Santa Barbara

Jane

Rustic local restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant serves up rustic favorites that have locals coming back for more. The bright Spanish style décor is welcoming, and the dim evening lighting is romantic and quaint for a friendly lunch with friends or a lovely dinner for two.

Start off with the firestone red rings, or onion rings made with red onions dunked in beer batter and drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Try the chicken piccata, lamb or steak for dinner, and save room for the coconut cake, which is the specialty dessert and a patrons favorite.

Julienne

Farm to table from rising star chef

With all the local resources near Santa Barbara, farm to table is a delight, and rising star chef Justin West uses it all for his restaurant Julienne. With creative takes on the culinary wonders of this city, particularly the local seafood, you’re sure to find complex flavors you won’t soon forget.

Sample a three or four course tasting menu, complete with wine pairings, for the full vision of this chef’s aesthetic. As the menu is seasonal, it’s subject to change based on availability, but the homemade charcuterie and ice cream is definitely worth trying.

Meet the: Chef Justin West

Although he is young, chef Justin West has already begun building a culinary empire in Santa Barbara. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu of San Francisco with his now wife and partner Emma, Justin moved to Santa Barbara and began business operations with Emma, who runs the front of the house. He has remained dedicated to locally sourced fare, sourcing from nearby fishermen and produce suppliers.

Rising star chef of Santa Barbara scene partners with wife Emma

Wine Cask

Famed fine dining restaurant

This Santa Barbara 19th century building has been a standard for fine dining and wine in the community for decades. Its stunning gold room and oversized fireplace

is the perfect setting for this local cuisine, which is the pride of the local food scene and has remained consistent throughout the years.

The farmer’s market mentality of this restaurant means the menu is ever changing, so the best way to sample it is through a chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings. If your quest for vino needs a few more glasses of grapes after dinner, be sure to stop by the margerum wine tasting room.

Opal

Global flavors at Santa Barbara favorite

Santa Barbara natives know that the place to go for global flavors with a local twist is this restaurant on popular State Street. Whether it’s them doing business here at lunchtime or settling into this lively atmosphere for dinner, they always know the food and staff are sure to please.

Global flavors mix in with true Californian fare, such as the lemongrass crusted fresh salmon fillet, the chile crusted filet mignon and the warm seafood salad. This place also doubles as a wine bar, so the list is extensive, but for a true taste of this city opt for a local wine.

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream

Legendary ice cream parlor with unique flavors

Since 1949, McConnell’s has been an ice cream tradition of Santa Barbara, serving up classic and creative flavors for those wandering along State Street. Sourcing from local dairies and produce farms and then packed into mouthwatering homemade waffle cones, a scoop of this ice cream is like heaven in frozen form.

Although there are the standard flavors such as vanilla, locals love the churros con leche, sea salt cream and cookies and the boysenberry rose milk. The line can get rather long, so prepare for a wait, but with one bite you will know that it was worth every minute.

Stella Mare’s

Victorian style building with traditional French fare

This beautiful Victorian style home near the water may make you think you have stepped into a French countryside home. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner in the greenhouse overlooking the lagoon or want to enjoy a scenic brunch, this restaurant offers a warm feeling the minute you walk in the door.

Traditional French dishes such as moules frites and bouillabaisse are the stars of the menu, and every bite is beautiful presented. The friendly staff makes sure that you feel like you’re right at home, and are willing to accommodate to almost any request.

Ca’ Dario

Cozy Italian bistro

This Italian style bistro serves up hearty authentic fare in a cozy, intimate atmosphere that serves up pure old world charm. The elegance of this place is worth dressing up a bit for and reserving ahead of time, as it can get rather packed even later in the evening.

Begin your meal by sampling the brown butter ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta. The tagliatelle Verdi alla Bolognese is incredibly popular, and if you can find the lobster risotto on the menu, order it. Finish off with a traditional tiramisu to obtain the full Italian meal experience.

Pane e Vino

Cozy Italian eatery with pasta specialties

Located in the upper village of Montecito, this casual Italian hideaway with fine dining appeal translates to bread and wine, but is actually so much more. With meats, pastas and plenty of fresh ingredients, this place is sure to have you understanding the true meaning of the words buono appetito.

The pastas are sublime, with ravioli stuffed with veal and prosciutto and Bolognese sauce that is sure to have you licking your lips. The restaurant also has plenty of daily specials to choose from, with specialties such as gnocchi, osso bucco and tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and black truffle.

