start your new year with the best restaurants santa barbara has to offer!
Keep reading to see our list of favorites.
loquita
Relish in the Santa Barbara sun while you sip sangria in the outdoor patio seating, amongst locals and visitors alike. Enjoy authentic Spanish food including hot and cold tapas, wood-fired grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella. Prepared by some of the finest chefs in the area, Loquita will keep you coming back for more.
the lark
Located in the heart of the Funk Zone, The Lark offers fresh farm-to-table cuisine boasting seasonal ingredients and flavors unique to the Santa Barbara area. Choose between private dining or communal tables to fully enjoy the food, craft cocktails, and extensive wine list.
bibi ji
With colorful plates, rich aromas, and an electrifying atmosphere, Bibi ji offers a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. All your senses will be lost in coconut curries, pomegranate chickpea masala, and sweet cardamom desserts. And to top the night off, dive into Bibi ji’s extensive list of natural, sustainably and organically farmed wines.
Belmond El Encanto
There is no better place for Sunday brunch than the Belmond El Encanto hotel overlooking breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Choose from sweet drinks and savory a lá carte menu items. This charming oasis is also the perfect backdrop for a romantic sunset dinner paired with exquisite, local wines.
Santa barbara shellfish company
No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a taste of the fresh, locally caught seafood. The extensive menu ranges from crab, lobster, and grilled shrimp to local red abalone along with uni and oyster shooters. All seafood is best enjoyed while soaking up the sun on Stearn’s Wharf.