Best Southwest American Restaurants in Santa Barbara

24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant

1. Intermezzo By Wine Cask

4.7

Exceptional(1783)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 7 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Santa Barbara, Intermezzo by Wine Cask stands out as a pinnacle of Californian cuisine, infused with a delightful Mediterranean twist. Patrons consistently praise its "fabulous food" and the "wonderful Alaskan halibut and new filet Mignon dish," testament to the innovative culinary spirit of Executive Chef Mossin Sugich. The restaurant's atmosphere is frequently highlighted as a major draw, with reviews noting the "beautiful outdoor courtyard" and the "high-end rock n roll in a modern classy setting." This local gem, beloved for its "killer pizza" and expertly curated wine list, delivers a dining experience that epitomizes the freshness and creativity expected of Californian fare. Whether it's the "best pizza" or the innovative "Filet 'John’s Way'", Intermezzo by Wine Cask captures the essence of California's rich gastronomic culture.

2. Finch & Fork

4.6

Exceptional(1765)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 32 times today

Finch & Fork in Santa Barbara is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, reflecting the rich, local bounty of the area. This restaurant captures the essence of the region with dishes that are both inventive and deeply rooted in local flavors. Patrons rave about the impeccable service and the culinary delights, with one saying, "The food...soooo good. Everything was plated beautifully," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to excellence. From the “delicious and fresh” mussels to the “perfectly prepared” scallops and pork chops, Finch & Fork ensures every dish celebrates American culinary traditions with a modern twist. This spot is not just a meal; it's a vibrant, flavorful journey through the heart of American dining.

3. Gala

4.8

Exceptional(294)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 7 times today

Gala in Santa Barbara is a delightful American cuisine gem that seamlessly blends a European bistro vibe with the laid-back elegance of Santa Barbara. Diners rave about the "consistently delicious" food, from the succulent steak with bone marrow butter and chimichurri to the uniquely American pulled pork sandwich. Gala's commitment to farm-to-table freshness is evident, with ingredients sourced directly from local farms and markets, ensuring each dish is both delicious and responsibly curated. The inviting atmosphere and exceptional service make it a perfect dining spot, with one reviewer noting, "Gala provided a wonderful ambiance with excellent food, delicious wine and spirit choices all delivered with wonderful service." Whether it's the "heavenly fried green tomatoes" or the "next level oysters," Gala promises an unforgettable American dining experience right in the heart of Santa Barbara.

4. Roy

3.9

Excellent(431)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 4 times today

At Roy in Santa Barbara, the essence of Contemporary American cuisine is celebrated with an unpretentious yet high-quality approach that has delighted diners for over 30 years. This bistro-style gem stands out with its dynamically handwritten menus that feature locally-sourced, organic ingredients, such as produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market and hormone-free Harris Ranch beef. The authenticity of Roy's dishes is evident in their house-made bread, hand-rolled pastas, and in-house desserts. Patrons rave about the "excellent food and service" and the unique ambiance, enhanced by rotating art shows and occasional live music. Roy's dedication to quality and community connection makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a genuine taste of Contemporary American cuisine.

5. Barbareño

4.8

Exceptional(1880)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 21 times today

Barbareño in Santa Barbara stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, masterfully blending locally-sourced ingredients with innovative culinary techniques. Patrons rave about the authenticity and creativity of the dishes, describing their dining experiences as "utterly delicious" with "innovative flavor combinations." Known for capturing the essence of Central Coast flavors, Barbareño impresses with dishes like the memorable Tri-tip and beans and the fresh Halibut caught in local waters served sashimi style. The restaurant is celebrated not just for its food but also for its ambiance and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of contemporary American fare in Santa Barbara.

A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant

6. Opal Restaurant & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1759)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 20 times today

Opal Restaurant & Bar in Santa Barbara is celebrated for its exceptional Fusion / Eclectic cuisine that creatively melds global influences with American regional flair. Dishes like the "delicious" Herb Grilled Filet Mignon and the unique Duck Confit Pizza showcase the kitchen's culinary prowess. Reviewers rave about the "amazing food" and the "outstanding" fresh bread, underscoring the quality and variety that Opal consistently delivers. Additionally, the attentive service and vibrant ambiance contribute to a dining experience that is both "perfect" and memorable. As one enthusiastic diner put it, Opal is "the best bang for your buck if you want a refined but laid-back dinner." This gem of Santa Barbara continues to impress locals and visitors alike with its blend of innovation and tradition in every dish.

A photo of Holdren's Santa Barbara restaurant

7. Holdren's Santa Barbara

4.5

Awesome(985)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 24 times today

Stepping into Holdren's Steaks & Seafood in Santa Barbara is like entering a realm where the steak is not just food but a masterpiece. Celebrated for its high-quality USDA prime steaks, Holdren's grills each cut to perfection on a mesquite grill, infusing a smoky richness that's hard to find elsewhere. Patrons rave about the "consistently good" steaks and how they're a "great value." The restaurant's ambiance, from its cozy, saloon-inspired dining room to its vibrant outdoor patio on State Street, only enhances the experience. Plus, having been voted the best steakhouse multiple times by both the Santa Barbara Independent’s Reader’s Poll and the Santa Barbara News Press’ Reader’s Choice Awards, Holdren's commitment to quality and satisfaction shines. Whether it's the "fantastic" filet mignon or the "outstanding" New York Strip, each dish is a testament to Holdren's culinary prowess.

A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant

8. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.8

Exceptional(2621)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 15 times today

Nestled in the scenic Santa Barbara, Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch offers a steak dining experience that is as exquisite as its surroundings. Renowned for its "outstanding" Steak Diane, the Stonehouse provides a culinary journey that guests describe as "magical" and "perfect." The steak's presentation is "fantastic and fun to watch," ensuring that each meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Coupled with the restaurant's Grand Award-winning wine program, every steak dish is perfectly complemented, enhancing the flavors and overall dining experience. Diners consistently praise the ambiance, service, and food, making Stonehouse a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a memorable meal in an enchanting setting.

9. Lucky's

4.8

Exceptional(2881)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Montecito

Booked 20 times today

Lucky's, located in the heart of Montecito, Santa Barbara, has firmly established itself as a premier Steakhouse destination. Renowned for its USDA Prime steaks, this restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience, with guests frequently praising the "best steaks and sides in the 805." Diners consistently celebrate not only the quality of the meat, which is always cooked to perfection, but also the cozy ambiance and the exceptional service that makes every visit memorable. One review glowingly states, "The best steakhouse on the west coast," highlighting both Lucky's culinary prowess and its vibrant atmosphere. Whether it's for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Lucky's promises an exceptional Steakhouse experience with every visit.

10. Stella Mare's

4.8

Exceptional(2313)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Santa Barbara

Booked 20 times today

Stella Mare's, nestled between Montecito and Santa Barbara, stands out as a beacon of American cuisine excellence. Housed in a historic Victorian overlooking the Bird Refuge, it offers a unique blend of comfort and sophistication. Diners consistently rave about the authentic American flavors, with one guest mentioning, "the food was great, probably the best onion soup I have ever had" and another lauding the "wonderful service and great food." The ambiance is frequently described as "charming" and "quaint," perfect for any dining experience. Stella Mare's commitment to quality and authenticity in their American offerings makes it a must-visit destination in Santa Barbara.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Intermezzo By Wine Cask

2. Finch & Fork

3. Gala

4. Roy

5. Barbareño

6. Opal Restaurant & Bar

7. Holdren's Santa Barbara

8. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

9. Lucky's

10. Stella Mare's

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