Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Santa Barbara

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
1. Chase Restaurant
3.5
Very Good(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant, a Santa Barbara institution since 1979, is conveniently located at 1012 State Street in the Theater district and showcases a classic elegant Italian décor with an intimate interior bar and an outside patio with high top seating overlooking State Street. Chase Restaurant features the finest meat, seafood and pasta dishes, as well as traditional Italian desserts. Signature dishes include Chicken Piccata served with Fettuccini Alfredo, Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Valle de Ostra, Penne Carbonara and many more. This warm, romantic Italian restaurant offers a global wine list boasting many Santa Barbara wines which are curated to pair with the bold, rich flavors of classic Italian fare. Custom cocktails featuring spirits blended with seasonal ingredients as well as Italian and craft beer are offered as well. There is free parking in the rear of the restaurant off Anacapa Street.
A photo of Bluewater Grill - Santa Barbara restaurant
2. Bluewater Grill - Santa Barbara
4.4
Awesome(640)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 times today
The waterfront locals choice in Santa Barbara for premium quality, sustainably sourced seafood! Located at the gateway to Santa Barbara on the beach at State Street and Cabrillo Boulevard with a stunning patio and beach view. Adjacent to the "Funk Zone", Santa Barbara's premiere wine district, the wine list features an extensive selection of local wines in addition to a "no-corkage" policy on the first two bottles. Winner of numerous awards, including Best Seafood, this owner operated gem features lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, a "Kids Live Well" Kid menu, full bar, heated patio, and is pet friendly. Well known for classics like Clam Chowder and Fish & Chips, Oysters on the half shell and numerous varieties of fresh fish, lobster and crab, Bluewater also operates fishing vessel "Pilikia" which specializes in the freshest caught local fish in town! Come in, Get Hooked!
A photo of Sandbar Mexican Restaurant restaurant
3. Sandbar Mexican Restaurant
4.3
Awesome(180)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 5 times today
We are a traditional Sonora style Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Guests will experience the authentic tastes and warm outdoor dining of Mexico. We use homemade sweet and sour with organic agave nectar in our world class margaritas. We also feature handmade tortilla chips and salsas, fresh Ceviche, homemade guacamole and the best fajitas around.We feature a vibrant bar scene and a social atmosphere. We also serve our full menu nightly until 11pm. Stick around after dinner as we transform into one of Santa Barbara's best late night hot spots.
A photo of Goat Tree Restaurant restaurant
4. Goat Tree Restaurant
4.0
Excellent(452)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 1 time today
Located at the front door of the Funk Zone and one block from the beach, Goat Tree at Hotel Californian is a gourmet café with al fresco seating offering fresh, local fare, including superb pastries and baked goods made in house daily by our Pastry Chef Ron Viloria. Our all-day brunch menu features Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Shakshuka, Baby Kale Caesar and our famed GT Smashburger. Sip on cold-pressed juices from Pressed Juicery, lattes and coffee by Caffe Luxxe or organic hot teas by Rishi. Curating seasonal picnic baskets for a day at the beach or wine tasting as well as dine in, take out or delivery for brunch and dinner, Goat Tree pleases everyone's palate. Join us on our spacious patio into the evening for a glass of wine or a cocktail and a bite. Our dinner menu includes Rigatoni Pasta, New York Steak Frites and Faroe Island Salmon among other delectable dishes. Don't let the day end without some Rori's Ice Cream or a seasonal dessert from Chef Ron.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Larry
    Adelaide •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our dinner was great! The food was delicious and expertly prepared. Our server, Tanner, exhibited grace and professionalism along the evening enjoyable. We are visiting from Virginia and highly recommend the Bluewater Grill.
    More info
    Bluewater Grill - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.4
  • 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
    •
    3.5
  • Jim
    San Francisco Bay Area •54 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Oct 3, 2024
    We'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 info
    Goat Tree RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
    •
    4
  • OpenTable Diner
    New Mexico •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 22, 2024
    Fun night! Beautiful location Perfect for people watching
    More info
    Sandbar Mexican RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.3

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo