In Santa Barbara, with its tropical weather, stunning beachfronts and mountain views, the ideal way to start the day is with brunch at one of the exquisite restaurants in town. Many offer shelter from the heat of the sun, and a stunning view, whether you prefer to look over the water or at the gorgeous coastline. The brunches found in Santa Barbara are also assuredly delicious, whether your preference is gourmet, Californian, or Ethnic cuisine.
Bella Vista at the Biltmore 1260 Channel Dr, Montecito Phone: (805) 969-2261 Hours: Mon-Sun: Breakfast 7am-11:30am, Lunch 11:30am-5pm, Dinner 5pm-10pm Brunch Sunday 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Cuisine: Californian, Classic American
Though located in a chain hotel (albeit a luxurious one), Bella Vista's brunch is a Santa Barbara one-off. Varied seasonally and for holidays, the prix-fixe Sunday brunch buffet remains constant in one particular: its surpassing excellence. From the fresh oysters on the half-shell to the extensive carving stations and made-to-order egg bar, all the luxe brunch standbys are here. Also presented are such innovative choices as a wide range of sushis and sashimis, cheese plates, finger sandwiches, an extensive selection of local salads, and a tempting array of desserts. The staff pampers without hovering, and the surf crashes outside. Perfect.
Brunch: $95/per person, unlimited courses and champagnes/orange juices/mimosas.
Bistro at the Bacara Resort 8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta Phone: (805) 571-4217 Hours: Mon-Sun: Brunch 11:30am-2pm, Midday 3:30pm-5:30pm, Dinner 6pm-10pm.
Cuisine: Mediterranean/Californian
The Bacara resort's priorities are health, well-being, and luxury. Most of the vegetables and fruits served in the property's restaurants are grown on the adjacent Bacara Ranch, a dedicated agricultural entity serving the resort exclusively. These delectable products, presented with flawless style and finesse by the stellar staff, are the cornerstone of a brunch not soon forgotten. With a wide assortment of hot and cold dishes, as well as standards like carving and egg stations, the emphasis here is on classic, healthy dishes, prepared with intelligence and soul. Your brunch at the Bacara will not soon be forgotten.
Brunch: $30-40/per person
Sambo's 216 W. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 965-3269 Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-2:30pm
Cuisine: Classic American
Sambo's, a true local classic, is the first and only remaining outpost of what was once a West Coast restaurant-franchise success story. Content now with focusing on its truly classic coffee shop menu, Sambo's is a must-do for anyone whose idea of an ideal vacation includes a hearty, delicious meal served in a setting of unparalleled authenticity. The pancakes are the menu's mainstay, and each classic variation is thoughtful and time-tested. The omelets, too, are classics of the coffee shop experience. Many servers have been here for decades, but time has only served to increase their expert style and finesse.
Brunch: $10-15/per person
Tupelo Junction Cafe 1218 State St, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 899-3100 Hours: Sun-Thu 8am-2pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm, Fri-Sat 8am-2pm, 5:30pm-9pm
Cusine: Southern American
If you associate the phrase "Southern American cuisine" with tasteless grits and overdosing on Tabasco sauce (or even regard it as a complete oxymoron), then you're in need of a brunch at Tupelo Junction. Typical dishes include fried green tomatoes, buttermilk dressing, fried chicken battered with cornbread crumbs...well, you get the idea. Though much of it is rich, the menu is diverse, and the offerings extensive. The bottom line: these dishes benefit immensely from a modern interpretation: the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, along with time-honored methods, elevate treasured niche recipes to their rightful place as a respected school of cooking.
Brunch: $10-20/per person
Pacific Crepes 705 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 882-1123 Hours: Sun-Mon 10am-3pm, Tue-Sat 10am-3pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Cuisine: French
A little bit of France on California's Central Coast? Mais oui, say the owners of Pacific Crepes, a quaint and sunny creperie in downtown Santa Barbara. The perennial favorites are classics like ham and brie, but more daring combinations like walnut, goat cheese, and proscuitto are also delightful. The atmosphere is absolutely authentic, and the traditional service encourages diners to linger over the light and fluffy crepes. The tarts and pastries make excellent bookends to a memorable and unique dining experience. From the savory to the sweet, Pacific's crepes run the flavor gamut -- but are never less than excellent.
Romantic, charming, and intimate, Stella Mare's is truly a superlative brunch experience. The Provencal cottage setting is elegant but comfortable, and the food exquisitely planned and generously served. The goat cheese, tomato, and basil Napoleon, wheat pancakes served with caramelized bananas, and lobster benedict exemplify the Stella Mare's philosophy: classic American breakfasts, made with the finest local ingredients and given a Californian twist. Prix-fixe menus are available for brunch in two- and three-course varieties, and they combine dishes in unexpected and delightful combinations. The staff manages to be open and friendly while pampering and surpassing the expectations of fortunate patrons.
Brunch: $20-30/per person
Fresco at the Beach 901 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 963-0111 Hours: Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner: Sun-Thu 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-9:30pm
Cuisine: Californian
As the name would suggest, Fresco endeavors to use only the freshest local ingredients in preparing its extensive menu of California classics. Their quiche of the day is hyper-popular with locals in the know, and their corned beef hash unparalleled in the Santa Barbara area. More substantial choices are also available, ranging from Portobello Mushroom Burgers to the classic Turkey Club Sandwich. The dining room, on the third floor of the Santa Barbara Inn, is a designer's delight, with its Mediterranean accents acting as the perfect complement to the drop-dead ocean view beyond the plate glass windows.
Just a quick jaunt down the coastal and scenic Highway 101 from downtown Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a totally different world. Laidback, relaxed, and remaining true to its small-town roots, this surf town offers many unexpected surprises -- like Chamomile Café. The warm servers welcome you as family, and brunch is a delightful combination of the healthy (house-made granola and Greek yogurt) and the indulgent (wheat pancakes with homemade whipped cream, artisan maple syrup, and fresh bananas). The atmosphere is placid and quaint, much like the town's main street which runs outside the bay windows.
Brunch: $10-15/per person
The Brown Pelican 2981 ˝ Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara, CA, 93109 (805) 687- 4550 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 7 am- 10 pm The Brown Pelican offers home style American cooking with a gorgeous up front view of Hendry's beach. This restaurant sits on the edge of the popular beach and is first pick for a good brunch. Bring the whole family and make a day of it. The location is isolated from downtown traffic, and the cries of the gulls and roar of the waves will be your only companions. Be sure to make reservations, though, as this restaurant is bound to be a sought after retreat.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15- $25
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Sojourner 134 E Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA, 93101 (805) 965- 7922 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11 am- 11 pm; (Sun) 11 am- 10 pm. Sojourner Café specializes in healthful cuisine while remaining gourmet. Sit in the indoor café arena, or out by the street. Though not equipped to handle large amounts of people at a time, Sojourner is a favorite for light lunches and desserts. Make sure to treat yourself with their deluxe death-by-chocolate mousse cake.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15- $25
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Closed, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Closed.
The Top List of Best Brunches - Santa Barbara, CA