I hope you’re hungry and ready to discover the best restaurants in Santa Barbara!
Santa Barbara is a dreamy coastal destination for sunshine, shopping, and scrumptious food.
Complete your getaway with these fun Santa Barbara activities available through GetYourGuide:
I’ve visited many times (including for my baby moon!) and always seem to find new hidden gems serving unbelievably tasty bites.
From splurge-worthy steakhouses to casual cafes, these are the top restaurants in the Santa Barbara area.
15 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
1. The Lark
In my opinion, The Lark has some of the best food in Santa Barbara—I’ve eaten there many times, and it never gets old.
The Lark is located in the Funk Zone, an eclectic area famous for its art galleries, boutique shops, and street art.
You can’t visit without trying their crispy Brussels sprouts served with sesame, dates, and lime. My husband and I are obsessed!
The hand-cut pappardelle pasta is also deliciously cheesy, earthy, and rich.
2. Lucky’s Steakhouse
You can’t go wrong with Lucky’s if you’re debating where to eat in Montecito (just a couple minutes up the road from Santa Barbara).
It’s one of the area’s most famous steakhouses, hosting celebrities like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over the years.
The chic eatery boasts a solid menu of American classics, including fresh seafood appetizers and hearty steak entrees.
While meat is the star of the show at Lucky’s, the side dishes are also delectable. There’s even an entire menu section dedicated to potatoes!
When the weather is nice, the outdoor patio is the perfect spot to savor a glass of wine while people-watching and enjoying the coastal breeze.
I highly recommend visiting Lucky’s for your next romantic date night.
3. Tre Lune
Tre Lune is owned by the same company as Lucky’s, the Montesano Group, so you know you’re in for a treat. This laid-back restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cuisine.
Tre Lune has everything to satisfy your cravings, from indulgent pastas to simple yet flavorful pizzas.
While the atmosphere here is a bit more casual than Lucky’s, it still feels intimate and upscale.
Stop by Tre Lune for lunch to refuel during a day of sightseeing, or come around dinnertime for the romantic ambiance.
Friday through Sunday, the restaurant also offers a tasty selection of breakfast favorites, like bagel platters and smoked salmon benedicts.
4. La Paloma Cafe
For a casual cafe vibe, head to La Paloma. This cafe pays homage to the region with its straightforward menu of high-quality favorites.
La Paloma has a wonderful variety of fresh salads, oak-grilled meats, and expertly prepared seafood.
The weekend brunch is also a must-try. I love the chilaquiles, and the horchata is super yummy, too!
5. Caruso’s
Caruso’s is a can’t-miss for one of Montecito’s best fine-dining experiences.
The restaurant, which has a Michelin star, is attached to the Rosewood Miramar Beach and boasts gorgeous waterfront views.
It’s truly worth the splurge, with meals ranging from three to eight courses. The chef’s tasting menus at Caruso’s feature seasonally-inspired flavors made with local ingredients.
Expect inventive and unexpected dishes like filet tartare, wagyu ribeye, poached lobster, and smoked sturgeon. Yum!
6. Bettina
Didn’t see Harry and Meghan at Lucky’s? Try your luck at Bettina—it’s supposedly their go-to lunch spot in Montecito, and I get why!
The adorable pizzeria uses housemade dough and hand-stretched mozzarella, which takes their pizzas to the next level.
The creamed leek pie is to die for, and I also suggest ordering some shareable dishes like meatballs alla vodka and woodfired bread.
Bettina has a killer happy hour deal Monday through Thursday: purchase any wine on their list and get a free Margherita pizza!
7. Gala
Gala in downtown Santa Barbara is a great place to visit if you’re feeling a bit peckish but don’t want a huge meal.
The Mediterranean restaurant specializes in small plates and tapas, so it’s fun to sample a bunch of different menu items.
Start with a round of oysters and try one of their creative cocktails, such as the activated charcoal mezcal margarita.
The burrata, pan con tomate, and shrimp croquetas are perfect for sharing, and I’ve heard fantastic things about the duck confit.
8. Toma Restaurant & Bar
Toma is the place to beat for celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a fancy meal “just because.”
The restaurant’s location overlooking the harbor is unmatched, and every inch feels cozy and charming.
