Location: Santa Barbara
Top Restaurants in Santa Barbara
California, United States Food Guide: 4 Contemporary food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Santa Barbara
Find out what Contemporary restaurants to try in Santa Barbara. Nestled between the shrub-covered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is California at its best. Mission Santa Barbara is an example of 18th-century religious architecture, boasting beautiful grounds and a wonderfully detailed interior. Work up an appetite with a walk through Shoreline Park, then dine above the water on Stearns Wharf. Fig trees, parks, waterfalls, and botanical gardens round out Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.
Things to do in Santa Barbara
1. Toma Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1867 reviews
Reviewed By ElvisinLA
Found this place because of all the great reviews, and a friendly bartender down the street highly recommended it so we made an early reservation and went. Service was incredible (thanks Juan!) as was the food and wine selection. This is definitely one of those places you would love to keep secret just because it is so good. But, if you are in SB and looking for a wonderful dining experience make a reservation and enjoy! They've got an awesome little bar towards the back to grab a drink at, or eat if it's too busy.
2. Barbareno
Overall Ratings
4 based on 237 reviews
Conveniently located in downtown Santa Barbara, Barbareño seeks to embody California's Central Coast. Serving regionally inspired cuisine, fine California wines, and locally crafted beers in a rustic yet modern environment, we seek to celebrate our home t
Reviewed By MesaSB
My wife and I finally tried Barbareno and we both wondered why we hadn't eaten there years ago. Great staff and great food with an intentional Central California cuisine focus. From fresh fish to the fabulous Tri-tip, this restaurant is now one of our favorites. Comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. My wife and I ate at the bar (because we like doing that) and we had the chance to chat with alot of the staff. Very friendly and very knowledgeable about the food and wine. My wife had the tri-tip and I had the cheeseburger. Both were delicious.
Best Pizza food near Santa Barbara, California, United States
3. Mesa Verde Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 293 reviews
MesaVerde is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant that focuses not just on plants, but also the endless alchemy of fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains, nuts, herbs, spices and sauces that make food stand out in the cuisines of Spain, Sicily, North Africa and the M
Reviewed By 899traveler
Mesa Verde is my favorite restaurant. Being vegan, I don't go out much; it's hard to find clean, organic vegan/gluten free food unless I cook it myself - at other restaurants I'm usually stuck with salad or a combination of sides of veggies. At Mesa Verde I can get food that is so well made and so elaborate compared to my usual home cooking. It's a real treat! Their gluten free vegan lasagna is the best ever, anywhere!
Where to eat Mediterranean food in Santa Barbara: The Best Restaurants and Bars
4. Finch & Fork
Overall Ratings
4 based on 510 reviews
Dine in relaxing style at Finch & Fork, a favorite of Santa Barbara restaurants. We serve up American classics created from fresh, local ingredients.
Reviewed By ronj476
Stopped at the Finch&Fork for a night cap. The bar is spacious but they offered us a table in the adjacent restaurant to allow us comfortable seating and an opportunity to talk.The bartender was great, he had suggestions, took our order, and delivered perfect drinks. There was no rush or push to make us leave even as it got a bit late. They even offered to deliver the drinks to the roof top terrace for the perfect Santa Barbara experience.I cannot tell you about the food but Iâm sure itâs as flawless as the rest of the experience.Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take care of you. If you didn't get a chance to enjoy that rooftop, it is a must for your next visit. There is nothing better than great drinks, great company and a beautiful view. We look forward to taking care of you in the future.
Top 10 Italian food in Santa Barbara, California, United States
