Santa Barbara Dining and Destinations

Santa Barbara Dining and Destinations Santa Barbara's Essential Guide for Restaurants, Clothing Boutiques, Home Decor, Art and Local Perso

Kind Fest  is this Friday (7/19)! 🎉💃Kind Fest is a brand-new family festival celebrating the importance of being kind to...
07/16/2024

Kind Fest is this Friday (7/19)! 🎉💃

Kind Fest is a brand-new family festival celebrating the importance of being kind to people, animals, and our planet. Join the Zoo and community partners on Friday, July 19 from 4 to 8 PM for a variety of activities designed to reflect an ongoing commitment to inclusion and kindness in our society.

Your ticket includes access to bounce houses, face painting, music, games, climbing wall, and animal encounters. Additional fee applies to additional attractions such as the Zoo Train and giraffe feeding. Special food and beverage items will also be available for purchase.

During this after-hours event, most of the animals settle down for bedtime and will not be visible to the public.
For tickets and more info, see the link in bio!

Alt-text: Pictures of play around the Zoo! In the first, Zoo kids slide down the Ant Hill on cardboard sleds. Next, we see a child looking at animal artifacts including a tarantula and various animal skulls. Finally, we see guests jumping down a bounce house slide.

🌮 Have you tried the delectable street eats from , the newest to an all-star line-up of restaurants from the Luna family...
11/13/2023

🌮 Have you tried the delectable street eats from , the newest to an all-star line-up of restaurants from the Luna family? The family also has Santo Mezcal and Flor de Maiz downtown, plus five Los Agaves area locations. The food served is intended to “transport guests to the streets of Mexico, where the flavors are bold, the spices are fiery and the tacos are always fresh,” says Luna. “Taqueria La Unica is a celebration of the vibrant culture we grew up with and traditions that inspire our authentic Mexican cuisine.”

PC:

🍴One of the best parts of our job is collaborating with Chef  every issue! She always creates the most delicious and doa...
10/12/2023

🍴One of the best parts of our job is collaborating with Chef every issue! She always creates the most delicious and doable dishes for our readers. Here’s Chef Ayda’s take on a simple, savory winter squash galette. Pair it with a dark rosé or chilled light red wine, add an arugula salad for a light lunch or enjoy it as a starter. You’ll find the full recipe on page 92 of the new fall/winter issue or head to the link in our bio for the digital edition. Bon appetite!🍴
PC:

🍔 Raise the burger bar . 🍔 PC:
08/12/2023

🍔 Raise the burger bar . 🍔

PC:

Attention foodies and flower lovers! 🌺  is hosting  an event collaboration on August 11 featuring baker, botanist, artis...
07/20/2023

Attention foodies and flower lovers! 🌺 is hosting an event collaboration on August 11 featuring baker, botanist, artist and author of “Eat Your Flowers” . Loria is an LA native, was recently featured on Shark Tank, and will be hosting a hands-on event alongside a local Carpinteria-based wildflower grower, . Tickets for the event are extremely limited and ON SALE NOW! To learn more and register, click the link in the bio!

“People ask: Why should I care about the ocean? Because the ocean is the cornerstone of Earth's life support system, it ...
06/20/2023

“People ask: Why should I care about the ocean? Because the ocean is the cornerstone of Earth's life support system, it shapes climate and weather. It holds most of life on earth. 97% of the Earth's water is there. It's the blue heart of the planet — we should take care of our heart. It's what makes life possible for us.” 💙🌊🌎 - Dr. Sylvia Earle

Repost from
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Santa Barbara County is blessed with 110 miles of pristine coastline and we are fortunate to have organizations like to help keep it clean.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Here’s a suggestion for something different to do, especially on a ☁️ day. Check out —the ultimate place to nurture your...
06/05/2023

