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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
1. Finch & Fork
4.6
Exceptional(1754)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 31 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 The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
2. The Black Sheep SB Brasserie
4.8
Exceptional(696)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 23 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 Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
3. Intermezzo By Wine Cask
4.8
Exceptional(1767)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 2 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4. Barbareño
4.8
Exceptional(1874)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 14 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
5. Bouchon - Santa Barbara
4.8
Exceptional(5411)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 29 times today
Bouchon in Santa Barbara is a local gem. It's known for its fresh, local ingredients and Californian cuisine. Reviews rave about the excellent service and the exceptional food, calling it an 'elevated experience'. The restaurant's warm ambiance, featuring a blend of French and Santa Barbara influences, makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As one reviewer put it, 'Bouchon never disappoints! It is the perfect combo of fine attentive service to delicious local fresh ingredients!'
A photo of OKU restaurant
6. OKU
4.7
Exceptional(1735)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 38 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 Holdren's Santa Barbara restaurant
7. Holdren's Santa Barbara
4.5
Awesome(969)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Barbara
Booked 12 times today
Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood, located on State Street, serves up a delicious and diverse menu of seafood and steaks, where the portions are always generous and the prices always reasonable. Our surf and turf menu, including our favorite bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp or our USDA prime steaks that are charbroiled over a mesquite grill, is complimented by an extensive wine list, a healthy assortment of premium spirits, and a selection of signature drinks. Daily meals can be enjoyed in our cozy, and dark saloon-inspired dining room, or on our outdoor patio. The indoor dining room is adorned with brown leather booths, dark wood paneling, and funky artwork lining the exposed brick walls. Holdren’s has been voted as the best steakhouse multiple times by the Santa Barbara Independent’s Reader’s Poll and by the Santa Barbara News Press’ Reader’s Choice Awards.
A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant
8. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
4.8
Exceptional(2589)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 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.
A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant
9. Opal Restaurant & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1739)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 23 times today
Opal Restaurant & Bar is a neighborhood gem, known for its Eclectic Californian cuisine and an award-winning wine list. Reviewers rave about the 'great food', 'excellent service' and the 'relaxed upscale atmosphere'. The restaurant's consistent high ratings in food, ambiance, and service make it a favorite among locals. The menu's inventive blend of world cuisine influences with American regional touches makes it a standout dining destination.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
10. Olio e Limone Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(2535)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 24 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kristin
    Los Angeles •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I had the fixed price menu which was wonderful and reasonably priced. The food was absolutely wonderful along with the service. We had a cute window table and the experience could not have been better! Would highly recommend and would return! This was already my second trip! I brought somebody who eats at many high end restaurants and she was very mpressed!
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Dinervip
    New Orleans / Louisiana •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful late evening dinner. We will be back! Everything was delicious!
    More info
    Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • Darcyvip
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    One 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 info
    BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • mojdeh
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    The manager was extremely nice and professional. Very attentive and checked back to make sure we were happy. The food was excellent as was the service. It was our first time at Finch & Fork but plan to come back again for sure
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.6
  • Barbaravip
    California Central Coast •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Outstanding, as always. The food was wonderful - the oysters Rockefeller are just so delicious. I wish they would add another slice or two to the bread we ordered. Two pieces for two people - one piece per person - is a little skimpy. The wine list is wonderful and the cocktails, perfect! And the service couldn't have been more spot on. Than you Mia - you are delightful. We will be back soon.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of California's Central Coast with a dining experience in Santa Barbara's neighborhood gems. These restaurants exemplify the region's commitment to fresh, local ingredients and culinary excellence, making each location a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Known for their warm, welcoming atmospheres, these establishments offer a blend of cuisines that highlight the best of Californian and global influences, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Santa Barbara itself is a vibrant dining scene that seamlessly integrates local culture and international flair, ensuring every meal is not just eaten but experienced. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot with a romantic ambiance or a lively venue with unique dishes, these neighborhood gems in Santa Barbara promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Each restaurant prides itself on exceptional service and a commitment to quality that keeps diners coming back for more. Explore these culinary treasures and make your next meal in Santa Barbara a memorable one.

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