Santa Barbara Restaurants Dining Guide

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  The Santa Barbara Restaurants Dining Guide  
May. 18, 2013
 
Santa Barbara Restaurants

New Restaurants 2010 & 2009 Openings
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Union Ale Brewing Company
Dogtown Hot Dogs
Nugget
HobNob Tavern
On The Side
Billies
Las Aves Cafe
Bay Roadhouse Bar & Grill
Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro
Bella Dolce Bakery
Wine Cask
Blush
California Crisp
root 246
French Press
South Pacific Coffee Co
Jitters Coffee
European Deli & Market
Mediterra Cafe & Market
Petros
India House
Pasta House
Sushilicious
Chinos Rock & Tacos (Santa Barbara)
Los Agaves
Chinos Rock & Tacos (Isla Vista)
TonyRay's
Giovanni's
Olio Pizzeria
Mac's Fish & Chip Shop
Holdrens
Saigon In and Out
Saigon (Five Point)
Lam's Vietnamese BBQ &Sandwiches
Yogurtland
Red Mango
Pinkberry
Live Culture
Yoyumyum
Whole Foods

Past Restaurant Openings Be one of the first to review your dining experience.

Trattoria Vittoria

Milk & Honey

Downtown Brewing Company

Hollister Brewing Company

Quantum

Jake's

Bay Cafe

Storke Ranch Deli

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Plow & Angel

Bougainvillea

Giannfranco's Trattoria

Panino

New Restaurants in 2006
Be one of the first to review your dining experience at the 2006 openings.

All India Cafe

L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue located at 7127 Hollister Ave., #21 in The Plaza in Goleta was founder in 1976 by Eddie Flores, Jr. and Kwock Yum Kam. L & L Hawaiian Barbecue offers concocted delectable plate lunches that captivated the islands. The Hawaiian plate lunch is a huge, gastronomically challenging mixture of Asian and American starches (two scoops rice and one scoop macaroni salad) supplemented by a United Nation of entrees such as chicken katsu, beef curry, deep fried shrimp, mahi mahi, lemon chicken, barbecue shortribs, hamburger steak, etc.

L&L is known for its large portions, freshly cooked food, and reasonable prices. For hefty appetites try the regular plate lunch which is said to easily feed two people, from $5.50. For a smaller portion, try the mini plate lunch which starts from $3.75.

El Caballo

Naan Stop

New Restaurants in 2005
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Cities Barbecue

Kampai

DogHouse

El Cazador

Square One

Sushiya Express

StarBucks

Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a new restaurant that opening in Santa Barbara's Paseo Nuevo Mall at the end of 2005. It features fresh homade rustic Italian cuisine with elegant hand crafted pastries. Privately owned by Head Chef Victor Carranza, Tiramisu is a casual dining experience with upscale service.

Savoy Truffles
Savoy Truffles surprising food boutique opened in November, and is packing 'em in.  The food is very creative, tasty, and remarkably affordable.  The service is warm and professional, and the ambiance is
European bistro chic.  It's locate just across the street from the Santa Barbara city parking lot near Norton's Pastrami shop.

Zaytoon
Zaytoon from the Arabic word meaning olive is a welcome surprise to Santa Barbara as it is one of the only Middle Eastern restaurants in the area. Located at 209 East Canon Perdido Zaytoon offers lunch and dinner from 11:30 am to at least 11 pm, nightly. Lunch prices average $9.50, dinner $15 plus drinks and appetizers.

Golden China
Golden China is located at 3130 State Street, Santa Barbara.

New Restaurants in 2004
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31 West
Locate at the new Andalucia Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara 31 West offers dining intending to be a power breakfast and lunch spot and a destination restaurant in the evening. 31 West will showcase American cuisine at its best. Seating 80 in the dining area and an additional 40 at the adjoining bar 31 West is a great location for small to medium size events.

Los Gallos
Los Gallos open for lunch and dinner was established by the same family that owns the local favorite Daily Grind, right next door. Los Gallos may become a favorite as well. Prices sound reasonable with a tri-tip taco $7.50, veggie taco $5.95, and chile relleno platter $6.25

Tuttini
Location in downtown Santa Barbara, at 10 East Carrillo Street, Tuttini serves Italian sandwiches at lunch time and fresh baked pastries. They are also open for breakfast and are famous for a breakfast cookie available all day, a grape nut/date concoction.

La Marina
With beautiful panoramic ocean views La Marina, Santa Barbara's only Four Diamond restaurant features seasonal California cuisine with an international flair prepared by Chef Jesse Olsen. Wine Spectator Magazine has noted La Marina as having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. La Marina is located at the Four Seasons Biltmore and is open Tuesday through Saturday 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m

Kaliman's

Kahuna Grill

Siam Elephant
Siam Elephant an authentic Thai restaurant opens in Carpentaria serving dishes from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ranging in price for $6.95 to $8.95. The word is that it’s good, but not as good as the Santa Barbara offerings such as Zen Yai and Your Place.

