Many people think of Santa Barbara as a pricey resort town where only the richest can afford to eat well. What they do not know is that the best-priced meals in Santa Barbara are also found in some of the best restaurants. All kinds of cuisine can be found under a Santa Barbara roof, and these are the places where delicious meals and enjoyable atmospheres don't have to be ruined by the bill.
Savoy Cafe & Deli 24 W. Figueroa St, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 966-2139 Cusine: Californian Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 8am-4pm
Savoy Cafe and Deli is the go-to destination for Santa Barbara's lunch crowd. Though it can get crowded, the cheery decor and efficient, friendly staff make this a seamless and surprisingly reasonable spot to enjoy well-crafted sandwiches, composed salads, entrees from a bountiful deli case, or a meal chosen from the cornucopia-like salad bar. Fresh ingredients in unexpected combinations (strawberries with spinach, gorgonzola, and walnuts is a unique winner), as well as the wines available by the glass or bottle, loose-leaf tea for sale, and large selection of premium bottled beverages will render the Savoy an instant favorite.
Offering classic lunch dishes, as well as an array of de luxe baked goods, Jeannine's of Montecito knows its role -- and plays it to the hilt. For those seeking a relaxing daytime repast (to break up an afternoon of browsing Montecito's chic boutiques...or just to punctuate a relaxing Sunday), the cozy dining room or the white picket-fenced terrace of Jeannine's seems made-to-order. The famous coffee makes a perfect overture to the house-made pastries or local garden salads. The classic, well-made sandwiches are delights, as are (of course) the desserts. The servers are dedicated, friendly, and efficient in the extreme.
Price: $10-15/per person
The Palms 701 Linden Ave, Carpinteria Phone: (805) 684-3811 Cuisine: American, Steakhouse Hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm, Sun 4:30pm-9:30pm
Operating continuously since 1908 in the sleepy beach town of Carpinteria, The Palms has been a local favorite for generations. The salads and side dishes are reliably good, but the focus here is on the steaks. Uniquely, customers cook their own steaks (a tradition reflected in the very fair pricing). Offering numerous cuts of steak, chicken, and fish, all of top quality, carnivores will delight in the DIY aspect. Don't worry if you don't consider yourself a chef: "We'll Cook For You" options are also available. The massive salad bar is also a winner, and you can't beat the pricing.
Price: $15/per person, approx.
Barcliff & Bair 1112 State St, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 965-5742 Cuisine: American Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-3pm, Fri-Sun 9am-5pm
Tucked away in La Arcada, Santa Barbara's most unique paseo-style mall, Barcliff and Bair consistently delivers classic dishes, served with a smile (and a minimum of buyer's remorse). The ambiance may be Continental, with long outdoor tables and servers in long aprons, but the food is pure American bistro. No, the cuisine isn't innovative, but there are very few places in this town where one can procure an honest chicken salad sandwich: Barcliff and Bair is one of them. The simplicity of the menu and reasonable logic of the price point provide something all too rare in today's restaurants: comfort.
Price: $10/per person, approx.
Norton's Pastrami 18 W. Figueroa St, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 965-3210 Cuisine: Deli, American Hours: Mon Tue Sat 11am-5pm, Wed-Fri 11am-8pm
Another unique and price-sensible Santa Barbara option is Norton's Pastrami, the only dedicated restaurant of its kind in town. It's the closest you'll come to New York without leaving the American Riviera. The service is as businesslike as the no-frills interior of the shop, but no matter--you don't come to Norton's to be pampered. The full-size sandwiches provide filling lunches for two, and though pastrami is obviously the star, the beef (corned and roast) and french fries are close runners-up, and there's nothing really like authentic deli cole slaw. If you crave an authentic deli, then Norton's is your place.
Price: $10-15/per person
Cafe La Luz 1436 Chapala St, Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 564-0809 Cusine: Mexican Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm
Santa Barbara's streets are rife with Mexican cuisine: all price levels, regions, and degrees of authenticity are represented. However, for a basic, inexpensive, and delicious option, try Cafe La Luz. Located well off the beaten path, this family-owned taqueria offers both take-out and eat-in options. The no-frills decor is complemented by the simple, hearty presentations of classic Mexican dishes, ranging from taquitos to chiles rellenos. Pair any of the generous dishes with an ice-cold Corona or a house-made horchata, and revel in the familiar flavors of well-prepared Mexican cuisine.
Price: $10/per person
Flavor of India 3026 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 682-6561 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30 am- 3 pm, 5:30 pm- 10 pm; (Fri-Sat) 11:30 am- 3 pm, 5:30 pm- 10:30 pm. Located on Upper State St, in the San Roque area, Flavor of India is the best-priced Indian food around. The restaurant devours you in its rich tapestried environs, and you are wafted away on the ethnic music and savory smells that permeate its walls. The food tastes as good as it smells, and there is plenty of it. Try the buffet, or pick one of the enticing entrees. In any case, you will not be disappointed.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $10- $20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Year's Eve-Open.
La Super Rica 622 N Milpas St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 963-4940 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11 am- 9:30 pm. I hesitate about giving away the secret of La Super Rica, a local treasure here in Santa Barbara. It is the only authentic Mexican food available here (that means no burritos!), and is so different from the mainstream that you may not believe it to be real Mexican cuisine. However, the food speaks for itself, with a wide variety of sopas, tacos, and enchiladas, all made with the best homemade tortillas found north of Mexico. Also, the back patio is surprisingly pleasant, with vines covering the turquoise posts and tables set up in an informal atmosphere.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $10- $20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Palazzio's 1026 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 564-1985 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11:30 am- 3 pm, 5:30 pm- 11:30 pm. You will hear about Palazzio long before you reach the front door. The satiated diners will pass you on the way out and assure you with looks and smiles that an enjoyable dining experience awaits you. Palazzio is exciting to look at, both inside and out, and while the walls and ceiling may distract you before the meal, once the steaming hot garlic rolls arrive, along with the huge dinner salad, nothing will keep you from your plate. The portions exceed generosity, I suggest the half portions that they sell, and even split those. The wine is authentic and dark, the food flows, and the whole experience satisfies, down to the arrival of the bill.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15- $25
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Zia Cafe 532 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 962-5391 Hours: (Mon) 11:30 am- 10 pm; (Tue-Sun) 11:30 am- 11 pm. The Zia Café is located on lower State St, across from the unique gift shops and outlets that Santa Barbara prides itself on. The building deserves praise, because the Zia occupies both the top and bottom story, and offers a delightful balcony view of State St, facing away from the mountains. In addition to the view, the Zia offers a variety of delicious Californian dishes that can satisfy a wide variety of tastes, at a price that can't be beaten. A must try for any new Santa Barbara diner.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $10- $20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
The Top List of Best Buy Restaurants - Santa Barbara, CA