Toma’s menu combines Italian and Mediterranean influences in its pasta, seafood, and meat dishes.
Don’t be afraid to try something new, like black spaghetti made with squid ink or a marinated pork chop from New Zealand. Everything is delicious, and you won’t regret whatever you settle on!
9. Goat Tree
Tucked in the Hotel Californian, Goat Tree is a lovely gourmet cafe worth visiting for any meal.
Brunch is available until 3:00 p.m., so you can sleep in and still enjoy your breakfast favorites. Goat Tree makes its croissants in-house, so definitely order one alongside your morning coffee.
If you want to keep things light, choose from one of Goat Tree’s many salads and sandwiches. They’re healthy and refreshing without sacrificing taste.
The restaurant also serves heartier dishes—like burgers and pasta—for those craving something more substantial.
10. Flor de Maiz
Flor de Maiz isn’t your average Mexican restaurant with bland beans and rice.
Its menu is bursting with fresh flavors inspired by the Oaxacan region—bring an appetite because you’ll want to try pretty much everything!
You must start with a specialty drink. There are some unique margarita variations, but all the cocktails sound exceptional.
For appetizers, keep things simple with fresh guacamole or branch out and try the burrata Azteca, a Mexican twist on the Italian classic.
When it comes to mains, there’s a dish to satisfy every palate: charred octopus, whole red snapper, and some of the tastiest tacos you’ll find in the area.
Vegetarians will be happy, too, since Flor de Maiz offers plenty of meat-free options.
11. Convivo
The Santa Barbara Inn is home to Convivo, an innovative farm-to-table eatery. While the menu is primarily Italian-inspired, you’ll notice influences from several different cultures.
The restaurant space is stylishly decorated, and I recommend sitting outside to enjoy the beautiful patio.
Convivo’s food offerings change frequently, but there’s always a mouthwatering variety of pastas, pizzas, and small plates.
The bucatini and lamb meatballs are popular choices—and don’t forget to order a za’atar flatbread for the table.
12. Rare Society
Another essential stop for foodies is Rare Society, a classy steakhouse with super luxe vibes.
Do not miss your chance to try the wood-grilled artichokes. They’re honestly the best I’ve ever had!
Rare Society serves many classic steak cuts, like bone-in ribeye and wagyu tri-tip. Some of its meat selections come from Snake River, one of my favorite farms.
Eating at Rare Society is a real treat, and I can’t wait to return.
13. Loquita
If you enjoyed The Lark, consider grabbing a bite at Loquita, their sister restaurant. It’s equally delicious and specializes in authentic Spanish cuisine.
Loquita serves traditional paella and offers seafood-only and vegetarian options so everyone can try a taste.
The food is creative and flavorful, and the restaurant is welcoming, bright, and colorful. What’s not to love?
14. Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
There’s no better way to start a day in Santa Barbara than brunch at the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Locals and tourists agree this is a must for fresh seafood dishes.
Try something savory like the indulgent salmon benedict, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a fluffy stack of buttermilk pancakes.
Lunch is also an excellent time to swing by the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach.
They have a fabulous raw bar selection, lobster rolls, clam chowder, and a lobster mac and cheese appetizer that sounds heavenly.
15. Lilac Patisserie
Lilac Patisserie is an adorable breakfast and lunch spot for light bites and pastries. Everything here is gluten-free, though you wouldn’t know it by taste alone!
The co-owner opened Lilac Patisserie alongside her husband after being diagnosed with celiac disease in 2002.
They’re on a mission to prove you don’t need gluten to make decadent treats, and they’ve definitely succeeded.
Swing by for breakfast to savor a quiche or some Belgian waffles. For lunch, expect comforting cafe classics like sandwiches and soups.
Of course, don’t forget to leave room for dessert—all of their cakes look incredible, and there are some vegan options, too!
What’s your favorite spot to grab food in Santa Barbara? Drop a comment with your recs!
Check out my other Santa Barbara travel content for more trip inspiration.
The Best Santa Barbara Airbnbs
Santa Ynez Wine Tasting Travel Guide
FAQs
Santa Barbara is famous for its seafood and Spanish cuisine.
Lucky’s Steakhouse and Bettina are popular among famous figures like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Check out the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach or Convivo.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
