Looking for the best restaurants on State Street in Santa Barbara, CA? You need this list!
State Street is the main drag that runs through the heart of Santa Barbara. So, rest assured, there’s no shortage of great food on State Street. On the contrary, there are too many options. We’ll help you find the best!
My husband Mike and I lived in Southern California about an hour from SB for more than 20 years. We’ve taken countless trips to the American Riviera, and always make it a stop on our California Coast road trips. We just visited again last month and enjoyed every bite.
As die-hard foodies, we have eaten countless awesome meals at restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara, CA. Many of them have been on or near State Street.
For the purposes of this list, restaurants that are at most two blocks off State Street are included.
Best Restaurants State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Whether you’re craving American, Italian, Mexican, Asian, Cajun, or California cuisine, we have the Santa Barbara State Street restaurants for you.
Santa Barbara State Street Staples
1. Joe’s Cafe
What is the oldest restaurant in Santa Barbara? Joe’s Cafe! Joe’s recipe for success has been simple—start with good food at an affordable price and provide heavy-handed pours at the old-school co*cktail bar.
I’m a big fan of their hearty breakfasts and surly servers. And yes, I’ve seen a couple of locals swigging back a co*cktail or two even in the morning.
Joe’s Cafe: 536 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
2. The Chase Restaurant
Is The Chase the best Italian restaurant State Street, Santa Barbara has to offer? It’s probably not my Number 1. But it is definitely a Santa Barbara staple. And it wouldn’t be going strong for 45 years without being a local favorite.
Chase serves typical Italian classics like veal parmigiana, chicken marsala, lasagna, and fettuccini Alfredo. The wine list is mostly Santa Barbara County local wines with a few Italian and Napa Valley wines sprinkled in.
The Chase: 1012 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
3. Jane Restaurant
In the heart of downtown Santa Barbara’s theatre district, Jane has been serving superb California cuisine for over 30 years. And if my recommendation is not good enough, Jane proudly exhibits a reference letter from Julia Child outside the State Street restaurant.
From grilled salmon on cedar to bacon-wrapped pork loin to salad bowls, all the food is made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss Jane’s signature dessert—coconut chiffon cake! Yum!
Jane: 1311 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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4. L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
If you’ve enjoyed the food of Naples, Italy, no doubt you’ve at least tried to order a pizza at the always-packed L’Antica Da Michele made famous by Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love.
Now’s your chance to have that same pizza at a Santa Barbara State Street restaurant. The SB restaurant is a franchise and uses the same recipe and methods as the famous Naples street food restaurant. The biggest difference is the price!
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele: 1031 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
5. Ca’Dario
Chef Dario Furlati combines the best imported products with locally sourced ingredients to create an extensive menu of authentic regional Italian cuisine.
You’ll find Bologna’s famous dish tagliatelle alla Bolognese, the iconic Campania dishes linguine with clams and mozzarella Caprese, risotto from Milan, and a smattering of Roman desserts.
Ca’Dario: 37 E Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
6. Olio e Limone Ristorante
Admittedly, I am an Italian food snob. Because I grew up with a nonna who made the best meatballs, Bolognese sauce, and scratch marinara sauce, Italian restaurant food rarely comes close to meeting my expectations.
But Olio e Limone, which translates to “Olive Oil and Lemon,” is the real deal. The house-made pastas are top-notch, especially the raviolis filled with Italian cheeses or pumpkin.
Next door, Olio Bottega is great for Italian sandwiches like a Roman porchetta or snacks like Sicilian caponata. And steps away, Olio Pizzeria makes scrumptious wood-fired Italian-style pizzas.
Olio e Limone Ristorante: 11 W Victoria St, Ste. 17, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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7. Secret Bao
Craving Asian dumplings, baos, and noodles? Secret Bao is the Santa Barbara restaurant for you.
From the KFC bao with pickled red onion to the soy chili dumplings to garlic noodles, everything we ordered was so delicious. But the secret is out. Make a reservation!
Secret Bao: 1201 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
8. Sama Sama Kitchen
If you’ve read our Ojai Restaurant Guide, you know we’re Sama Sama fans, and we’re definitely not the only ones! With food inspired by local farms, Sama Sama is one of the State Street restaurants Santa Barbara locals love for Southeast Asian food.
But it’s not just a local favorite; the Michelin Guide has awarded Sama Sama Kitchen a Bib Gourmand. That means extra happy taste buds at a reasonable price!
Sama Sama Kitchen: 1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
9. Arigato Sushi
Looking for a Japanese restaurant on Santa Barbara’s State Street? Arigato offers a huge menu of fresh sushi as well as other traditional Japanese foods.
Sitting at the sushi bar watching your rolls and sushi being meticulously prepared is always a treat, but Arigato’s brick dining room also has a nice atmosphere. It’s nice to have a win-win set of options.
Arigato Sushi: 1225 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
10. Bibi Ji
Located in the Arts District of State Street, Bibi Ji is the only Santa Barbara Indian restaurant to be recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Bibi Ji prepares modern versions of traditional Indian foods such as tandoori, tikka, curries, and naan. Try the uni biryani if it’s available the day you go.
