Favorite Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Where to Eat in Santa Barbara

From beachside bites to five-star favorites, Santa Barbara is a food lover’s dream. At Haller Coastal Homes, we have rounded up our top local restaurant picks—places loved by visitors and locals alike.

Explore our easy-to-follow guide for the best dining in Santa Barbara and Montecito, with spots perfect for brunch, family meals, date nights and everything in between.

Let your taste buds discover what makes Santa Barbara so special!

Toma

(805) 962-0777

Consistently rated as Santa Barbara’s #1 restaurant, Toma is a popular dining spot for both locals and visitors. Enjoy handcrafted cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Located on Cabrillo Blvd., it’s just a short walk if you’re staying near West Beach. (map)

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Brophy Brother’s

805-966-4418

Indulge in fresh seafood with views of the harbor and mountain. Locations are in Santa Barbara and Ventura, both offering a lively atmosphere and a relaxed setting. (map)

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Joe’s Café

Joe’s Café is a unique place, in that it transforms from neighborhood café to lively bar as the evening progresses. Go here to soak up a happy hour and lots of energy. Enjoy great food and stiff cocktails – Joe’s has been serving guests since 1928. (map)

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The Boathouse

Get ready for a treat! The Boathouse serves up a variety of tasty dishes against the backdrop of an even more spectacular view. Right at Hendry’s Beach, this is an ideal spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail during happy hour. (map)

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Palace Grill

Passers by might be drawn in by the sounds of jazz music and a lively vibe, but the authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine will make you want to stick around for dinner. Visitors and locals are both fans of this spot, and it’s been featured in a variety of publications, including “Gourmet” and “Sunset” magazines, and the “Los Angeles Times.” (map)

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Santo Mezcal

This Mexican restaurant places an emphasis on seafood to serve a modern, contemporary Mexican cuisine. They also have a large selection of tequilas with trained mixologists. (map)

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Loquita

Savor the flavors of Spain at this Waterfront district spot. Enjoy hot or cold tapas, wood-fired seafood, grilled meats, and of course, paella. Don’t forget to order Sangria, made from locally sourced produce. (map)

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Olio e Limone

Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, pizza or happy hour and snacks, you’re in the right place. The restaurant offers fine Italian dining, while Olio Pizzeria next door, is a great casual concept pizza and wine bar. There is also Olio Crudo Bar, open from 5 p.m. daily. (map)

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Chads (Formerly Sambos)

This original Santa Barbara favorite has been serving hungry guests since 1957 and is an extremely popular breakfast spot. It is a family owned spot with a long history in Santa Barbara. (map)

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On the Alley

Wonderfully casual and right on the Santa Barbara Harbor, On the Alley is an ideal location to grab a quick bite for breakfast, lunch, or just a snack and then take a stroll on the harbor to admire the boats. (map)

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Arigato

805-965-6074

This very popular sushi restaurant is located right on State Street. Get there early, as they don’t take reservations and there is sometimes a line outside the door. The menu is comprehensive and offers plenty to choose from, for those seeking options other than sushi or sashimi. (map)

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The Lark

805-284-0370

We describe The Lark as “Funk Zone fabulous.” This family style serving restaurant is located in the historic Santa Barbara Fish Market building in the heart of the SB’s art district. With a nod to history, The Lark, is named for “the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 -1968.” (map)

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Mesa Burger

805-963-7492

Mesa Burger is a casual dining experience offering gourmet burgers. It is partially inspired by award-winning Iron Chef, Cat Cora, who is a local herself. It is the kind of place where you feel at home and where food is made and served with “heart and soul.” (map)

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Oku

805-690-1650

From Oku Website: Here at OKU, we carefully curate our dishes to be shared and enjoyed together. Our innovative menu ranges from fresh caught sushi, sashimi, and seafood, to some of our favorite, "from-the-land" dishes such as our certified Japanese A5 Miyazaki Wagyu. In addition, we've created a unique menu dedicated to our vegetarian and gluten-free guests. We are proud to be serving Asian-inspired cuisine that everyone around the table will love! From our oceanfront, rooftop patio and lounge, we serve craft cocktails, imported and local beer, and versatile wines rooted in Japanese-inspired elements. OKU, a place where you feel at home and on vacation, at the same time.

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Crushcakes

805-963-9353

Cupcake fanatics will have to pay a visit to any of these three locations. Located in Santa Barbara and Goleta, Crushcakes café offers fresh-baked goods, coffee, desserts, and tasty breakfasts and sandwiches. (map)

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