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Best Romantic Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1805)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 2 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1782)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 times today
Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company. Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.
A photo of Gala restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(319)
Price: Expensive
• European • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Gala exudes a European meets Santa Barbara charm, where you feel like you’re transported to a beautiful bistro in the Mediterranean. Enjoy shared tapas, farmer's market favorites, pasta and risotto, fresh oysters and the best steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Cozy up for our farm to table craft cocktails, a Pisco sour or martini and a full meal with friends. Curated wine list with local & Spanish wines. Right down the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse enjoy an evening at Gala. 1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Farm to table, Farmer's market driven, Tapas, Seafood, Steak, Oysters, Happy Hour, Food, Cocktails, Wine, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(740)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 19 times today
Locally owned California-French brasserie in Old Town Santa Barbara, blending classic technique with bold, eclectic flavors. Housed in a historic space, we offer an elevated dining experience with a renowned family-style tasting menu, curated wines & craft beer. Open Wed-Sun from 5 PM—check daily for our specials!
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
4.1
Excellent(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant is a romantic Italian eatery in Santa Barbara. With its classic elegant decor and intimate interior bar, it creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners. As one reviewer mentioned, 'Cutest little restaurant ever, always come here for date night/special occasions.' The restaurant's global wine list and custom cocktails complement the rich flavors of their classic Italian fare, adding to the romantic ambiance.
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1910)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 18 times today
At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work. In all of our efforts, we hope to capture the essence of a particular place or local flavor, embracing the nuances that make our food and drink unique to our home.
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5480)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
Bouchon in Santa Barbara is a romantic restaurant that's perfect for an intimate evening. With its warm and inviting ambiance, excellent wines, and fresh, local ingredients, it creates a cozy, romantic vibe that reviewers have praised. The restaurant's French influence and beautiful Santa Barbara location add to its charm. One reviewer mentioned the restaurant's attention to special occasions, like anniversaries, which makes it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner.
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5540)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 30 times today
Toma Restaurant and Bar a waterfront bistro, located along Santa Barbara's picturesque Cabrillo Blvd. Experience Santa Barbara waterfront's most romantic restaurant. Savor exquisite Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes from Santa Barbara's seasonal bounty, supporting our local fisherman, farmers, foragers and food artisans. Pour over local and Italian wines along with a full bar of handcrafted cocktails and spirits. Enjoy warm and attentive service while dining window side with a view of the enchanting Santa Barbara harbor.
A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1820)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 22 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 OKU restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1799)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 47 times today
Tina Takaya, proprietor, welcomes you to our newest two story restaurant on the water. We feel the key to success is our passion for creating the highest quality food and warm friendly service. We hope you will enjoy your experience as much as we enjoyed creating it for you."We want Locals to feel like Family and Visitors to feel like Locals"Our menu draws from Asian favorites that inspire and excite such as Wagyu Steak, Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dumplings, Garlic Noodles and fresh local seafood.We are located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront and Funk Zone Districts. Come enjoy lunch or dinner, soak in the sun by day at our waterfront rooftop bar while sipping on a refreshing cocktail surrounded by our beautiful ocean vista and by night, enjoy lounging by the fireplace after a delicious meal and a great glass of wine.Our chef uses the freshest ingredients from central coast farmers and local fisherman to create dishes with the best of what California has to offer.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MargoVIP
    Greater Boston •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our Soppressata pizza was so disappointing. What has happened to it over the past year? Not only not the same as it used to be, this time it was burned to a crisp and yet the chef and kitchen staff still sent it out to us. The filet mignon au poivre was excellent. Both LT and Kenny were amazing wait staff. We were lucky to have them.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.5
  • Juan
    California Central Coast •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food was exceptional very tasty,We started with Octopus with rosted cuya very good and after that we had a Calamari an other nicly done appetaicer, for our mains I had the Bransino nice delicate fish and my wife had the Duck really nice done dish,,,, Graet food I really recommend
    More info
    GalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • kathryn
    Hawaii •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Outstanding!!! This is a locally owned French bistro with exceptional cuisine. It’s an excellent value too!
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • JudyVIP
    California Central Coast •125 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Four of us had a wonderful dinner at Finch and Fork the other night. The corkage fee is a little outrageous but the food was delicious and the server was very knowledgeable and engaged. We started with a Kung Pao cauliflower which was truly outstanding! A couple people had the halibut special and they enjoyed that very much - no leftovers to take home. I had the short rib pappardelle which was very good.
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.4
  • 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
    4.1

Discover best romantic restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the allure of Santa Barbara's romantic dining scene, nestled along the picturesque California Central Coast. Here, you’ll find a variety of eateries that specialize in creating the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening. Each restaurant boasts a unique charm, featuring settings that range from cozy, intimate interiors to breathtaking views that enhance the dining experience. The cuisine is as diverse as the scenery, with options that highlight fresh, local ingredients and menus crafted to complement the romantic atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable night out, these restaurants cater to every desire with exceptional service and attention to detail. Santa Barbara's dining scene truly stands out by offering an enchanting blend of culinary excellence and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for lovers seeking a romantic getaway. Experience the magic of a romantic dinner in this idyllic coastal setting, where every meal is a celebration of love and gastronomy.

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