Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Santa Barbara
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- JJmershonCalifornia Central Coast •1 review5.0Dined 3 days agoAbsolutely love the food, we had the tri tip platter which was delicious the beet salad and the cauliflower salad. All excellent. Great wine and wonderful server Alvaro! Lovely evening, would highly recommend!More infoBarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara•4.8
- LLORIVIPLos Angeles •7 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoPerfection! From the cocktails to the vast wine list to the incredible food!! Service was impeccable!More infoStonehouse at San Ysidro RanchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•4.9
- BBruceVIPLos Angeles •70 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 26, 2025Food is always reliably good here with lots of farmers market touches. The room is comfortable and not noisy so it’s great place to actually spend time talking with friends.More infoFinch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara•4.5
- GGeniya5 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 16, 2025Great place! Good food, attentive staff, amazing history and memorabilia.More infoRoyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•4.8
- RRonVIPSan Diego •50 reviews5.0Dined on Mar 30, 2025We had great service! The food was excellent, we didn’t have to wait fortunately we arrived at the tail end of brunch.More infoGoat Tree RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara•4.2
Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Santa Barbara
Discover the essence of contemporary American cuisine along the scenic California Central Coast in Santa Barbara. Renowned for its innovative culinary scene, Santa Barbara offers a delightful array of dining experiences that creatively fuse local ingredients with American traditions. Each restaurant in this locale captures the fresh, vibrant flavors of the coast, emphasizing sustainable and locally-sourced produce that elevates every dish. The dining atmosphere across these establishments varies from casual and inviting to sophisticated and elegant, ensuring an option for every occasion and taste. From expertly crafted pastas and seafood to meticulously curated wine lists and artisan cocktails, the restaurants here promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Moreover, the region is praised for its excellent service and inviting ambiances, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Santa Barbara's contemporary American dining scene offers a unique blend of taste, creativity, and culinary excellence, making every meal a memorable experience.