Here’s a suggestion for something different to do, especially on a ☁️ day. Check out —the ultimate place to nurture your creative spirit and learn something new. With an entirely refreshing concept for entertainment and socializing built around making things and meeting people, this unique gathering space hits the sweet spot for those seeking a departure from traditional food and drink-centric mingling. Located in historic La Arcada Plaza in Downtown Santa Barbara, this co-working, community-focused space hosts classes and workshops, including basic sewing, glass etching, macrame and other modern craft projects. The Crafter's Library also boasts a burgeoning retail section featuring giftable goods made on-site by local artisans, members and staff. You'll also find an excellent selection of yarn, craft books and kits, puzzles, quilting supplies, journals and other maker-inspired merchandise.
A range of membership options designed to meet the needs of both locals and visitors allow guests access to some of the newest and most sophisticated craft machinery available. And, of course, friendly, knowledgeable, and talented team members assist and instruct users on operating the cutting-edge technology. Come for the fun and community; leave with a new skill, a hand-crafted treasure and perhaps another friend.
Grab a copy of the current issue or follow the link in our bio to see what owner and consummate crafter Andrew Rawls (pictured here with shop dog Achilles) has to say about how The Crafter's Library has evolved since opening, current happenings and what's in store for the future.
PC:

Here's a holiday weekend dining tip!  sets the bar for one of the best deals in town, as their spirited beverages range ...
05/26/2023

Here's a holiday weekend dining tip! sets the bar for one of the best deals in town, as their spirited beverages range from just $9 to $13, craft beers are about $7, and no glass of wine costs more than $12! This standard bearer is also known for great easy-to-love eats—burgers, sandwiches, salads and flatbreads—perfect for a quick pre- or post-event bite in the heart of Santa Barbara’s entertainment and arts district. Cheers to that and happy Memorial Day weekend!
PC:

If  feels a bit like home, it might be because three generations of the Comin family are involved, including Giovanni “L...
05/10/2023

If feels a bit like home, it might be because three generations of the Comin family are involved, including Giovanni “Lucky” Comin, the patriarch of the family, which traces its roots to a small town in the Veneto region of Italy. Pictured here serving up Lemon Drop perfection is Lucky's granddaughter Vittoria, the restaurant's namesake and manager.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
You know what they say about dining when traveling: “Dine where the locals do.” This restaurant—and especially the bar—is loaded with people who know each other and the staff.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Cocktails, wine (from Italy and California) and beer are reasonably priced. Drinks are, as the website says, “stiff.”The $13 La Mozza Sangiovese from Tuscany is as food friendly as it gets. And now they’re open for lunch from 11:30-2.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The menu is filled with favorites, such as bruschetta and bresaola for appetizers, pastas ranging from linguine with clams to spaghetti aglio e olio to the “homemade” selections that incorporate house-made noodles in lasagna, ravioli with prime rib in a pink cream sauce, and tagliatelle with mushrooms in a cream sauce, and entrées like veal scallopini and seafood soup.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What’s the most famous Italian dessert? Tiramisú, of course, and their version is gooey good, just as it should be. There are also plenty of after-dinner drinks, grappas, Cognacs and rare Scotches available as accompaniments.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
30 E. Victoria Street • 805.962.5014 • trattoriavittoria.com

PC:

Just another day in paradise, courtesy of .
05/03/2023

Just another day in paradise, courtesy of .

Here's an ooh,la, la look we love from our Spring/Summer Sartorial Symphony 🎶 fashion shoot at the gorgeous Music Academ...
04/26/2023

Here's an ooh,la, la look we love from our Spring/Summer Sartorial Symphony 🎶 fashion shoot at the gorgeous Music Academy.
Cool vintage denim from .
Sporty striped tee, sunglasses and earrings from .shopkeepers.
Elegant rings, bracelet and necklace from .
Chic neck scarf from .
Classic leather belt from .sb.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC: . Styled by: & .
Model: with .
Hair: and Makeup: .by.cynthia for .
Location: .

