Santa Barbara Restaurants Dining Guide

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  The Santa Barbara Restaurant Dining Guide  
Jul. 2, 2009
  
Santa Barbara Restaurants

The Beach Grill at Padaro is proud to announce some recent changes to their pizza. They now offer 3 distinct topping style: traditional Italian style, New York style, and their favorite, California style. Additionally their new dough is made with 100% unbleached flour, sea salt, filtered water and wild yeast. By hand tossing their dough they create a slightly thicker yet light and crispy crust.

The Padaro Catering Company located at 3765 Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria, specializes in Prepared, Delivered food for your Rehearsal Dinner, Birthday, Reception, Company Picnic, Theme Event, Photo Shoot, On Location Event, Grand Opening, Open House, Corporate Retreat, Party, Holiday Party or Ground Breaking. If you need a
location for your event, The Beach Grill at Padaro is the perfect choice for your wedding, party, or special
event. Treat yourself and your
guests to a memorable day in our half acre beachfront garden.

New Restaurant Openings
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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
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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.

1846 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. 563 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
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Bakery Barbeque Cafe
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Coffee Shop Creative Deli
Family French Fusion
German Greek Grill
Hamburger Hawaiian Healthy
Healthy Gourmet Ice Cream Indian
International Cuisine Irish Italian
Japanese Juice Bar Korean
Mediterranean Mexican Middle Eastern
Modern Moroccan New Mexican
Organic Persian Peruvian
Pizza Private Dining Sandwich
Seafood Spanish Steak
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 =
Pascucci (Santa Barbara)
Santa Barbara Italian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 7/1/2009 Visited on July 1, 2009

Never in all of my years of eating in Italian Restaurants have I had to add salt to my food. The pasta was bland and there was little sauce Alfredo sauce added to help disguise the taste. The shrimp tasted fishy. One good thing... The drinks from the bar. Highly disappointed in the lack of flavor in my meal.


Palazzio
Santa Barbara Italian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Lexi on 9/29/2008 Visited on September 27, 2008

Fabulous Restaurant!! I was a bit skeptical when I read the other reviews and was expecting sub par service. However, I was most pleasantly surprised. The food was great and the service outstanding. Great location, right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Good for groups and dates alike. Will definitely go there again.


Sojourner Cafe
Santa Barbara Healthy Gourmet Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 9/29/2008 Visited on 28 September 2008

Great food and it's always such a treat to have the variety offered with all being healthful. Of course the desserts are still fantastic. Got a new (I hope!) server who dropped the ball on every aspect of the order, no coffee refill, ten minutes for bill, roll served after food eaten, slightly rude and mocking. Cashier and server arguing in front of customer. Almost wrecked the meal. Ah, but the food!


Bay Cafe (Open Under New Owner May 2007)
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Sandra on 9/23/2008 Visited on 9/08

I went to the Bay Friday night, the fish was so fresh and the service was exceptional, the waitress ( the girl with an accent) knew what fish to get. They had more than 10 options of fresh fish. The drinks took a long time to be prepare but overall it was great experience.


Petit Valentien
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by D. Watts on 9/19/2008 Visited on 9/18/08

We didn't get there until 10pm. The server reassured us that we could still get food and we were so excited! The escargot crepe was amazing! The place was packed but they were very accommodating with our growing party. I can't believe this place has been open for almost a year without my hearing of it! I'm telling everyone I know and can't wait to check it out as another business lunch option. Thanks for a wonderful evening.


Boathouse ( Hendry's Beach )
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Dan on 9/16/2008 Visited on September 13th, 2008

My wife, Uncle and myself went Saturday around 12:30 on a overcast day. Place was not full but the young lady sitting us made us feel that getting a booth was unusual by saying the other booths were reserved. We all ordered coffee. No spoons on the table. That took about 5 minutes to get. When we ordered our food, 2 of the breakfast's came with biscuits. No butter on the table. Asked the busboy for butter. That took 5 minutes...when he came back he put 5 pats of butter on a plate and asked my wife, 'is this good enough?' in kind of a snarky I need to catch a wave first attituded. The food was good, nothing remarkable. Over priced for an omlette...$12. There's 15 places on State street that can beat that price -I don't mind paying for it if its justified. We use to love The Brown Pelican as the service was always top notch. The service here was from young kids who don't care. I would rather spend the $$$ and go to the buffet at the Biltmore or The Monticeto Inn...no comparison. Hard to believe the owners of this new endeavor don't have a clue about the staff. No spoons? No butter. Wake up...plenty of other choices and we don't mind spending the bucks. It's Santa Barabara remember.


