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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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16 restaurants available nearby

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 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 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 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 local gem. It's known for its fresh, local ingredients and Californian cuisine. Reviews rave about the excellent service and the exceptional food, calling it an 'elevated experience'. The restaurant's warm ambiance, featuring a blend of French and Santa Barbara influences, makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As one reviewer put it, 'Bouchon never disappoints! It is the perfect combo of fine attentive service to delicious local fresh ingredients!'
A photo of OKU restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1799)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 49 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.
A photo of Holdren's Santa Barbara restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1023)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Barbara
Booked 18 times today
Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood, located on State Street, serves up a delicious and diverse menu of seafood and steaks, where the portions are always generous and the prices always reasonable. Our surf and turf menu, including our favorite bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp or our USDA prime steaks that are charbroiled over a mesquite grill, is complimented by an extensive wine list, a healthy assortment of premium spirits, and a selection of signature drinks. Daily meals can be enjoyed in our cozy, and dark saloon-inspired dining room, or on our outdoor patio. The indoor dining room is adorned with brown leather booths, dark wood paneling, and funky artwork lining the exposed brick walls. Holdren’s has been voted as the best steakhouse multiple times by the Santa Barbara Independent’s Reader’s Poll and by the Santa Barbara News Press’ Reader’s Choice Awards.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2575)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 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 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."

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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
  • Claire
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I’m not usually one to write reviews, but Bouchon definitely earned its stars last night! My fiancé and I came for Valentine’s Day dinner and were expecting the typical “lower quality service and rushed atmosphere” but were extremely impressed with all bouchon had to offer! From start to finish, the service was impeccable. I cannot stress enough- if it weren’t for the adorable heart-shaped balloons and rose-petal covered tables, we wouldn’t have even been able to tell it was Valentine’s Day (in the best way possible). On top of the incredible, friendly, and warm service, the food was also top-notch. Starting with the fresh sourdough bread, rounding out with the delectable French-onion soup, to the perfectly cooked surf and turf, this truly was one of the better meals we’ve had. My fiance even said the Warm Lemon-Berry cake was probably in his top 5 desserts ever! So thank you, bouchon, for your incredible staff, delicious food, and giving my fiance and I a new favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara!
    More info
    Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • 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!
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    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
  • Sarah
    Los Angeles •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The team at Barbareño was so lovely! Thank you for making my husband feel special on his birthday. We enjoyed their signature Santa Maria BBQ platter the most of anything we ordered and their homemade sourdough is out of this world delicious.
    More info
    BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of California's Central Coast with a dining experience in Santa Barbara's neighborhood gems. These restaurants exemplify the region's commitment to fresh, local ingredients and culinary excellence, making each location a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Known for their warm, welcoming atmospheres, these establishments offer a blend of cuisines that highlight the best of Californian and global influences, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Santa Barbara itself is a vibrant dining scene that seamlessly integrates local culture and international flair, ensuring every meal is not just eaten but experienced. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot with a romantic ambiance or a lively venue with unique dishes, these neighborhood gems in Santa Barbara promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Each restaurant prides itself on exceptional service and a commitment to quality that keeps diners coming back for more. Explore these culinary treasures and make your next meal in Santa Barbara a memorable one.

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