The best restaurants in Santa Barbara

What is it? A new, all-day restaurant on Santa Barbara Harbor with fresh local seafood options and Instagram-worthy drinks. 

Why we love it: Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinnertime at Gracie, you’ll be treated with incredible views of the waterfront. Be sure to snag a spot on their outdoor patio (dogs welcome!) so you can people-watch while biting into your avocado toast. Brunch is served until 2pm, which means you can order a French omelet and eggs Benedict at the same time as fish tacos and steak frites. One of our favorite times to visit is during happy hour from 4-5pm daily when you can order an aptly named “happy meal” that comes with a vodka or gin martini and French fries. If your kids get jealous, direct them to the children’s menu for their own carb-filled pick-me-up. While there’s plenty of creative cocktails on the menu here, we especially love the non-alcoholic options like passion iced tea with lychee boba and an iced strawberry matcha latte. 

Time Out tip: Parking can be tough in this busy area on the harbor. Arrive early to park in the paid lot and plan to walk along the paved path near the water. 

Address: 107 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat, Sun 9am-9pm

What is it? A new Montecito favorite, quickly recognized by the Michelin Guide for its hyper-local ingredients and wood-fired cooking. 

Why we love it: This buzz-worthy newcomer has already made a splash on the local fine dining scene, referring to its menus as “love letters to the Central California Coast.” Chef Diego Moya highlights seasonal produce in nearly every dish, from market greens, cauliflower, and radishes to salmon, pork chops, and roasted chicken; you can believe that he sources products from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. Little Mountain is the type of place that lists out all the local producers they source ingredients from, so you know farm-to-table is a guiding principle rather than marketing jargon. The ambiance here is perfect for date night, with an exposed kitchen so you can see the culinary team in action. They also have a thoughtfully curated wine list and interesting cocktail and mocktail lists that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Time Out tip: Reservations are strongly recommended here, but in a pinch you can try snagging seats at the bar, which are first come, first served. When making reservations, you can request a table on their creekside patio, where heaters and blankets are available on cool evenings. 

Address: 516 San Ysidro Rd, Montecito, CA 93108

Opening hours: Wed-Mon 5-9pm

What is it? Breakfast and brunch in a charming Victorian-style building with a frequently rotating menu, including special family-style menus on holidays. 

Why we love it: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so the saying goes. If you like starting the day off with hearty scrambles, smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, and biscuits & gravy, then Scarlett Begonia has you covered. There’s also plenty of sweet options like lemon ricotta pancakes, brown butter waffles, and French toast. Ask about weekend specials and tasting menus (available at breakfast and lunch), and be sure to start your meal off with a biscuit sampler, including one maple bacon and one flaky buttermilk biscuit to top with butter and strawberry jam. During lunch service, you can expect things like fried chicken and wagyu tri-trip sandwiches and Cobb and kale Caesar salad. Vegetarian and gluten-free selections range from a Beyond Meat burger and taco salad to muffins and quinoa “oatmeal,” respectively. Their patio seating beneath umbrellas makes for a cozy vibe on sunny mornings, best enjoyed with one of their Bloody Marys, lattes, kombuchas, mimosas, or fresh-squeezed juices. 

Time Out tip: Not only are dogs welcome on the patio here, but they have a special menu just for pups. Beg-worthy burger patties, chicken, and flat-iron steaks will undoubtedly have tails wagging.

Address: 21 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Opening hours: Daily 9am–2pm

What is it? A buzzy new dinner spot with Spanish cuisine highlighting Basque Country and California seafood. 

Why we love it: With the opening of Dom’s Taverna from Chef Dom Crisp comes a refreshing new option to the local dining scene. Diners have been raving about the chilled Santa Barbara crab claws, surf & turf tartare, and crudo from their raw bar, plus larger entrees like steak frites, local fish served whole, and cioppino pasta. To skip the burnt Basque cheesecake here would be an injustice, but we understand if you only have room left for one of their martinis. We recommend dining with companions who like to share so you can try more dishes, though this is a place you could sit at the bar and order some small plates (don’t skip the smoked fish dip or snap peas) and a glass of wine for a solo dinner out. Speaking of the bar, the marble masterpiece in their dining room came from a decommissioned church and should keep you in high spirits. 

Time Out tip: Skip the late-night fast-food run and head to Dom’s Taverna instead. Tuesday through Thursday, they stay open “until late,” serving upscale bar bites like oysters, charcuterie, and jamon grilled cheese starting at 9pm.  

Address: 30 E. Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Opening hours: Sun-Mon 5-9pm; Tue-Sat 5-11pm

What is it? Seasonal ingredients are showcased in modern American cuisine at the chic Kimpton Canary Hotel’s signature restaurant.

Why we love it: Hotel guests and locals have been flocking to Finch & Fork for more than a decade for their fried chicken, deviled eggs, and banana milkshakes. What makes these dishes so special? The fried chicken is confited and served with jalapeno honey; the deviled eggs (marinated with beets that turn them a pretty pink color) are topped with a hearty piece of pork belly; and the banana milkshake is finished off with toasted meringue. Finch & Fork is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and let’s just say we’re big fans of the bottomless mimosas served during weekend brunch service. Be sure to inquire about the market catch of the day (halibut, sea bass, and rockfish are common in the region), which is prepared with other seasonal components and available at both lunch and dinner.  

Time Out tip: Happy hour is daily from 4-5pm, with $1 oysters and half-off burgers, plus drink specials like $10 margaritas, martinis, or seasonal cocktails. Additionally, the bar lounge has a small food menu of burgers and bites available from 4–9pm. 

