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  5. Santa Barbara

Caya Restaurant

4.2
4.2
329 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Inspired by the diversity of Southern California and the bounty of the coast, the menu strikes a balance between the land and the sea. Approachable, yet trend-forward, dinner lends itself to social interaction, equally suited to happy hours and night time noshing as to sit-down dinner. The cultural melting pot is most evident with selections like our tasty seared ahi, carnitas sliders or mouth watering pork chop. Raw plates, salads and entrees round out the menu with nods to healthfulness, familiarity and cool California comfort on our beautiful heated patio.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 3 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Asian, Latin American

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Mon–Fri 7:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (805) 964-1288

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Phillip Stein

  • Neighborhood

    Santa Barbara

  • Cross street

    Kingston Avenue

  • Parking details

    Self-parking is available in the hotel area. Additional parking can by found along Kingston Avenue

  • Public transit

    MTD Santa Barbara Bus system's nearest location is 1 block east on Calle Real and Kellog Avenue.

  • Entertainment

    Live Music in GoodBar Lounge every Sunday evening at 6PMTrivia Night in GoodBar Lounge every Wednesday evening at 7PM

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 329 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Santa Barbara

    Innovative

  • Santa Barbara

    Healthy

  • Santa Barbara

    Lively

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Filters

  1. John

    Palm Springs

    78 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    78 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    A different menu, which is great. BUT . . . taking an order for the FOUR of us and then delivering just THREE entrees (requiring the fourth diner to wait for seven or eight minutes) is the pits. "Mistakes are mistakes" and "I'm new" are both useable excuses. Still, it's painful. Did the waiter not ask himself "Why am I just giving the kitchen an order for three meals when I know there are four diners?" Oh, well . . .
  2. kerriz

    Los Angeles

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    was a perfectly pleasant place in a cool retro 50's hotel. Good drinks. interesting menu. everything tasted delicious and servers super attentive.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service will return!!!
  4. LynneC

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent surprise. Stayed at hotel for business and great food and service. Much better than expected
  5. alie

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Especially liked the live music which is a few times a week
  6. StoveTop

    Los Angeles

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Toasty n warm on the patio on a cold evening. Great service and food.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was great! Lots of parking because of the Leta hotel. The staff were so considerate and nice , the food was great. My friends and I ended up staying there an extra hour just talking / catching up and even after the bill was paid the waiters were still refilling our waters. Would definitely go again!
  8. FoodLover

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience2
    Service and food were excellent for an early New Year’s Eve dinner with husband, son and his girlfriend. I only wish the lights were a little less bright. It really ruined the ambiance to have them turned up to 100%. We usually sit outside, but we sat inside on this visit because of the rain. The light throughout the inside was glowing bright, especially the one over our table. Everything else was excellent, including the drinks.
  9. RichardF

    Central Coast

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Drinks at bar were good, and service was excellent. Ate at table on patio. Again, service was fine, but food was not good. Wife had shrimp appetizer. Shrimp were soggy, and way too much soy sauce in dressing for slaw. I had steak sandwich. Meat was low quality, with frozen french fries. Don’t plan on going back, except for drinks.
  10. Oreo

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Not sure if it was the open table's fault or Caya's. I wanted a reservation for Christmas evening but did not want a full fixed price meal. I couldn't find an indication on the web site that the fixed price meal was your only choice. When I made the reservation on open table it gave me a choice of the Christmas dinner or the regular menu. I chose the regular menu but when we got to the restaurant they told us the fixed price dinner was our only choice. We left and went to the Bacara as we only wanted a drink and appetizers in a place with some holiday decor.
  11. SandraL

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    All of our food came out cold. We asked to have 2 of our plates returned so they could warm it up and it came back the same. They didn't warm it up for us. It was an expensive Christmas meal and we expected better.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Last time I was here was when it was The Goodland hotel… this was my first time here at Caya and everything was great! Will definitely come back and experience locals night and other items off the menu.
  13. John

