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Best Lunch Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1789)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 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
4.3
Awesome(349)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 14 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, 2023 and 2024.
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
4.1
Excellent(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 Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2585)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 18 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 Tre Lune restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2050)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Montecito
Booked 29 times today
"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.
A photo of Lilac Montecito restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(171)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Montecito
Booked 13 times today
Welcome to Lilac Montecito. We offer an elevated bistro dining experience featuring some of our favorite foods that nourish the body and soul in a full-service dining ambiance. Our menu is inspired by European and Californian cuisine as well as locally-sourced ingredients for a fresh, delicious take on some classic entrees. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
A photo of OKU restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1811)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 51 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 RH Firehouse Grill at RH Montecito restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(91)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 49 times today
The RH Firehouse Grill is an indoor-outdoor restaurant located at RH Montecito, The Gallery at the Old Firehouse. Enjoy a menu of signature salads and classics from our hearth in our courtyard restaurant, which seamlessly extends into a beautifully landscaped garden. Dine beneath the warm glow of handwoven pendants amid heritage olive trees, birds of paradise, a grand fireplace and cascading limestone fountains.
A photo of Lucky's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2923)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Montecito
Booked 42 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.
A photo of Convivo restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2165)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 times today
Convivo is a Santa Barbara restaurant and bar with an Italian soul. Chef-Owner Peter McNee's food is best described as ‘Nomad Italian’. It strays from the standard or traditional Italian, sourcing inspiration from many other cultures’ cooking but its soul is thoroughly Italian. The ever-changing menu includes small plates, housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, rotisserie chicken, fresh seafood and steaks served family-style. McNee’s all-star supplier network provides the freshest produce and local seafood the region is famous for. Inspired by the bounty of the sea, the lush farms and abundant vineyards nearby and the cooking methods of Italy, Convivo is a festive gathering place for locals and visitors alike inside the newly-restored Santa Barbara Inn.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • KenVIP
    Denver / Colorado •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    they offer a daily lunch prix fixed menu, today it was $35. I had the caprice salad and (meat) lasagna which was as good as I have ever had, very soft and flavorful. My wife had the mixed salad and grilled salmon with spinach and roast potatoes, also excellent and cooked rare. Ambience is old world quite, and service was excellent. a great value for high quality well prepared Italian dishes.
    More info
    Olio e Limone RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • heidi
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always good. Went for their burger for burger week. they did not disappoint.
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.5
  • RosemaryVIP
    Los Angeles •39 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    EXCEPTIONAL. Food service our waiter Chris was beyond expectations. Being Italian , we thought our grandmother,s were in the kitchen . Chris was so friendly , sincere and attentive . we have tried several restaurants in the Santa Barbara area over the years and Tre Lune is probably the best of all.  we would drive to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles again just to have a meal at this restaurant.
    More info
    Tre LunePrice: Expensive• Italian• Montecito
    4.8
  • Larry
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Bibi Ji is a fantastic spot for excellent Indian food. I loved the Makhni Dal, from Rajat Parr's mother's recipe. Everything is delicious and authentic. With the dinner, I enjoyed the Bibi Ji Orange Wine from the Parr's Real Wine company. The chef, Israel Romero, has learned well from founding chefs Jessai and Gary Singh. The new space is lively, bright and modern and very much busier than the old location. Congratulations to Alejandro Medina for a very successful move and renovation.
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    4.3
  • 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
    4.1
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