Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Barbara

12 restaurants available nearby

1. Finch & Fork

4.6

Exceptional(1764)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 19 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.

2. Barbareño

4.8

Exceptional(1880)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Barbara

Booked 27 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.

A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant

3. Bouchon - Santa Barbara

4.8

Exceptional(5437)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Barbara

Booked 25 times today

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 Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant

4. Toma Restaurant & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(5494)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 33 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 Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant

5. Opal Restaurant & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1759)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Barbara

Booked 30 times today

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!

A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant

6. Olio e Limone Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(2544)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 21 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 Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant

7. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.8

Exceptional(2621)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara

Booked 19 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.

8. Olio Pizzeria

4.5

Awesome(1486)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara

Booked 22 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!

9. Lucky's

4.8

Exceptional(2881)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Montecito

Booked 29 times today

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.

10. Stella Mare's

4.8

Exceptional(2311)

Price: Expensive

• French • Santa Barbara

Booked 34 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kim
West Palm Beach •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent service from the hostess to the bus person. Very low key, quiet, with delicious food and wine. My sister and I stayed at the Beachside Inn next door so this was a lovely way to end a day I’d sightseeing. We recommend the swordfish (special), seafood pasta, all of the salads, and the chocolate torte for dessert. Fantastic wine list.
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Toma Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
•
4.8
T
terreVIP
California Central Coast •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Absolutely one of our favorite places to dine in Santa Barbara. Their menu has something for everyone. Great prices and a nice selection of wines. Located in the heart of downtown.
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Opal Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
•
4.8
C
CynthiaVIP
California Central Coast •49 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I have Christmas lunch with my dear sister & our 95 dear Mom every year…..we had a great experience at the Finch & Fork this year. Wonderful attentive server, Jamey & most delicious food. Thank you!
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Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
•
4.6
N
Neysa
California Central Coast •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Bouchon provided a meaningful and special dining experience. All staff were polite and attentive, food was expertly prepared and absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere was pleasant, especially with holiday music playing in the background. Santa Barbara is fortunate to have this treasure!
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Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
•
4.8
B
Brian
California Central Coast •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
The highlight of our meal was the lamb Al pastor with fermented corn flatbread. Flavors on point. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable in food and beverage. Very attentive to our table. Excellent atmosphere! Will be back!
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BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
•
4.8

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Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Finch & Fork

2. Barbareño

3. Bouchon - Santa Barbara

4. Toma Restaurant & Bar

5. Opal Restaurant & Bar

6. Olio e Limone Ristorante

7. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

8. Olio Pizzeria

9. Lucky's

10. Stella Mare's

See what locals rave about

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