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Best Fun Restaurants in Goleta

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22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Caya Restaurant restaurant
4.3
Awesome(400)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 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.
A photo of Angel Oak restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1269)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 times today
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 San Setto restaurant
4.4
Awesome(114)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Santa Barbara
Booked 2 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 The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(530)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 6 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.
A photo of Timber's Restaurant restaurant
4.4
Awesome(123)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Goleta
Booked 4 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
4.4
Awesome(18)
Price: Moderate
• South American • Santa Barbara
Booked 5 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
4.1
Excellent(37)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Goleta
Booked 3 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.
A photo of Gala restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(287)
Price: Expensive
• European • Santa Barbara
Booked 14 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 Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1874)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 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 Finch & Fork restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1754)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 30 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
From verified diners like you
  • Romainvip
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Angel Oak at The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara exceeded all expectations. The ambiance was breathtaking, with stunning ocean views and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Every dish was a masterpiece, showcasing impeccable flavors and presentation. The service was outstanding—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable.
    More info
    Angel OakPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Santa Barbara
    4.3
  • Christian
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    Very impressive atmosphere, unfortunately it was busy, a California roll we ordered came much later than expected, they comped the roll, without request and apologized. They saw my girlfriend who as that evening, became my fiancée. They noticed she looked cold, offered to close outside door and then brought her small blanket for her legs, considering she was wearing short dress. It made our night. Service top notch.
    More info
    San SettoPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Santa Barbara
    4.4
  • 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
    4.3
  • Bill
    San Diego •19 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 3, 2024
    I really enjoyed the location and atmosphere. There is history behind the structure. Read the menu. The food was prepared well. I will definitely plan another trip there when I can.
    More info
    Timber's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Goleta
    4.4
  • Mario Giovannivip
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 15, 2024
    I recently had the pleasure of celebrating a special lunch at this incredible restaurant, and it exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a warm and attentive welcome, setting the tone for a memorable experience. The intimate setting made for a perfect, relaxing atmosphere, and the stunning waterfront views were simply breathtaking. The upscale lunch menu offered a variety of delectable options, each dish more flavorful and artfully presented than the last. What truly made the experience exceptional was the peaceful ambiance—the low noise level allowed for easy conversation without any distractions. It was the perfect balance of elegance and tranquility. Whether you’re looking for a romantic meal or a refined gathering with close friends, this restaurant is an absolute gem. Highly recommended!
    More info
    The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa BarbaraPrice: Very Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.6

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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