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Best Authentic Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(712)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 times today
A locally owned and operated, modern-classic California-French Pub. We serve elevated, eclectic, locally sourced Cuisine paired with incredible wines and craft beer. We are NOW OPEN for SUNDAY BRUNCH 10am-1:30pm. Located in Old Town Santa Barbara on 18 East Cota Street, the building boasts a rich history of French restaurants and saloons dating back over a century. We are open for Dinner Wed-Sun from 5PM. We are known for our incredible family style tasting menu’s where multiple dishes are presented to your table for each course.
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
4.1
Excellent(319)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 10 times today
Modern Indian food featuring local produce and seafood paired with a robust low-intervention wine program curated by Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr. Located directly across the street from the historic Granada Theatre in the heart of Santa Barbara's ARTS District. Join us in our lively, signature pastel pink dining room. Michelin Guide Central Coast Selection 2021, 2022 and 2023
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
3.4
Very Good(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 1 time today
Chase Restaurant has been a beloved Santa Barbara institution since 1979. With its classic elegant Italian décor and warm, romantic ambiance, it truly transports you to Italy. The menu boasts the finest meat, seafood and pasta dishes, and traditional Italian desserts. The reviews are consistently positive, praising the food, service, and atmosphere. One reviewer said, 'We felt like we were in Italy!' Another noted, 'The food was excellent. The staff was extremely pleasant & looked like they enjoyed their job.' This is authentic Italian dining at its finest.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2547)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 9 times today
Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's ARTS District, serves artisanal Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with eggplant souffle, then tuck into a plate of house made duck ravioli or Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties. Bonus: their contemporary Italian breakfast, lunch & retail spot Olio Bottega, and authentic pizzeria next door at Olio Pizzeria. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests.
A photo of Corazon Comedor restaurant
4.5
Awesome(186)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 2 times today
Corazon Comedor emerged from the longing of nostalgic food from the streets, markets, and homes of Mexico. We look forward to bringing this experience in each dish.
A photo of Olio Pizzeria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1488)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara
Booked 6 times today
Olio Pizzeria is an upscale-casual pizzeria with salumi bar/wine bar/full bar which was inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie and enoteche found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy. This idea began to take shape before Alberto and Elaine Morello even opened Olio e Limone Ristorante, their fine dining Italian restaurant next door. Wine bars serving boutique salumi and formaggi are ubiquitous in Italy, as is a regionalism which the Morellos are excited to share with you. Sicily is an emerging powerhouse, and touches of Sicilian food and wine delight their guests. You’ll also find exciting tastes from Campania and other emerging regions on their menus, wine and beer lists. Takeout available. Buon appetito!
A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1806)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 10 times today
"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."
A photo of Tre Lune restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1994)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Montecito
Booked 25 times today
"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010 Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts. Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails. Award Winner of Italian wines list.Please call to make reservations.
A photo of Ca Dario Montecito restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(885)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Montecito
Booked 12 times today
Ca' 'Dario's newest restaurant on Coast Village Road promises the same authentic and fresh Italian cuisine as our other locations, now easily accessible for residents of Montecito! Enjoy outdoor dining on our covered patio, or indoor in our elegant dining room.We feature an adjustable roof that keeps out the rain and allows in the sun.Dogs are welcome (we ask that you limit the number to one per guest)​
A photo of Sandbar Mexican Restaurant restaurant
4.2
Awesome(181)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 5 times today
We are a traditional Sonora style Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Guests will experience the authentic tastes and warm outdoor dining of Mexico. We use homemade sweet and sour with organic agave nectar in our world class margaritas. We also feature handmade tortilla chips and salsas, fresh Ceviche, homemade guacamole and the best fajitas around.We feature a vibrant bar scene and a social atmosphere. We also serve our full menu nightly until 11pm. Stick around after dinner as we transform into one of Santa Barbara's best late night hot spots.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • FrankVIP
    California Central Coast •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Christmas Eve, where else would you want to be? Olio was packed with holiday diners, but we only had to wait 10 minutes to get seated. As is often the case, with a party of 4 we get to sample a couple of appetizers plus a great bottle of red wine. Service was prompt and efficient and the food was excellent. Can't wait to return...
    More info
    Olio e Limone RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • Israel
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing experience, our server was very helpful and treated us with respect. Recommended a lot of great dishes and took his advice and didn’t let us down. Would 100% come back if we ever visit again
    More info
    Corazon ComedorPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Santa Barbara
    4.5
  • Fred
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We came for the 3-course Apero dinner. We added the marrow bone, which was amazing! My only complaint was that the stroganoff was too salty. The flavors were great, otherwise.
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Lee
    California Central Coast •10 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 14 Dec 2024
    The food here is delicious, definitely different from and a cut above traditional Indian restaurants in America. The service was also very attentive. I really appreciate the number of vegan dishes and the fact that everything is clearly marked. My two caveats are that there’s a lot of heat in this food so if you can’t stand that this is not the restaurant for you. Even the mild chutney was hot rather than flavorful. It’s also a noisy set up with little thought given to sound management in the design of the space. The pink themed walls are kind of cute but also slightly nauseating. 
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    4.1
  • Lisa
    California Central Coast •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 13 Oct 2024
    The Caesar Salad was fresh and the dressing was a tasty surprise. The Veal Milanese breading was crispy and paired nicely with the buttery, cheesy fettuccine. My friends both enjoyed their Spinach Ravioli and Pappardelle Vodka. Topped it off with us all sharing the Warm Lava Cake...delish!
    More info
    Chase RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Barbara
    3.4

Discover best authentic restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the essence of authenticity in Santa Barbara's vibrant dining scene with our curated selection of restaurants along the scenic California Central Coast. Each venue captures the unique flavors and culinary traditions of the region, offering patrons a genuine taste of local and international cuisine. From rustic Italian dishes that transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Italy, to innovative Californian fare that blends fresh, local ingredients with global gastronomic techniques, the dining experiences here are diverse and memorable. Santa Barbara is renowned for its eclectic gastronomy, characterized by a commitment to freshness and quality. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening out, a casual meal with friends, or a special family dinner, these restaurants provide exceptional service, a warm ambiance, and consistently delicious food that embodies the keyword 'authentic'. Dive into a world where each meal tells a story of heritage and creativity, ensuring a satisfying dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Explore our list to find the perfect spot that meets your craving for authentic culinary delights in Santa Barbara.

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