Carlitos

Authentic Mexican cuisine

Right across from the Arlington Theater in downtown, this Mexican restaurant has been serving tourists and locals since 1978. With live music on the inviting outdoor patio and plenty of family friendly Latin fare, Caritos’ way is simple, delicious food that will be sure to satisfy.

Taste the shrimp empanadas, nachos, burrito asado with the juicy carne asada and anything covered in the divine mole sauce. The margaritas, whether you choose the strawberry or the Cadillac with Grand Marnier, are the perfect complement to your meal and best enjoyed under the sun.

Cava

Fresh Mexican fare with fun twist in Montecito

With a casual yet upscale feel and the freshest ingredients available, this Mexican restaurant in Montecito’s lower village attracts locals as well as Hollywood stars looking to get away from the hustle of the city. Yet there is a sense of fun, with live music in the back and crayons for each patron to draw on the butcher paper covering the table.

Start off with the homemade guacamole and bean dip. The pork pozole, or Mexican stew, is great in the evenings when the ocean air gets chilly. Anything with the organic grass fed steak or shrimp is a great option as well, along with the paella.

Los Agaves

Casual Mexican food with fresh flavors

This casual hacienda style space is a slice of homemade Mexican. Order at the counter, grab your salsas from the salsa bar and have a seat. This isn’t standard fast food, though. This is Santa Barbara, and the food comes out fresh and tasty from the friendly service staff.

The chiles nortenos are a local favorite, but the fish tacos and ceviche tostadas give you a taste of Santa Barbara’s fresh seafood combined with the Mexican food that is one of its hallmarks. Look to order some of the sauces to go with your meal, as the enchilada sauce and mole are both exceptional.

Brophy Bros.

Fresh seafood with view of the marina

Its coastal location gives Santa Barbara the edge on seafood, and this casual seafood place on the wharf delivers some of the freshest catches available. Sit on the outdoor terrace overlooking the marina at brunch, lunch or dinner after the long wait and find out why locals and tourists line up for this place.

Start with the oyster shooters and clam chowder, then settle into casual main fare such as cioppino, fish and chips, crab cakes and baked clams. Grab a cocktail while you’re at it, as the vodka martinis and bloody marys are sure to give the right amount of kick.

Holdren’s

Fine surf and turf with casual sports bar

Part sports bar and part nice surf and turf restaurant, this steak and seafood restaurant serves up fine steaks and fresh seafood with a tinge of casual flair that Santa Barbara is known for. Its bustling State Street location only hints at the jazzy, swanky vibe inside the restaurant.

Try the filet or New York strip steak with the famed twice baked potatoes, which are sure to melt in your mouth. The grilled halibut and mahi mahi are worth trying if you’re looking for fresh fish. If you want a truly intimate experience, reserve ahead for a cozy booth.

Arigato Sushi

Innovative sushi rolls

This seaside town is the ideal location for a sushi place, and Arigato has been pleasing both locals and tourists who visit State Street regularly. Infused with Californian creativity and unusual ingredients, this restaurant serves up innovative nigiri, sashimi and sushi rolls with fast and attentive service.

The jalepeno yellowtail, fiesta roll, uni shots and the quail egg shooters are favorites, and with one taste you’ll see why many argue that this is some of the best sushi in Santa Barbara. Reservations are not accepted, so prepare for a packed space.

Arch Rock Fish

Casual eatery with fresh fish

Fresh fish on State Street doesn’t get much better than Arch Rock, which attracts the locals in flip flops as well as those looking for pure seafood quality. Whether you’re coming for the ever popular happy hour or want to settle outside on the patio for a mid day meal, you’re sure to be pleased.

The cioppino is the house specialty, and ordered alongside with the truffle fries you’re in for a real treat. If you want a salad, the seafood cobb is packed with lots of fresh fare. The cocktails, such as the Moscow mule, are great at happy hour ordered with fried calamari.

Santa Barbara Roasting Company

Coffee with separate bars for espresso and whole bean varieties

Coffee disciples will find their gurus at the Santa Barbara Roasting Company. With two separate coffee bars, one for espressos and one for whole bean coffees, this place serves up pure java magic for those looking to lounge for an hour or two, or for a caffeine fix before walking up to nearby State Street.

The iced cappuccinos are divine, and the dark roasts can’t be beat. For those who may not be seeking coffee, the yerba mate tea latte is served up just right. Complementary refills on drip coffee are the norm here, so be sure to caffeinate to your heart’s content.