Wondering what to do this weekend? No worries, our current My Santa Barbara Guest Editor local blogger  has got cha cove...
04/21/2023

Wondering what to do this weekend? No worries, our current My Santa Barbara Guest Editor local blogger has got cha covered! Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Betsy O'Brien still knows how to play “tourist” in her hometown. In the Spring/Summer feature she shares recommendations for the perfect picnic spots, can’t-miss attractions, marvelous margaritas and more. Grab a copy and flip to page 96, or head to the link in our bio for the digital issue and read on to learn more about Betsy and to view the American Riviera through her eyes.
PC:

Here’s a little inspiration, courtesy of Christopher Petro], to get out and explore our gorgeous slice of paradise this ...
04/07/2023

Here’s a little inspiration, courtesy of Christopher Petro], to get out and explore our gorgeous slice of paradise this weekend!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC: Christopher Petro]

🍯 🐝 Head to  for a little honey bee alchemy and to meet co-owners and avid apiarists, Barnaby Draper and Ashley Farrell ...
04/05/2023

🍯 🐝 Head to for a little honey bee alchemy and to meet co-owners and avid apiarists, Barnaby Draper and Ashley Farrell (pictured here with shop dog, Rosie). When not at one of their two stores, they're likely hard at work developing natural products, focusing on sustainability and tending to honeybee hives scattered across the county. This business duo started beekeeping several years ago, fell in love with bees and all they do for our planet and then decided to put their "honey" where their mouth is!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The Santa Barbara Hives flagship store in Carpinteria is replete with a plant-based Café and Market, which offers organic coffee, cashew cheeses, ferments and other plant-based foods. The second location (housed in the former Instrumental Music Store on upper State Street with parking in the back) is more mercantile, offering eco-friendly lifestyle, home goods and wellness products made in-house. There's also a well-curated selection of glassware, linens, household goods, toys for the wee ones and other quality eco-friendly wares, along with a section dedicated to gourmet pantry items. And attention chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Caramels made with Santa Barbara Hives honey are a must-try! Santa Barbara Hives, a resource for beekeepers, offers "nucs" of bees (a small-sized hive), queen bees and other equipment. An added bonus to shopping at Santa Barbara Hives is that for every item purchased in-store or online a mangrove tree is planted in Madagascar to support efforts to combat climate change—a win-win for all!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC:

, a casual and inviting restaurant at The Leta Hotel in Goleta is the perfect spot to eat, drink and live the good life ...
03/29/2023

, a casual and inviting restaurant at The Leta Hotel in Goleta is the perfect spot to eat, drink and live the good life in the Good Land, whether you’re a local or just visiting.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
CAYA restaurant invites you to “Come As You Are” and enjoy delectable, modern dishes inspired by the bold, coastal flavors of Santa Barbara. Whether ordering from the seasonal food menus or from the extensive beverage list, there’s pretty much something for everyone and every occasion, from weekend brunch to daily happy hour and dinner.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
CAYA’s indoor-outdoor “California cool” setting is both relaxed and convivial, seamlessly capturing the laid-back vibes of Southern California. Post up at the outdoor bar or expansive patio, or snag a spot beside a fire pit flanked by palm trees (particularly enjoyable on Thursday and Saturday evenings when there’s live music.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In addition to regional wines and local and imported beers, CAYA’s beverage menu features an ever-changing selection of fun signature cocktails. Each cocktail is conceptualized to align with the season, then crafted in house using fresh, local ingredients. One sip and your tastebuds will surely thank you.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Breakfast is a meal, but at CAYA brunch is a culture. Offered every Saturday and Sunday, brunch includes a selection of sweet and savory items, including French toast with brown sugar apples; huevos rancheros with steak; smoked salmon benedict; and fish tacos with housemade salsa, to name a few. And did we mention the mimosas with $1 refills?
For more delish recommendations for where to eat grab a cop of the spring/summer issue of Santa Barbara Dining and Destinations, or head to the link in our bio for the digital edition.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC:

, the casual and inviting restaurant at The Leta Hotel in Goleta, is the perfect spot to eat, drink and live the good li...
03/29/2023

