Diners' Choice: Child-friendly restaurants in Santa Barbara

OpenTable

Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are kid friendly in Santa Barbara? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ca Dario Montecito

4.8

4.8 (889)

$50 and over

Italian

Montecito

About the restaurant

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)

Top review

AutumnVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Fantastic service. The meal was wonderful. Wine selection was broad. Really enjoyed it. Will definitely be back.

Secret Bao

4.8

4.8 (678)

$31 to $50

Asian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

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

Top review

ErynVIP

Dined on 29 Dec 2024

Incredibly delicious food, beautiful presentation and excellent service. Highly recommended!

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4.7

4.7 (274)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Montecito

About the restaurant

Incredible outdoor seating with two heated patios, firepit, couches, and a 360 degree bar. Featuring local ingredients and exceptional dishes from multiple cuisines paired with an extensive and rare wine collection, LOCAL has it all in the heart of Montecito.

Top review

KatherineVIP

Dined on 24 Dec 2024

Good food, good value for money, fast service, and we’re accommodating to us bringing our dog. Would happily go back!

Lilac Montecito

4.7

4.7 (152)

$31 to $50

Contemporary European

Montecito

About the restaurant

Welcome to Lilac Montecito. We offer an elevated bistro dining experience featuring some of our favorite foods that nourish the body and soul in a full-service dining ambiance. Our menu is inspired by European and Californian cuisine as well as locally-sourced ingredients for a fresh, delicious take on some classic entrees.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Top review

Wendy

Dined 3 days ago

I've enjoyed their lunch and brunch offerings several times - the food is delicious, especially for those of us who need to avoid gluten and, frankly, most diners would never notice that their baked goods are all gluten free! Friendly service and clean, appealing dining room. Highly recommended.

Finch & Fork

4.5

4.5 (1781)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Lisa MarieVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Finch & 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.

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Popular dish

Short Rib & Sweet Potato Hash

Popular dish

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Popular dish

King Salmon

Olio Pizzeria

4.5

4.5 (1493)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

betsyVIP

Dined on 30 Dec 2024

Perfect setting for family dinner.All around charming atmosphere, not too formal. Excellent food- not too heavy fresh Italian.

Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito

4.5

4.5 (43)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Montecito

About the restaurant

Clark’s Montecito is a stylish all-day restaurant celebrating coastal American classics spanning from New England to California. In addition to its flagship menu of oysters and raw bar, a signature burger, daily catch specials, lobster rolls, chowder and refreshing crudo, this California location features seasonal bounty from the Pacific Ocean. The wine list highlights California classics alongside French whites and reds primarily from Burgundy and the Loire. Clark’s signature martinis and cocktails are always available. A collaboration between Lambert McGuire Design and Santa Barbara-based architect Jeff Shelton, the space offers a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience that marries Clark’s classic coastal design features with the more whimsical ceramic tile traditions of Portugal and Mexico and a Mediterranean-inspired design that pays homage to its coastal setting and historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Top review

Clarinda

Dined 2 days ago

Three of us ladies had our first meal at clarks oyster bar on coast Village Road. One of us had an omelette, the cheapest thing on the menu at $10. It was sort of dry and had no flavor. Another person had the oysters Rockefeller. Four medium small oysters stuffed with a pallid white sauce and spinach for $25, which includes the six dollar discount they gave for not getting the Uni that comes with this plate. The other person had a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich which had a generous amount of bacon. The best thing was the sourdough bread: a nice tough chewy crust and big holes in the doughy interior. The young staff was friendly and attentive. These three choices were unusual, so we’ll go back and hope for better luck ordering more of their specialties.

L'Antica - Santa Barbara

4.4

4.4 (172)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Experience Authentic Italian Cuisine at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Santa Barbara Indulge in a slice of Italy at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Santa Barbara, where authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian dishes await. Using only the finest ingredients, each dish showcases the traditional flavors of Napoli, from the perfect Margherita pizza to sumptuous pasta and indulgent tiramisu. The rustic ambiance creates a cozy setting for any occasion. Dedicated to sustainability and local sourcing, L'Antica brings the essence of Italy to California for an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

Guilherme

Dined on 21 Dec 2024

Excellent Pizza and food. We have been to the original one in Naples and couldn't tell the difference in quality and flavor. The ambience is modern with loud music. Its ok but doesn't suit the pizzeria vibe you expect. Service is what you expect in California. Recommend it for the quality of the pizza which is very good.

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4.3

4.3 (273)

$30 and under

Seafood

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

At Moby Dick Restaurant, in Santa Barbara, you'll get not only fresh seafood and excellent service, but an amazing view along with your meal. Situated on the pier itself in Santa Barbara, Moby Dick Restaurant is a fantastic place with a fantastic atmosphere to get something to eat.

Whether you're after breakfast, lunch or dinner there�s sure to be something on the menu to please. Fried favorites at Moby Dick Restaurant include clam strips and chips, chicken wings and chips and many others. You can also order burgers, sandwiches and vegetarian fare. Fresh seafood specialties include grilled Cajun swordfish, bacon wrapped shrimp and grilled fresh salmon.

Top review

IRENE

Dined 6 days ago

Delicious food. Great service. Wonderful start of our New Year here

Caya Restaurant

3.8

3.8 (405)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Inspired by the fresh coastal flavors of Santa Barbara, CAYA restaurant invites everyone to “Come As You Are” for a modern culinary adventure paired with a mood as relaxed and inviting as a California sunset.

Embark on a delectable journey through the West Coast with our seasonal menus influenced by sustainably sourced local ingredients and global cuisine inspirations. From social gatherings to intimate dinners, indulge in the relaxed and inviting indoor and outdoor atmosphere while your tastebuds savor the culinary traditions of the west through nostalgic homemade dishes and signature craft cocktails.

Top review

Ben

Dined on 6 Nov 2024

The food was solid and the the service from the staff was outstanding

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Experience

Complimentary Appetizer with purchase of Entree

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