Caya Restaurant

Name: Caya Restaurant
Address: 5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA, United States, 93117
Telephone: (805) 964-1288
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 3.9

3.9

362 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Asian, Latin American
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(805) 964-1288
Website
http://www.cayarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Phillip Stein
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (805) 964-1288

Location
5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117
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, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 362 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.9

3.9 based on recent ratings

3.9Food
3.9Service
4.4Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Santa Barbara
Great for brunch
Santa Barbara
Good for business meals
Santa Barbara
Good for groups
Santa Barbara
Lively

362 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience4
We chose to meet here for our monthly book club get together and we were very happy. The restaurant was quiet on a Monday night so I don't think our group bothered anyone. The wait staff was very attentive and engaging. We ordered several of the shared plates to pass among our group. Great selection of choices and we tried most. Particularly liked the tempura cauliflower.
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GX
GenXMommy
Central Coast
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
The problems with this restaurant are all down to poor management. We went the day after Thanksgiving, which is often a busy Friday night in restaurants. We also had a reservation, so the restaurant should not have been surprised. Nevertheless, the management was woefully unprepared for the crowd. There were only two servers for the entire restaurant, and every table was full. I did not see into the kitchen, but I can only assume that the management decided to be cheap there, too, and not put on enough staff. Our food came out very sporadically, some of us were finished with our meals by the time the rest of the meals arrived. Some of the food was quite tasty, while the steak in the tacos was so hard and burnt it was inedible. The two servers were running around like crazy, working very hard. Still we had to go up to the bar and fill our own drinks. But the worst part of all was the noise level. It was unbearable. The room had the worst acoustics I have ever encountered in a restaurant. The din of all the voices around us booming off the walls was deafening and very unpleasant.
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JM
JohnM
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
A new menu. Expanded, unique, and fun! Quality of filet mignon was tops. Pizza perfectly seasoned. Would appreciate a few more red wines to chose from.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience2
All of our orders were incorrect. Had to send back one plate because everything was under cooked.
Caya RestaurantResponded on November 18, 2023
We're really sorry to hear about your recent experience at Caya Restaurant. It's disappointing to know that your orders weren't up to our usual standards. We take your feedback seriously and will use it to improve our service. We hope you'll give us another chance to impress you with our food. Thank you for your patience.
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MO
MichaelO
San Francisco
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience4
The food, cocktails and service were underwhelming but the ambience was great and the company at our table made it worth it.
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MD
MimiD
San Francisco
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience4
We were looking forward to a birthday brunch for our son. We had a nice table outside and our waiter took our order fairly quickly after we sat down. The only problem is that it took a good 25 minutes to get our food. I understand that kitchens get backed up, but it felt like the managers and wait staff were ignoring us. They did not make eye contact, or just stop by and acknowledge it was taking a while for the food to come out. Sometimes all it takes is for a server to stop by, fill your water, and let their table know what is happening. There were two managers around who would have been doing that for their staff. It's too bad this happened, it's a wonderful hotel, and we will most definitely stay there again, but we won't be dining with them.
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CN
CindyN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Casual but nice dining experience. Friendly servers and the food was good. The band was fun to listen to, the first set perfect volume, the second was getting loud but we were ready to go then. AWould recommend to anyone and will go back.
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R
Rick
Los Angeles
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really tasty food. The rolls were fresh and different. The CAYA salad was very good and the swordfish special over squid ink pasta with tomatoes was perfectly spiced. It was Sunday night and early, so a bit quiet. Very pleasant.
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Y
Yazmine
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 1, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience5
Atmosphere in this place is fantastic! The night we were there we got to listen to a wonderful jazz band. However, some of the food was not good. We ordered sliders (which were good) and tacos (which were hands down some of the worst tacos I’ve ever had). Service was also an issue. While our server was extremely helpful, she forgot about us for about 45 minutes, and we had to find her to get our bill. Caya has so much potential, but it needs better quality food and more attentive service. Don’t think I’ll be going back anytime soon.
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R
Ricardo
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience4
The food was awful. I ordered a tagliatelle which was mostly brussels sprouts with some noodles tasting like lemon. Uneatable. My daughter ordered a plate of beef and chicken, both impossible to eat. Silverware was also inappropriate to eat beef. Service was messy too. Waiter kept a repeating she was too busy with a large table. A wasted evening.
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LB
LeslieB
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Interesting menu with a great selection. Beautiful presentation of the food and the quality and taste did not disappoint. A pleasant experience!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Creative and sustainable, perfect flavor combinations. Service was friendly and fantastic!
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T
Travelingpup
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall3food4service1ambience5
Food was good, it wasn’t too crowded but the party that was there at the same time as me were obnoxiously loud. Service was not good I sat for 10 minutes waiting for a server to come over and ended up having to ask where the server was. Ambiance is great and the hotel is insanely cute. Didn’t have a great experience at the restaurant but will maybe give it another chance in the future.
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l
local
Central Coast
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great local atmosphere, very laid back CA vibe ! Awesome service!
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SA
SharonAnnie
San Francisco
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Two friends and I enjoyed a lovely lunch at Caya. Everything about the restaurant was great...attractive decor, an interesting menu, and most important, excellent food. I find that hotel restaurants are rarely busy at lunch, so it was pretty quiet, except for the music, which was adjusted downward immediately upon our request. Locals who haven't tried Caya should. It's definitely among the most attractive restaurants in Goleta. I look forward to returning soon.
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GG
GigifromGoleta
San Francisco
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
We were looking forward to trying a new restaurant in Goleta. We had a 6pm reservation and got a nice table outside on the patio. Ordered drinks and appetizers. Our appetizers arrived and still no drinks. The server came by to remove our plates and said one bartender had gone on break but our drinks should be up shortly. Our dinner arrived a few minutes later followed by our drinks about 5 minutes after that. We were in and out of the place in 40 minutes feeling pretty dissatisfied with the food quality and level of service. We left to another place for drinks and dessert. Would not recommend as everything felt pretty average overall.
