Food & Drink

Taste the best of the Central Coast’s food and drinks in The American Riviera®. From the Santa Ynez Valley to downtown Santa Barbara you’ll find the freshest ingredients on your table and in your glass at restaurants in Santa Barbara. Locally sourced, farm-to-table meals, craft brews and critically acclaimed wines await your palate. When it comes to food and drink here, perhaps the hardest choice you’ll make is where to dine. Fresh-off-the-boat seafood, Santa Maria-style barbecue, authentic Mexican cuisine and other coastal-inspired creations all pair perfectly with local wines and beers.

If you’re looking for a new way to discover Santa Barbara, plan an unforgettable foodie feast through town and indulge in unique, creative, and delectable dishes. You’ll be hard-pressed to find chain restaurants in our neck of the woods!

For more of a hands-on experience, treat yourself to a fun and educational cooking class or book a food tour or wine tour where you’ll go behind the scenes, meet the makers and find out why our restaurants and tasting rooms are so special. And keep Santa Barbara on your calendar during the month of October, as the abundance of harvest is celebrated with food- and libation-centric festivals.

Dig in and discover new places to dine and drink every time you come to Santa Barbara. Every meal is a reason to celebrate.

Food & Drink in Santa Barbara


Recommended

The Stonehouse

Set inside a 19th century citrus packing house on the grounds of the storied San Ysidro Ranch, the Stonehouse Restaurant, recently named the #1 Restaurant in Santa Barbara by OpenTable exudes the rustic romance of its historic setting. Whether…


Recommended

Loquita Santa Barbara

Loquita serves authentic Spanish food including hot and cold tapas, wood-fire grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella. The Mediterranean climate and terroir of Santa Barbara County mirror that of Spain, making the translation of locally…


Recommended

La Paloma Cafe

Welcome to the old way of California cooking and hospitality. Quality meats, poultry, fish and vegetables cooked over California oak.  What's Old is New Again: La Paloma Reopens after 37 Years  Welcome back in time, back in Santa…


Recommended

Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours

Immerse yourself in the heart of Santa Ynez's flourishing wine country with expertly curated tours, offering a chance to sample the region’s finest wines and learn about local vintages. Santa Ynez Wine Tour (Most Popular!)Experience…


Recommended

Pearl Social

Pearl Social is a romantic, intimate cocktail bar, and social destination featuring curated playlists, DJs, and live music. Pearl Social is the perfect place to grab a handcrafted artisanal cocktail before or after dinner at one of…


Recommended

Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny, located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, features innovative artisanal pizzas from a wood-burning oven, with locally sourced garden fresh salads, delicious hot & cold sandwiches, handmade sweet treats, beer, wine…


Recommended

CAYA Restaurant

A warm Santa Barbara welcome and modern culinary adventure awaits. Inspired by the fresh coastal flavors of Santa Barbara, CAYA restaurant welcomes everyone to “Come As You Are” for a modern culinary adventure paired with a mood as…


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