    Palm Springs

    79 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Friendly waitstaff (very important) and good “happy hour” pricing was appreciated. Seared ahi was too spicy, but other dishes (shrimp appetizer, pasta) very good.
  14. 805lynnF

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was amazing , we had a birthday as well. Everything was perfect. If I was picky, the seating wasnt the most comfortable, but ambience was awesome. I would come back in a heartbeat, worth the money.
  15. FoodLover

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and great service. Live music made it festive and fun. We ate outside and heating lamps kept us warm.
  16. Maggie

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall3food1service4ambience4
    Bar service and cocktails good. Dinner server was good. Food terrible. Chorizo Flatbread obviously a prepared item, just heated in kitchen with salsa poured over top. Soggy and not hot. Chorizo charred chunks no flavor. Carnitas sliders same, flavorless pork charred and no other flavorings. would go back for a cocktail, definitely not for food. Too bad, could be nice neighborhood, local hang out spot. Previous owners food so much better, prepared in house, not poor shipped in fare reheated by kitchen staff. previous owners kitchen so much better.
  17. Libby

    Central Coast

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Leta was great! They have a beautiful patio outside. The service was excellent! We had the Leta burger and Angus beef sliders. All tasty and plentiful. We took some home as the portions were ample. We also tried the fried hand pie. Not to be missed. It comes with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream from McConnells. We definitely will make The Leta a regular. Ayla was our server. She was extremely friendly and attentive.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    We’ve been to the restaurant several times and. the food is consistently good. On this occasion, the restaurant was not very busy, but our server couldn’t be bothered to check on us. She disappeared for about 30 minutes, so rather than order dessert, I went inside to try and pay the bill. I found her sitting at the bar perusing her phone and chatting with the bartender. I still recommend this place, just pray that you don’t get our server.

    Caya RestaurantResponded on September 27, 2022Thank You for your review as we sincerely do value the feedback from the our local community. I apologize for the lack of service and will address it with the team. I want to Thank You for your patronage and again for the feedback. I hope you visit us again soon. Chanse Corbin The Leta Hotel Restaurant Food and Beverage General Manager

  19. TracyS

    Los Angeles

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    This is a lovely restaurant with very nice outdoor dining options in the garden of a stylish and hip hotel. The food was delicious and the drinks outstanding. Service was a little spotty but didn’t detract from the experience.
  20. Brittney

    Toronto

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and atmosphere were phenomenal.
  21. Bill

    Pittsburgh

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food in a retro but updated motel. Very dog friendly; plenty of dogs at outdoor dining venue. The Brussels sprouts, the boa buns, and the fish tacos were excellent. Guacamole also good. Service a bit slow, but Ayla was very professional and let us know the kitchen was running slow. Great value, too. I recommend.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband & I are regulars at The Leta. It’s walking distance from our house & we like to bring our dog. It has great vibes, nice ambiance & it always an enjoyable experience.
  23. MeredithC

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Leta Hotel is under new ownership but we were happy to discover the restaurant still has the great menu as before with a couple of yummy additions. Ambience was great and the service was excellent!
  24. AndrewM

    Los Angeles

    45 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Ordered the Strawberry salad (mixed greens, carmalized walnuts, strawberries, either feta or goat cheese) added chicken for protein. Chicken arrived late and extra dry. The manager was extremely apologetic and offered various options. Enjoy the ahi tuna lettuce wraps which are deconstructed. Lots of menu options. Good wine list. The dessert was the best part.
  25. Greg

    Los Angeles

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect. The hostess was happy to see us and sat us right away. Ayla made suggestions and gave us time to order. She was a great server as well as the support staff that delivered our meals. It was all very nice and we will be back. Thanks
  26. DarcyC

    Palm Springs

    16 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    I so wanted to have this figured we need some new restaurants in Santa Barbara. The cauliflower ceviche was super sour tasted weird and they served it with chips not sure why. The fish tacos would’ve been good had the tortillas been a little bit fresher the salsa fresher everything felt store-bought. The guacamole was bland
  27. Sasha

