIZZERIA 1483 E. Valley Rd., Montecito, 805-565-9393, viavaisb.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. Indulge in thin-crust pizza, fresh salads, or hearty pasta on the terrace.
VILLA WINE BAR & KITCHEN 618 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-5283; open Tues.-Sat. for lunch and dinner. Small bites with an impressive wine selection, Sean and Gabi Larkins’ family-friendly restaurant is also known for its weekly wine tastings.
WINE CASK 813 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, 805-966-9463, winecask.com; open Tues.-Fri. for lunch, Tues.-Sun. for dinner. The beloved Wine Cask and the adjacent upscale Intermezzo cafe and bar serve gourmet Mediterranean-style recipes.
YELLOW BELLY 2611 De la Vina St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-5694, yellowbellytap.com; open daily for dinner. Owners Alex Noormand and Tracy Clark have been friends since the age of 7 and always dreamt of starting a restaurant together. Now, they serve modern pub food.
ZAYTOON 209 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-1293, zaytoon.com; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch, daily for dinner. Live entertainment completes the atmosphere at this Lebanese-style eatery, where belly dancers saunter among diners on the patio.
ZEN YAI 425 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-957-1102; open Tues.-Fri. for lunch, daily for dinner. This modern Thai restaurant offers dairy-free or vegetarian dishes.
ZOOKERS 5404 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, 805-684-8893, zookersrestaurant.com; open Mon.-Sat. for lunch and dinner. A relaxed atmosphere with a creative seasonally and locally influenced menu.
Wine Cask