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Secret Bao, Santa Barbara, CA

Secret Bao

4.9
4.9
416 Reviews
$31 to $50
Asian
Modern 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, Paelo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design

Make a reservation

2 people

9:30 PM


Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Asian, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (805) 259-3226
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Contactless Payment, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Latinx or Hispanic, Women
  • Executive chef
    Peter Lee & Felicia Medina
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Barbara
  • Cross street
    Anapamu
  • Parking details
    Free 90 Minute Lot Next Door
  • Additional
    Beer, Gender Neutral Restroom, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 416 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Best Overall

  • California Central Coast

    Best Food

  • California Central Coast

    Innovative

  • California Central Coast

    Hot spot

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Overall

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Food

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Service

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Value

  • Santa Barbara

    Innovative

  • Santa Barbara

    Hot spot

  • Santa Barbara

    Lively

  • Santa Barbara

    Most Booked

416 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall1food1service5ambience4
    Our meat was bad. We had to send it back. I got sick from the bad meat because I swallowed the first bite before realizing it was bad meat. Everything else was great.

    Is this helpful?

  2. michelen

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    All food was delicious and service was quite attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  3. theclgfather

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Secrete Bao is our go-to spot. 4 for dinner service. Hamachi Wonton Tacos - we reordered this b/c it was good. On the spicy side but very well-balanced. Kalbi (full-order) - we also recorded this but regretted it b/c it was too much. The full order is perfect for 2 people just make sure to ask for a second knife. Octopus Bao - is also good. Curry Crab Noodles - is also good.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place! Mango Sticky Rice was amazing!!!!!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nick

    Central Coast

    125 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    125 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    I’m reluctant to give Secret Bao another five star review because it keeps getting busier. Last night people were waiting for tables. Even lunch is crowded. It’s the food. Exceptional. The crab noodles, honey shrimp and the street blossoms were outstanding. My only complaint is that they were already out of the special hamachi at 630.

    Is this helpful?

  6. MichaelG

    St. Louis

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always top quality in food and service. Delicious as always and one of SB’s best restaurants!

    Is this helpful?

  7. iluvfood

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our food was outstanding and the server was incredibly personable. Hubby has been a professional chef for over 20 years and said it was one of the best meals out in a long time.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Caleb

    Omaha

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant of our trip. We did a week long culinary tour down the coast of California, ate at 15 different places and nothing was a good as Secret Bao. Excellent flavor and services. Reserve a table now!!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Vrncp

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Peruvian scallops are a must! Food and service were exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  10. julie

    Central Coast

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great server, great food, great vibe. The curry crab noodles are the go to.

    Is this helpful?

  11. StanS

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The menu offers so many special flavors. The food we ordered was delicious and well presented. Our server offered the best suggestions.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Isra

    Palm Springs

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a treat to dine at Secret Bao. The food is always on point and the specials are always great. Fantastic wine list and beer too.

    Is this helpful?

  13. CEESL8

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We tried about half of the menu and enjoyed it all. Highlights were the scallop appetizer and pear salad. The bao were good also. Nice selection of teas to choose from. The staff was friendly and excellent. The outdoor chairs were very flimsy and not comfortable, but the patio itself was very cozy and nice.

    Is this helpful?

  14. alicial

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious !! The environment was fun and all employees were very helpful and kind.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Jack

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and ambiance on the patio. Went for an anniversary and received complimentary champagne. Would definitely recommend for anyone around Santa Barbara!

    Is this helpful?

  16. Lesdds

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service! Our server Claire was amazing and sweet and she made some incredible suggestions from the menu. Definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone that enjoys great dining.

    Is this helpful?

