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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Montecito

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4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Holdren's Santa Barbara restaurant
1. Holdren's Santa Barbara
4.6
Exceptional(1038)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Barbara
Booked 19 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 Goat Tree Restaurant restaurant
2. Goat Tree Restaurant
3.8
Excellent(456)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Located at the front door of the Funk Zone and one block from the beach, Goat Tree at Hotel Californian is a gourmet café with al fresco seating offering fresh, local fare, including superb pastries and baked goods made in house daily by our Pastry Chef Ron Viloria. Our all-day brunch menu features Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Shakshuka, Baby Kale Caesar and our famed GT Smashburger. Sip on cold-pressed juices from Pressed Juicery, lattes and coffee by Caffe Luxxe or organic hot teas by Rishi. Curating seasonal picnic baskets for a day at the beach or wine tasting as well as dine in, take out or delivery for brunch and dinner, Goat Tree pleases everyone's palate. Join us on our spacious patio into the evening for a glass of wine or a cocktail and a bite. Our dinner menu includes Rigatoni Pasta, New York Steak Frites and Faroe Island Salmon among other delectable dishes. Don't let the day end without some Rori's Ice Cream or a seasonal dessert from Chef Ron.
A photo of Sandbar Mexican Restaurant restaurant
3. Sandbar Mexican Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(183)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 3 times today
We are a traditional Sonora style Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Guests will experience the authentic tastes and warm outdoor dining of Mexico. We use homemade sweet and sour with organic agave nectar in our world class margaritas. We also feature handmade tortilla chips and salsas, fresh Ceviche, homemade guacamole and the best fajitas around.We feature a vibrant bar scene and a social atmosphere. We also serve our full menu nightly until 11pm. Stick around after dinner as we transform into one of Santa Barbara's best late night hot spots.
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
4. Chase 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Robert
    Los Angeles •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always like that they understand a gluten allergy. For the 22nd anniversary they have some great special deals.
    More info
    Holdren's Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.6
  • Hailey
    1 review
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    My boyfriend and I visited SandBar last night, and overall, it was a great experience! The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and we really enjoyed our time there. The raspberry margaritas were so refreshing. Definitely a highlight of the evening! I couldn’t stop raving about it! We started with the bean dip, which was delicious… until my boyfriend bit down on something incredibly hard. It might have been a rock or something similar. It was a bit jarring, but the staff was very attentive, and they took care of the situation immediately. For the main course, I had the ceviche, which was mostly incredible, but I did find a few chewy and weird pieces of fish that weren’t quite as fresh as the rest. Despite that, the flavors were spot on, and the dish was pretty refreshing overall. Despite the little hiccups, the food and drinks were still amazing, and the service was fantastic. I’d definitely come back and give it another try!
    More info
    Sandbar Mexican RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.4
  • Nicole
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Jan 2, 2025
    Everything was great!! Food was ok. Can definitely improve the tastes of the food. Was a good idea, just feel like it wasn't executed.
    More info
    Goat Tree RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
    •
    3.8
  • 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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