Address: 31 W. Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Opening hours: Daily 7am–2pm, 4–9pm

What is it? A popular counter-service Mexican restaurant with contemporary takes on classics, served in a small yet refined dining room.

Why we love it: This family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant has been a Santa Barbara staple for nearly 20 years. Don’t mistake it for a divey taco shop just because it’s fast-casual service—dishes coming out of the kitchen at Los Agaves are thoughtfully prepared with high-end ingredients. Think enchiladas, burritos, chiles, and tacos stuffed with halibut, shrimp, and Oaxacan cheese and covered with a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce. There are combination plates, grilled meat and seafood dishes, and a weekday happy hour menu from 2-6pm. House margaritas are a crowd favorite here (which can be made with mezcal instead of tequila) and can be ordered as an “XL” if a regular-sized cup just won’t get the job done. We recommend getting a margarita flight to sample three different flavors like watermelon, passionfruit, strawberry, or cucumber. 

Time Out tip: They do not take reservations here, so plan to arrive early and wait in line to order. Load up on a variety of fresh salsas from their salsa bar to enjoy with the complimentary chips brought to your table. If you’re feeding a large group, consider ordering one of their family meals to-go that come with rice, beans, chips, and salsa. 

Address: 600 N. Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 2911 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; 7024 Market Place Dr, Goleta, CA 93117

Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm

What is it? A food hall located downtown with an eclectic mix of vendors selling food, specialty drinks, and desserts. 

Why we love it: Satisfy all your cravings under one roof at the Santa Barbara Public Market, where you can get Mexican, Thai, Korean fusion, sushi, barbecue, pizza, and more. With a dozen options at your fingertips, you can pick and choose what you want from each vendor, then sit down to eat within the bustling market. Our favorites include the West Coast-style barbecue at ‘Que for brisket, pulled pork, and baby back ribs (also blueberry cornbread and flavored lemonades); Rori’s Artisanal Creamery for ice cream in flavors like salted caramel, brown sugar banana, and black pepper pistachio; and Seoulmate Kitchen for their specialty matcha drinks in flavors ranging from mango and guava to banana and black sesame. There’s also a full bar available at Cooney’s where they have weekday happy hour specials and Wednesday night trivia. 

Time Out tip: The market has an underground parking garage that’s free to customers for up to two hours and includes electric vehicle chargers. It’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out for the ramp along the south side of Victoria Street. 

Address: 38 W. Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 8am-9pm; Thu–Sat 8am-10pm

What is it? An indoor-outdoor bar on lower State Street with tropical drinks and blended cocktails.

Why we love it: Good Lion Hospitality—the group behind Shaker Mill, The Good Lion, Test Pilot, and Lion’s Tale—has created some of the city’s best cocktail bars. At Shaker Mill, you can grab a seat at the lively bar for a view of the foot traffic up and down State Street, or you can walk further back to a private table or swing seat for photo ops. Kick up your feet and order one of their frozen cocktails like the pina colada (a best-seller) that has crushed coffee beans for added flavor; a mango lassi cocktail that’s a spinoff of the popular Indian drink with the same name; or a margarita by the glass or pitcher. Their shot list has classics like jello shots, pickle backs, and espresso ‘tinis. Join them for Tequila Tuesdays or weekday happy hour from 3-6pm. When it’s time to sober up, you won’t have to go far to find comfort food since the bar shares a space with Broad Street Oyster Company and their buttery lobster rolls. 

Time Out tip: Whenever it’s raining outside, head to Shaker Mill to enjoy their happy hour cocktail specials “from the very first drop to the last.” 

Address: 418 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Opening hours: Sun-Wed noon–midnight; Thu-Sat noon-1am

What is it? A Santa Barbara original since 1949, this family-run scoop shop makes ice cream from scratch using local milk and cream.

Why we love it: The rich, velvety texture of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams helps make this local classic a household name. Using a higher percentage of milkfat in their ice cream helps achieve the ultimate creaminess, and including only milk, cream, eggs, and cane sugar in their ice cream bases means there are no gross fillers and preservatives added. Their premium ice cream can be ordered by the scoop or pint and comes in decadent flavors like salted caramel chip, sweet cream caramel brownie, chocolate covered strawberries, and Eureka lemon & marionberries. They have less than 10 shops across California, with two of them in Santa Barbara, but they also offer local delivery and ship out orders on dry ice. 

Time Out tip: Look for seasonal flavors during the winter holiday season (think Peppermint Stick and Whiskey & Pecan Pralines), as well as other limited-edition flavors throughout the year depending on what’s available from local farms. 

Address: 728 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 120 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-11pm

What is it? A trendy, family-owned coffee shop with four locations in the county, known for using organic, fair-trade coffee beans. 

Why we love it: Specialty drinks like a churro cortado, lavender latte, spiced mocha, strawberry matcha, and ginger chai are a big reason why there’s usually a line out the door at Dart Coffee Co. The cafes also spice things up with a small menu of empanadas and burritos that come with chimichurri or red or green salsa, alongside a selection of other pastries and treats. We especially love their location on the harbor in the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum building for its incredible water views, and their outpost in the Funk Zone that has a bohemian vibe with light pouring in from their large, open-air windows. If you’re unsure what to order, start with one of their lattes sweetened with housemade syrups like vanilla or honey.

Time Out tip: Customize your drink with their plant-based milk alternative (a blend of oats and fermented rice) without any associated upcharges to get an extra creamy cup of joe. 

Address: 121 E. Yanonali St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA; 93103; 794 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013; 2280 Lillie Ave, Summerland, CA 93067

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 7am-4pm; Fri-Sun 7am-5pm