Few cities in the world can boast as many restaurants per capita as Santa Barbara. There are nearly 400 in the greater Santa Barbara area, and during the summer months and holidays, nearly all are filled to capacity with diners from around the world. Our local wine industry has contributed to burgeoning number of establishments offering wine pairings along with gourmet meals.
Beachside Bar Cafe
With such an extraordinary location on the sand with magnificent views of the beach, ocean, shoreline and Goleta Pier, this restaurant could serve ordinary food and still be a big hit. The big surprise is that it serves a great lunch and dinner, specializing in fresh seafood and complete with an outstanding oyster bar. They do not advertise and the very loyal customer base is 80-90% local. Watch the sunset and stay a while. In Goleta Beach Park off Sandspit Road, (805) 964-7881. Good wine list & full bar, lunch & dinner; casual $$
Blue Agave Located in an older, narrow building, this place has the feel of a San Francisco bar & restaurant. Downstairs is loud & lively, while the upstairs has sofas, a fireplace, sequestered booths, dim lighting & an exterior deck. Well prepared food with a south-of-the-border kick to it & the signature margaritas are what keep the customers coming back. 20 E. Cota Street, (805) 899-4694, full bar & wine list, dinner only, Santa Barbara casual, $$+
Ca' Dario
This bustling & friendly trattoria feels like it should be on some side street in Rome. Very romantic at night. The Italian food & service are exceptional which make this is a locals favorite, so reservations are well advised. 37 E. Victoria Street, (805) 884-9419, full bar & a fine wine list, Lunch & Dinner, business casual,$$+
Carlito's Cafe y Cantina
Enjoy Mesquite Grilled specialties or a dazzling array of Mexican dishes and fresh fruit margaritas. Ample portions guarantee you will not go away hungry. The patio is the place to be on a sunny day. A taste of Mexico in downtown Santa Barbara just across from the historic Arlington Theater. Try the Mahi Mahi Fajitas! 1324 State Street. Lunch, dinner, & breakfast on weekends; casual $$
Chuck's of Hawaii
A local tradition for over 36 years and voted as serving the "Best Steak in Santa Barbara," Chuck's also serves a great variety of fresh fish. You might miss this place except for the two flaming Tiki Torches at the front door. Be prepared for a low light lounge interior and a salad bar from 1967. 2883 State Street, (805) 687-4417. Great, great wine list, dinner only; dressy-casual $$
HobNob Tavern Imagine culinary passion, urban elegance and distinctive service all in one of the most intimate restaurants in Santa Barbara. This 1880's house-turned-restaurant has been divided into three sections; dining room, small outdoor patio and an indoor bar favored by late-night diners. Intensely flavorful-creative dishes and a talented chef focus on California cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients. A very romantic couple's restaurant. 21 W. Victoria, (805) 564-7100, great wine list, dinner & late night fare only, resort casual to dressy, $$+
Holdren's Steaks & Seafood
The downtown location is elegant and timeless with the oldest in-use bar (1918) in Santa Barbara. The Goleta location has replica of the bar and a very traditional steakhouse feel. These places both serve great USDA Prime corn fed beef and fresh seafood charbroiled over a mesquite. Try the "Cowboy Cut," a 20 oz. prime rib, bacon-wrapped shrimp or the Hawaiian ahi. 512 State Street, (805) 965-3363. 6920 Marketplace Drive, (805) 685-8900. Extensive wine list; lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$+
Palace Grill
Definitive contemporary American grill with a Louisiana twist; try the "Cajun Popcorn" (fried crayfish) or the Crayfish-stuffed blackened Fillet Mignon and do not miss the Cajun Martini (served in a jelly jar and limited to one per person). The lively, high-energy, fun atmosphere with guest entertainers make this one of my favorites. Voted "Best on the West Coast" by Los Angeles Magazine and "One of America's best restaurants" by the Zagart Guide. 8 E. Cota Street (805) 963-5000. www.palacegrill.com Good wine & beer list, lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$+
Palazzio
A favorite among locals and tourists alike, this downtown Italian restaurant is a delight! The "Killer" Garlic-Yeast Rolls are baked fresh every ten minutes and served as you sit down. Bring your appetite, the portions are large in this family-style eatery & don't be surprised if the wait staff starts singing! Very popular and busy. 1026 State Street, (805) 564-1985; lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$
