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Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1781)
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 Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1896)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 34 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
4.9
Exceptional(5452)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 24 times today
We are delighted to have added additional outdoor seating but Santa Barbara nights are chilly so bring a sweater or light jacket!Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of our region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambiance, service at a relaxed, leisurely pace. Santa Barbara ‘Wine Country Cuisine’ means we source our ingredients using an ‘as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible’ approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from the surrounding countryside. We then take into account how these flavors can be presented in concert with our local wines. We believe you’ll taste the difference. Bon Appètit!
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5511)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 54 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 Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2552)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 25 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 Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1777)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 29 times today
We have inside and limited outdoor sidewalk dining. If you prefer to sit outside, please indicate that with your reservation request. To accommodate our second seating, early parties should plan for a maximum stay of 1.5 to 2hrs, depending on party size. Please call 805 966 9676 for more details. A popular local’s favorite, opal restaurant & bar’s Eclectic California Cuisine fuses creative world cuisine influences with American Regional touches, from a 14 oz. Herb-Grilled Ribeye Steak on Tuscan White Beans, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas, fresh Baked Breads, imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts. We have a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, & a full bar with seasonal Craft Cocktails. Our entire dining room staff assists to take care of each table, enabling exceptional service in a warm engaging manner, properly nuanced to your mood & taste. Our staff genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience!
A photo of Olio Pizzeria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1493)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 times today
Olio Pizzeria is an upscale-casual pizzeria with salumi bar/wine bar/full bar which was inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie and enoteche found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy. This idea began to take shape before Alberto and Elaine Morello even opened Olio e Limone Ristorante, their fine dining Italian restaurant next door. Wine bars serving boutique salumi and formaggi are ubiquitous in Italy, as is a regionalism which the Morellos are excited to share with you. Sicily is an emerging powerhouse, and touches of Sicilian food and wine delight their guests. You’ll also find exciting tastes from Campania and other emerging regions on their menus, wine and beer lists. Takeout available. Buon appetito!
A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2645)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 41 times today
The Stonehouse, located in a beautiful 19th-century citrus packing house, offers an unparalleled dining experience. Guests can unwind in a relaxing lounge with full bar service or enjoy the ambiance of the separate dining room, complete with a crackling fireplace and world-class views. Chef Matthew Johnson creates evocative regional cuisine, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden. The Stonehouse boasts the only Grand Award-winning wine program in Central California, ensuring an unparalleled selection of wines to complement your meal. For a unique twist, visit the restaurant's speakeasy for before or after dinner drinks, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, nostalgic setting.
A photo of Lucky's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2897)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Montecito
Booked 48 times today
LUCKY'S is widely known for its exclusive selection of USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, farmer's market vegetables, no-nonsense cocktails and world class wine cellar. For take-out, please call the restaurant.We do not accept bar table reservations online, please call the restaurant.For larger parties, please call or email the restaurant directly.
A photo of Lilac Montecito restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(152)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Montecito
Booked 19 times today
Welcome to Lilac Montecito. We offer an elevated bistro dining experience featuring some of our favorite foods that nourish the body and soul in a full-service dining ambiance. Our menu is inspired by European and Californian cuisine as well as locally-sourced ingredients for a fresh, delicious take on some classic entrees. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AshleyVIP
    Atlanta Metro •67 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great dinner! Highly recommend! Food was delicious. Service was very friendly and welcoming. Restaurant was busy but not overcrowded or loud. Very pleasant atmosphere. Would dine often if I lived in Santa Barbara.
    More info
    Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.9
  • Nancy
    Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. Cozy atmosphere and attention to detail make it a memorable night out. One of the owners is always buzzing around making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. Food is always great.
    More info
    Toma Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Judy
    Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had a great dinner at Barbareno. Fresh and creative ingredients, good wine, and great service in a cute cozy atmosphere! Both indoor and outdoor seating. Great for a date night or dinner with friends.
    More info
    BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Melinda
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 2, 2025
    What a lovely restaurant. It’s big, but not especially noisy. We were seated next to a table with five small children, and we were able to talk to one another easily. New Year’s Day evening is a great time to go to dinner! It was easy to get a reservation, the venue is lovely, and we all thought the food was excellent.
    More info
    Olio e Limone RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • Lisa MarieVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 1, 2025
    Finch & Fork in Santa Barbara offers a vibrant and refined take on California cuisine, making it a standout spot for locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the restaurant blends a relaxed coastal vibe with modern elegance, perfect for everything from casual brunches to celebratory dinners. The menu is a true showcase of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their King Salmon, served with gigante beans, piquillo peppers, and marble potatoes, is a perfectly balanced dish that highlights the chef’s attention to detail. Equally impressive is the Short Rib Pappardelle Pasta, featuring tender braised short rib, wild mushroom soffritto, and a luscious touch of crème fraîche. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering a range of options to suit the diverse menu. Pairing recommendations from the attentive staff are spot-on, ensuring the meal is elevated to an unforgettable experience. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a mix of modern design and rustic touches that make the space both stylish and comfortable. Service is attentive and genuinely welcoming, creating an atmosphere where you can linger over a meal without feeling rushed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a quality meal, Finch & Fork delivers on all fronts. It’s a gem in Santa Barbara’s culinary scene and well worth a visit.
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.5
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