  17. ChiaraG

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Secret Bao is always a great choice. Dishes have an outstanding presentation, are not only good to eat but also beautiful to see, good food as always and singular combination of things. I always like to try a couple of special pf something new, but in my choices there is always a constant and this is the Kung Pao Cauliflower…it’s simply amazing! Maybe yesterday was a bit too noisy inside ( the place was full so it’s understandable) but we managed to have a nice conversation at the table in any case.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Santabarbarian

    London

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Intoxicating cuisine with service that could not have been friendlier, what a fabulous experience. There were moments where the four of us were so quiet that neighboring tables may have worried about how we were getting along, but it was only because each spectacular new dish and its first bite silenced us. Cannot wait to return for inventive, balanced and perfectly seasoned food— take a Bao, Secret Bao, you’ve nailed it.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Lynn

    Kansas City

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First of all, Clare was our server, and she was awesome, helpful, and just fun high energy!! The food was absolutely fabulous. Varied menu items, excellent specials, and beautifully served. We enjoyed our first experience and are definitely planning our return!! Oh, I almost forgot, the mango dessert and the donut dessert were fantastic also!!!

    Is this helpful?

  20. EllenR

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Fried Chicken Bao was outstanding, and the Carbonara was delicious. Great favors and presentation. Love this place!

    Is this helpful?

  21. MaxwellM

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Inventive menu-the Baos we’re the highlights - great presentation and taste. Duck noodles were amazing. The pork noodles were a little too salty for my taste. Great mock-tail selection. Will make this a regular restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Misty

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Simply special & unusual bites of food. Wonderful flavors & cleverly presented. Each dish well thought out. Great meal.

    Is this helpful?

  23. SBFoods

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience4
    Really great food but the service was really slow and they took away the happy hour menu when the seated us outside. It's just a weird thing to serve the same food at two different prices by passing through a door.

    Is this helpful?

  24. PierreS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    just a very original place with excellent and unique food. I had the Korean box, just so tasteful and trylu a pleasure to eat.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Nick

    Central Coast

    125 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    125 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We went two weeks ago and came back this week and ordered the same things again. Enough said. Except I never expected a casual Korean restaurant would have the best sticky toffee pudding I’ve had outside of London. Amazing chefs.

    Is this helpful?

  26. GlennisM

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The scallops were the least favorite item we ordered.

    Is this helpful?

  27. DougW

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Innovative dishes. Incredible flavors.

    Is this helpful?

  28. carolo

    Denver

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every bite was fantastic. We kept ordering hors d’oeurves and each was better than the last. Just outstanding. Congratulations on your success. We’ll be back next year!

    Is this helpful?

  29. BrittTris

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great atmosphere with delicious food. Portions are small for the price. Overall happy and will return.

    Is this helpful?

  30. AlexP

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Secret Bao is one of the absolute best restaurants in SB. The menu is thoughtful, dynamic, and full of great surprises!

    Is this helpful?

  31. BillU

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and service. Recommend the spicy tuna/crispy rice, curry crab noodles and the date cake for dessert… definitely will return and share this great spot with family and friends… Mahalo

    Is this helpful?

  32. JohnE

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Yes I strongly recommend to all. I have been a number of times and food, service and ambience are all excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  33. CarlyW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    my favorite restaurant in town, every time I go, it’s different and every time I’m baffled that it’s better than the last. I love Secret Bao!!!

    Is this helpful?

  34. PaolaJ

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Secret bao never disappoints! This is our favorite restaurant in town. Service is excellent, food tastes amazing. When friends come to visit this is the place we bring them to.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food excellent service I will recommend to everyone

    Is this helpful?

  36. carlose

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic and innovative dishes with spectacular flavors — can’t recommend more highly…

    Is this helpful?

  37. Nick

    Central Coast

    125 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    125 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Best food in Downton Santa Barbara. The crab noodles and the walnut shrimp are superb. I had only been for lunch before and loved it but the dinner menu is even better.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Andrew

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was outstanding. Don’t overlook the curry noodles.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Local

    Central Coast

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our top favorite SB restaurant! Food and service never disappoint

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hip place with inventive, delicious and reasonably priced food!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Secret Bao using the Order Online button. Secret Bao also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 259-3226.

Secret Bao is rated 4.9 stars by 416 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

9:30 PM


Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Secret Bao

1201 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2009

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Anapamu
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Barbara
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Asian, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Free 90 Minute Lot Next Door
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Contactless Payment, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Latinx or Hispanic, Women
  • Executive chef
    Peter Lee & Felicia Medina
  • Additional
    Beer, Gender Neutral Restroom, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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