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Best Authentic Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(739)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
Locally owned California-French brasserie in Old Town Santa Barbara, blending classic technique with bold, eclectic flavors. Housed in a historic space, we offer an elevated dining experience with a renowned family-style tasting menu, curated wines & craft beer. Open Wed-Sun from 5 PM—check daily for our specials!
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
4.3
Awesome(339)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 23 times today
Modern Indian food featuring local produce and seafood paired with a robust low-intervention wine program curated by Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr. Located directly across the street from the historic Granada Theatre in the heart of Santa Barbara's ARTS District. Join us in our lively, signature pastel pink dining room. Michelin Guide Central Coast Selection 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
4.1
Excellent(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant has been a beloved Santa Barbara institution since 1979. With its classic elegant Italian décor and warm, romantic ambiance, it truly transports you to Italy. The menu boasts the finest meat, seafood and pasta dishes, and traditional Italian desserts. The reviews are consistently positive, praising the food, service, and atmosphere. One reviewer said, 'We felt like we were in Italy!' Another noted, 'The food was excellent. The staff was extremely pleasant & looked like they enjoyed their job.' This is authentic Italian dining at its finest.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2575)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 19 times today
Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's ARTS District, serves artisanal Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with eggplant souffle, then tuck into a plate of house made duck ravioli or Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties. Bonus: their contemporary Italian breakfast, lunch & retail spot Olio Bottega, and authentic pizzeria next door at Olio Pizzeria. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests.
A photo of Corazon Comedor restaurant
4.3
Awesome(193)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 17 times today
Corazon Comedor emerged from the longing of nostalgic food from the streets, markets, and homes of Mexico. We look forward to bringing this experience in each dish.
A photo of Olio Pizzeria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1504)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 times today
Olio Pizzeria is an upscale-casual pizzeria with salumi bar/wine bar/full bar which was inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie and enoteche found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy. This idea began to take shape before Alberto and Elaine Morello even opened Olio e Limone Ristorante, their fine dining Italian restaurant next door. Wine bars serving boutique salumi and formaggi are ubiquitous in Italy, as is a regionalism which the Morellos are excited to share with you. Sicily is an emerging powerhouse, and touches of Sicilian food and wine delight their guests. You’ll also find exciting tastes from Campania and other emerging regions on their menus, wine and beer lists. Takeout available. Buon appetito!
A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1820)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 24 times today
"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."
A photo of Tre Lune restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2034)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Montecito
Booked 51 times today
"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010 Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts. Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails. Award Winner of Italian wines list.Please call to make reservations.
A photo of Ca Dario Montecito restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(904)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Montecito
Booked 21 times today
Ca' 'Dario's newest restaurant on Coast Village Road promises the same authentic and fresh Italian cuisine as our other locations, now easily accessible for residents of Montecito! Enjoy outdoor dining on our covered patio, or indoor in our elegant dining room.We feature an adjustable roof that keeps out the rain and allows in the sun.Dogs are welcome (we ask that you limit the number to one per guest)​
A photo of Sandbar Mexican Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(181)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
We are a traditional Sonora style Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Guests will experience the authentic tastes and warm outdoor dining of Mexico. We use homemade sweet and sour with organic agave nectar in our world class margaritas. We also feature handmade tortilla chips and salsas, fresh Ceviche, homemade guacamole and the best fajitas around.We feature a vibrant bar scene and a social atmosphere. We also serve our full menu nightly until 11pm. Stick around after dinner as we transform into one of Santa Barbara's best late night hot spots.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Marc
    Los Angeles •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food was awesome. Sea Bass (special) was amazing. The house salad was kinda bland. Could have pulled it out of a bag kinda thing. More veggies and variety would have been nice. A 4 on service because out server was very busy and our water glasses stayed empty for a bit. Would go back because the food (other than the salad) was extraordinary.
    More info
    Olio e Limone RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • Sara
    Houston •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was delicious and the service was amazing. They were incredibly kind and accommodating, and made great recommendations on food and wine.
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    4.3
  • Eric
    California Central Coast •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    First trip to this terrific restaurant. The place was packed and seated quickly. We were immediately asked for cocktails and appetizers. Explained specials and made suggestions. Drinks and appetizers came quickly and were great. Entrees followed and were some of the best tasting dishes we have had in the last ten years visiting local restaurants. Thanks and we will be back
    More info
    Corazon ComedorPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Santa Barbara
    4.3
  • kathryn
    Hawaii •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Outstanding!!! This is a locally owned French bistro with exceptional cuisine. It’s an excellent value too!
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • Lisa
    California Central Coast •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 13 Oct 2024
    The Caesar Salad was fresh and the dressing was a tasty surprise. The Veal Milanese breading was crispy and paired nicely with the buttery, cheesy fettuccine. My friends both enjoyed their Spinach Ravioli and Pappardelle Vodka. Topped it off with us all sharing the Warm Lava Cake...delish!
    More info
    Chase RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Barbara
    4.1

Discover best authentic restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the essence of authenticity in Santa Barbara's vibrant dining scene with our curated selection of restaurants along the scenic California Central Coast. Each venue captures the unique flavors and culinary traditions of the region, offering patrons a genuine taste of local and international cuisine. From rustic Italian dishes that transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Italy, to innovative Californian fare that blends fresh, local ingredients with global gastronomic techniques, the dining experiences here are diverse and memorable. Santa Barbara is renowned for its eclectic gastronomy, characterized by a commitment to freshness and quality. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening out, a casual meal with friends, or a special family dinner, these restaurants provide exceptional service, a warm ambiance, and consistently delicious food that embodies the keyword 'authentic'. Dive into a world where each meal tells a story of heritage and creativity, ensuring a satisfying dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Explore our list to find the perfect spot that meets your craving for authentic culinary delights in Santa Barbara.

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