Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Price
- $30 and under
- $31 to $50
- $50 and over
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Award-winning
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10 restaurants available nearby
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See what locals rave about
- DDarcyvipPalm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •22 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoOne of my absolute favorite placed in Santa Barbara! If you care about what ingredients you put into your body this is the place for you! Homemade breads, dressings, sauces. Locally sourced. All the dishes are truly unique and special. They change the menu so currently my favorites are the Hamburger, lamb dish, persimmon salad. I do miss their smashed crispy potatoes so I DO HOPE they bring those back!!More infoBarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara•4.8
- TToddvipColumbus •11 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoAbsolutely amazing! We have been lucky enough to go to many amazing restaurants around the world, this place is definitely in the top 5! Beautiful space and views, fantastic service and world class food. Make sure you stop in the speak easy after dinner! Special thanks to John Carlo for the amazing service! Do not miss if you are in the area!More infoStonehouse at San Ysidro RanchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•4.8
- MmojdehSan Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews5.0Dined on Nov 15, 2024The manager was extremely nice and professional. Very attentive and checked back to make sure we were happy. The food was excellent as was the service. It was our first time at Finch & Fork but plan to come back again for sureMore infoFinch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara•4.6
- JJimSan Francisco Bay Area •54 reviews4.0Dined on Oct 3, 2024We've eaten here a few times, and the service and food are always good. Yes, it's a casual place and the menu is somewhat limited, but everything is fresh, well prepared and the staff makes sure everything is exactly right I had the chicken salad which had EVERYTHING in it and my wife had the turkey sandwich which was piled high with meat and vegies. The wine selection was good and fairly priced. I would recommend the goat tree for lunch or a casual dinner. (yes, they have heaters if it gets cold and you're seating outside)More infoGoat Tree RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•4
- WWillyVirginia •19 reviews4.0Dined on Sep 2, 2024a lovely local joint featuring good food & artists 🧑🏼🎨😎More infoRoyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•3.9
Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Santa Barbara
Discover the essence of contemporary American cuisine along the scenic California Central Coast in Santa Barbara. Renowned for its innovative culinary scene, Santa Barbara offers a delightful array of dining experiences that creatively fuse local ingredients with American traditions. Each restaurant in this locale captures the fresh, vibrant flavors of the coast, emphasizing sustainable and locally-sourced produce that elevates every dish. The dining atmosphere across these establishments varies from casual and inviting to sophisticated and elegant, ensuring an option for every occasion and taste. From expertly crafted pastas and seafood to meticulously curated wine lists and artisan cocktails, the restaurants here promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Moreover, the region is praised for its excellent service and inviting ambiances, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Santa Barbara's contemporary American dining scene offers a unique blend of taste, creativity, and culinary excellence, making every meal a memorable experience.