    Orange County

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cute little retro hotel with a very accomplished menu. We had a cauliflower ceviche which was so lemony and good. I had skirt steak w garlic chimchurie and my hubby had the pork chop. Both were perfectly cooked with delicious potatoes for me and sweet potato purée for him. Overall very very good including a cute charming setting and a friendly staff.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress, Alex, was absolutely amazing. She made us a list of places to go to afterwards, as well as a free celebration drink for my bday!! Food was delicious & we will be back!!
  29. Selene

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Cute & lively restaurant in an adorable hotel. Just closes too early. Was called at 9:04 pm got a 9:00 pm reservation that kitchen was closing at 9:15 pm. We got lost on our way there. Felt pressure to rush & get out. Don’t take 9 pm reservations then.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    It was a slow day when we went so it was hard to tell the ambiance. The food was really good and the space itself was super nice. Good came quick and service was great. Loved how open and safe it felt amidst covid stuff. Would definitely return.
  31. Gmoney

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 20, 2021

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    This place was pretty nice the Decour was great The service was fantastic my only complaint was some of the food. We first of had the brussels sprouts that were amazing four entrées we had the pork chop which was good as well but the fish tacos that were very disappointing. The tacos were very small and no taste. My wife and I were disappointed but then the desert came which was a berry pie which was amazing they made up for the disappointing tacos.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My guests enjoyed themselves and the band was awesome hope you book them again.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The pork belly baos & Brussels sprouts are too die for. The Tangerine man is a must for alcoholic drinks. The ambiance was great and the service was spot on. The Outposts never disappoints.
  34. John

    Palm Springs

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    An eclectic menu, perhaps, but every dish we had was excellent!!! Especially loved ahi wrap and brussel sprouts. Spirited wait staff. A fun dinner!
  35. AnandR

    Central Coast

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    very good service (food came fast) and excellent quality.
  36. NorahD

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We went for Sunday brunch on their outdoor patio and had a great time. The food was amazing and mimosa refills were only $1. The guitarist was great (although a tad loud to have conversation over).
  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Although the hostess who seated appeared to wish she was someplace else (who hasn’t when working a beautiful Saturday morning), the server more than made up for it. Unfortunately, I have lost the receipt with her name on it. Knowledgeable and friendly, she made great recommendations regarding both food and cocktails. She took the time work with the bartender to make adjustments to an existing cocktail so my husband could enjoy one too. The only thing that was truly disappointing was the very mediocre coffee. I’m grateful that the server knew it was the same coffee as the complimentary coffee served in the lobby, so we avoided it from experience. We highly recommend the Fritter Benedict and the Sage cocktail along side it. The bartender will happily adjust the agave for you, if you prefer a less sweet drink.
  38. neighbor

    New Orleans

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Always love this neighborhood favorite. Glad to have it back open
  39. MarStr

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    Slow night at the Outpost. The live music was way too loud to have a conversation. The food and drinks were mediocre and overpriced. It wasn’t crowded but we received the check right after eating saying “looks like things are coming to an end here.” We just wanted to sit and talk after dinner, and it was clear that they wanted everyone to leave to close the bar.
  40. ErynE

    Palm Springs

    20 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2021

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Short staffed, poor service. Burned chicken sandwich, good fries and salad. Not enough guacamole and no salsa for that pricey appetizer. Nice ambiance. We won’t be returning.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Caya Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 964-1288.

Caya Restaurant is rated 4.2 stars by 329 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 3 times today
Google Map for Caya Restaurant

5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Kingston Avenue

  • Neighborhood

    Santa Barbara

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Mon–Fri 7:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Asian, Latin American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Self-parking is available in the hotel area. Additional parking can by found along Kingston Avenue

  • Public transit

    MTD Santa Barbara Bus system's nearest location is 1 block east on Calle Real and Kellog Avenue.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Phillip Stein

  • Entertainment

    Live Music in GoodBar Lounge every Sunday evening at 6PMTrivia Night in GoodBar Lounge every Wednesday evening at 7PM

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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