Best Lunch Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodIndianBurgersSri Lankan

Regions

Santa Barbara

Neighborhoods

GoletaMontecitoSanta Barbara

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Finch & Fork

4.5

Awesome(1825)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 16 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 Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant

2. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.9

Exceptional(2805)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara

Booked 56 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.

3. OKU

4.8

Exceptional(1861)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Santa Barbara

Booked 89 times today

Tina Takaya, proprietor, welcomes you to our newest two story restaurant on the water. We feel the key to success is our passion for creating the highest quality food and warm friendly service. We hope you will enjoy your experience as much as we enjoyed creating it for you."We want Locals to feel like Family and Visitors to feel like Locals"Our menu draws from Asian favorites that inspire and excite such as Wagyu Steak, Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dumplings, Garlic Noodles and fresh local seafood.We are located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront and Funk Zone Districts. Come enjoy lunch or dinner, soak in the sun by day at our waterfront rooftop bar while sipping on a refreshing cocktail surrounded by our beautiful ocean vista and by night, enjoy lounging by the fireplace after a delicious meal and a great glass of wine.Our chef uses the freshest ingredients from central coast farmers and local fisherman to create dishes with the best of what California has to offer.

4. Tre Lune

4.8

Exceptional(2122)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Montecito

Booked 44 times today

"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010 Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts. Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails. Award Winner of Italian wines list.Please call to make reservations.

A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant

5. Olio e Limone Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(2625)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 8 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.

6. Lilac Montecito

4.7

Exceptional(202)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Montecito

Booked 12 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

7. The Set

3.7

Very Good(16)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Santa Barbara

Enjoy the ocean view and cozy up by the fire pits at Santa Barbara’s best sunset-watching spot. The Set serves a delightful selection of dishes and specialty cocktails for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

A photo of Moby Dick Restaurant restaurant

8. Moby Dick Restaurant

4.2

Awesome(297)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Santa Barbara

Booked 3 times today

Welcome to Moby Dick Restaurant in Santa Barbara—where dining is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Perched right on the iconic pier, we invite you to indulge in fresh, expertly prepared seafood, exceptional service, and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, a satisfying lunch, or a relaxed dinner, our inviting atmosphere and picturesque surroundings will make every moment unforgettable.

A photo of Terra at The Steward Hotel restaurant

9. Terra at The Steward Hotel

3.8

Excellent(46)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Goleta

Indulge in food that nourishes and delights at Terra, located inside The Steward Hotel in Santa Barbara. Experience organic and local California cuisine for breakfast and dinner. Local legend celebrates The Steward’s location as the originator of avocado toast. Lunch items are available at our marketplace, perfect for enjoying a picnic in a lush garden setting.Executive Chef Augusto Caudillo brings a wealth of culinary expertise and local knowledge to the heart of Santa Barbara. Graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, he honed his skills in various kitchens, including Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and Lucky’s Steakhouse. Caudillo's passion for food began at a young age, growing amid a large family where meals were a cornerstone of connection and memory-making. Drawing inspiration from both Californian and Mediterranean traditions, Caudillo's dishes offer a tantalizing blend of aesthetics and nutrition — a testament to his love of crafting memorable experiences.

A photo of Masala Spice - Goleta restaurant

10. Masala Spice - Goleta

4.8

Exceptional(3)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Indian • Goleta

We at masala spice signify the true traditions and culinary treasures of our homeland ,presented to you in our restaurant , where we welcome you to come and try our delicacies , handcrafted by our chef to take you on a soulful journey through our spice mountains and curry streams to the land of incredible flavor and true satisfaction.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Khary
Atlanta •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Black cod was fantastic and the views on the outdoor deck can’t be beat!
More info
OKUPrice: Expensive• Asian• Santa Barbara
•
4.8
L
LORIVIP
Los Angeles •7 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Perfection! From the cocktails to the vast wine list to the incredible food!! Service was impeccable!
More info
Stonehouse at San Ysidro RanchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
•
4.9
J
JanisVIP
Los Angeles •10 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our party of 6 all enjoyed their meals, some of the best Italian food we've had. Will definitely return!
More info
Tre LunePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Montecito
•
4.8
E
ElaineVIP
Orange County •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our first time to try it. Pasta is delicious. Very authentic. Wait staff is friendly and attentive. Definitely will return as the ingredients are fresh, flavorful and portions plentiful. Will go back to visit the store with all of the lovely Italian products.
More info
Olio e Limone RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
•
4.7
B
BruceVIP
Los Angeles •70 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food 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 info
Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
•
4.5

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