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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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42 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1825)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 12 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 Gala restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(362)
Price: Expensive
• European • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
Gala exudes a European meets Santa Barbara charm, where you feel like you’re transported to a beautiful bistro in the Mediterranean. Enjoy shared tapas, farmer's market favorites, pasta and risotto, fresh oysters and the best steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Cozy up for our farm to table craft cocktails, a Pisco sour or martini and a full meal with friends. Curated wine list with local & Spanish wines. Right down the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse enjoy an evening at Gala. 1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Farm to table, Farmer's market driven, Tapas, Seafood, Steak, Oysters, Happy Hour, Food, Cocktails, Wine, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
4.4
Awesome(386)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 times today
Modern Indian food featuring local produce and seafood paired with a robust low-intervention wine program curated by Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr. Located directly across the street from the historic Granada Theatre in the heart of Santa Barbara's ARTS District. Join us in our lively, signature pastel pink dining room. Michelin Guide Central Coast Selection 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(800)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 times today
Now featuring a full bar! Locally owned California-French brasserie in Old Town Santa Barbara, blending classic technique with bold, eclectic flavors. Housed in a historic space, we offer an elevated dining experience with a renowned family-style tasting menu, curated wines, craft beer, and full cocktail service. Open Wed-Sun from 5 PM—check daily for our specials!
A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1865)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 17 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin Sugich and Chef de Cuisine, Hector BonillaServing Dinner and Sunday Brunch!Modern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.A lively atmosphere with an exciting bar, featuring amazing photography of iconic 70's and 80's rock musicians!
A photo of Roy restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(442)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
In business for more than 30 years, Roy is a bistro-style, Americana restaurant with a frequently changing, handwritten menu. We strive to serve unpretentious cuisine of the highest quality. We use mostly certified organic produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market, free range chicken and Harris Ranch hormone free beef. We bake our own bread, hand roll our pastas and make all of our desserts in house. Our ambiance is retro moderne California casual, and we have rotating art shows that run for a month and a half at a time. Live music once in a while. Full bar all the time.
A photo of L'Antica - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.4
Awesome(179)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 6 times today
Experience Authentic Italian Cuisine at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Santa Barbara Indulge in a slice of Italy at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Santa Barbara, where authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian dishes await. Using only the finest ingredients, each dish showcases the traditional flavors of Napoli, from the perfect Margherita pizza to sumptuous pasta and indulgent tiramisu. The rustic ambiance creates a cozy setting for any occasion. Dedicated to sustainability and local sourcing, L'Antica brings the essence of Italy to California for an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
4.1
Excellent(791)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 1 time today
Chase Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara's Theater district, is a cherished local gem. It's been serving classic Italian cuisine since 1979, offering a warm, romantic ambiance and a menu filled with signature dishes like Chicken Piccata and Eggplant Parmigiana. Reviews consistently praise the excellent food, friendly service, and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. As one reviewer puts it, 'Chase never disappoints, a treasure of Santa Barbara.'
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2001)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 22 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 Secret Bao restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(757)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 42 times today
Contemporary Asian American Restaurant from Chefs Peter Lee & Felicia Medina. "Consider the bao. Chinese in origin, it’s most easily described as a steamed bun filled with something savory. Yet, like the American concept of a sandwich, the bao exploded into a flexible format of untold bounds — served at any meal, filled with you-name-it, completely closed or wide open, with endless regional variants from across Asia and far beyond." - Matt Kettmann (SB Independent)1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Bao, Food, Restaurant, Asian, American, New, Modern, Fried, Chicken, Octopus, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AshlyVIP
    Los Angeles •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We went to “Puppy Brunch” this past Sunday! So much fun! Intermezzo partners with dog rescue/shelters the last Sunday of every month. They bring adoptable puppies and even have a “puppy menu”. All proceeds of the dog menu go to the shelters and people even adopt dogs during the event!! Oh, the people brunch food is amazing too!! Eggs Benedict and Avo toast were wonderful! And bottomless mimosas!! We recommend you check out Intermezzo brunch and puppy brunch!! Woof Woof!
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.6
  • WendyVIP
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We celebrated a birthday with dinner at Gala. Besides the consistently good food one of the reasons I love going to Gala is that I always run into someone I know. I knew three tables of guests; a neighbor, a friend of my children and a cycling friend. It is a Santa Barbara gem with a big city bistro feel but in a small town.
    More info
    GalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • SallyVIP
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Excellent food. Gorgeous space. Heavenly cauliflower
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    4.4
  • Janice
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I LOVE this place! Customer service was fantastic and food is top notch. Kim, our server, was extremely attentive without being intrusive and the owner was so friendly and present with us, offering us a complimentary champagne drink after we waited for LESS than 5 min at our table while the restaurant finished prepping for the opening... that was 5 min too long for the owners liking. Food is delicious and creative without breaking the bank! I highly recommend this experience.
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • BruceVIP
    Los Angeles •70 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 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

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of California's Central Coast with a dining experience in Santa Barbara's neighborhood gems. These restaurants exemplify the region's commitment to fresh, local ingredients and culinary excellence, making each location a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Known for their warm, welcoming atmospheres, these establishments offer a blend of cuisines that highlight the best of Californian and global influences, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Santa Barbara itself is a vibrant dining scene that seamlessly integrates local culture and international flair, ensuring every meal is not just eaten but experienced. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot with a romantic ambiance or a lively venue with unique dishes, these neighborhood gems in Santa Barbara promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Each restaurant prides itself on exceptional service and a commitment to quality that keeps diners coming back for more. Explore these culinary treasures and make your next meal in Santa Barbara a memorable one.

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