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Best Date Night Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
1. The Black Sheep SB Brasserie
4.8
Exceptional(695)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 24 times today
A locally owned and operated, modern-classic California-French Pub. We serve elevated, eclectic, locally sourced Cuisine paired with incredible wines and craft beer. We are NOW OPEN for SUNDAY BRUNCH 10am-1:30pm. Located in Old Town Santa Barbara on 18 East Cota Street, the building boasts a rich history of French restaurants and saloons dating back over a century. We are open for Dinner Wed-Sun from 5PM. We are known for our incredible family style tasting menu’s where multiple dishes are presented to your table for each course.
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
2. Finch & Fork
4.6
Exceptional(1754)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 13 times today
Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company. Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.
A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
3. Intermezzo By Wine Cask
4.8
Exceptional(1767)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
4. Chase Restaurant
3.6
Very Good(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant, located in Santa Barbara's Theatre District, is a romantic Italian dining destination that boasts a warm and elegant atmosphere. Reviewers frequently mention it as a go-to spot for date nights, noting the 'cute environment', 'fantastic food', and 'wonderful ambiance'. The restaurant offers a variety of classic Italian dishes, complemented by a global wine list and custom cocktails. The outdoor patio provides a comfortable setting, making it perfect for a romantic dinner.
A photo of Roy restaurant
5. Roy
3.9
Excellent(430)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 3 times today
In business for more than 30 years, Roy is a bistro-style, Americana restaurant with a frequently changing, handwritten menu. We strive to serve unpretentious cuisine of the highest quality. We use mostly certified organic produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market, free range chicken and Harris Ranch hormone free beef. We bake our own bread, hand roll our pastas and make all of our desserts in house. Our ambiance is retro moderne California casual, and we have rotating art shows that run for a month and a half at a time. Live music once in a while. Full bar all the time.
A photo of Secret Bao restaurant
6. Secret Bao
4.8
Exceptional(659)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 30 times today
Modern Asian American Restaurant from Chefs Peter Lee & Felicia Medina. "Consider the bao. Chinese in origin, it’s most easily described as a steamed bun filled with something savory. Yet, like the American concept of a sandwich, the bao exploded into a flexible format of untold bounds — served at any meal, filled with you-name-it, completely closed or wide open, with endless regional variants from across Asia and far beyond." - Matt Kettmann (SB Independent)1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Bao, Food, Restaurant, Asian, American, New, Modern, Fried, Chicken, Octopus, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paelo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
7. Barbareño
4.8
Exceptional(1874)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 13 times today
At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work. In all of our efforts, we hope to capture the essence of a particular place or local flavor, embracing the nuances that make our food and drink unique to our home.
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
8. Bouchon - Santa Barbara
4.8
Exceptional(5410)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 32 times today
Bouchon in Santa Barbara is a perfect spot for date night. The warm, inviting ambiance, coupled with the relaxed leisurely pace of the service, provides an intimate setting for a romantic evening. Reviews rave about the excellent food, perfect wine pairings, and the attentive, friendly service. One reviewer mentioned the restaurant's special touch on their anniversary, adding rose pedals and a card, making it a memorable experience.
A photo of Bluewater Grill - Santa Barbara restaurant
9. Bluewater Grill - Santa Barbara
4.4
Awesome(634)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Santa Barbara
Booked 23 times today
The waterfront locals choice in Santa Barbara for premium quality, sustainably sourced seafood! Located at the gateway to Santa Barbara on the beach at State Street and Cabrillo Boulevard with a stunning patio and beach view. Adjacent to the "Funk Zone", Santa Barbara's premiere wine district, the wine list features an extensive selection of local wines in addition to a "no-corkage" policy on the first two bottles. Winner of numerous awards, including Best Seafood, this owner operated gem features lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, a "Kids Live Well" Kid menu, full bar, heated patio, and is pet friendly. Well known for classics like Clam Chowder and Fish & Chips, Oysters on the half shell and numerous varieties of fresh fish, lobster and crab, Bluewater also operates fishing vessel "Pilikia" which specializes in the freshest caught local fish in town! Come in, Get Hooked!
A photo of Holdren's Santa Barbara restaurant
10. Holdren's Santa Barbara
4.5
Awesome(969)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 times today
Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood, located on State Street, serves up a delicious and diverse menu of seafood and steaks, where the portions are always generous and the prices always reasonable. Our surf and turf menu, including our favorite bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp or our USDA prime steaks that are charbroiled over a mesquite grill, is complimented by an extensive wine list, a healthy assortment of premium spirits, and a selection of signature drinks. Daily meals can be enjoyed in our cozy, and dark saloon-inspired dining room, or on our outdoor patio. The indoor dining room is adorned with brown leather booths, dark wood paneling, and funky artwork lining the exposed brick walls. Holdren’s has been voted as the best steakhouse multiple times by the Santa Barbara Independent’s Reader’s Poll and by the Santa Barbara News Press’ Reader’s Choice Awards.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Dinervip
    New Orleans / Louisiana •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Wonderful late evening dinner. We will be back! Everything was delicious!
    More info
    Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • Darcyvip
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    One of my absolute favorite placed in Santa Barbara! If you care about what ingredients you put into your body this is the place for you! Homemade breads, dressings, sauces. Locally sourced. All the dishes are truly unique and special. They change the menu so currently my favorites are the Hamburger, lamb dish, persimmon salad. I do miss their smashed crispy potatoes so I DO HOPE they bring those back!!
    More info
    BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • Davidvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We LOVE Black Sheep SB Brasserie! Food is great and service is awesome. In the winter months we slide in for their Early Dinner 3 course Prix Fix with 20% off all wine. We had an amazing Samasura Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills that I want to find for my cellar. Need to plan our next visit.
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • Barbaravip
    California Central Coast •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Nov 2024
    Outstanding, as always. The food was wonderful - the oysters Rockefeller are just so delicious. I wish they would add another slice or two to the bread we ordered. Two pieces for two people - one piece per person - is a little skimpy. The wine list is wonderful and the cocktails, perfect! And the service couldn't have been more spot on. Than you Mia - you are delightful. We will be back soon.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • 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
    •
    3.6

Discover best date night restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of Santa Barbara's dining scene, ideal for your next date night along the picturesque California Central Coast. Renowned for its romantic atmospheres and exquisite culinary offerings, Santa Barbara offers a variety of restaurants that cater perfectly to intimate evenings. From cozy Italian bistros with ambient lighting and classic cuisine to upscale establishments featuring locally-sourced ingredients and innovative dishes, each restaurant provides a unique experience tailored to making your date night special. Enjoy the added touch of attentive service and expertly paired wine lists that enhance your dining experience. Santa Barbara's restaurants not only promise delicious meals but also memorable moments in settings that blend comfort with sophistication. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delightful evening with your loved one, the restaurants in Santa Barbara set the scene for romance and culinary delight.

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