Since Alex has been working in Santa Barbara most of this year, we have had the opportunity to explore several amazing restaurants in this area. Luckily, I’ve been able to come with on most these business trips thanks to the Southwest Companion Pass. We love exploring the different food scenes in each city we visit, so I thought it would be fun to share what we’ve discovered. Santa Barbara has numerous options in terms of dining experiences, so it can be difficult to decide on a restaurant. The good news is that there is definitely something for everyone regardless of palette or budget!
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Arigato Sushi
I love Arigato Sushi because they have so much offer! They are located in downtown Santa Barbara and have a great location near tons of shops and restaurants. They offer a wide variety of sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes. There is definitely something for everyone on this menu. They do not take reservations, so you will be seated on a first come first serve basis. We have never had a problem getting a table here, though. They also offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Check it out if you are craving sushi while visiting Santa Barbara.
Olio Crudo Bar
I am completely obsessed with Olio Crudo Bar! This is a super small restaurant and bar, but I love the atmosphere. They have an amazing bar with a wide variety of drinks. They have everything including cocktails, wine and beer. The best part about this place is that they offer happy hour from 5-7 PM. Be sure to take advantage of the happy hour deals because they are amazing! You can get a glass of prosecco for $7 and some amazing ravioli for only $9. Not only are the prices amazing, but the food is to die for. Everything tastes so fresh. You really are missing out if you haven’t been to Olio Crudo Bar.
Corazon Cocina Santa Barbara
If you want some amazing tacos, look no further than Corazon Cocina located in the Santa Barbara Public Market. Their tacos are absolutely incredible and so filling! Come hungry because these tacos aren’t messing around. I love the chicken mole taco, as well as the butternut squash taco. I’ve never experienced so many different flavors in a single taco. Another nice thing about Corazon is the complimentary tortilla chips that come with every order. They are made fresh daily, so it’s worth the calories (trust me!). They also have several different salsas, and I would recommend trying all of them. I still can’t decide which salsa is my favorite!
Angel Oak at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara
If you are staying closer to Goleta in Santa Barbara, be sure to check out Angel Oak at the Ritz-Carlton Resort. We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton last December, so we decided to check out this restaurant during our visit. My expectations were pretty low since it was a hotel restaurant, but they really impressed me with their menu. It’s technically a steakhouse, but they offer much more than just steak. We shared several different dishes including fresh fish, burrata salad, and a steak. It was all delicious, and the service was fantastic! Be sure to grab a spot outside on their patio if you are visiting during the summer. The views of the Pacific Ocean are to die for!
Santo Mezcal
Craving some delicious Mexican food and fresh margaritas? Look no further than Santo Mezcal. This restaurant is located in the funk zone of Santa Barbara and is within walking distance of Stearns Wharf. First things first, the margaritas are freshly made and there is no margarita mix used. Each margarita is hand-crafted and shaken to perfection. If margaritas aren’t your thing, they offer several other cocktails in addition to beer and wine. In terms of what to order, I would recommend the Enchiladas Verdes or the Cazuela Pibil. I would suggest making a reservation because the restaurant isn’t super big! They do have both indoor and outdoor seating.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
If you are looking for a great restaurant with an even better view, The Boathouse is your place! It’s located about 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, and it’s in a much more quiet/secluded part of town. The restaurant sits right on the beach, so you will have some amazing views of the ocean. I would recommend making a dinner reservation right around sunset. I don’t think there’s a better sunset view in all of Santa Barbara! In terms of what order, they definitely have a little bit of everything. I would suggest seafood since you are dining right by the ocean. The Boathouse offers a wide variety of cocktails, wine and beer. I’d recommend pairing your food with a local wine from Santa Barbara!
Rori’s Ice Cream
Last, but certainly not least, the sweet stuff! If you are looking for some of the best ice cream in the world, you must check out Rori’s. I never get that excited about dessert or ice cream, but this is different. Their flavors are so unique, and everything is freshly made in smaller batches. My favorite flavors that they make are black pepper pistachio and peanut butter chocolate candy. I also like that they offer smaller sizes for people that might just want a few bites. If you don’t stop at Rori’s, you are doing it wrong!
I hope this helps when planning your next getaway to Santa Barbara. The food scene is amazing and the options are endless. I feel like we have barely scraped the surface when it comes to trying all the restaurants in this town!
What are some of your favorite restaurants in the Santa Barbara area? I’d love to have a few more recommendations for our next visit this summer!
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