Paradise Cafe
This unique Old Santa Barbara setting features indoor and patio seating which set the stage for the great steaks, chops, fresh fish, burgers and salads. Add to this a lively bar with its own casual, unpretentious atmosphere and you have a winning combination. 702 Anacapa Street, (805) 962-4416. Good wine list, lunch, dinner & Sunday breakfast; casual $+
Sakana
Tucked as far back as you can go in a Montecito shopping complex, you will discover the best Sushi restaurant in the Santa Barbara area. This is not really a fancy place, but the menu is long and food is well worth the effort in finding this spot. 1046-K Coast Village Road, (805) 565-2014, wine & beer, lunch is served Tuesday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Sunday, casual, $$
Santa Barbara Brewing Company
This place serves up classic American fare amid the sparkling steel and copper tanks of a microbrewery, a long bar and many TV's tuned to sports channels. In the heart of Old Town Santa Barbara with great views of State Street. Enjoy a pint of fresh beer (Rincon Red Ale is my favorite) with your meal and you will not be disappointed. 501 State Street (805) 730-1040. Full bar, lunch & dinner; casual $$
Santa Barbara FishHouse
Located across the street from East Beach and two blocks off State Street, this place serves up the freshest local fish entrees. Very busy during the locals Happy Hour, but even the bar menu is great. Enjoy views of Stearn's Wharf from inside or on the ocean view patio. May have the best clam chowder in town, you be the judge. 101 E. Cabrillo Blvd., (805) 966-2112. Good wine list, lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$
Side Street Cafe
If you are visiting the Wine Country, or just out for a drive in the Santa Ynez Valley, do not miss a meal at Patrick's Side Street Cafe! The owner/cook is dedicated to doing things exceptionally well and he has succeeded; try Patrick's Paella, the Warm Roasted Duck Salad or the fresh seafood of the day. 2375 Alamo Pintado Avenue in Los Olivos, (805) 686-4004, great local wine list, lunch & dinner (closed Monday & Tuesday), casual, $$+
Taj Cafe
Traditional Village style cooking with all the recipes from ancient India prepared with the same great taste. Natural spices and ingredients only add to the sumptuous Tandoori, vegetarian, Masala and curry specialties. If you like Indian food, you will not be disappointed. 905 State Street, (805) 564-8280. Beer & wine, lunch & dinner; casual $+
Tee-Off
A tradition in Santa Barbara since 1956, with comfortable tuck & roll red vinyl booths, dark green walls and minimal lighting, this place serves five different cuts of Prime Rib and the best Porterhouse Steak in town, along with a host of other steak, chicken, fish and lobster entrees. Enjoy the ambiance of a 1950's dinner house hidden away behind a very nondescript exterior and sandwiched between a nail salon and donut shop. 3627 State Street, (805) 687-1616. Full bar, dinner only; dressy-casual $$
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With such an extraordinary location on the sand with magnificent views of the beach, ocean, shoreline and Goleta Pier, this restaurant could serve ordinary food and still be a big hit. The big surprise is that it serves a great lunch and dinner, specializing in fresh seafood and complete with an outstanding oyster bar. They do not advertise and the very loyal customer base is 80-90% local. Watch the sunset and stay a while. In Goleta Beach Park off Sandspit Road, (805) 964-7881. Good wine list & full bar, lunch & dinner; casual $$
place has the feel of a San Francisco bar & restaurant. Downstairs is loud & lively, while the upstairs has sofas, a fireplace, sequestered booths, dim lighting & an exterior deck. Well prepared food with a south-of-the-border kick to it & the signature margaritas are what keep the customers coming back. 20 E. Cota Street, (805) 899-4694, full bar & wine list, dinner only, Santa Barbara casual, $$+
This bustling & friendly trattoria feels like it should be on some side street in Rome. Very romantic at night. The Italian food & service are exceptional which make this is a locals favorite, so reservations are well advised. 37 E. Victoria Street, (805) 884-9419, full bar & a fine wine list, Lunch & Dinner, business casual,$$+