, the casual and inviting restaurant at The Leta Hotel in Goleta, is the perfect spot to eat, drink and live the good life in the Good Land, whether you’re a local or just visiting.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“Come As You Are” and enjoy delectable, modern dishes inspired by the bold, coastal flavors of Santa Barbara. Whether ordering from the seasonal food menus or from the extensive beverage list, there’s pretty much something for everyone and every occasion, from weekend brunch to daily happy hour and dinner.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
CAYA’s indoor-outdoor “California cool” setting is both relaxed and convivial, seamlessly capturing the laid-back vibes of Southern California. Post up at the outdoor bar or expansive patio, or snag a spot beside a fire pit flanked by palm trees (particularly enjoyable on Thursday and Saturday evenings when there’s live music.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In addition to regional wines and local and imported beers, CAYA’s beverage menu features an ever-changing selection of fun signature cocktails. Each cocktail is conceptualized to align with the season, then crafted in house using fresh, local ingredients. One sip and your tastebuds will surely thank you.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Breakfast is a meal, but at CAYA brunch is a culture. Offered every Saturday and Sunday, brunch includes a selection of sweet and savory items, including French toast with brown sugar apples; huevos rancheros with steak; smoked salmon benedict; and fish tacos with housemade salsa, to name a few. And did we mention the mimosas with $1 refills?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
For more delish tips on where to eat grab a copy of our spring/summer issue or follow the link in our bio for the digital edition.
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC:

For a cool new take on Mexican fare and one of the best selections of tequila available anywhere head to Augie's of Sant...
03/24/2023

For a cool new take on Mexican fare and one of the best selections of tequila available anywhere head to Augie's of Santa Barbara]! With more than 300 tequilas, approximately 60 of which are añejos, a long shelf dedicated to “extra” añejos and another covered exclusively with mezcals, this bar is a biblioteca of agave. No library card necessary; just an ID. The enormous bar (zoom in for a closer look) running along one wall is spacious, audacious, libationally outrageous and is THE place to be for blue agave at its best—plus top-shelf vodkas, bourbons, etc.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
While researching how to avoid a repeat of the Thomas Fire and the 2018 mudslides, owner Berkeley “Augie” Johnson learned that blue agave makes a good fire break. That got him into tequila and mezcal, and into planting agave. Now, for every case of “Fire Break” house-brand tequila sold, he plants one of the blue beauties to bolster the local firebreak he created.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Chef Eduardo Gonzalez’s innovative menu features appetizers like Tuétano—bone marrow, radish and hoja santa chimichurri. Or try ceviche rojo, with California yellowtail, prickly pear tea, avocado and jicama. Entrées include Mayan octopus with carrots, romanesco and diablo foam. After dinner, homemade churros are calling.
PC: Augie's of Santa Barbara]

The 2023 spring/summer issue has sprung! 💐 Find fresh features on some of the area’s best restaurants— , , , , ,  ,  and...
03/22/2023

The 2023 spring/summer issue has sprung! 💐 Find fresh features on some of the area’s best restaurants— , , , , , , and . Also, get the scoop on local boutiques, wineries, art galleries, home decor stores, what’s new around town, fabulous fashion, ideas for exploring in and around S.B. and so much more! The cover and fashion feature (starting on page 78) were shot on location at the gorgeous Music Academy]! Grab a copy (or head to the link in our bio for the digital edition) today and get out and play!

PC:
Styled by: &
Model: with
Hair: , Makeup: .by.cynthia for
Location: Music Academy]
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
COVER LOOK
Kimono: .shopkeepers.
Swimsuit: .
Headband: .sb.
Bracelets and rings: .
Necklace and earrings: .

🦞The seafood party is on at ! Lobster rolls, party platters, clams, uni, crab, salads, beer, wine and caviar with potato...
03/17/2023

🦞The seafood party is on at ! Lobster rolls, party platters, clams, uni, crab, salads, beer, wine and caviar with potato chips—count is in! 🦀 Pick up and delivery options are available.
PC:

Go “prime time” at Lucky's]! Since 2000, this inviting destination has been serving pure pleasure in the heart of Montec...
03/13/2023

Go “prime time” at Lucky's]! Since 2000, this inviting destination has been serving pure pleasure in the heart of Montecito - great drinks, superb classic steakhouse fare, great wines and the kind of genuinely friendly and attentive service.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Prime time is all of the time at Lucky’s, where aged USDA prime beef reigns in many forms — as filets, as a bone-in New York, as a Delmonico or a 28-ounce Porterhouse for two, among many other choices. The seafood, including fresh abalone and live Maine lobster is outstanding. Get Lucky's] tonight!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC:

We’re leaning into the weekend with this luxe lounge look from our Museum Muse SB Museum of Natural History] fashion fea...
03/05/2023

We’re leaning into the weekend with this luxe lounge look from our Museum Muse SB Museum of Natural History] fashion feature. For more style from the best local boutiques head to the link in our bio for the digital edition of the fall/winter issue. PC: Styled by: & Model: for MU: .by.cynthia Hair: for Location: SB Museum of Natural History] The goods: cami and pants: . Cardigan: . Brass choker: . Necklaces, earrings and bracelets: .

