The best restaurants in Santa Barbara

Secret Bao cooks the food they crave on their days off, which tracks because you will too. Fluffy bao, punchy small plates, and a few…

1201 Anacapa St

Buzzy American eatery serving contemporary dishes inside a repurposed shipping container.

116 Santa Barbara St

Local counter-serve BBQ chain offering mesquite-grilled chicken & tri-tip burritos & plates.

2618 De La Vina St

Local chain serving gourmet breakfast fare, plus sandwiches & salads, in a stylish space.

1253 Coast Village Rd (Montecito)

Casual eatery near the beach for American classics alongside craft cocktails and beers indoors, on a patio and at outdoor seating.

1118 E Cabrillo Blvd

Californian French cuisine made with organic farm-fresh ingredients & paired with local wines.

9 W Victoria St

American comfort foods including breakfast & soda fountain treats in a quintessential diner setting.

3427 State St

Pizzeria offering specialties such as lemon mushroom and the Whole Shabang Top Shelf Pie, plus vegetarian options.

17 W Ortega St

Burgers, shakes, fries and other fast-food eats at a laid-back burger joint with local roots.

2908 De La Vina St

Counter-serve eatery offering modern American fare with a Mediterranean twist and an extensive wine list.

1221 State St

Hip, lively Mexican spot offering a seafood-centric menu with a modern twist & a large tequila list.

119 State St

Pizza (Neapolitan, Italian style) parlor for thin-crust pies, as well as cocktails and other Italian standards such as arancini and…

1014 Coast Village Rd

Urbane eatery in a former fish market offers New American fare in wood-lined quarters with a patio.

131 Anacapa St

Stylish, cozy venue offering inventive, Asian-inflected American plates, craft brews & wine.

18 E Cota St

Lively destination for American favorites with a modern twist including steak & seafood since 1928.

536 State St

Casual, welcoming eatery turning out tacos and burritos, plus margaritas and beer.

505 State St

Stylish American eatery serving California-inspired fare, a big wine list & housemade desserts.

205 W Canon Perdido St

Circa-1893 Victorian beach house with patio serves up breakfast, bacon dishes, burgers & more.

2294 Lillie Ave (Summerland)

Bustling go-to for authentic Sicilian fare & wine served in a white-tablecloth dining room.

11 W Victoria St #21

Classic Mexican eats & margaritas served indoors or on the patio with colorful umbrellas & fountain.

1324 State St

Locally sourced seafood, wine & beer in an upmarket space with an oyster bar & a nautical theme.

3815 State St Suite G131

Stylish eatery featuring sushi, Asian-fusion cuisine & cocktails, plus a roof terrace & ocean views.

29 E Cabrillo Blvd

Local outpost of a small casual chain serving Japanese cuisine & a wide variety of signature rolls.

1013 Bath St

A prix fixe only spot featuring traditional Japanese small plates & sushi in an intimate setting.

230 E Victoria St

Tiny, no-reservations sushi eatery with unique rolls featuring truffle oil & habanero peppers.

1046 Coast Village Rd K

Snug tapas bar featuring small plates with a twist & creative cocktails in a loungey atmosphere.

30 W Anapamu St

American eatery & bar for steaks, seafood, BBQ & ribs in a saloon-inspired space.

512 State St

Beach-set eatery for classic American eats such as pancakes, bagels and omelets, plus scones.

1 State St

Casual, clean-lined eatery serving spit-roasted tacos, burritos and tostadas, plus a salsa bar.

3771 State St

Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee present an exclusive omakase experience, including sake pairings.

1295 Coast Village Rd

Stylish, unassuming spot offering New American dishes made with local ingredients.

31 W Carrillo St

Birria, al pastor, and other Mexican favorites served in a laid-back setting with beer and margaritas.

2714 De La Vina St

Brick-lined gastropub with a copper bar featuring unique eats, local beer on tap & craft cocktails.

35 State St a

This bowling alley features an arcade with billiard tables plus a watering hole serving pub grub.

