Updated for 2024
Santa Barbara is known for its beauty and charm comparable to the French Riviera. Many people might also know it as delicious because of the number of restaurants, so we want to give you our favorite restaurants near The Eagle Inn. You need this guide because even if you dined in Santa Barbara weekly for a year, there would still be dozens to sample. Start your day with a high-quality, tasty, made-to-order breakfast for your Eagle Inn stay. Then, explore Santa Barbara and the food scene.
If food is your passport to international exploration, you can go far while still staying in Santa Barbara. You can enjoy Italian, Mexican, and Cajun cuisine within two miles of Eagle Inn. Most Santa Barbara restaurants proudly take advantage of local, seasonal ingredients, from the vineyards and farms to the ranches and sea. Fresh comes through in taste, no matter the preparation method or venue.
Trying the local restaurants is part of the Santa Barbara experience. Everyone knows this, so be sure to make reservations whenever possible.
California/New American
Black Sheep
(805)905-1113
Black Sheep is an eclectic California-French Pub. For a special treat, order their family-style tasting menu in advance. Open Wednesday – Sunday for dinner.
Bouchon Santa Barbara
(805)730-1160
Bouchon features California French with an acclaimed “exclusively Santa Barbara County” wine list. Open daily at 5 pm.
The Little Door
(323)951-1210
The Little Door serves contemporary American meals with inspirations from local and Mediterranean regions. Open daily for dinner.
The Lark Santa Barbara
(805)398-0635
The Lark Santa Barbara is in a former fish market, and the menu items are locally sourced. The atmosphere is fun, as you would expect in the Funk Zone. Open daily for dinner and brunch on weekends.
Louie’s California Bistro
(805)963-7003
Louie’s California Bistro has a wide variety of elegantly served New American food in a Victorian-age Upham Motel. Comfortable and friendly with a long history in Santa Barbara. Only dinner is served.
Opal Restaurant and Bar
(805)966-4232
Opal Restaurant and Bar serves up an eclectic California Cuisine with influences worldwide, predominantly Asian. Open daily for dinner.
Comfort Food
Finch and Fork
(805)884-0300
Located in the Kimpton Canary Hotel, the Finch and Fork is comfort food in a chic setting. Enjoy California/American with a twist. Open for lunch and dinner.
Joe’s Cafe
(805)966-4638
Joe’s Cafe is the oldest restaurant in the city, with the ambiance of an American Steakhouse and an upbeat bar. Open early, seven days a week.
The Nook
(805)880-3365
The Nook has upscale American (think Angus burgers, lobster mac & cheese) housed in a refurbished shipping container. Open daily at 11:30 am but closed between 3:30 pm and 4 pm.
Other Unique Favorites
The Palace Grill
(805)963-5000
The Palace Grill gives your taste buds the thrill of New Orleans cooking. Enjoy jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, or blackened redfish. Open daily, 5 pm – 9 pm.
Mezza Thyme
(805)496-0520
Mezza Thyme is the sister restaurant to Zaytoon, serving small dishes and cocktails made with Levant ingredients. Open for takeout Tuesday – Saturday at noon. Dining in is available Thursday – Saturday, starting at 5 pm.
Zaytoon
(805)963-1293
Zaytoon has Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. There is a secluded outdoor patio with a fire pit. Closed Monday, dinner service all other days.
Italian
Chase Restaurant
(805)965-4351
Chase Restaurant has a classic old-school Italian feel and a menu to match. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. Lunch and dinner daily.
Olio e Limone Ristorante
(805)899-2699
Olio e Limone is an upscale Italian restaurant with an extensive wine list. The decor is subtle, and although the menu leans towards Sicilian, there are signature dishes like eggplant souffle. Closed for lunch on Sunday but open for dinner daily.
Olio Bottega
(805)899-2699 Option 4
Olio Bottega is the sister casual restaurant to Olio e Limone Ristorante next door. They have breakfast, lunch, and retail items, including sandwiches and pizza. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm.
Pascucci Restaurant
(805)963-8123
Pascucci specializes in homemade sauces, dressings, and desserts. You will find all of your Italian favorites on the menu and pizza. Open daily at noon.
Toma Restaurant & Bar
(805)962-0777
Toma Restaurant & Bar is an Italian restaurant consistently rated the city’s #1 restaurant. Sunny and small with harbor views. Open for dinner daily.
Mexican
Los Agaves
(805)564-2626
Los Agaves has multiple locations serving contemporary Mexican, emphasizing seafood, but the Santa Barbara restaurant is always well-reviewed. Open seven days for lunch and dinner.
Santo Mezcal
(805)883-3593
Santo Mezcal is a hip Mexican restaurant offering a modern twist and a menu focusing mainly on seafood. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Pizza
Gino’s Sicilian Express
(805)862-9442
Gino’s has Sicilian, New York, and in-between pizza. There is a small space for seating and choices besides pizza. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Lucky Penny
(805)284-0358
The Lucky Penny has wood-oven-baked artisanal pizza. They also house a coffee shop with a patio. Open every day for lunch and dinner.
Seafood
Brophy Brothers
(805)966-4418
Brophy’s is the perfect place for great seafood near the water. There is a mountain and harbor view and a lively atmosphere. Famous for the clam chowder and fresh grilled fish. Open for lunch and dinner.
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
(805)966-6676
The Santa Barbara Shellfish Company began as a fish market. They now serve clams, shrimp, mussels, lobster, and many other delightfully prepared forms of seafood. Open daily at 11 am.
Spanish/Tapas
Loquita Santa Barbara
(805)880-3380
Loquita Santa Barbara is an award-winning Spanish cuisine restaurant with tapas and paella. Open daily for dinner.
Milk and Honey
(805)275-4232
Milk and Honey is a Spanish restaurant known for their tapas (voted best tapas several times). Look for creative cocktails to pair with your dinner. Closed Sundays, dinner available other days.
Sushi
Arigato Sushi
(805)965-6074
Arigato Sushi has sushi, sashimi, and other dishes, mostly seafood. No reservations. Open daily for dinner only.
Oku Restaurant
(805)690-1650
Oku Restaurant features sushi and Asian-fusion dishes in a space with a roof terrace with ocean views. Open daily for dinner.
In Between Meals….
You will want to do something between meals to work off all this culinary goodness! It is incredible to realize there are so many Santa Barbara restaurants near The Eagle Inn! We also have other, more detailed guides for specific types of restaurants, like Spanish, and fun areas like the Funk Zone, which is within walking distance of The Eagle Inn. Several gorgeous beaches can also be easily walked or biked (we have bikes to loan you).
Take time to savor Santa Barbara and stay in our spacious private casitas. Plan now for your fun, romantic, and tasty getaway to the American Riviera, Santa Barbara.
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