19 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Located on the central California coast, Santa Barbara is a destination for everyone. With its Mediterranean architecture, rich Spanish heritage, endless outdoor activities, and world-class wineries, it’s no surprise why Santa Barbara is so popular. However, the culinary scene has erupted in this area the past decade, with Michelin-star restaurants and other award-winning establishments entering the picture.

Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera, has everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks serving delicious food. Many eateries use the bounty from the Pacific Ocean to serve fresh seafood, while other restaurants in Santa Barbara use the weekly farmers markets to determine their menus.

You can find classic seafood dishes like seared sea scallops, clam chowder, lobster rolls, grilled salmon, and oysters. But you’ll also find delicious dishes like Mexican gorditas, lemongrass shrimp curry, house-made pasta, grilled lamb chops, and flatbreads.

Whether you’re looking for a casual place to grab shrimp tacos or an amazing restaurant with Italian food and good service, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to see our list of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara!

Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

1. Tacos Pipeye

Address: 217 N Milpas St #3281, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

If you’re looking for a neighborhood food truck serving some of the best (and most unique) tacos, you’ve gotta add Tacos Pipeye to your itinerary! Whether you want one of their standard tacos like barbacoa or al pastor or one of their more unusual tacos like buche (pork stomach) or borrego (braised lamb), this taco joint has it all.

You can also choose from various salsas to add to your delicious tacos, which always include house-made tortillas! The long lines and consistently high reviews led to a brick-and-mortar location. But you can still find the taco truck if you need a late-night fix of their beef tongue tacos!

See Related: Best Restaurants in San Diego, California

2. Caruso’s

Address: 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA 93108

Without a doubt, Caruso’s is one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara, with its Michelin star and amazing food. This Italian restaurant is located at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel and offers only outdoor seating.

Not only is it known for its great food, but also for its sunsets. Caruso’s faces west and is on a private beach,…