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Best Romantic Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(695)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 26 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 Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1767)
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 Chase Restaurant restaurant
3.6
Very Good(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant is a romantic Italian eatery in Santa Barbara. With its classic elegant decor and intimate interior bar, it creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners. As one reviewer mentioned, 'Cutest little restaurant ever, always come here for date night/special occasions.' The restaurant's global wine list and custom cocktails complement the rich flavors of their classic Italian fare, adding to the romantic ambiance.
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5470)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 42 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 Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2588)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
The Stonehouse, located in a beautiful 19th-century citrus packing house, offers an unparalleled dining experience. Guests can unwind in a relaxing lounge with full bar service or enjoy the ambiance of the separate dining room, complete with a crackling fireplace and world-class views. Chef Matthew Johnson creates evocative regional cuisine, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden. The Stonehouse boasts the only Grand Award-winning wine program in Central California, ensuring an unparalleled selection of wines to complement your meal. For a unique twist, visit the restaurant's speakeasy for before or after dinner drinks, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, nostalgic setting.
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5410)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 30 times today
Bouchon in Santa Barbara is a romantic restaurant that's perfect for an intimate evening. With its warm and inviting ambiance, excellent wines, and fresh, local ingredients, it creates a cozy, romantic vibe that reviewers have praised. The restaurant's French influence and beautiful Santa Barbara location add to its charm. One reviewer mentioned the restaurant's attention to special occasions, like anniversaries, which makes it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2535)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 17 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 Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1791)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 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 Stella Mare's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2282)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Barbara
Booked 37 times today
French country bistro...Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare's Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French country cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and moules frites. Sip seasonal cocktails amid cozy décor -- all the right ingredients for a great dining experience. Bon appétit!When requesting the greenhouse please note that is considered indoor dining.
A photo of Olio Pizzeria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1479)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara
Booked 27 times today
Olio Pizzeria is an upscale-casual pizzeria with salumi bar/wine bar/full bar which was inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie and enoteche found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy. This idea began to take shape before Alberto and Elaine Morello even opened Olio e Limone Ristorante, their fine dining Italian restaurant next door. Wine bars serving boutique salumi and formaggi are ubiquitous in Italy, as is a regionalism which the Morellos are excited to share with you. Sicily is an emerging powerhouse, and touches of Sicilian food and wine delight their guests. You’ll also find exciting tastes from Campania and other emerging regions on their menus, wine and beer lists. Takeout available. Buon appetito!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kristin
    Los Angeles •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    I had the fixed price menu which was wonderful and reasonably priced. The food was absolutely wonderful along with the service. We had a cute window table and the experience could not have been better! Would highly recommend and would return! This was already my second trip! I brought somebody who eats at many high end restaurants and she was very mpressed!
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Toddvip
    Columbus •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Absolutely 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 info
    Stonehouse at San Ysidro RanchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Michael
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Charming, smaller restaurant across the street from the beach. Excellent food. Good service. Highly recommended. Popular with the locals.
    More info
    Toma Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • Barbaravip
    California Central Coast •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Outstanding, as always. The food was wonderful - the oysters Rockefeller are just so delicious. I wish they would add another slice or two to the bread we ordered. Two pieces for two people - one piece per person - is a little skimpy. The wine list is wonderful and the cocktails, perfect! And the service couldn't have been more spot on. Than you Mia - you are delightful. We will be back soon.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Lisa
    California Central Coast •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 13, 2024
    The Caesar Salad was fresh and the dressing was a tasty surprise. The Veal Milanese breading was crispy and paired nicely with the buttery, cheesy fettuccine. My friends both enjoyed their Spinach Ravioli and Pappardelle Vodka. Topped it off with us all sharing the Warm Lava Cake...delish!
    More info
    Chase RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Barbara
    3.6

Discover best romantic restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the allure of Santa Barbara's romantic dining scene, nestled along the picturesque California Central Coast. Here, you’ll find a variety of eateries that specialize in creating the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening. Each restaurant boasts a unique charm, featuring settings that range from cozy, intimate interiors to breathtaking views that enhance the dining experience. The cuisine is as diverse as the scenery, with options that highlight fresh, local ingredients and menus crafted to complement the romantic atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable night out, these restaurants cater to every desire with exceptional service and attention to detail. Santa Barbara's dining scene truly stands out by offering an enchanting blend of culinary excellence and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for lovers seeking a romantic getaway. Experience the magic of a romantic dinner in this idyllic coastal setting, where every meal is a celebration of love and gastronomy.

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