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Diners' Choice: Good for groups restaurants in Santa Barbara

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OpenTable
Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are great for groups in Santa Barbara? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Stella Mare's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2275)
$31 to $50
French
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
French country bistro...Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare's Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French country cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and moules frites. Sip seasonal cocktails amid cozy décor -- all the right ingredients for a great dining experience. Bon appétit!

When requesting the greenhouse please note that is considered indoor dining.

Top review
Gayle
Dined 2 days ago
The food is always good and the atmosphere is relaxed.
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.7
4.7 (688)
$31 to $50
Contemporary French / American
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
A locally owned and operated, modern-classic California-French Pub. We serve elevated, eclectic, locally sourced Cuisine paired with incredible wines and craft beer. We are NOW OPEN for SUNDAY BRUNCH 10am-1:30pm. Located in Old Town Santa Barbara on 18 East Cota Street, the building boasts a rich history of French restaurants and saloons dating back over a century.

We are open for Dinner Wed-Sun from 5PM. We are known for our incredible family style tasting menu’s where multiple dishes are presented to your table for each course.

Top review
Glennvip
Dined 4 days ago
The food was well prepared and presented. The menu was focused and offered a very good selection of delicious dishes. The service was very attentive and helpful. Kudos to Team Black Sheep!
A photo of OKU restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1730)
$31 to $50
Asian
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
Tina Takaya, proprietor, welcomes you to our newest two story restaurant on the water. We feel the key to success is our passion for creating the highest quality food and warm friendly service.

We hope you will enjoy your experience as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.
"We want Locals to feel like Family and Visitors to feel like Locals"

Our menu draws from Asian favorites that inspire and excite such as Wagyu Steak, Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dumplings, Garlic Noodles and fresh local seafood.

We are located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront and Funk Zone Districts. Come enjoy lunch or dinner, soak in the sun by day at our waterfront rooftop bar while sipping on a refreshing cocktail surrounded by our beautiful ocean vista and by night, enjoy lounging by the fireplace after a delicious meal and a great glass of wine.

Our chef uses the freshest ingredients from central coast farmers and local fisherman to create dishes with the best of what California has to offer.

Top review
Prescila
Dined 3 days ago
Our server and staff overall were all great! They were very attentive and friendly. The food was all delicious and the creme brûlée and tiramisu were both superb.
A photo of Ca' Dario Cucina Italiana restaurant
4.7
4.7 (610)
$31 to $50
Italian
Goleta
About the restaurant
Anything grilled is "divine" and the rest of the menu is "delectable" at the "charming" Italian in Santa Barbara known for its "excellent" execution of "simple" pasta, meats and other classics plus a "fantastic" wine list with many available by the glass; it's a local "favorite", so reservations are a must.
Top review
Judyvip
Dined 2 days ago
We had a really great experience for my daughter's birthday dinner. The wait staff was very attentive and the food was great.
A photo of Gala restaurant
4.7
4.7 (282)
$31 to $50
European
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
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

Top review
Janice
Dined 5 days ago
Sat at the bar. Had the octopus with yucca and pao de queijo. Both were excellent. Adding South American wines like a Carmenere or Malbec to the menu would be a good idea, but the local wines were really good too. Will definitely be back!
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1752)
$31 to $50
American
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
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.

Top review
Gary
Dined on Oct 28, 2024
Food was all very very good. We had a someone in our group with a pretty severe food allergy and the staff and chef went above and beyond to see to her safety, even modifying dishes to accommodate. It was a great experience and we will definitely be coming back.
A photo of Arnoldi's Cafe restaurant
4.6
4.6 (754)
$31 to $50
Italian
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
Oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara! We have two bocce courts on our patio with outdoor dining. Lots of pasta, appetizers, salads, chicken dishes and homemade desserts...Italian wine and local wine on our wine list...indoor or outdoor seating. We are a true local's secret and kid friendly. Open for dinner 7 days a week! We also host rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and large birthday parties.
Top review
Karen
Dined 2 days ago
Lovely local restaurant. Relaxed atmosphere. Fabulous Italian food! Growing up in Philadelphia I’m very picky about Italian dishes. This restaurant exceeded My expectations. Friendly service
A photo of L'Antica - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.5
4.5 (170)
$31 to $50
Italian
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
Edward
Dined 2 days ago
Some very creative dishes on the menu. Zucchini blossoms were excellent. The pasta special was terrific. Service was excellent. I highly recommend L’Antica. 
A photo of Caya Restaurant restaurant
4.3
4.3 (400)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
Inspired by the fresh coastal flavors of Santa Barbara, CAYA restaurant invites everyone to “Come As You Are” for a modern culinary adventure paired with a mood as relaxed and inviting as a California sunset.

Embark on a delectable journey through the West Coast with our seasonal menus influenced by sustainably sourced local ingredients and global cuisine inspirations. From social gatherings to intimate dinners, indulge in the relaxed and inviting indoor and outdoor atmosphere while your tastebuds savor the culinary traditions of the west through nostalgic homemade dishes and signature craft cocktails.

Top review
Ben
Dined on Nov 6, 2024
The food was solid and the the service from the staff was outstanding
A photo of Moby Dick Restaurant restaurant
4.3
4.3 (264)
$30 and under
Seafood
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
At Moby Dick Restaurant, in Santa Barbara, you'll get not only fresh seafood and excellent service, but an amazing view along with your meal. Situated on the pier itself in Santa Barbara, Moby Dick Restaurant is a fantastic place with a fantastic atmosphere to get something to eat.



Whether you're after breakfast, lunch or dinner there�s sure to be something on the menu to please. Fried favorites at Moby Dick Restaurant include clam strips and chips, chicken wings and chips and many others. You can also order burgers, sandwiches and vegetarian fare. Fresh seafood specialties include grilled Cajun swordfish, bacon wrapped shrimp and grilled fresh salmon.

Top review
Brendavip
Dined on Nov 2, 2024
Lovely evening. Will come back for graduation dinner celebration.
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