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.
The Lark
Located in the wildly popular Funk Zone, menus at The Lark change monthly, but always will be locally sourced using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty available on the Central Coast. Food is served family style intended for sharing. The full bar features classic as well as craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. The comprehensive wine list highlights small Santa Barbara County producers and also artisan winemakers from afar. http://www.thelarksb.com 131 Anacapa St., valet parking, (805) 284-0370; Reservations a must! Dressy casual $$$
The Beachside
With such an extraordinary location on the sand with magnificent views of the beach, ocean, shoreline and Goleta Pier, this restaurant could serve ordinary food and still be a big hit. The big surprise is that it serves a great lunch and dinner, specializing in fresh seafood and complete with an outstanding oyster bar. They do not advertise and the very loyal customer base is 80-90% local. Watch the sunset and stay a while. In Goleta Beach Park off Sandspit Road, (805) 964-7881. Good wine list & full bar, lunch & dinner; casual $$
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. There is also a separate Ca’ Dario Pizzeria right next door. 29 and 37 E. Victoria Street, (805) 884-9419 ; full bar & a fine wine list, Lunch & Dinner, business casual,$$+
Carlito’s Cafe
Enjoy Mesquite Grilled specialties or a dazzling array of Mexican dishes and fresh fruit margaritas. Ample portions guarantee you will not go away hungry. The patio is the place to be on a sunny day. A taste of Mexico in downtown Santa Barbara just across from the historic Arlington Theater. 1324 State Street. Lunch, dinner, & breakfast on weekends; casual $$
Chuck’s of Hawaii
A local tradition since 1967 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 Tiki Torches burning brightly at the front door. Red leather chairs, a low light lounge interior and a great salad bar. 2883 State Street, (805) 687-4417 . Good wine list, dinner only; Hawaiian Shirt-casual $$
Holdren’s
This downtown location is elegant and timeless with the oldest in-use bar (1918) in Santa Barbara. Holdren’s serves great steaks cut from Midwestern corn-fed beef and fresh seafood charbroiled over a mesquite. Try the “Cowboy Cut,” a 24 oz. prime bone-in rib eye, bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp or the Hawaiian Ahi. 512 State Street, (805) 965-3363 . Full bar & extensive wine list; lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$+
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 Zagat Guide. 8 E. Cota Street(805) 963-5000. http://www.palacegrill.com/ Good wine & beer list, lunch & dinner, dressy-casual $$+
Paradise Cafe
This unique Old Santa Barbara setting features indoor and patio seating which set the stage for great steaks, chops, fresh fish, burgers and salads. Add to this a lively bar with its own casual, unpretentious atmosphere and you have a winning combination. 702 Anacapa Street, 962-4416. Good wine list, lunch, dinner & Sunday breakfast; casual $+
Sakana
Tucked as far back as you can go in a Montecito shopping complex, you will discover the best Sushi restaurant in the Santa Barbara area. This is not really a fancy place, but the menu is long and food is well worth the effort in finding this spot. 1046-K Coast Village Road, (805) 565-2014 ; wine & beer, lunch is served Tuesday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Sunday, casual, $$
The 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 $$
Tee-off
A tradition in Santa Barbara since 1956, with comfortable tuck & roll red vinyl booths, dark green walls and minimal lighting, this place is really about the meat along with a host of other steak, chicken, fish and lobster entrees. Unapologetically meat-centric, this is not the place to go for fancy sauces and small portions. It is the only place I know of in Santa Barbara that serves Prime Rib Pot Pie. Enjoy the ambiance of a 1950’s dinner house hidden away behind a nondescript exterior, sandwiched between a nail salon and donut shop. 3627 State Street, (805) 687-1616 . Full bar, minimal wine list, dinner only; dressy-casual $$$
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