Best Historic Restaurants in Santa Barbara

8 restaurants available nearby

1. Bibi Ji

4.2

Price: Expensive

• Indian • Santa Barbara

Booked 12 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

2. Chase Restaurant

3.5

Very Good(792)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Chase Restaurant, a Santa Barbara institution since 1979, is conveniently located at 1012 State Street in the Theater district and showcases a classic elegant Italian décor with an intimate interior bar and an outside patio with high top seating overlooking State Street. Chase Restaurant features the finest meat, seafood and pasta dishes, as well as traditional Italian desserts. Signature dishes include Chicken Piccata served with Fettuccini Alfredo, Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Valle de Ostra, Penne Carbonara and many more. This warm, romantic Italian restaurant offers a global wine list boasting many Santa Barbara wines which are curated to pair with the bold, rich flavors of classic Italian fare. Custom cocktails featuring spirits blended with seasonal ingredients as well as Italian and craft beer are offered as well. There is free parking in the rear of the restaurant off Anacapa Street.

A photo of Louie's California Bistro restaurant

3. Louie's California Bistro

3.9

Excellent(729)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 2 times today

Intimate and exclusive due to it's limited seating, Louie’s California Bistro has long been touted as one of Santa Barbara's favorite local secrets. Unconcerned with flashy food trends, the focus at Louie's has always been to take local ingredients and make them shine, often through classic style cooking and recipes. Add in Central Coast wines and a table on the historic wrap around veranda and you have the makings for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Louie's resides within a local landmark: The Upham Hotel. The Upham, built in 1871, is California's longest continuously operating hotel and is one of Santa Barbara's oldest buildings, having survived the earthquake of 1925.

4. Arnoldi's Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(757)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 24 times today

Oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara! We have two bocce courts on our patio with outdoor dining. Lots of pasta, appetizers, salads, chicken dishes and homemade desserts...Italian wine and local wine on our wine list...indoor or outdoor seating. We are a true local's secret and kid friendly. Open for dinner 7 days a week! We also host rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and large birthday parties.

A photo of Goat Tree Restaurant restaurant

5. Goat Tree Restaurant

4.0

Excellent(452)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara

Booked 1 time today

Located at the front door of the Funk Zone and one block from the beach, Goat Tree at Hotel Californian is a gourmet café with al fresco seating offering fresh, local fare, including superb pastries and baked goods made in house daily by our Pastry Chef Ron Viloria. Our all-day brunch menu features Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Shakshuka, Baby Kale Caesar and our famed GT Smashburger. Sip on cold-pressed juices from Pressed Juicery, lattes and coffee by Caffe Luxxe or organic hot teas by Rishi. Curating seasonal picnic baskets for a day at the beach or wine tasting as well as dine in, take out or delivery for brunch and dinner, Goat Tree pleases everyone's palate. Join us on our spacious patio into the evening for a glass of wine or a cocktail and a bite. Our dinner menu includes Rigatoni Pasta, New York Steak Frites and Faroe Island Salmon among other delectable dishes. Don't let the day end without some Rori's Ice Cream or a seasonal dessert from Chef Ron.

6. Stella Mare's

4.8

Exceptional(2286)

Price: Expensive

• French • Santa Barbara

Booked 32 times today

French country bistro...Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare's Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French country cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and moules frites. Sip seasonal cocktails amid cozy décor -- all the right ingredients for a great dining experience. Bon appétit!When requesting the greenhouse please note that is considered indoor dining.

7. Anchor Rose

3.7

Very Good(86)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 2 times today

Life is better when you're on the water.Located directly overlooking the historic harbor with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown Santa Barbara, Anchor Rose is the perfect place to share a cocktail, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, and people watch or catch one of the American Riviera’s signature sunsets. Come for the drinks. Stay for the tapas.Drawn from the seafaring roots that have shaped the Santa Barbara area for hundreds of years, our craft cocktails and scratch-made plates are inspired by the sea, the surf, and the laid-back atmosphere for which this area is famous. Flip-flops welcome.Anchor Rose is Santa Barbara’s best restaurant, with a view of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara Harbor. Whether you’re looking for the best fresh seafood or a restaurant with a view, Anchor Rose has quickly become the favorite Santa Barbara restaurant for locals and tourists alike.

8. San Ysidro Ranch

5.0

Exceptional(0)

Price: Expensive

• American • Montecito

For over a century, San Ysidro Ranch has been a haven for those seeking tranquility amidst the captivating landscapes of Santa Barbara. This historic hideaway effortlessly weaves together natural beauty, romantic heritage, and classic luxury, welcoming discerning travelers to experience a retreat like no other. In the heart of this timeless escape, experience indulgence through Afternoon Tea, where an enticing array of tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, and house-made pastries promise to elevate your senses. As the day transitions to night, immerse yourself in a clandestine world within our speakeasy, where crafted cocktails and an intimate ambiance transport you to a bygone era. San Ysidro Ranch invites you to become part of its storied history, where the past meets the present in an atmosphere of natural beauty, culinary delights, and timeless moments.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Stevevip
Dallas - Fort Worth •42 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
What a fantastic meal we had last night! My second time there this month and the menu and food remain both inventive and delicious! Alejandro’s reference to his heritage and culinary influences are present and vital to such a fantastic Indian food experience.
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Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
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4.2
J
Jason
California Central Coast •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Really enjoyed a family dinner, the food was great but the service was a little slow with some forgotten orders.
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Arnoldi's CafePrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
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4.7
B
Bob Jr.
California Central Coast •139 reviews
4.0
Dined on 2 Nov 2024
My wife and I very much enjoy dining at Louie's The food and the atmosphere/location/ambiance are great.
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Louie's California BistroPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
•
3.9
L
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!
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Chase RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Barbara
•
3.5
J
Jim
San Francisco Bay Area •54 reviews
4.0
Dined on 3 Oct 2024
We've eaten here a few times, and the service and food are always good. Yes, it's a casual place and the menu is somewhat limited, but everything is fresh, well prepared and the staff makes sure everything is exactly right I had the chicken salad which had EVERYTHING in it and my wife had the turkey sandwich which was piled high with meat and vegies. The wine selection was good and fairly priced. I would recommend the goat tree for lunch or a casual dinner. (yes, they have heaters if it gets cold and you're seating outside)
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Goat Tree RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
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4

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Best Historic Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Bibi Ji

2. Chase Restaurant

3. Louie's California Bistro

4. Arnoldi's Cafe

5. Goat Tree Restaurant

6. Stella Mare's

7. Anchor Rose

8. San Ysidro Ranch

See what locals rave about

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