Caya RestaurantResponded on September 23, 2023
We are very sorry for your experience. Your feedback is vital to our success and will certainly address it. Again, you have our apologies. Larry Rudolph Senior Food and Beverage Manager
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HW
HannaW
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
We had reservations... Saturday evening... I choose the place for my husband birthday.. Is very convenient, we walked from our home. Food was delicious, nice service. One only disappointment, it suppose to be music night, but it wasn't. O well...we will try one more time.
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LB
LocalBeeGal
Central Coast
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience4
It was our second time and for location it is great. Avocado toast had hot chilies in it, beware. I cannot take that. It could have been an off day for the staff.
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NS
NicoleS
Chicago
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a charming restaurant and Reanne was professional and courteous and assisted with choosing a dessert for Our Anniversary. Food was delish.
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L
Lisa
San Diego
10 reviews
vip
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2023
overall2food4service3ambience2
Happy Hour isn’t at restaurant rather at bar across the hotel lobby. Disappointed they don’t make that clear on menu on website. Seems like an easy thing to note.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience4
Wonderful food but service left much to be desired. Had to ask for our drinks several times and waited 30 minutes for our check
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LW
LauraW
Central Coast
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 6, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
When we arrived, the noise level was fine but as more people arrived it became very noisy. The noise of the cocktail shaker was really over the top and very annoying to our guest who has hearing aids. The food was just okay. The spring rolls lacked flavor (although the sauce was very good), the tagliatelle was just so so and very oily. My husband enjoyed the fish tacos although he said they weren't particularly flavorful either.
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M
Michele
Central Coast
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience2
Outside music was so loud that conversations were nearly impossible. Service (although courteous) was very slow and each time the server did not know what drink/food went to whom. Would not deliver food directly to customer, but rather drop off at the end of the table to be handed over by guests to the one who ordered.
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BY
BrianY
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great option for foodies out in the Goleta area.
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S
Sammie
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I went for lunch. Food was excellent and service was very good. I will definitely be returning.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Beautiful spot for brunch! Excellent food as well.
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RR
RobR
Central Coast
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience4
Some good things (the drinks and the Brussels in particular), but much room for improvement. A significant step down from our last visit a few months ago. 1. Very minimal flexibility on menu adjustments. Taco trio one filling only, not served with any kind of salsa. Can I get the Burger with grilled chicken? No, although grilled chicken can be added to a salad. No small side salad available to accompany meals that were short on veggies or greens. 2 Fish special was described with peas and there may have been a few pea tendrils as a garnish. The two people in our party felt misled - and regular peas would have added a lot to the dish. 3. Service felt particularly impatient and rushed, particularly at the front end of our meal.
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JM
JosephM
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, the kitchen staff was very accommodating of my pescetarian & lactose intolerant SO who couldn't have either of the listed dessert options
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KO
KO238
Sacramento
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience2
Our server was condescending and encouraged us to order items which ultimately were not available. Took over 10 minutes to get a cocktail while the restaurant was not even 1/4 of the way full.
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JB
JanB
Central Coast
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
It was refreshing to eat out and have ample table service! The food was delicious and it was part of SB Restaurant Week so it was a reasonable prix fix menu. Hard to find easy parking, moderate noise level, good price, and good service these days. It was a nice surprise.
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EW
ElizabethW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for the restaurant week and the food was delicious and the service is great and they also have a happy hour in the bar so that was nice
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BR
BarbaraR
Central Coast
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
Myself, my wife and a friend were dining, attracted by the special menu - 3 course prix fixe. My wife and I often go to Caya for drinks and a light meal, but this is the first time in a while that we've had a full meal there. The staff were very friendly, as usual, but the service was slow even though it was not a busy night, with the dining room about a quarter to a third full. The food was very good, better than we had expected (a notch up from their usual quality, which is good by any standard). My only complaint was that the shrimp in the gazpacho had not been completely shelled and the waiter did not mention that when he brought the soup to the table. Because the shrimp were very pale (and very fresh and delicious) and the lighting was low I didn't see the shell and so ended up with a mouthful of it. We were told only later that the shells on the tail of the shrimp had been left on so that we could dip the shrimp in the gazpacho with our fingers. I wish we'd been told earlier. My wife had the same problem. Otherwise, the food was of high quality.
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BL
BLT1
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Would definitely recommend! Food, drink were excellent in a nice venue within hotel. Staff was very attentive. Will go back for sure.
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J
John
Palm Springs
80 reviews
vip
4.0
80 reviews
Dined on March 28, 2023
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 . . .
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k
kerriz
Los Angeles
30 reviews
vip
4.0
30 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
was a perfectly pleasant place in a cool retro 50's hotel. Good drinks. interesting menu. everything tasted delicious and servers super attentive.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service will return!!!
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LC
LynneC
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent surprise. Stayed at hotel for business and great food and service. Much better than expected
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a
alie
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Especially liked the live music which is a few times a week
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ST
StoveTop
Los Angeles
45 reviews
vip
4.0
45 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Toasty n warm on the patio on a cold evening. Great service and food.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 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!
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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 3.9 stars by 362 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117

Additional information

Cross street
Kingston Avenue
Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
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, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cayarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(805) 964-1288
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (805) 964-1288

Caya Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Menu

What 362 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Caya Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Caya Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Caya Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information