5925 Calle Real (Goleta)

Laid-back space offering creative cocktails, a dog-friendly patio and outdoor seating, plus comfort-food staples.

501 State St

Relaxed, enduring bar/eatery with an old-timey feel, serving American comfort food in a strip mall.

3313 State St

Casual eatery in a shopping complex with dog-friendly patios serving Cal-American breakfast & lunch.

21 W Victoria St

Casual pizzeria specialising in deep-dish Chicago-style pies, plus thin-crust fare.

515 State St

Relaxed, unassuming Japanese restaurant serving creative sushi and other seafood dishes, along with sake.

1305 State St

Urban, neighborhood hangout with casual American eats, local beers on tap & covered outdoor seating.

1201 State St

Casual venue serving traditional Guatemalan eats such as pupusas, gluten-free tamales and tacos, plus cider.

325 Rutherford St Ste D (Goleta)

Small plates ranging from fried green tomatoes to crudo, plus cocktails, wine, and local beer.

705 Anacapa St

Casual, counter-service joint known for its burgers, fries and salads.

315 Meigs Rd

Noodles, pho, and other familiar Vietnamese staples served amid an easygoing atmosphere.

721 Chapala St

Sustainable seafood is the focus of this quaint eatery, which features a patio & counter seating.

715 Chapala St

Combo pizzeria & coffeehouse featuring java, wood-oven pies & pastries in low-key digs with a patio.

127 Anacapa St

Casual joint serving a variety of sushi rolls and other Japanese fare.

3631 State St

Buzzy window-serve joint with a patio for gourmet American eats, baked goods & specialty coffees.

730 N Milpas St

Hip dining spot serving elevated burgers, craft beer & whiskey in industrial-chic surrounds.

601 Paseo Nuevo

Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

628 State St

Casual eatery serving burgers, fish, fish tacos and fries, along with cocktails and wine, plus outdoor seating.

117 Harbor Way

Locally owned Italian operation featuring pasta, sandwiches & pizza, plus patio seating.

811 State St B

Historic stone house with wood-burning fireplace, white linens, terrace vistas & a regional menu.

900 San Ysidro Ln

Seafood and steakhouse providing grilled meats, as well as cocktails and wine.

214 State St

Omakase-style restaurant offering an intimate Japanese tasting menu in the Funk Zone.

224 Helena Ave

Longtime family-owned locale providing burgers, steaks, seafood & other pub grub, plus cocktails.

632 Santa Barbara St

Italian comfort food, including pizza & classic pasta plates, featured in an old-school atmosphere.

14 W Calle Laureles

Bustling bar & grill serving American fare alongside small-batch brews with occasional live music.

229 W Montecito St

Pizzeria offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on pies with delivery options.

2840 De La Vina St B

Locally owned restaurant for pizzas and other familiar Italian eats served in a relaxed setting with outdoor seating.

1112 State St

Inventive, seasonal New American cuisine in a chic hotel setting with a patio & ocean views.

901 E Cabrillo Blvd

Casual restaurant for enchiladas, chile rellenos & other premium Mexican fare in a roomy space.

600 N Milpas St

Sizable-portion eatery offering tri-tip, ribs, chicken, and sausage, plus bowls.

716 State St

Sunny eatery featuring Italian cuisine & a sizable wine list in a compact space with harbor vistas.

324 W Cabrillo Blvd

Farm–fresh Spanish tapas & craft cocktails are served at this busy haunt with a cozy vibe & a patio.

202 State St

Casual, warm eatery featuring Italian pizzas and focaccia sandwiches plus pasta.

11 W Victoria St #18

Creative American eats from regional ingredients are served outdoors with local beers & wines.

220 Gray Ave

Tiki-themed destination since 1967 offering steaks & seafood, plus a salad bar & a wine list.

3888 State St

Classic Mexican dishes in a laid-back restaurant offering cocktails & alfresco dining.

29 E Cabrillo Blvd

Easygoing option offering local fare with a Mexican twist, plus unique cocktails & outdoor seating.

702 Anacapa St

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

3849 State St Suite 163