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Santa Barbara Restaurants

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Book the city's award-winners, hot newcomers, and hard-to-get tables.
Book the city's award-winners, hot newcomers, and hard-to-get tables.

Award winning restaurants in California Central Coast

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara

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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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Barbareño
Diners’ top pick
•
Price: Expensive
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Californian
•
4.9
(1,910)
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.
A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
Price: Very Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.8
(2,677)
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 Tre Lune restaurant
Tre Lune
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.8
(2,034)
"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010
Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails.
Award Winner of Italian wines list.
Please call to make reservations.
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Secret Bao
Top-rated food
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Price: Expensive
•
Asian
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4.8
(688)
Modern Asian American Restaurant from Chefs Peter Lee & Felicia Medina.
"Consider the bao. Chinese in origin, it’s most easily described as a steamed bun filled with something savory. Yet, like the American concept of a sandwich, the bao exploded into a flexible format of untold bounds — served at any meal, filled with you-name-it, completely closed or wide open, with endless regional variants from across Asia and far beyond." - Matt Kettmann (SB Independent)
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, Bao, Food, Restaurant, Asian, American, New, Modern, Fried, Chicken, Octopus, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paelo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
Bouchon - Santa Barbara
Price: Expensive
•
Californian
•
4.8
(5,478)
We are delighted to have added additional outdoor seating but Santa Barbara nights are chilly so bring a sweater or light jacket!
Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of our region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambiance, service at a relaxed, leisurely pace. Santa Barbara ‘Wine Country Cuisine’ means we source our ingredients using an ‘as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible’ approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from the surrounding countryside. We then take into account how these flavors can be presented in concert with our local wines. We believe you’ll taste the difference. Bon Appètit!
A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant
Opal Restaurant & Bar
Price: Expensive
•
Californian
•
4.8
(1,801)
We have inside and limited outdoor sidewalk dining. If you prefer to sit outside, please indicate that with your reservation request.
To accommodate our second seating, early parties should plan for a maximum stay of 1.5 to 2hrs, depending on party size. Please call 805 966 9676 for more details.
A popular local’s favorite, opal restaurant & bar’s Eclectic California Cuisine fuses creative world cuisine influences with American Regional touches, from a 14 oz. Herb-Grilled Ribeye Steak on Tuscan White Beans, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas, fresh Baked Breads, imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts.
We have a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, & a full bar with seasonal Craft Cocktails.
Our entire dining room staff assists to take care of each table, enabling exceptional service in a warm engaging manner, properly nuanced to your mood & taste. Our staff genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience!
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Ca Dario Montecito
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Very Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.8
(904)
Ca' 'Dario's newest restaurant on Coast Village Road promises the same authentic and fresh Italian cuisine as our other locations, now easily accessible for residents of Montecito!
Enjoy outdoor dining on our covered patio, or indoor in our elegant dining room.
We feature an adjustable roof that keeps out the rain and allows in the sun.
Dogs are welcome (we ask that you limit the number to one per guest)
​
A photo of Lucky's restaurant
Lucky's
Price: Very Expensive
•
Steakhouse
•
4.8
(2,911)
LUCKY'S is widely known for its exclusive selection of USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, farmer's market vegetables, no-nonsense cocktails and world class wine cellar.
For take-out, please call the restaurant.
We do not accept bar table reservations online, please call the restaurant.
For larger parties, please call or email the restaurant directly.
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
Toma Restaurant & Bar
Price: Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.8
(5,540)
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.
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Gala
Great vibe
•
Price: Expensive
•
European
•
4.7
(319)
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
The Black Sheep SB Brasserie
Price: Expensive
•
Contemporary French / American
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4.7
(739)
Locally owned California-French brasserie in Old Town Santa Barbara, blending classic technique with bold, eclectic flavors. Housed in a historic space, we offer an elevated dining experience with a renowned family-style tasting menu, curated wines & craft beer. Open Wed-Sun from 5 PM—check daily for our specials!
A photo of Arnoldi's Cafe restaurant
Arnoldi's Cafe
Price: Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.7
(773)
Oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara! We have two bocce courts on our patio with outdoor dining. Lots of pasta, appetizers, salads, chicken dishes and homemade desserts...Italian wine and local wine on our wine list...indoor or outdoor seating. We are a true local's secret and kid friendly. Open for dinner 7 days a week! We also host rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and large birthday parties.
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Ca' Dario Ristorante
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.6
(1,820)
"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."

Outdoor dining in California Central Coast

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See what locals rave about in Santa Barbara

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MargoVIP
    Greater Boston •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our Soppressata pizza was so disappointing. What has happened to it over the past year? Not only not the same as it used to be, this time it was burned to a crisp and yet the chef and kitchen staff still sent it out to us. The filet mignon au poivre was excellent. Both LT and Kenny were amazing wait staff. We were lucky to have them.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.5
  • Sara
    Houston •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was delicious and the service was amazing. They were incredibly kind and accommodating, and made great recommendations on food and wine.
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.3
  • Juan
    California Central Coast •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food was exceptional very tasty,We started with Octopus with rosted cuya very good and after that we had a Calamari an other nicly done appetaicer, for our mains I had the Bransino nice delicate fish and my wife had the Duck really nice done dish,,,, Graet food I really recommend
    More info
    GalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.7
  • kathryn
    Hawaii •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Outstanding!!! This is a locally owned French bistro with exceptional cuisine. It’s an excellent value too!
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.7
  • JudyVIP
    California Central Coast •125 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Four of us had a wonderful dinner at Finch and Fork the other night. The corkage fee is a little outrageous but the food was delicious and the server was very knowledgeable and engaged. We started with a Kung Pao cauliflower which was truly outstanding! A couple people had the halibut special and they enjoyed that very much - no leftovers to take home. I had the short rib pappardelle which was very good.
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.4

Discover Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a true melting pot of cultures, and the culinary possibilities for you to enjoy in this coastal city are representative of the city’s incredible diversity. American options for steak lovers and vegetarians alike are available in sophisticated dining rooms as well as casual restaurants. With Santa Barbara's unique location close to the Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at your choice of elegant restaurants or cafes overlooking the coast. European eateries feature Mediterranean, French, and Italian options that will delight you. You can also enjoy dining at a Chinese, Japanese or Thai restaurant with an Asian vibe. You will never tire of the options available when you are in Santa Barbara.

Dining around Santa Barbara Hot Spots

Frequently asked questions

Celebrate special occasion at the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. Our customers recommend Bouchon - Santa Barbara, Toma Restaurant & Bar and Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

As of Feb 17, 2025 there are 63 restaurants in Santa Barbara. Filter by “outdoor dining”, “romantic” or “dog friendly”.

On OpenTable we support all cuisines. Find Italian, Californian, Asian, Steakhouse, Seafood and more. Use our filters to find exactly what you’re looking for and make your reservation today.

Yes! We partner with restaurants in Santa Barbara who deliver with Toast, Postmates, Uber Eats, Olo, ChowNow.

Yes, you can also see restaurants near you offering takeout.

Yes! OpenTable provides free, convenient and trusted options to book the best restaurants in Santa Barbara either on OpenTable or directly with the restaurant.

Yes, we partner with a third party to bring back menu information for restaurants near you.

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