The French Press

Loose leaf teas & coffee specialty drinks

Both tea and coffee drinkers will find their heaven here, far away from the people who claim coffee chains as the ultimate experience. With pastries to go alongside its specialty drinks, loose leaf teas and plenty of handcrafted coffees, this is sure to be a new favorite.

As its name suggests, the French press is the best way to have coffee, although don’t say no to a pour over either. The vanilla latte is a favorite, as is the Shakerato, which is simply espresso with a bit of simple syrup. For tea drinkers, the chai latte is divine, as is the magic bowl, with chamomile flowers, honey and frothy soy milk.

Green Star Coffee

Local roaster with drink offerings

Located in the Santa Barbara Public Market, this local coffee roaster serves up high end coffees without the snobbery that might come from other places. With organic fair trade beans and a local roaster, this place puts pure skill into every cup, whether you’re looking for a standard drip or a latte.

You might find their beans at other local coffee shops, but this stand has helpful and knowledgeable baristas to serve you your drinks and help you choose beans if you want to take them home. If you’re lucky, the roaster will stop in and have a conversation with you about the process.

Daily Grind

Former gas station turned coffee shop with food options

Hang out with the locals at this laid back coffee shop. Once a gas station, it has become a destination for those craving specialty coffees, fresh juices and plenty of tasty bites under the lovely California sunshine, whether heading out or hanging out for a few hours.

Smoothies and juices are served alongside the variety of coffees and teas. The baked goods are full of local favorites, such as the ollalieberry scones and zucchini carrot muffins. If you’re heading in during the morning, the breakfast burritos are some of the best in town, and at lunch, try the 2001 with oven roasted turkey.

Crushcakes & Café

Cupcake shop with breakfast & lunch options

Featured on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, this cupcake shop is much more than that. With plenty of regular food options to go with its sweet treats, this café serves up a rotating menu of delicious breakfasts as well as sandwiches, soups and salads come lunchtime.

Stop in for breakfast, where the cupcake goodness is translated to the red velvet pancakes, although you can’t go wrong with a savory breakfast burrito either. Finish it off with a strawberry blush or cool vanilla bean cupcake. Head out to the back patio to enjoy your meal under the bright Santa Barbara sun.

Blush Restaurant & Lounge

Restaurant & lounge with day to night service

This restaurant and cocktail lounge on State Street is the perfect place for delicious casual dining during the day or upscale cocktails at night. Sit outdoors on the lovely patio to enjoy the cozy ambiance as you dine on seasonal California cuisine, or join one of the many bachelorette parties in the lounge.

The filet mignon topped with a fresh farm egg and the lobster mac and cheese are not to be missed if you’re looking to dine. If you’re not looking for a full meal, head into the lounge for drinks and small bites such as the ahi tartare with taro chips.

James Joyce

Irish pub with live music

Named for the famed literary legend that called Ireland home, this down to earth pub serves up quality pints and live music on a nightly basis. Travel across the peanut shells on the floor of this Irish bar and join the locals who meet up at this bar.

Pull up to the bar for the standard Guinness or a black and tan for the authentic experience of the Emerald Isle right in the heart of Santa Barbara. The music changes from night to night, but whether it’s live jazz, rock or even karaoke with the bar staff, this is a laid back bar for those craving the simple things.

Dargan’s

Pub with traditional Irish food & beverages

Warm brick walls and friendly staff might make you think you have strayed to the Emerald Isle in this local pub, which happens to be a local favorite. Play darts and pool with the patrons while enjoying a conversation with one of the barkeeps as you dine on Irish specialties.

Corned beef and cabbage is amongst the specialties offered here, and you can’t go wrong with the bangers and mash, fish and chips and chicken pot pie. Top it all off with a traditional Guinness pour for a true taste of Irish life, but you can’t go wrong with any of the beers available on tap.

Joe’s Café

Old school comfort food favorites & strong drinks

Since 1928, this Santa Barbara standard has been serving up comfort food favorites and stiff drinks to downtown locals. Whether looking to begin your night with dinner or end it with some late night bites of down home old school fare, this place is sure to fulfill your cravings.

The menu is vast, but the fried chicken is one of the most popular dishes. The French dip sandwich is one of the signature recipes, but locals know the prime rib is the menu’s best kept secret. Top it off with a strong drink of your choice and you’ll know why it’s so popular after all this time.