Lucky's
Montecito American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Phillip Kraal on 9/15/2008 Visited on 2005 2007

As a chef/restaurant owner from New Zealand I make the following comments: The dick head who claims he/she got food poisoning, almost impossible to tell where he/she got ill from. It does not have to be the last meal you eat. idiot! I've dined twice at Lucky's and drank there several times too. Both times I have dined I found the food to be ..ok, not brilliant but it was what it's meantw to be. The service was typical of this style of restaurant. Could have been a little more 'natural' less 'tip' driven but that's life in the USA service industry. I will go back again and recommend the restaurant to anyone visiting the area.


Arigato Sushi
Santa Barbara Japanese Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 9/12/2008 Visited on 9/9/08

Review from lea bb this place is great


Bougainvillea
Santa Barbara Italian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Jeff Hovis on 9/9/2008 Visited on 9/8/08

Solid classic Italian preparations. Nice ambiance in dining room, bar area and patio -- went for both lunch and dinner within a week!


D'Vine
Santa Barbara Deli Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 9/8/2008 Visited on 9/08/2008

Though it's not on the menu, a Moonshine (Sunshine with Turkey added) is one of the best sandwiches in town. You'll never meet a friendlier family of people than those working at D'Vine!


Hungry Cat
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 9/7/2008 Visited on July '08

This is the best restaurant I've ever been to in SB, and I've been to many. The atmosphere is hip without being cold, the drinks are amazing (they make their own fruit liquors), and the food is fresh, local, often organic, and inventive. the service was great, with lots of lovely conversation and wonderful presentation. perfect place to bring a gourmet or someone interested in local or environmentally friendly food. great oysters and specials, incredible drinks. will go there again many times.


Spiritland Bistro - Organic Global Cuisine
Santa Barbara Organic Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 9/6/2008 Visited on September 6, 2008

The food completely sucked! We thought that the exorbitant prices were charged for some very special dishes. We ordered, the greek sampler and french walnut appetizer and oriental almond stir-fry and pasta perambura. Only the pasta was edible(the rest of the dishes were very bland and unpalatable) ..the pasta too you can get the same for 5 bucks anywhere and we ended up paying four times the amount! We felt totally duped- hence this review- so anyone reading this- stay away from this place! btw if you are passing through McConnell ice-cream on the way to the resturant- stop for that- its too good and made our desert worthwhile after a very bad dinner!


Brummis
Santa Barbara German Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Jonny on 9/5/2008 Visited on September 4, 2008

Noticed the Grand Opening sign in window reviewed menu and made visit one week later. Pleasant and clean environment attentive service and authentic cuisine made with great care. Beer list short on quantity but not quality. Would love to return and try another home made dish.


Fish House
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 9/1/2008 Visited on 8/31/08

Food was OK service was very good. We arrived early evening without reservation and were seated straight away even though they were already very busy. Our waitress was very attentive. The food was OK - fish fresh - but disappointing. I had one of their signature dishes of local Sea Bass and the Macadamia nut "crust" was soggy.


Boathouse ( Hendry's Beach )
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/28/2008 Visited on 8-26-08

Only ate dinner once at the new Boathouse. Nice remodel, same gorgeous view as old restaurant. Place was PACKED on a Tuesday night--waited about 1 1/4 hours. The food was delicious/disappointing but the latter may have been because they're just getting on their feet. Clam chowder was the best restaurant chowder ever, tomato bisque, grilled yellowtail, blue cheese dressing, shrimp with parmesan all very good. Shrimp cocktail, margarita, mojito all mediocre. First grilled artichoke inedible, replacement at least could tear the leaves off, but was like leather. Still, I'll give them another chance, maybe arrive well before 7.


Trattoria Vittoria
Santa Barbara Italian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/28/2008 Visited on many

I love this restaurant. But, it's not a restaurant where you can go at any time and order anything off the menu and be ecstatic. When it's crowded it is so noisy you can't hear a conversation--so go at lunch time. The fabulous items on the menu are: the frisee salad with grilled shrimp and artichoke--really the best salad in Santa Barbara, the eggplant parmesan--light and cheesy with not a bit of breading, and the salmon--cooked to perfection.


Hungry Cat
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/25/2008 Visited on

Hungry Cat is the best seafood spot in town. They use fresh, local ingredients and cook everything on a wood fire grill right in front of the bar. Its small and modern decor can be cramped on busy nights, but its open pretty late compared to most places around the area, esp during the weekdays. This is not a place for your normal Santa Barbara fare, expect to pay on average $20 per entree and $9 or so for alcoholic drinks. Really good cocktails and great wine/liquor selection. Great place to go with friends, if your friends like seafood and don't mind paying a bit more than normal.


