Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Santa Barbara
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- $30 and under
- $31 to $50
- $50 and over
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See what locals rave about
- IIrinavipWashington, D.C. Area •18 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoLoved the food a bit overpriced But delicious nicest prepared and great presentation Our waiter was a bit anxious for no apparent reason But he did his best w our requests .. so no complains I would recommend this place as we are passing through was all in all a good choiceMore infoFinch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara•4.6
- VVenusSan Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoUpon our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that valet parking was complimentary, requiring only a tip. We were greeted warmly and seated without delay. As we perused the menu, we noted that the prices were quite high; however, since we were celebrating our 20th anniversary, budget was not a concern for us that evening—we intended to indulge fully. Our servers were exceptionally attentive and caring, contributing to an overall perfect dining experience that we will cherish forever. We eagerly anticipate returning with our family in the future. However, I did notice some guests who appeared somewhat pretentious. At one point, a woman loudly discussed her and her husband’s intimate life, which felt entirely inappropriate. Unfortunately, my phone accidentally played a Kenny G song, and I quickly turned it off. The same woman remarked sarcastically to her group, “Like really, we want to hear your music.” I felt compelled to respond, noting that Kenny G is far more pleasant than her inappropriate conversation. It would have been more suitable for her to exhibit a sense of decorum, especially in such a refined setting. Despite these minor disturbances, our overall visit was truly remarkable.More infoStonehouse at San Ysidro RanchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•4.8
- DDarcyvipPalm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •22 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoOne of my absolute favorite placed in Santa Barbara! If you care about what ingredients you put into your body this is the place for you! Homemade breads, dressings, sauces. Locally sourced. All the dishes are truly unique and special. They change the menu so currently my favorites are the Hamburger, lamb dish, persimmon salad. I do miss their smashed crispy potatoes so I DO HOPE they bring those back!!More infoBarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara•4.8
- JJimSan Francisco Bay Area •54 reviews4.0Dined on Oct 3, 2024We'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 infoGoat Tree RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•4
- WWillyVirginia •19 reviews4.0Dined on Sep 2, 2024a lovely local joint featuring good food & artists 🧑🏼🎨😎More infoRoyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•3.9
Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Santa Barbara
Discover the essence of contemporary American cuisine along the scenic California Central Coast in Santa Barbara. Renowned for its innovative culinary scene, Santa Barbara offers a delightful array of dining experiences that creatively fuse local ingredients with American traditions. Each restaurant in this locale captures the fresh, vibrant flavors of the coast, emphasizing sustainable and locally-sourced produce that elevates every dish. The dining atmosphere across these establishments varies from casual and inviting to sophisticated and elegant, ensuring an option for every occasion and taste. From expertly crafted pastas and seafood to meticulously curated wine lists and artisan cocktails, the restaurants here promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Moreover, the region is praised for its excellent service and inviting ambiances, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Santa Barbara's contemporary American dining scene offers a unique blend of taste, creativity, and culinary excellence, making every meal a memorable experience.