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Santa Barbara Restaurants

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Book the city's award-winners, hot newcomers, and hard-to-get tables.
Book the city's award-winners, hot newcomers, and hard-to-get tables.

Award winning restaurants in California Central Coast

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara

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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
Diners’ top pick
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Price: Very Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.8
(2593)
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 Barbareño restaurant
Barbareño
Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.8
(1874)
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 Lucky's restaurant
Lucky's
Price: Very Expensive
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Steakhouse
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4.8
(2869)
LUCKY'S is widely known for its exclusive selection of USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, farmer's market vegetables, no-nonsense cocktails and world class wine cellar.
For take-out, please call the restaurant.
We do not accept bar table reservations online, please call the restaurant.
For larger parties, please call or email the restaurant directly.
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Tre Lune
Top-rated food
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Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.8
(1983)
"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010
Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails.
Award Winner of Italian wines list.
Please call to make reservations.
A photo of Secret Bao restaurant
Secret Bao
Price: Expensive
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Asian
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4.8
(660)
Modern Asian American Restaurant from Chefs Peter Lee & Felicia Medina.
"Consider the bao. Chinese in origin, it’s most easily described as a steamed bun filled with something savory. Yet, like the American concept of a sandwich, the bao exploded into a flexible format of untold bounds — served at any meal, filled with you-name-it, completely closed or wide open, with endless regional variants from across Asia and far beyond." - Matt Kettmann (SB Independent)
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, Bao, Food, Restaurant, Asian, American, New, Modern, Fried, Chicken, Octopus, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paelo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of Corazon Comedor restaurant
Corazon Comedor
Price: Expensive
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Mexican
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4.7
(179)
Corazon Comedor emerged from the longing of nostalgic food from the streets, markets, and homes of Mexico. We look forward to bringing this experience in each dish.
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Opal Restaurant & Bar
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.8
(1740)
We have inside and limited outdoor sidewalk dining. If you prefer to sit outside, please indicate that with your reservation request.
To accommodate our second seating, early parties should plan for a maximum stay of 1.5 to 2hrs, depending on party size. Please call 805 966 9676 for more details.
A popular local’s favorite, opal restaurant & bar’s Eclectic California Cuisine fuses creative world cuisine influences with American Regional touches, from a 14 oz. Herb-Grilled Ribeye Steak on Tuscan White Beans, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas, fresh Baked Breads, imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts.
We have a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, & a full bar with seasonal Craft Cocktails.
Our entire dining room staff assists to take care of each table, enabling exceptional service in a warm engaging manner, properly nuanced to your mood & taste. Our staff genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience!
A photo of Ca Dario Montecito restaurant
Ca Dario Montecito
Price: Very Expensive
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Italian
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4.7
(872)
Ca' 'Dario's newest restaurant on Coast Village Road promises the same authentic and fresh Italian cuisine as our other locations, now easily accessible for residents of Montecito!
Enjoy outdoor dining on our covered patio, or indoor in our elegant dining room.
We feature an adjustable roof that keeps out the rain and allows in the sun.
Dogs are welcome (we ask that you limit the number to one per guest)
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A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
Bouchon - Santa Barbara
Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.8
(5415)
We are delighted to have added additional outdoor seating but Santa Barbara nights are chilly so bring a sweater or light jacket!
Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of our region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambiance, service at a relaxed, leisurely pace. Santa Barbara ‘Wine Country Cuisine’ means we source our ingredients using an ‘as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible’ approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from the surrounding countryside. We then take into account how these flavors can be presented in concert with our local wines. We believe you’ll taste the difference. Bon Appètit!
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The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Great vibe
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Price: Very Expensive
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American
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4.6
(530)
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/sbarz
For 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 Stella Mare's restaurant
Stella Mare's
Price: Expensive
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French
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4.8
(2283)
French country bistro...Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare's Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French country cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and moules frites. Sip seasonal cocktails amid cozy décor -- all the right ingredients for a great dining experience. Bon appétit!
When requesting the greenhouse please note that is considered indoor dining.
A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
Intermezzo By Wine Cask
Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.8
(1767)
Intermezzo by Wine Cask
New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin Sugich
Modern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
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The Black Sheep SB Brasserie
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Expensive
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Contemporary French / American
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4.8
(699)
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 Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
Toma Restaurant & Bar
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.8
(5474)
Toma Restaurant and Bar a waterfront bistro, located along Santa Barbara's picturesque Cabrillo Blvd. Experience Santa Barbara waterfront's most romantic restaurant. Savor exquisite Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes from Santa Barbara's seasonal bounty, supporting our local fisherman, farmers, foragers and food artisans. Pour over local and Italian wines along with a full bar of handcrafted cocktails and spirits. Enjoy warm and attentive service while dining window side with a view of the enchanting Santa Barbara harbor.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
Olio e Limone Ristorante
Price: Very Expensive
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Italian
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4.8
(2535)
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.

Outdoor dining in California Central Coast

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See what locals rave about in Santa Barbara

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Irinavip
    Washington, D.C. Area •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Loved the food a bit overpriced But delicious nicest prepared and great presentation Our waiter was a bit anxious for no apparent reason But he did his best w our requests .. so no complains I would recommend this place as we are passing through was all in all a good choice
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
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    4.6
  • Kristin
    Los Angeles •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days 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
  • Yumi
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Excellent Yuzu margarita from the bar and ordered a couple yummy appetizers. Terrific scallops for dinner. We gathered for a friend's birthday and had a wonderful time at Gala. Great service and we appreciated the delicious foods.
    More info
    GalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.7
  • 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
  • Brian
    Washington, D.C. Area •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    We enjoyed every aspect of our meal. There was a small glitch in the kitchen that delayed our meal, but the food was outstanding. We’ll be back.
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.2

Restaurant experiences trending in California Central Coast

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Discover Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a true melting pot of cultures, and the culinary possibilities for you to enjoy in this coastal city are representative of the city’s incredible diversity. American options for steak lovers and vegetarians alike are available in sophisticated dining rooms as well as casual restaurants. With Santa Barbara's unique location close to the Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at your choice of elegant restaurants or cafes overlooking the coast. European eateries feature Mediterranean, French, and Italian options that will delight you. You can also enjoy dining at a Chinese, Japanese or Thai restaurant with an Asian vibe. You will never tire of the options available when you are in Santa Barbara.

Dining around Santa Barbara Hot Spots

Frequently asked questions

Celebrate special occasion at the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. Our customers recommend Toma Restaurant & Bar, Stella Mare's and Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

As of Nov 26, 2024 there are 65 restaurants in Santa Barbara. Filter by “outdoor dining”, “romantic” or “dog friendly”.

On OpenTable we support all cuisines. Find Italian, Californian, Asian, Steakhouse, Contemporary American and more. Use our filters to find exactly what you’re looking for and make your reservation today.

Yes! We partner with restaurants in Santa Barbara who deliver with Toast, Postmates, Uber Eats, Olo, ChowNow.

Yes, you can also see restaurants near you offering takeout.

Yes! OpenTable provides free, convenient and trusted options to book the best restaurants in Santa Barbara either on OpenTable or directly with the restaurant.

Yes, we partner with a third party to bring back menu information for restaurants near you.

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