Itsuki

Camomile Cafe

Cavalli's

L'ombretta
L'ombretta an “authentic Venetian wine bar” Opens its doors September 2004 servicing small bites, “Venetian style” for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 1134 Chapala Street the former location of Jojo’s Cafe.

Elements
Elements opens at former Figaro location in Santa Barbara across from the Court House sunken gardens. Offering a high end menu Elements is becoming well known as a trendy hot spot for happy hour.

La Brisas
Another Mexican restaurant pops up in Santa Barbara on Milpas Street. From feedback that DiningSantaBarbara.com has received La Brisas is well on its way to be coming one of the finest choices for authentic high quality low cost Mexican food. La Brisas is a highly recommended for lunch.

Willows
Located at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez Willows spells out jackpot offering fine dining selections such as porterhouse steak, surf and turf, and seared ahi prepared by the former Chef of the Ritz Carlton in Hawaii, Thomas Meyer.

Zeno Mamue
Right as one Santa Barbara Peruvian restaurant, Papagallo's, closed this year another one opens. The word on the street is that Zeno Manue is becoming a great replacement.

European Deli
Specializing in German Cuisine the European Deli brings you a wide variety of delicious continental favorites. Try the Reuben Sandwich with sauerkraut and potato salad. Located in the Fairview shopping center the European Deli is a welcome new arrival to the Goleta area.

Norton's Pastrami
A great new Santa Barbara restaurant located at 18 West Figeuroa Street. It serves up high end lunch sandwiches, their pastrami sandwich is top notch.

Saigon
The only authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the Santa Barbara area offering fresh dishes with stylish presentation.

Sakana
Dishing out Sushi in Montecito Sakana Japanese restaurant became an instant hit with it's fresh food and fast service. A Santa Barbara restaurant recommended visit

Quantum
Modern San Francisco style decor with an Asian twist; contemporary American cuisine offers a menu of small plates designed for sharing. A Santa Barbara restaurant Must Visit !

Spiritland Bistro
Gourmet organic food catering dishes to vegetarians and offering a fun casual atmosphere, a good alternative to the popular Santa Barbara Sojourner restaurant.

Deli 101
Located at 130 North Calle Cesar Chavez in Santa Barbara.

Beachbreak Cafe
Located at 324 State Street Santa Barbara, CA. Very Close to the beach and Stearn Wharf.

New Restaurants in 2003
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Good Cup

Rizona's
If you’re looking for dishes that will tantalize your taste buds with tropical flavors why not try Rizona’s in Santa Barbara. Coconut cream of rice for breakfast and wild caught salmon with coconut-chili sauce for dinner are some of the tasty selections.

Abdi's
Only Persian dining in Santa Barbara, bring your own wine No corkage charge!

Bellyboards

A-Ru

Chef Rick's

Spice Avenue
Authentic Indian cuisine offering an affordable lunch buffet and wine by the glass.

Holdrens

Taiko

Dish

Atlas Market

Kimochi

Cafe Delight


New Restaurants in 2002
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Mondial
Private Dining Seating up to 40, Catering available. Great location for business dining.

City Kitchen

Go Fish

Natural Cafe

Chipotle

Maeda

jojo

Primo

Hibiki Sushi Cafe

Nu




What makes DiningSantaBarbara.com the best choice for dining options?

All DiningSantaBarbara.com information is open to the public and free. Unlike other sites that require you to become a member so that they can send unwanted emails; sell your information or even make you pay a subscription.

2106 visitor dining reviews approved by a real editor. Each visitor review includes ratings for food, service and ambiance tabulated to give you the overall ratings for restaurants base on the number of restaurant reviews. 616 hand picked Santa Barbara area restaurants searchable by area, price, cuisine and name. Regular updates of new openings and closings to keep you notified and give you the most accurate information possible.

Select a Cuisine

American Argentinean Bagel
Bakery Barbeque Cafe
Cajun Californian Chinese
Coffee Shop Creative Deli
Family French Frozen Yogurt
Fusion German Greek
Grill Hamburger Hawaiian
Healthy Healthy Gourmet Ice Cream
Indian International Cuisine Irish
Italian Japanese Juice Bar
Korean Market Mediterranean
Mexican Middle Eastern Modern
Moroccan New Mexican Organic
Persian Peruvian Pizza
Private Dining Sandwich Seafood
Spanish Steak House Sushi
Thai Tropical Vegetarian
Vietnamese Wine Country

Recent Visitor Restaurant Reviews
Click on restaurant name to see more visitor reviews, listing details and over all ratings.