Enjoy Mesquite Grilled specialties or a dazzling array of Mexican dishes and fresh fruit margaritas. Ample portions guarantee you will not go away hungry. The patio is the place to be on a sunny day. A taste of Mexico in downtown Santa Barbara just across from the historic Arlington Theater. Try the Mahi Mahi Fajitas! 1324 State Street. Lunch, dinner, & breakfast on weekends; casual $$
A local tradition for over 36 years and voted as serving the "Best Steak in Santa Barbara," Chuck's also serves a great variety of fresh fish. You might miss this place except for the two flaming Tiki Torches at the front door. Be prepared for a low light lounge interior and a salad bar from 1967. 2883 State Street, (805) 687-4417. Great, great wine list, dinner only; dressy-casual $$
The downtown location is elegant and timeless with the oldest in-use bar (1918) in Santa Barbara. The Goleta location has replica of the bar and a very traditional steakhouse feel. These places both serve great USDA Prime corn fed beef and fresh seafood charbroiled over a mesquite. Try the "Cowboy Cut," a 20 oz. prime rib, bacon-wrapped shrimp or the Hawaiian ahi. 512 State Street, (805) 965-3363. 6920 Marketplace Drive, (805) 685-8900. Extensive wine list; lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$+
Definitive contemporary American grill with a Louisiana twist; try the "Cajun Popcorn" (fried crayfish) or the Crayfish-stuffed blackened Fillet Mignon and do not miss the Cajun Martini (served in a jelly jar and limited to one per person). The lively, high-energy, fun atmosphere with guest entertainers make this one of my favorites. Voted "Best on the West Coast" by Los Angeles Magazine and "One of America's best restaurants" by the Zagart Guide. 8 E. Cota Street (805) 963-5000. 
A favorite among locals and tourists alike, this downtown Italian restaurant is a delight! The "Killer" Garlic-Yeast Rolls are baked fresh every ten minutes and served as you sit down. Bring your appetite, the portions are large in this family-style eatery & don't be surprised if the wait staff starts singing! Very popular and busy. 1026 State Street, (805) 564-1985; lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$
This unique Old Santa Barbara setting features indoor and patio seating which set the stage for the great steaks, chops, fresh fish, burgers and salads. Add to this a lively bar with its own casual, unpretentious atmosphere and you have a winning combination. 702 Anacapa Street, (805) 962-4416. Good wine list, lunch, dinner & Sunday breakfast; casual $+
Tucked as far back as you can go in a Montecito shopping complex, you will discover the best Sushi restaurant in the Santa Barbara area. This is not really a fancy place, but the menu is long and food is well worth the effort in finding this spot. 1046-K Coast Village Road, (805) 565-2014, wine & beer, lunch is served Tuesday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Sunday, casual, $$
This place serves up classic American fare amid the sparkling steel and copper tanks of a microbrewery, a long bar and many TV's tuned to sports channels. In the heart of Old Town Santa Barbara with great views of State Street. Enjoy a pint of fresh beer (Rincon Red Ale is my favorite) with your meal and you will not be disappointed. 501 State Street (805) 730-1040. Full bar, lunch & dinner; casual $$
Located across the street from East Beach and two blocks off State Street, this place serves up the freshest local fish entrees. Very busy during the locals Happy Hour, but even the bar menu is great. Enjoy views of Stearn's Wharf from inside or on the ocean view patio. May have the best clam chowder in town, you be the judge. 101 E. Cabrillo Blvd., (805) 966-2112. Good wine list, lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$
Traditional Village style cooking with all the recipes from ancient India prepared with the same great taste. Natural spices and ingredients only add to the sumptuous Tandoori, vegetarian, Masala and curry specialties. If you like Indian food, you will not be disappointed. 905 State Street, (805) 564-8280. Beer & wine, lunch & dinner; casual $+
A tradition in Santa Barbara since 1956, with comfortable tuck & roll red vinyl booths, dark green walls and minimal lighting, this place serves five different cuts of Prime Rib and the best Porterhouse Steak in town, along with a host of other steak, chicken, fish and lobster entrees. Enjoy the ambiance of a 1950's dinner house hidden away behind a very nondescript exterior and sandwiched between a nail salon and donut shop. 3627 State Street, (805) 687-1616. Full bar, dinner only; dressy-casual $$