🍷🥾Hit the trail this weekend—Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail that is! Grab a copy of the latest issue and flip to page ...
02/17/2023

🍷🥾Hit the trail this weekend—Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail that is! Grab a copy of the latest issue and flip to page 50 for the scoop on all of the best places to taste and savor the bounty of Santa Barbara area wines! You’ll also find a link to a digital edition of the current issue in our bio. Cheers! 🍷🥾

, where everyone is welcome! Though  is one of Montecito’s newer dining establishments, it has lived up to its name as a...
01/28/2023

, where everyone is welcome! Though is one of Montecito’s newer dining establishments, it has lived up to its name as a locals’ gathering spot, bringing together good food, wine, cocktails and live music.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This Coast Village hideaway is designed to make people feel at home. With its 360-degree bar and al fresco dining experience, coastal-inspired decor and large fire pit, LOCAL makes for an inviting place to linger over a cocktail or meal.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There’s lots to love on the New American
fusion menu, but the Ahi Crudo and Blackened Fish Tacos remain customer favorites. Looking for something from land versus the sea? The Korean Maple Glazed Chicken Wings or the Jerk-Spiced Half Chicken with mango salsa will hit the spot.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
With its proximity to the Pacific, LOCAL thinks, well, locally when it comes to sourcing seafood. All of the fish on the menu is caught off Santa Barbara’s waters by local fishermen and is prepared in-house daily.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
LOCAL’s drink menu is ideal for celebrating any occasion, any time of day. Try a handcrafted cocktail, like the Hibiscus Paloma or Mike’s Marg or a glass from the globally-inspired wine and beer list. LOCAL even offers house wines, crafted for the restaurant by esteemed Santa Barbara winemaker Paul Lato.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC:

📚Here's a bookish look we'd love to check out at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History library! 📕 Find more outfit...
01/23/2023

📚Here's a bookish look we'd love to check out at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History library! 📕

Find more outfit inspo in our Fall/Winter Museum Muse fashion feature shot on location at the !
PC:
Styled by: and
Model: for
MU: .by.cynthia
Hair: for
Location:

The goods: necklaces, .shopkeepers. Earrings, . Ring and snake necklace, . Glasses, .

 is raising  the steaks in Santa Barbara! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Chef Brad Wise loves the formality of old-school steakhouses, the ...
01/13/2023

is raising the steaks in Santa Barbara!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Chef Brad Wise loves the formality of old-school steakhouses, the glitz of 1950s Rat Pack Las Vegas steakhouses, and the casual style of the Santa Maria steakhouse. Rare Society (also in San Diego and Solana Beach) combines them all with ease and style.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Everyone loves to share food, and guests who order one of Chef Wise’s meat boards—The Associate or The Executive—will sample multiple cuts of beef alongside a variety of house-made sauces all served on a lazy Susan.

“I’ve built my entire culinary program around live fire,” says Wise, who grills premium meats over American Red oak in the exhibition kitchen. Dry-aged rib-eyes, Australian wagyu and filet mignon are complemented by steakhouse classics like oysters Rockefeller and raw bar specialties.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC:

01/06/2023

2023 is off to a smashing start in Santa Barbara! 🌊
PC:

12/22/2022

We love to eat, drink and hang out in Santa Barbara’s vibrant, eclectic Funk Zone, and ticks all of the boxes!
Reel credit:

Address

3868 Pueblo Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA
93110

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Santa Barbara Dining and Destinations posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Santa Barbara Dining and Destinations:

Videos

Share

Category

Visit Santa Barbara

Think of our magazine as your ultimate guide to where to dine, shop, explore and more in Santa Barbara County.


Other Magazines in Santa Barbara

Show All