Destination
Type of Restaurant
Type of Meal
Editors Pick
Read MoreArigato Sushi
Arigato Sushi has a devoted following for a reason. Not only is the fish ultra-fresh, but the selections are creative and delicious. Sashimi carpaccios and tartars complement more traditional sashimi selections, as well as such nigiri rolls as the seared...
Read MoreBoathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Perched on the dunes above Arroyo Burro Beach (also known as Dog Beach), the Boathouse almost always has a wait for a table, but put your name down and enjoy the view of surfers, hang gliders and people and their...
Read MoreBouchon
This local favorite opened on Bastille Day in 1998, and regulars are never disappointed when they bring visiting friends to sample great California farm to table cuisine in pretty but unpretentious surroundings. The seasonal menu may include such starters as...
Read MoreBrophy Brothers
This Santa Barbara classic overlooking the water is nearly always full, often with tourists, so plan your excursion carefully. For twenty-five years this two-story establishment with an ocean-weathered exterior has been serving well loved seaside specialties like oysters on the...
Read MoreJane
While perusing the boutiques of State Street, stop in for lunch at Jane, also owned by Mark and Margaret Huston of the Montecito Café at the Montecito Inn. Enter the small Mission style structure to find a comfortably sized interior...
Read MoreJeannine’s Bakery & Restaurant
Jeannine’s Bakery in Montecito is a perfect place for breakfast, with such healthy California offerings as the egg white omelet with asparagus, as well as plenty of richer fare, like the challah bread French toast sautéed together with bananas in...
Read MoreLa Super-Rica Taqueria
This is still one of the best places in Santa Barbara to enjoy authentic Mexican tacos, burritos and tamalas, but come knowing it’s a no-frills place. The tables and chairs are plastic, as is the cutlery. But the flavor is...
Read MoreLucky’s
You come to Lucky’s not so much for the food, but for the hip, loud scene and the occasional celebrity sighting. You could opt to stay for dinner and order such hearty classics as iceberg lettuce wedges with Roquefort dressing...
Read MoreMcConnell’s Ice Cream
Iconic McConnell’s set out nearly seven decades ago to make the very best ice cream “in the universe” and it is still intent on producing top quality ice cream with only the best ingredients. McConnell’s pasteurizes its own milk, uses...
Read MoreOlio e Limone
Owner Alberto Morello has made his small Italian restaurant a darling of locals. For over a decade he has manned the stoves and appeared nightly, with his wife Elaine, in the dining room to make sure guests are relishing his...
Read MorePadaro Beach Grill
After a morning at the beach, Santa Barbara families head to the Padaro Beach Grill. Located right by the shore, with only train tracks between its grassy backyard space and the beach, the Padaro Beach Grill has a large lawn...
Read MorePalace Grill
This popular spot offers such tempting Cajun dishes as crawfish étouffée and spicy jambalaya. Desserts include sweet potato pecan pie and bananas foster. It’s a buzzing spot with a relaxed ambiance that’s as great for groups of friends as families...
Read MorePane e Vino
Some joke that there are residents of Montecito who could wall off their own kitchens because they eat all of their meals at the Biltmore, the Ranch or Pane e Vino. The pretty Italian restaurant is so popular that unless...
Read MorePierre La Fond
Pierre La Fond, across the street from the Montecito Coffee Shop, is a great gourmet market, and there are tables outside where you can eat as well. Perfect for a quick stop while you're in Montecito.
Read MorePlow & Angel
On the stunning grounds of the San Ysidro Ranch, there are two restaurants. The Stonehouse is the elegant older sister and the Plow & Angel is the more laid-back, rustic younger sister. The Plow & Angel, which is downstairs from...
Read MoreTaqueria El Bajio
Some argue that this Mexican spot has stolen the crown from La Super-Rica. At either place you go for the food, not the atmosphere. Closed Monday.
Read MoreThe Lark
Santa Barbara’s emerging Funk Zone, complete with art galleries, wine bars, microbreweries and tasting rooms from several local wineries, is the hottest new spot in town. And the anchor for the Funk Zone is The Lark. With a hip, industrial...
- Read More
The Stonehouse
Jeweler Mish Tworkowski puts it succinctly: “Wonderful food in a heavenly atmosphere. Sit outside; it’s perfectly beautiful.” And so it is. Perhaps it’s the evening stars or the twinkling lights on the trees – which you can appreciate thanks to...
Read MoreTre Lune
In the style of the similar restaurants in the Montesano group, Tre Luna favors traditional Italian flavors. A white bean salad comes with fresh tomatoes and parmesan, the dolomiti pizza is topped with gorgonzola and smoked prosciutto and the roasted...
Read MoreTy Lounge
For a pre-dinner cocktail consider the Ty Lounge at the Four Seasons. You can sit outside and look at the ocean. In addition to an extensive wine list and creative cocktail, you can order from a Spanish style tapas menu.
