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Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gala restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(294)
Price: Expensive
• European • Santa Barbara
Booked 3 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
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
4.1
Excellent(319)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 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 and 2023
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1764)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 22 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 Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1783)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 6 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(712)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 9 times today
A locally owned and operated, modern-classic California-French Pub. We serve elevated, eclectic, locally sourced Cuisine paired with incredible wines and craft beer. We are NOW OPEN for SUNDAY BRUNCH 10am-1:30pm. Located in Old Town Santa Barbara on 18 East Cota Street, the building boasts a rich history of French restaurants and saloons dating back over a century. We are open for Dinner Wed-Sun from 5PM. We are known for our incredible family style tasting menu’s where multiple dishes are presented to your table for each course.
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
3.4
Very Good(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant is a blast! With its elegant Italian decor, intimate bar, and outdoor patio, it's got a cool vibe. Reviews rave about the fantastic food, excellent service, and the brilliant ambiance. One reviewer even said it was a 'lovely restaurant with good food and atmosphere'. Plus, they offer a global wine list, custom cocktails, and Italian beer, so there's something for everyone!
A photo of Roy restaurant
3.9
Excellent(431)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 5 times today
In business for more than 30 years, Roy is a bistro-style, Americana restaurant with a frequently changing, handwritten menu. We strive to serve unpretentious cuisine of the highest quality. We use mostly certified organic produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market, free range chicken and Harris Ranch hormone free beef. We bake our own bread, hand roll our pastas and make all of our desserts in house. Our ambiance is retro moderne California casual, and we have rotating art shows that run for a month and a half at a time. Live music once in a while. Full bar all the time.
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1880)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 25 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
4.8
Exceptional(5437)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 29 times today
Bouchon in Santa Barbara is a real treat for food lovers. With its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients, it's a haven for those who appreciate fine dining. Reviews rave about the outstanding food and service, with one customer calling it an 'incredible fine dining experience.' The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the attention to detail in the menu and wine selection is noted. It's a place you won't regret dining at.
A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1759)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 33 times today
Opal Restaurant & Bar is a fun place with a vibrant atmosphere and creative Californian cuisine. Reviews rave about the 'inventive and eclectic menu', 'expertly made craft cocktails' and 'friendly and attentive staff'. The menu options range from 'fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood' to '14 oz. Herb-Grilled Ribeye Steak on Tuscan White Beans'. The outside dining option adds to the fun, casual vibe.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • kristinaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing experience. Beautiful restaurant with delicious food and service! Highly recommended for any evening!
    More info
    GalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Fred
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We came for the 3-course Apero dinner. We added the marrow bone, which was amazing! My only complaint was that the stroganoff was too salty. The flavors were great, otherwise.
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • 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!
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.6
  • JohnnyVIP
    California Central Coast •77 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great experience at Intermezzo. Staff was very accommodating over a few dietary restrictions and the food was delicious. Shrimp pasta was excellent as was the Filet Mignon with pepper cream sauce. We will be back again. Definitely recommend.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • Lee
    California Central Coast •10 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    The food here is delicious, definitely different from and a cut above traditional Indian restaurants in America. The service was also very attentive. I really appreciate the number of vegan dishes and the fact that everything is clearly marked. My two caveats are that there’s a lot of heat in this food so if you can’t stand that this is not the restaurant for you. Even the mild chutney was hot rather than flavorful. It’s also a noisy set up with little thought given to sound management in the design of the space. The pink themed walls are kind of cute but also slightly nauseating. 
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    4.1

Discover best fun restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the fun and vibrant dining scene in Santa Barbara, located along California's scenic Central Coast. Our curated selection of restaurants in this area captures the essence of excitement and enjoyment, perfect for those looking to add a dash of fun to their dining experience. Each restaurant features lively atmospheres, innovative menus, and exceptional service, ensuring every meal is a memorable event. From expertly crafted cocktails and eclectic cuisine options to inviting decors and outdoor seating, these venues embody the spirit of Santa Barbara's casual yet sophisticated culture. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, sumptous steaks, or global culinary delights, the restaurants in Santa Barbara offer a dynamic and delightful dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Indulge in a dining adventure where the quality of food and the joy of eating are celebrated in every dish. Perfect for both locals and visitors, these establishments not only promise great meals but also contribute to the lively dining culture that Santa Barbara is known for.

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