Superb = Poor =
Longboards Grill
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 3/26/2013 Visited on March 23, 2013

Great fun! I only had to order one drink! It was awesome. If you don't like strong drinks, let them know and they will fix it to your liking. = )


Spice Avenue
Santa Barbara Indian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 3/6/2013 Visited on 01/05/2013

worst indian place on whole earth .they owners are thieves they overcharge on everything,quality of food is really really bad ,service is slow and the kitchen is the dirtiest kithchen you will ever see in santa Barbara.never ever again sorry.


All India Cafe
Santa Barbara Indian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 3/6/2013 Visited on 01/23/2013

I was disappointed not only with the food, which was of very poor quality and bland (the lassi was full of hard chunks), but with the absolutely appalling service. All I know is that there is really no reason in the world to go back there. all india ki khanna bahut kharab thi. Meri kyal se sabse gandi bharatyi restaurant hai is duniya mein.everything smell bad in this restaurant.


Flavor Of India
Santa Barbara Indian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 3/6/2013 Visited on 01/26/2013

food is bad bad not really authentic indian but on the contrary service is good here.


Mandarin Palace
Santa Barbara Chinese Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 3/4/2013 Visited on 200-2013

I Love the orange chicken and the lemon chicken. The owners are very nice people.


Emilio's Ristorante & Bar
Santa Barbara Californian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Robert Matulich on 2/8/2013 Visited on 12-12-11

Very professional staff.


Little Alex's
Montecito Mexican Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 1/2/2013 Visited on Nov 2012

Best omelette s, healthy packed w. various veggies! Or get whites for tight diet!


Beachside
Goleta Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 10/14/2012 Visited on 10/13/2012

I too have been going to Beachside for close to 20 years as the only restaurant in Goleta with a view. Every time I go, I tell myself I won't go back. This last time was the worst. Food was horrible, presentation was horrible, service was horrible. It really wasn't the waiter's fault but the fault of management. It looked like there was one busboy for the entire restaurant?! The waiter couldn't possibly serve us in a timely manner. We sat for 1/2 hour before anyone even came to the table to ask for drink orders or to give us water. I had the Halibut. The plate came with rice (off white) with the fish (off white) with no color at all, very unappealing. The fish wasn't cooked in parts and the flavor was horrible. My husband's steak was tough and almost inedible. Over a hundred dollars for a nice view and good bread. Not worth it! Fool me twice, shame on me...finally learned my lesson...never going back!!


Waterfront Grill
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 9/5/2012 Visited on 9/3/2012

Poor. I felt discriminated against because I did not look the part. Whether it was because I was Asian or whether I had a young family, I was never seated in front overlooking the harbor. The food was average to mediocre depending on the menu item. The blonde hostess was very curt.


Harry's Plaza Cafe
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Joe Klobas on 6/20/2012 Visited on 6/18/12

Don't go to Harry's for food unless you've been two weeks in Death Valley without food. On the other hand, if you have been in Death Valley for two weeks without food, you need one of their drinks (the only reason to go there)


Breakwater Restaurant
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 5/8/2012 Visited on May 4th 2012

It was a great experience. The food was delicious and the service was exceptional. Even the manager, Scott Rufer, went out of his way to ensure our meal and experience were as enjoyable as possible. We will definitely return on our next visit to the city.


Enterprise Fish Company
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Stephanie Madearos on 4/28/2012 Visited on April 23 2012

We vacationed in Santa Barbara and being near the ocean it was natural to want to have a seafood meal. We were looking for fun and good food and we found it at Enterprise Fish. I had the scallop/coconut shrimp/calamari combo platter and it was delicious. Our waitress was charming and very attentive (the European accent didn't hurt either!). The prices were reasonable for a "tourist spot" and the atmosphere of the restaurant was energetic and lively. Who goes to a wharf-style restaurant for quiet?!!! Lots of fun and we will come back on our next trip.


Petit Valentien
Santa Barbara French Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 4/18/2012 Visited on 4-18-12

A small, attractive restaurant in a beautiful Arcade, with a delicious menu, French, rich in flavor, but light. Great rolls, delicious salad dressing on the mixed greens with beets and goat cheese. Lovely entrees. Perfect glass of wine to complement the meal recommended by waitress. Friendly, service oriented. A delightful evening!


Olio Pizzeria
Santa Barbara Pizza Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 3/22/2012 Visited on 3/15/2012

Truly authentic, delicious casual Italian fare.


Hungry Cat
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 2/9/2012 Visited on 2/9/12

Overpriced lobster roll served on a hot dog bun for $22.00. The plate was mainly french fries.


Downey's
Santa Barbara Californian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Laurence Brockway on 1/1/2012 Visited on Dec 30, 2011

Our finest dining experiences in Santa Barbara. My wife and I regularly enjoy their deliciously prepared fine foods and wines.


