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Best Cozy Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Roy restaurant
3.9
Excellent(431)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 3 times today
In business for more than 30 years, Roy is a bistro-style, Americana restaurant with a frequently changing, handwritten menu. We strive to serve unpretentious cuisine of the highest quality. We use mostly certified organic produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market, free range chicken and Harris Ranch hormone free beef. We bake our own bread, hand roll our pastas and make all of our desserts in house. Our ambiance is retro moderne California casual, and we have rotating art shows that run for a month and a half at a time. Live music once in a while. Full bar all the time.
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1765)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 33 times today
Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company. Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.
A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1783)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
4.1
Excellent(319)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 13 times today
Modern Indian food featuring local produce and seafood paired with a robust low-intervention wine program curated by Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr. Located directly across the street from the historic Granada Theatre in the heart of Santa Barbara's ARTS District. Join us in our lively, signature pastel pink dining room. Michelin Guide Central Coast Selection 2021, 2022 and 2023
A photo of Gala restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(294)
Price: Expensive
• European • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Gala exudes a European meets Santa Barbara charm, where you feel like you’re transported to a beautiful bistro in the Mediterranean. Enjoy shared tapas, farmer's market favorites, pasta and risotto, fresh oysters and the best steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Cozy up for our farm to table craft cocktails, a Pisco sour or martini and a full meal with friends. Curated wine list with local & Spanish wines. Right down the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse enjoy an evening at Gala. 1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Farm to table, Farmer's market driven, Tapas, Seafood, Steak, Oysters, Happy Hour, Food, Cocktails, Wine, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(712)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 9 times today
A locally owned and operated, modern-classic California-French Pub. We serve elevated, eclectic, locally sourced Cuisine paired with incredible wines and craft beer. We are NOW OPEN for SUNDAY BRUNCH 10am-1:30pm. Located in Old Town Santa Barbara on 18 East Cota Street, the building boasts a rich history of French restaurants and saloons dating back over a century. We are open for Dinner Wed-Sun from 5PM. We are known for our incredible family style tasting menu’s where multiple dishes are presented to your table for each course.
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5495)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 26 times today
Toma Restaurant and Bar a waterfront bistro, located along Santa Barbara's picturesque Cabrillo Blvd. Experience Santa Barbara waterfront's most romantic restaurant. Savor exquisite Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes from Santa Barbara's seasonal bounty, supporting our local fisherman, farmers, foragers and food artisans. Pour over local and Italian wines along with a full bar of handcrafted cocktails and spirits. Enjoy warm and attentive service while dining window side with a view of the enchanting Santa Barbara harbor.
A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1805)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 24 times today
"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2544)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 39 times today
Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's ARTS District, serves artisanal Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with eggplant souffle, then tuck into a plate of house made duck ravioli or Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties. Bonus: their contemporary Italian breakfast, lunch & retail spot Olio Bottega, and authentic pizzeria next door at Olio Pizzeria. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests.
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1880)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work. In all of our efforts, we hope to capture the essence of a particular place or local flavor, embracing the nuances that make our food and drink unique to our home.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • EmilyVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food and service was great - highly recommend the prime rib special (Sundays), deviled eggs, Caesar salad, and catch of the day (Snapper). Super tasty food and attentive service. We sat at the communal table at the bar since we had a dog with us and it was too cold to sit outside.
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.6
  • kristinaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing experience. Beautiful restaurant with delicious food and service! Highly recommended for any evening!
    More info
    GalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • JohnnyVIP
    California Central Coast •77 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Great experience at Intermezzo. Staff was very accommodating over a few dietary restrictions and the food was delicious. Shrimp pasta was excellent as was the Filet Mignon with pepper cream sauce. We will be back again. Definitely recommend.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • Lee
    California Central Coast •10 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    The food here is delicious, definitely different from and a cut above traditional Indian restaurants in America. The service was also very attentive. I really appreciate the number of vegan dishes and the fact that everything is clearly marked. My two caveats are that there’s a lot of heat in this food so if you can’t stand that this is not the restaurant for you. Even the mild chutney was hot rather than flavorful. It’s also a noisy set up with little thought given to sound management in the design of the space. The pink themed walls are kind of cute but also slightly nauseating. 
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    4.1
  • Jodi
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 29, 2024
    I have always loved Roy restaurant as my family has been going there for many years. You know the food has to be good as the restaurant is still going since 1993. Roy gets his produce from the farmers market and prepares them so well. I bet his restaurant has lasted so long because he is there cooking in the kitchen. He provides a good variety of food from steak to seafood to Italian dishes. I love the potato cakes, he makes great purée soups, and yummy deserts. I went there for Thanksgiving dinner the place was full, the waitress was personable and we had a great meal and Roy made incredible cranberries. You can’t go wrong with whatever you order.
    More info
    RoyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
    3.9

Discover best cozy restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of Santa Barbara’s cozy dining spots nestled along the scenic California Central Coast. These restaurants embody the essence of warmth and intimacy, making them perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet refined dining experience. From traditional French decor to real Italian settings, each venue offers a unique atmosphere that enhances the 'cozy' keyword. The dining scene in Santa Barbara is diverse, with each establishment providing attentive service, quality cuisine, and a welcoming ambiance that invites diners to linger longer. Whether you’re looking for a place with outdoor heaters for a chilly evening or a spot with soft piano music to set the mood, Santa Barbara’s cozy restaurants cater to various tastes and preferences. These eateries are not just about great food but about creating memorable moments in comfortable, inviting settings. Ideal for both intimate gatherings and casual dining, Santa Barbara’s cozy restaurants promise a delightful culinary journey that resonates with both locals and visitors.

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