Secret Bao

Name: Secret Bao
Address: 1201 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, 93101-2009
Telephone: (805) 259-3226
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.9

4.9

416 Reviews

$31 to $50

Asian

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

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
Website
https://www.secretbaosb.com/
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

Location
1201 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2009
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

Popular dishes

K.F.C.
korean fried chicken, dragon sauce, coleslaw, umami mayo, pickled red onions
- ea$7.00
Pork Belly
scf pork belly, kewpie mayo, sunomono persian cucumbers, hoisin
- ea$7.00
Shrimp
shrimp tempura, sweet chili sauce, kewpie mayo, sesame slaw, scallions
- ea$8.00
Octopus
crispy spanish octopus, pineapple kimchi, felicia's chili crunch, umami mayo, cilantro
- ea$13.00
Soy Chili Dumplings
steamed pork & rainbow charred kimchi, glass noodles, felicia's chili crunch, sweet soy, cilantro, crispy shallots
- 4 Pcs$15.00

Eat Some Veggies

Sugar Snap Peas & Burrata$17.00
tutti frutti farms sugar snap peas, cara cara oranges, burrata, mint, easter radishes, miso vinaigrette
Kungpao Cauliflower$15.00
charred red onion, red bell pepper, japanese dried chilis, kung pao sauce, roasted cashews, cilantro
Mapo Tofu Tteok-Bokki$16.00
korean rice cakes, shiitake mushrooms, mapo sauce, soft tofu, cilantro

Rice & Noods

Hamachi Poke$17.00
japanese hamachi, granny smith apples, jalapeno ponzu, umami mayo, sunomono cucumbers, pickled red onions, avocado, furikake calrose rice
Garlic Noodles$11.00
sun noodles, caramelized garlic, oyster sauce, parmesan reggiano, scallions, crispy garlic, sesame oil
Japchae$16.00
korean sweet potato noodles, roasted shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, spinach, beansprouts, sweet soy sesame sauce, furikake, sesame oil
Kimchi Jjigae$16.00
braised pork belly, baechu-kimchi, gochujang, soft tofu
Congee$23.00
5 spice duck confit, pickled shiitake mushrooms, felicia's chili crunch, radish, chives
Katsu Curry$17.00
breaded pork loin, japanese curry, shiitake mushrooms, calrose furikake rice, scallions
Kalbi Bowl$23.00
momma lee's korean short ribs, baechu kimchi, red leaf lettuce, calrose rice, sesame oil, furikake, scallions
Pork Belly Fried Rice$17.00
scf pork belly, caramelized kimchi, onions, garlic, jasmine rice, farm eggs, sugar snap peas, scallions, momo sauce
Chicken Bulgogi$15.00
grilled marinated chicken thighs, brussel sprouts, furikake calrose rice, umami mayo, scallions, togarashi, red pickled ginger
Bibimbap$15.00
spinach, beansprouts, kimchi, soy pickled shiitakes, fresnos, sunomono cucumbers, pickled onions, hooni sauce, calrose rice, sunnyside fried egg, furikake, sesame oil

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

Noise • Moderate

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

OT
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?
m
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?
t
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?
OT
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?
N
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?
MG
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?
i
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?
C
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!!!
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V
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?
j
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?
SS
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?
I
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.
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CE
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?
a
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?
J
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?
L
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?
CG
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?
S
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?
L
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?
ER
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?
MM
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?
M
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?
SB
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.
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PS
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?
N
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?
GM
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?
DW
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?
c
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?
BT
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?
AP
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!
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BU
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?
JE
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?
CW
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!!!
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PJ
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.
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OT
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?
c
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?
N
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?
A
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?
L
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?
OT
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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

9:30 PM

Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Website
https://www.secretbaosb.com/
Phone number
(805) 259-3226

Secret Bao

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Curry Crab Noodles

Octopus Bao

Spicy Hamachi Wonton Tacos

Baos / Dimsum

K.F.C.

Pork Belly

Shrimp

Octopus

Soy Chili Dumplings

Eat Some Veggies

Sugar Snap Peas & Burrata$17.00

Kungpao Cauliflower$15.00

Mapo Tofu Tteok-Bokki$16.00

Rice & Noods

Hamachi Poke$17.00

Garlic Noodles$11.00

Japchae$16.00

Kimchi Jjigae$16.00

Congee$23.00

Katsu Curry$17.00

Kalbi Bowl$23.00

Pork Belly Fried Rice$17.00

Chicken Bulgogi$15.00

Bibimbap$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Secret Bao offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Secret Bao restaurant rated?

Is Secret Bao currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information