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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Santa Barbara

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22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1773)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 25 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 Bibi Ji restaurant
4.1
Excellent(322)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 12 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 Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1785)
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 The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(721)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 17 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 Chase Restaurant restaurant
3.3
Good(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant is a top pick for special occasions in Santa Barbara. The classic Italian decor, intimate bar, and outdoor patio add to its charm. Reviewers rave about the fantastic food, excellent service, and warm atmosphere. It's frequently described as a 'lovely restaurant' and 'old school Italian restaurant experience'. As one reviewer mentioned, 'always come here for date night/special occasions'. With its global wine list and custom cocktails, it's a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a gathering of friends.
A photo of Roy restaurant
3.5
Very Good(435)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 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 Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5442)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 times today
Bouchon in Santa Barbara is a beloved spot for special occasions. Reviewers often highlight the restaurant's exceptional service, fabulous food, and the extra special touches they provide for birthdays and celebrations, such as rose petals on the table. As one reviewer said, 'every aspect of this restaurant is outstanding' and it's 'an incredible fine dining experience.'
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5502)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 25 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 OKU restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1765)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 33 times today
Tina Takaya, proprietor, welcomes you to our newest two story restaurant on the water. We feel the key to success is our passion for creating the highest quality food and warm friendly service. We hope you will enjoy your experience as much as we enjoyed creating it for you."We want Locals to feel like Family and Visitors to feel like Locals"Our menu draws from Asian favorites that inspire and excite such as Wagyu Steak, Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dumplings, Garlic Noodles and fresh local seafood.We are located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront and Funk Zone Districts. Come enjoy lunch or dinner, soak in the sun by day at our waterfront rooftop bar while sipping on a refreshing cocktail surrounded by our beautiful ocean vista and by night, enjoy lounging by the fireplace after a delicious meal and a great glass of wine.Our chef uses the freshest ingredients from central coast farmers and local fisherman to create dishes with the best of what California has to offer.
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1889)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 4 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
  • AmandaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food is always exceptional as is the service.
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    4.1
  • ElizabethVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I love this place; have been several times. I’ve only had dinner at the bar, so can’t speak to table service, but the bartenders work hard, and are funny, attentive and very knowledgeable about wines. The atmosphere is lively and sophisticated. Did I mention the food??? Pizza is amazing here. NY steak & frites is fantastic. Enjoy!
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.6
  • AdamVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •88 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Wonderful Christmas evening meal—best ever! The prix-fix selections were spot-on and delicious. The service was far and above what is typical of dining out on a holiday; everyone involved at Black Sheep, from the hostess to each and every server made the experience special. Thanks Black Sheep for a great Christmas dining experience!
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Geoff
    London •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Twelve of us (family and friends) had a Christmas Buffet celebration at Finch and Fork. The whole experience was exceptional. We were made to feel welcome by a very professional and friendly team who clearly wanted us to enjoy ourselves - which we did - and enjoy a wide selection of food offerings. The buffet stations were refreshed as needed and our table was comfortable and not squashed in at all. We requested some number changes in the run up to the 25th and were accommodated readily. We all felt that the buffet was great value at $110 for Christmas Day in Santa Barbara.
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.5
  • 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
    3.3

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, located on California's Central Coast, offers a vibrant dining scene perfect for special occasions. The restaurants in this area are distinguished by their exceptional service and attention to detail, ensuring every celebration is memorable. Whether you're looking for a cozy Italian ambiance or a sophisticated American bistro, Santa Barbara caters to all tastes with its diverse culinary offerings. These establishments often feature eclectic menus that blend global influences with regional flavors, complemented by extensive wine lists that have earned accolades for their quality. Patrons frequently praise these restaurants for their romantic atmospheres and the personal touches that elevate each dining experience, making them ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events. Overall, dining in Santa Barbara for a special occasion means enjoying exquisite food, excellent service, and a delightful setting that together create an unforgettable experience.

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