Best Fun Restaurants in Goleta

22 restaurants available nearby

1. Caya Restaurant

3.8

Excellent(405)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara

Booked 5 times today

Inspired by the fresh coastal flavors of Santa Barbara, CAYA restaurant invites everyone to “Come As You Are” for a modern culinary adventure paired with a mood as relaxed and inviting as a California sunset.Embark on a delectable journey through the West Coast with our seasonal menus influenced by sustainably sourced local ingredients and global cuisine inspirations. From social gatherings to intimate dinners, indulge in the relaxed and inviting indoor and outdoor atmosphere while your tastebuds savor the culinary traditions of the west through nostalgic homemade dishes and signature craft cocktails.

2. Angel Oak

4.4

Awesome(1286)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Santa Barbara

The signature fine dining restaurant located at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, Angel Oak brings elevated California coastal cuisine to the perfect venue. The oceanfront restaurant offers a California Coastal steakhouse menu curated by Chef Diego Seitour.Complementing the Angel Oak dining experience is a premier cocktail program and exclusive wine cellar that houses the restaurant's 5,000-bottle collection. Marriott Bonvoy Members can earn points when staying with us. Please enroll here: https://www.joinmarriottbonvoy.com/uscanqr/s/EN/ch/sbarzFor parties with 8 guests or more a 26% service charge fee will be added to your final bill. For all guests there will be an 8.75% California State tax added to the final bill.

A photo of The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara restaurant

3. The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

4.6

Exceptional(536)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 3 times today

Named “Top 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America” by OpenTable, The Bistro offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere to dine and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline. Local produce and sustainable seafood highlight an acclaimed menu of traditional bistro favorites, including brick oven flatbreads, seasonal salads and the signature Santa Barbara burger.Please note that holiday reservations are only available for in-house guests. Room confirmation number is required to officially confirm your dining reservation during these times. Marriott Bonvoy Members can earn points when staying with us. Please enroll here: https://www.joinmarriottbonvoy.com/uscanqr/s/EN/ch/sbarzFor parties with 6 guests or more a 26% service charge fee will be added to your final bill. For all guests there will be an 8.75% California State tax added to the final bill.

4. San Setto

4.5

Awesome(116)

Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Santa Barbara

Booked 5 times today

An intimate space featuring a contemporary Japanese menu highlighting fresh sushi, saké, craft cocktails, and occidental spirits.Marriott Bonvoy Members can earn points when staying with us. Please enroll here: https://www.joinmarriottbonvoy.com/uscanqr/s/EN/ch/sbarzFor parties with 8 guests or more a 26% service charge fee will be added to your final bill. For all guests there will be an 8.75% California State tax added to the final bill.

A photo of Timber's Restaurant restaurant

5. Timber's Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(125)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Goleta

Booked 2 times today

Timber's Restaurant is a fun spot with a relaxed ambiance and friendly staff. It offers live music and free Wi-Fi for added entertainment. Reviews mention the fun atmosphere, with an outdoor area filled with toys for kids. The restaurant offers a wide range of food options and has a full bar, making it a great place to dine with family and friends.

A photo of The 'O' Bar + Kitchen at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara restaurant

6. The 'O' Bar + Kitchen at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

4.7

Exceptional(23)

Price: Moderate

• South American • Santa Barbara

Booked 2 times today

Savor contemporary Central and South American cuisine in a variety of settings - inside at the namesake O-shaped bar, or outside in the intimate Hibiscus Lounge or spacious Ocean Terrace!Marriott Bonvoy Members can earn points when staying with us. Please enroll here: https://www.joinmarriottbonvoy.com/uscanqr/s/EN/ch/sbarzFor parties with 6 guests or more a 26% service charge fee will be added to your final bill. For all guests there will be an 8.75% California State tax added to the final bill.

A photo of Terra at The Steward Hotel restaurant

7. Terra at The Steward Hotel

4.5

Awesome(37)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Goleta

Booked 2 times today

Indulge in food that nourishes and delights at Terra, located inside The Steward Hotel in Santa Barbara. Experience organic and local California cuisine for breakfast and dinner. Local legend celebrates The Steward’s location as the originator of avocado toast. Lunch items are available at our marketplace, perfect for enjoying a picnic in a lush garden setting.Executive Chef Augusto Caudillo brings a wealth of culinary expertise and local knowledge to the heart of Santa Barbara. Graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, he honed his skills in various kitchens, including Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and Lucky’s Steakhouse. Caudillo's passion for food began at a young age, growing amid a large family where meals were a cornerstone of connection and memory-making. Drawing inspiration from both Californian and Mediterranean traditions, Caudillo's dishes offer a tantalizing blend of aesthetics and nutrition — a testament to his love of crafting memorable experiences.

8. Barbareño

4.8

Exceptional(1896)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Barbara

Booked 26 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.

9. Gala

4.8

Exceptional(303)

Price: Expensive

• European • Santa Barbara

Booked 19 times today

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

10. Finch & Fork

4.5

Awesome(1781)

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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Michelle
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Fantastic food and experience! Will be back! Everything was fresh and flavorful.
More info
San SettoPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Santa Barbara
•
4.5
A
Ana Y
Caribbean •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
Amazing food! Our waiter German was the best!!!!!!
More info
The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa BarbaraPrice: Very Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
•
4.6
J
James
Atlanta Metro •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 30, 2024
Ambiance was special. Service was impeccable. Food was good - not great. Steak sauce was cold. Sides are needed but large. Took a long time for the entree. Meal seemed expensive for the relative quality.
More info
Angel OakPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Santa Barbara
•
4.4
O
Odessa
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
Service and ambiance was wonderful! Food was good as well. Would dine there again sometime.
More info
Timber's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Goleta
•
4.6
B
Ben
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 6, 2024
The food was solid and the the service from the staff was outstanding
More info
Caya RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
•
3.8

Discover best fun restaurants in Goleta

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Goleta, a charming area on California's Central Coast, where the keyword "fun" perfectly captures the ambiance of local eaterings. These restaurants offer a delightful mix of playful atmospheres and diverse culinary options, making them ideal spots for both casual outings and special occasions. Whether you're in the mood for creative dishes, live music, or simply a lively place to gather with friends and family, Goleta has something to excite every palate. The area is known for its friendly staff and engaging environments, often featuring unique decor and interactive experiences that enhance your dining pleasure. From family-friendly settings with outdoor play areas to sophisticated spots that blend fine dining with fun, each establishment strives to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience. This roundup reflects the best of Goleta's dining establishments where fun and flavor meet, promising a satisfying visit for locals and tourists alike.

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Best Fun Restaurants in Goleta

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. Caya Restaurant

2. Angel Oak

3. The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

4. San Setto

5. Timber's Restaurant

6. The 'O' Bar + Kitchen at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

7. Terra at The Steward Hotel

8. Barbareño

9. Gala

10. Finch & Fork

See what locals rave about

Discover best fun restaurants in Goleta

Explore OpenTable