Giannfranco's Trattoria
Santa Barbara Italian Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/22/2008 Visited on 8/20/08

Our B&B proprietor recommended Giannfranco's and we were not disappointed. The Portabello mushroom appetizer is to die for.


Enterprise Fish Company
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/21/2008 Visited on 8/20/08

I took my wife and kids here,the first thing was seating...due to the fact that we had a stroller it was not easy getting situated.wait staff was very nice and helpful in doing so.my only real gripe was my steak was very under cooked and the lobster was somewhat rubberish.I paid 69.95 for the surf and turf combo that could have easily been on the menu at Red Lobster..The short end of it was 156.25 dollars later and I felt over charged. Well thats Santa Barbara for you..


Harry's Plaza Cafe
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/20/2008 Visited on Aug 20, 2008

We are from IN and had visited this restaurant before with my husband's father. We decided to go there again today but couldn't remember the name of the restaurant or exactly where it was located. Used this guide and found it and we are so glad that we did. I was surprised by the so-so reviews. On all of our visits we have always had terrific food and very good service. Today was certainly no exception. The beef French dipped sandwich was wonderful. Even our salad dressing was superb. Waitress did a wonderful job of keeping our iced tea glasses full. We could not have asked for anything better. With all the people still in the restaurant at 2:30 on a weekday, they must be doing something right!!


Seagrass
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by debi on 8/20/2008 Visited on 1/6/08

food was wonderful, wine list great, most defiantly i will go back


Fish House
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by bernie on 8/19/2008 Visited on august 11, 2008

This restaurant is solid! From the food to the service to the view, seriously...what more could you ask for!! My friends and I went in on a Friday night and it was packed. Even though it was super busy our waitress was on it and the food and drinks were great. I had heard good things about the place and now I can strongly recommend it!


Fish House
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by amy on 8/18/2008 Visited on august 8, 2008

My husband and I had heard from so many different people how great the Fishouse was, so we decided to give it a try ourselves. I have to say, the food was really really good! Not only was the food good but our server was very attentive and knowledgeable. The place was packed but we got to sit outside on the patio. The view was awesome, food was fantastic and the service was great. We will definitely be back!!


Cajun Kitchen (Hollister)
Goleta Cajun Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/17/2008 Visited on August 2008

I am from Louisiana and know a fair bit about cajun food. As much as I wanted to like this place, I didn't. The gumbo was dreadful and the poboy was weak. The staff were very pleasant, but I doubt I'll go back.


Pepe's
Goleta Mexican Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/17/2008 Visited on July 2008

Passable. Not remarkable. Still searching for the best Mexican food in Santa Barbara.


Holdrens
Santa Barbara Steak Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Vic Neumann on 8/17/2008 Visited on

This place has been one of my favorites for quite a while. The food is great, steaks delicious, and the wait staff always seem friendly and happy. Great selection of Single Malt Scotch and yeah, like everyone else says the rosemary blue-cheese topping on a New York or Ribeye is phenominal!


Hollister Brewing Company
Goleta American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/16/2008 Visited on

Try the duck fat fries and the hot wings. You won't be disappointed. It's genreally pretty crowded around happy hour, particularly on Fridays, so be prepared for that. Indoor and Outdoor seating (with heat lamps). The only bad comment is that their bathrooms smell awful.


Berrilicious
Isla Vista Juice Bar Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted on 8/15/2008 Visited on 08.10.08

Berrilicious yogurt is amazing. its not too tart/sweet orginial is my favorite but sometimes i mix it up and get the swirl which is their original & raspberry together. BOMB!!! I'm totally addicted. the staff is friendly and the fruits are always fresh. Berrilicious knows how to fill it up and i always leave very satisfied. the board games, good music, and free wifi is a big plus too!


Zen Yai
Santa Barbara Thai Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Kate on 8/15/2008 Visited on 8/15/2008

This place was great! Non-greasy Thai food, fresh ingredients, and fast service. We really loved it!


Eladio's
Santa Barbara American Restaurants
Restaurant Review Submitted by Lynda W on 8/11/2008 Visited on August 11, 2008

Five of us went for breakfast/brunch at 10AM to celebrate a friend's birthday. We had TERRIBLE service. We asked for coffee and 10 minutes later we were still waiting for coffee. We waited 30 or more minutes after ordering to be served and then the first two meals came 5 minutes before the other 3 meals. One person asked for her toast several times and got it finally 20 minutes into her meal. The bill was massacred. An 18% gratuity was added automatically and this server and staff didn't deserve a 2% tip. The bills were put on the 4 credit cards incorrectly. The manager told us their system could not void the charges. We were the last people in the restaurant and it was time for the lunch crowd. We got out at 11:50! It was the absolute worst service I've experienced. None of us will return to Eladio's. They have a good location but that it all they have.