Santa Barbara is the self-named paradise of Southern California, with its glorious mountains and beachfront views. The cuisine of Santa Barbara is as diverse as its coastal environment, and satisfies even the most delicate palate. Watch over the harbor as you enjoy delicious fresh seafood, or gaze at the mountains at sunset while delighting in delicious California cuisine. The atmosphere of Santa Barbara living couldn't be better, and the restaurants portray the variety of Santa Barbara culture.
OPAL RESTAURANT AND BAR 1325 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 966.9676
Opal Restaurant and Bar describes its cuisine as "Eclectic California". How else could one describe such dishes as Tiger Prawn Pizza and Pesto-Sautéed Bay Scallop Salad? Delicious, that's how. Try an inventive aperitif in the cozy bar area (recommended: the "Thai-chee-ni," a concoction of chile-infused vodka and lychee juice). Opal is micromanaged by Richard Yates and Tina Takaya, who obviously put a great deal of thought into every facet of the customer experience. Drop in for an innovative lunch salad, or a drink before taking in a performance at the Arlington Theater next door.
Dinner cost per person: $25-$30
LUCKY'S 1279 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, CA 93108 (805) 565.7540
Hours: Mon-Sun. 5pm-10pm,Sat-Sun (brunch) 9am-3pm
The martinis are chilled, the steaks sizzling, and the crowd glamorous at this upscale Montecito steakhouse. The décor is Old Hollywood, heavy on the dark woods and white linen tablecloths, with black-and-white photos of stars on the walls. The service is reserved (unless you're one of the regulars who frequent the bar), but the food is stellar, with USDA Prime steaks, scallops in escargot butter, fresh local abalone, and de luxe sides. Though lacking innovation, old-school menu items like lobster bisque and hash browns au gratin benefit immensely from the best ingredients and spot-on preparation.
Dinner cost per person: $30-$50
CA' DARIO 37 E. Victoria St, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 884.9419
Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm
Pastas at Ca'Dario, an Italian trattoria located off the beaten path on the Upper East Side, are justifiably famous. The luscious risotto dishes change daily, and the spinach-ricotta ravioli melts in the mouth. However, don't discount the appetizers (specifically the multiple takes on carpaccio) or the entrée courses (the roast quail, lamb, and fresh fish are all delights). The restaurant is small and beautiful, constantly full and buzzing with expectation and fulfillment. Come here with a small group (reservations a must) and enjoy the extensive selection of wines with your West Coast takes on Italian classics. Dinner cost per person: $20-$30
COLD SPRING TAVERN 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 967.0066
Despite the torturous drive (20 minutes up a winding mountain highway), most locals would walk here if they had to. The real treats here are the chili variations (the house recipe hasn't changed in almost 60 years) and the old-school roasted meats. Venison, rabbit, lamb, pork, duck, chicken (with signature almond-raisin stuffing), and, of course, several prime cuts of steak. The buildings housing the Tavern date from 1860, and little has changed since then, with rough-hewn walls and river rock fireplaces. Come for a romantic dinner, or, better yet, rise early for the weekend brunch.
Dinner: $30-40 per person Breakfast/Brunch: $10-15 per person
BROPHY BROTHERS 119 Harbor Way,Santa Barbara, CA 93109 805-966-4418
Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sun-Thurs.)10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Fri.-Sat.)
No-frills seafood joint Brophy Brothers, next to the Harbor, is situated ideally to bring diners the best and freshest local seafood. The hot and cold Clam Bar menus, available all day, provide appetizer choices: the raw selection is a must for any shellfish aficionado. The main menu, changing seasonally, restrains itself to simple, expertly cooked fish and seafood-pasta dishes, served with phenomenal clam chowder or French fries . The place is constantly packed at dinner, so why not go for lunch, sit out on the awning-shaded balcony, and watch the harbor's boat traffic below?
Lunch, per person: $15 Dinner, per person: $20
ARIGATO SUSHI 1225 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 965-6074
Hours: Mon-Sun 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
This sushi hot spot mingles untraditional flavors to create an experience that will change the way you regard sushi. The nigiri and Kobe beef sashimi are the best in town, but every roll on the menu is remarkable. Even the California roll is exalted, wrapped in different colors of rice paper. The house rolls, though nontraditional, are complex and delicious: for example, the Dijon Ahi roll combines the smooth taste of prime ahi with spicy Dijon mustard, then grounds the pair with the inclusion of sushi rice and asparagus. Arigato combines ability with innovation, and the result is remarkable.
Dinner, per person: $20-$30
DOWNEY'S 1305 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 966-5006 Hours: (Tues-Sun) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Mon) Closed Set in a narrow building on upper state, this delightful California cuisine restaurant sparkles with white linen and fine artwork. Simple yet elegant, the owners and chef have been preparing award-winning food since 1982. Meals such as local lobster with chanterelles and flageolets will delight your senses as you relax in the beautiful décor.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PALACE GRILL 8 East Cota, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 963-5000 Hours: (Sun-Sat) 11:30 am-3 pm; (Sun-Thur) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5:30 pm-11 pm The Palace Grill is the Creole-Cajun-Italian-American Restaurant of Santa Barbara. Its multifaceted feasts include tastes of the Bayou with such dishes as Cajun Crawfish Popcorn with a creamy sherry wine sauce. This exotic fare will light up your mind and stomach. The Grill features live Cajun music and a boisterous atmosphere that matches its Bayou roots.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
ROY 7 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 966-5636 Hours: (Sun-Sat) 6 pm-Midnight A recent addition to Santa Barbara, Roy is named for its owner and chief chef and features landmark California cuisine. No one ever leaves Roy hungry, for the meals come as a complete three course dining experience, with soup, salad, and a delicious meat or pasta entrée. Roy changes with the shows of artwork by local artists, and sponsors performances in the adjacent bar and lounge, the Jolly Tiger.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
YOUR PLACE 22 Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 966-5151 Hours: (Tues-Thur) 11 am-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 11 am-10:30 pm Your Place is a hidden treasure of Santa Barbara, serving up authentic Thai cuisine that will delight your palate. Its charming, cozy interior sets the mood, and the food will astound you with its intensity and variety. An absolute must for Thai-lovers and a treat for everyone.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Santa Barbara, CA