The 10 Best Restaurants in All of Santa Barbara

If you're new to Santa Barbara or if you are planning to visit there for the first time, you may not know which restaurants offer the best food and services. Our list of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara highlights the ten most highly recommended establishments for your consideration. We've included a variety of the most popular venues in town for you to check out.

Los Agaves Restaurant

Los Agaves Restaurant is located on North Milpas Street in Santa Barbara. They're a reasonably priced establishment that offers comfort food prepared with a traditional and authentic Mexican fare. They're known for their fresh handmade recipes with specialties including enchiladas, chile relleno and more. The building is a hacienda-style with a casual environment. It's highly recommended for a quick bite. The restaurant opens at 11 am and also offers a bar/lounge area. Customers give it a 4.7 out of 5 rating for excellence.

Toma Restaurant & Bar

Toma Restaurant & Bar is a sunny place to eat offering Italian cuisine along with an impressive wine list. The prices are moderate and they offer comfort food, amazing desserts and a healthy options section on their menu. They open at 5 pm for dinner and drinks and they've earned a customer ranking of 4.7 out of 5.

Brophy Bros.

This is a reasonably priced seafood restaurant located on Harbor way. They offer comfort food and it's a great place to get a quick bit. Don't forget to check out their highly rated signature Bloody Mary cocktails. Brophy Bros is open at 11 am and offers outdoor seating. They're rated 4.5 out of 5.

The Lark Santa Barbara

The Lark Santa Barbara opens at 5 pm for dinners but is closed on Mondays. They offer comfort food with small and elegant plates in an urbane eatery that was once a fish market. You can find this restaurant serving New American cuisine on Anacapa Street where they offer outdoor seating with a 4.5 rating.

Loquita Santa Barbara

Loquita is a moderately priced Spanish style restaurant serving signature craft cocktails and tapas. They offer small elegant plates and the food is farm fresh. It's a good place to find late night food on State Street. The restaurant has a cozy vibe and they offer outdoor patio seating. They open at 5 pm and get a 4.6-star rating.

Finch & Fork

This stylish yet casual restaurant features New American menu offerings made with local fresh ingredients. They're located on West Carrillo Street and offer happy hour food and drinks and they're open until 11 pm. Their comfort food is moderately priced and customers give them a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Santa Barbara FisHouse

The Santa Barbara FishHouse is prized as the Cabrillo Blvd waterfront seafood place that offers great food for low prices. It's always a treat to eat at the FishHouse which offers comfort food, happy hour food, and happy hour drinks. The ocean views are amazing and you can dine in the outdoor patio and enjoy the fire pit they set up for guests. The restaurant opens at 11:15 am for lunches and dinners. Customers give them a 4.3 out of 5.

Mesa Verde Restaurant

Mesa Verde is a hip and vibrant vegetarian restaurant located on Cliff Drive. They open at 11 am and serve brunch with outdoor seating. Their menu consists of comfort food offerings and long with a healthy options menu and creative vegan bites. They also offer happy hour drinks in the evening. This highly rated restaurant is given a 4.8 for near perfection with excellent food, service and low prices.

Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach is an upscale establishment offering seafood dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant is located on Cliff Drive with seating available on the outdoor heated patio which offers panoramic ocean views to enjoy while you eat your meal. They offer comfort foods on the menu. They're open from 7:30 am and also serve happy hour food along with happy hour drinks. Boathouse at Hendry's Beach gets a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

Opal

Opal is a State Street restaurant serving California style American fare along with signature specialty drinks. They offer comfort food along with a healthy options menu. Opal opens its doors at 11:30 am to serve the lunch crowd. They also offer outdoor seating with a 4.6 out of 5 overall rating.