Casa Blanca
Santa Barbara Mexican Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 12/13/2011 Visited on 12/13/2011

Food was very good! There were four of us and we all ordered something different. We all like what we had and agreed we would come back! The Blood Orange Margarita was wonderful!!


South Pacific Coffee Co
Goleta Coffee Shop Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 11/23/2011 Visited on every so often

Nice neighborhood coffeehouse with well made food and coffee they have roasted specially for them. The breakfast sandwiches are the bomb. Decor looks WWII so mature adults - just about any guy would love the casual atmosphere. Owners/staff are friendly and likeable folks. If you don't see it the store is behind the 711.


Olio Pizzeria
Santa Barbara Pizza Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 11/23/2011 Visited on october 2011

Pizza is all about the crust - bad crust = terrible pizza. This place has stellar crust - enough said. They have excellent food besides the full option pizzas. Their wine pours are pretty weak depending on who's at the bar. In general great ambiance and food.


Cajun Kitchen (De La Vina)
Santa Barbara Cajun Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 11/19/2011 Visited on 9/2011

A person should expect to get special treatment when they walk through the door of ANY restaurant, whether it is a 5 star establishment or a hot dog cart! This place has proven itself to be a DUMP with employees who could care less about the customers or the serving of good food. Which means that they don't even care about making any money cuz they will never get another dime off mine. The people were very unfriendly, like they were doing me a favor by letting me into the place, for starters. I ordered an egg scramble and asked if they could also add some spinach, which they did. However, when I started to eat the eggs I could not see any spinach mixed in with the other ingredients. It was on my second or third bite that I finally found the big clump of wet, cold spinach hiding under the eggs! I was sitting at the counter and when I asked about it, the cook in the back chuckled and the rude waitress stated "oh, he must've forgot and added it at the last second. That's what you get when you make a special order - sorry". The waitress never offered to have them make a new dish or give me a discount, etc. So I left vowing to write this review as their payment.


China Bowl
Santa Barbara Chinese Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 11/1/2011 Visited on oct 30 2011

This restaurant is listed multiple times under multiple names as state street cafe and/or china bowl likely as an attempt to dodge bad reviews and here comes another....... ordered dinner for 4 at 530, after 2 hours and 3 phone calls food arrived, paid $70 and still tipped the driver, called to speak to the manager when the food obviously had been in the back of a car for 45 minutes, he offered to give me a break next time, upon serving the food we find out the hard way the food prep had been terrible to begin with so the time in the car actually softened it up a bit, called to let them know I was coming down to return the food and was told I would get 50% back, when I protested the guy told me to watch myself or he would give me nothing. food went in the trash uneaten, food was literally inedible.


Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina
Santa Barbara Mexican Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 10/25/2011 Visited on Oct 25, 2011

My wife had an expensive halibut dish which she could not eat due to poor flavor I had a burrito which was drowned in too much sour cream and salsa. Very expensive for the quality.


Boathouse ( Hendry's Beach )
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Kathy and Friends from Illinis on 10/17/2011 Visited on 10/16/11

Views of beach are fantastic! Food is reasonably priced. Just loved the overall experience!


Harbor Restaurant
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 10/17/2011 Visited on 10/13/11

Try the calamari or any other special!


Boathouse ( Hendry's Beach )
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 9/22/2011 Visited on 11/10

My favorite place. I'm from the East Coast, but once a year this is my first stop on way to Santa Barbara destination. Great bartenders, good & interesting menu. Food very enjoyable, Service fine...View Spectacular!!


El Sitio
Goleta Mexican Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Danny Soto on 9/12/2011 Visited on 9.12.2011

Wow! Horrible service. I dont care if the food was 4 star it would not make up for the service received. I asked if there was a combo plate including two tacos rice and beans and I was told "NO!" She could of offered something to make it up if it was not on the menu. When I did get my order my tacos had no Cebolla and Cilantro even tough I had said yes to both when I ordered. Not a big deal right? When i mentioned it i was told "you said no when i asked you" Instead the response should have been "I'm sorry, here we will fix it" Very bad service and a dump of a place. Would have been possibly 3.5 star if the service person would of been more helpful. Oh well we will not be back to find out. I have warned my son and all his friends here at the college not to even try it!


Jalama Beach Cafe
Lompoc American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/13/2011 Visited on 8/12/11

Got cold beer, excellent steaks & pasta, cool people working & sports on the big screens. What else is there? (Wife said restrooms were really clean, VERY important, right?)


Something's Fishy
Santa Barbara Japanese Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/10/2011 Visited on

Great food and environment. My three year old really loved it and actually ate all the food. My only issue would be the wait for our shared table to fill before we could get food but in the end it was worth the wait.


Kaliman's
Santa Barbara Mexican Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/1/2011 Visited on

Amazing service and food


Bucatini
Santa Barbara Italian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by John on 7/24/2011 Visited on 7/24/2011

Terrible food, bad snotty service.