Best Californian Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Price
- $40 and under
- $41 to $70
- $71 and over
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility
12 restaurants available nearby
How is content generated
See what locals rave about
- AAshleyVIPAtlanta Metro •67 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoGreat dinner! Highly recommend! Food was delicious. Service was very friendly and welcoming. Restaurant was busy but not overcrowded or loud. Very pleasant atmosphere. Would dine often if I lived in Santa Barbara.More infoBouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara•4.9
- CCatherineSan Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoFood and service is consistently great! One of my go two spots in Santa Barbara .More infoOpal Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara•4.8
- JJudyCincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoWe had a great dinner at Barbareno. Fresh and creative ingredients, good wine, and great service in a cute cozy atmosphere! Both indoor and outdoor seating. Great for a date night or dinner with friends.More infoBarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara•4.8
- LLisa MarieVIPPalm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •21 reviews5.0Dined on 1 Jan 2025Finch & Fork in Santa Barbara offers a vibrant and refined take on California cuisine, making it a standout spot for locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the restaurant blends a relaxed coastal vibe with modern elegance, perfect for everything from casual brunches to celebratory dinners. The menu is a true showcase of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their King Salmon, served with gigante beans, piquillo peppers, and marble potatoes, is a perfectly balanced dish that highlights the chef’s attention to detail. Equally impressive is the Short Rib Pappardelle Pasta, featuring tender braised short rib, wild mushroom soffritto, and a luscious touch of crème fraîche. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering a range of options to suit the diverse menu. Pairing recommendations from the attentive staff are spot-on, ensuring the meal is elevated to an unforgettable experience. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a mix of modern design and rustic touches that make the space both stylish and comfortable. Service is attentive and genuinely welcoming, creating an atmosphere where you can linger over a meal without feeling rushed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a quality meal, Finch & Fork delivers on all fronts. It’s a gem in Santa Barbara’s culinary scene and well worth a visit.More infoFinch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara•4.5
- EElizabethVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews5.0Dined on 28 Dec 2024I love this place; have been several times. I’ve only had dinner at the bar, so can’t speak to table service, but the bartenders work hard, and are funny, attentive and very knowledgeable about wines. The atmosphere is lively and sophisticated. Did I mention the food??? Pizza is amazing here. NY steak & frites is fantastic. Enjoy!More infoIntermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara•4.6
Discover best Californian restaurants in Santa Barbara
Discover the essence of Californian cuisine along the scenic Central Coast in Santa Barbara, where diverse dining options capture the local flavor with a creative twist. Santa Barbara's restaurant scene thrives on its ability to blend fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with innovative culinary techniques, offering an array of dining experiences that cater to both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts. From intimate bistros tucked away in historic landmarks to vibrant, beachfront eateries, each establishment presents a unique interpretation of Californian and Mediterranean influences, complemented by extensive wine lists featuring regional favorites. The dining ambiance ranges from the rustic charm of family-friendly spots to the sophisticated elegance of oceanfront venues, ensuring an unforgettable culinary journey for every palate. Notably, the commitment to using fresh produce and sustainable seafood is evident across these restaurants, enhancing each dish's freshness and flavor. Embrace the local dining culture where quality and creativity meet, making Santa Barbara a must-visit destination for food lovers exploring the richness of Californian cuisine.