Traveling to Santa Barbara, California? Eat well during your travels by adding these downtown Santa Barbara restaurants to your itinerary.
Located on the West Coast about 90 miles north of Los Angeles and about 300 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Barbara is an idyllic city. This coastal town features wide, sandy beaches, beautiful weather, and a truly first-class dining scene. From seafood to California-inspired fare to Mediterranean restaurants, Santa Barbara is a foodie paradise.
Whether you're looking for a great date night spot for a romantic dinner, fine dining with private dining room for a special occasion, outdoor dining, or wine tasting great local wines with friends, this California city has something for everyone.
Here are some of our favorite downtown Santa Barbara restaurants that you won't want to miss on your next trip here.
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Bouchon
If you enjoy French-inspired cuisine made with fresh California ingredients, Bouchon is an ideal spot and was one of the best restaurants we enjoyed during our visit. It's a must-add to your Santa Barbara restaurant itinerary, with great food, impeccable service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
This intimate location features a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, so you can take advantage of the area's mild evening temperatures. Situated about a block from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, many of the dishes at Bouchon feel like artwork on a plate.
Opt for traditional French fare like Escargot and Steak au Poivre. Or select more California-centric seafood dishes like scallops three ways (ceviche, seared, and wrapped in bacon).
And if you've really worked up an appetite, treat yourself to the American Wagyu ribeye or seared rack of lamb.
Bouchon
9 West Victoria Street
Hours: Daily 5pm-9pm
Chad's
Who doesn't like breakfast with an ocean view? That's exactly what you get at Chad's. Located right across from West Beach, this popular breakfast spot combines comfort food with beautiful vistas. It's the perfect way to get your day started.
The menu includes a wide range of classic dishes like eggs benedict, French toast, and huevos rancheros, as well as a generous selection of omelets. But be sure to get here early, because Chad's can fill up pretty fast.
Chad's
216 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
Hours: Daily 7am-2:30pm
Jeanine's
No room at Chad's? No problem. Just head on over to one of the local favorites nearby - Jeannine's - for breakfast.
Actually, Santa Barbara is home to several Jeannine's locations, but the one with the best ocean views is located right across from the popular Stearn's Wharf. Just order at the counter inside, then mosey on outside to the private patio to enjoy your meal in the beautiful California sunshine.
The food is classic breakfast fare done well, like the Belgian waffle with fresh fruit and the breakfast burrito packed with eggs, bacon, potatoes, and salsa. Like to sleep in? Jeannine's also serves lunch. And they offer a selection of small bottles of bubbly, perfect for making a few fizzy mimosas.
Jeannine's
1 State St.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30am-1:30pm, Sat-Sun: 7:30am-2pm
Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe
The surrounding countryside around Santa Barbara city limits are dotted with charming towns featuring some top-notch restaurants. And since the area is also home to expansive vineyards, you can enjoy both delicious, fresh ingredients, and some of the best wines.
One such place with both is the Wine Merchant Cafe in Los Olivos, about a 45-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara.
Choose from bright, colorful dishes like ahi tuna tostadas and the farm-fresh Nicoise salad, or select from a half dozen of their homemade pizzas. And if you're in the mood for a glass of wine, you'll be treated to an extensive wine list that offers flights of both local and international tastings.
Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe
2879 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA
Hours: Sun-Thu: 11:30 am-8:30pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-9pm
Reunion Kitchen + Drink
Santa Barbara has no shortage of oceanside restaurants. But if you're looking for one with a casual, unstuffy atmosphere and a selection of menu items that features local food beyond your regular seafood fare, drop anchor at Reunion Kitchen + Drink.
This modern, lively spot features classic seafood favorites like crab and shrimp ceviche, pan roasted salmon, and fish and chips, but you can also sample some more unexpected dishes, like miso garlic noodles and Asian sticky ribs. Oh, and it's located right on the beach, so the views are unbeatable!
Reunion Kitchen + Drink
1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:00 am-8:30pm, Fri: 11:00am-9pm, Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-8:30pm
Olio e Limone
One of the things I love about the Santa Barbara food scene is that you can find pretty much any type of cuisine. And if you're into Italian food, then you won't want to miss Olio e Limone. Located near the bustling Santa Barbara Public Market, this inviting spot is inviting with an upscale feel, but not at all pretentious.
We stopped by for lunch at treated ourselves to the lobster ravioli with a rich sauce and leeks. And the pappardelle with zucchini in just the right amount to fill you up.
Of course, Olio e Limone also serves dinner, featuring an expanded menu of pasta and secondi dishes.
Olio e Limone
11 W. Victoria St.
Hours: Lunch Mon-Sat: 11:30 am-2pm; Dinner daily from 5pm
Opal Restaurant
Opal restaurant is one of our favorite dinner spots in Santa Barbara. The atmosphere is laid back and the waitstaff is best-in-class, offering a fantastic dining experience all around. The cuisine is primarily a mix of local California-inspired fare along with Asian influences. And it's all delicious.
If you're in the mood for fresh seafood, try the Phyllo-wrapped tiger prawns. This dish features a crispy exterior and come with a tasty coconut curry sauce.
And the honey-glazed roasted duck is superbly flavorful in a port wine demi-glace.
Or go all out and order the filet mignon, served alongside a pesto-stuffed pasilla chile with truffle butter Yukon potatoes. Yes, please!
Opal
1325 State Street
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-10pm
Toma Restaurant
Sometimes you just wanna splurge on a great meal, and Toma in Santa Barbara will not disappoint. This was another one of our favorite restaurants during this visit.
This busy, beachfront, Italian restaurant is in the heart of Santa Barbara. It's a great place that sports an idyllic exterior and a welcoming dining room as well as outdoor patio seating. The fine dining experience is made complete with some of the most efficient, attentive waitstaff that we experienced anywhere during our visit.
Apart from the excellent service, the menu features a wide range of delicious pasta dishes like rigatoni with Italian sausage and gnocchi served with Argentinian red shrimp, mingled with more diverse fare like creative ahi tuna cones and hearty New Zealand rack of lamb. Come hungry to Toma, the portions are generous and utterly delicious.
Toma
324 W. Cabrillo St.
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-9:30pm
Santa Barbara restaurant FAQs
To avoid larger crowds and get the best deals on hotel stays, it's a good idea to visit Santa Barbara in the spring or fall, so April to May or September to October. Not only will you save on accommodations, but you'll also experience more ideal weather conditions during those months, as winter can be chilly and rainy.
You can certainly get around beachfront and downtown Santa Barbara on foot or buy Uber, but if you want to visit some of the nearby vineyards or inland towns, a rental car can be your most convenient and budget-friendly option.
Check out Helena Bakery in the Funk Zone.
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