The only thing not to like about Bibi Ji is its hours. The restaurant is only open for dinner Thursday through Monday, and I’d love a stellar Indian option in Santa Barbara for lunch too.
Bibi Ji: 734 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Best Restaurants State Street, Santa Barbara: Cajun & Creole
11. Cajun Kitchen
Cajun Kitchen is one of the best restaurants downtown Santa Barbara has for breakfast and lunch. I’ve been to Cajun Kitchen dozens of times and I’ve only ever ordered two things—jambalaya & eggs and huevos rancheros. Obviously I think they’re both outstanding, but most often I go for the NOLA specialty.
If you order something that comes with a choice of toast or biscuit, the biscuit is the answer. A huge helping of happy, this biscuit is bigger than any I saw in the South, including those I enjoyed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Cajun Kitchen: 901 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
12. Palace Grill
The Palace Grill is THE restaurant in Santa Barbara for a Louisiana-style dinner full of Cajun and Creole specialties. Whether its gumbo ya ya, blackened redfish, or crawfish étouffée, your choice will be made from an authentic recipe and full of flavor.
But the food isn’t the only draw at the Palace. This soulful spot demonstrates the musical spirit of New Orleans with a nightly sing-along. As they say in NOLA, “Laissez les bons temps rouler”—let the good times roll.
Palace Grill: 8 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Santa Barbara Restaurants ON State Street for Mexican Food
13. Santo Mezcal
In the mood for modern Mexican cuisine? Santo Mezcal is the ideal place for such a mood. This is no disappointing Mexican restaurant with boring burritos and the same old tacos.
This is gourmet Mexican cuisine that includes dishes like shrimp in a creamy mezcal sauce and wood-fired octopus (pulpo a las brasas). However, the food is traditionally inspired. Classic foods from Oaxaca like mole negro and Yucatan staples like pork pibil are also expertly prepared and beautifully presented.
Santo Mezcal: 119 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
14. Los Agaves
I was familiar with Los Agaves from Westlake Village, CA, in in my old hood. Turns out, they actually started in Santa Barbara on Milpas Street, and now there is a second location a couple of blocks off upper State Street.
Los Agaves starts with authentic Mexican recipes and adds their own creative twists. With a kids menu and a family menu, this is a great restaurant in Santa Barbara to bring the whole family.
Los Agaves: 2911 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Best State Street Restaurants forShared Plates
15. Barbareño
The small and large plates at Barbareño are too good not to share. Each dish creatively melds different cuisines while utilizing ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishmongers.
At our recent meal there, the Hope Ranch mussels with ‘nduja, chili aioli, and sourdough were brilliant. And the lamb al pastor with goat gouda and masa flatbread was the bomb.
Barbareño: 205 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
16. Loquita
We spent a good deal of time eating tapas in Spain last fall, so I was glad to see lots of familiar dishes on the menu at Loquita, such as gambas al ajillo, tortilla Española, gildas, and patatas bravas.
From quintessential tapas to aged Ibérico ham to paella—the most famous dish from Valencia—Loquita is all about the love of Spanish cuisine.
Loquita: 202 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Best Happy Hour Restaurants, State Street, Santa Barbara
17. The Cruisery
I love the vibe while sitting under the umbrellas in front of The Cruisery watching the pedestrians on the State Street Promenade. But what makes The Cruisery one of the best Santa Barbara restaurants for Happy Hour is its menu.
A creative mix of tiny tapas between $2 and $4, and small plates between $8 and $10. The banh mi plantain with carnitas and pickled carrots is super tasty! It doesn’t hurt that creative drinks flow here as well.
The Cruisery: 501 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
18. THE Black Sheep SB Brasserie
Personally, I think Black Sheep is closer to a typical French bistro than a brasserie. (For more, read about the differences between brasserie and bistro.) But whatever you call this eatery, it has one hell of a deal!
More semantics: Black Sheep doesn’t technically have a “happy hour.” Instead, it offers an early bird prix fixe 3-course dinner for $39, and it provides a 20% discount on wine. When you have a hankering for traditional French fare, come and satisfy it with some coq au vin or beef bourguignon.
The Black Sheep SB Brasserie: 18 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
19. Finney’s CraftHouse
Finney’s is the perfect spot to sit outside on a sunny weekday afternoon (3:00 to 5:00) and enjoy Happy Hour on lower State Street.
Beer lovers, listen up: Finney’s offers 30 craft draft beers for $5 a piece. Last time I went, they even had one of my favorites from California’s Mendocino Coast, Pranqster.
The food is also really tasty, and it’s an especially great value during Happy Hour. We usually start with a giant Bavarian pretzel while we try to decide between menu items like chicken & waffles, poke tacos, and buffalo cauliflower, which range in price between $7 and $9. Finney’s also has a fabulous burger, fries, and beer combo deal.
Finney’s Crafthouse: 35 State St, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Best Downtown Santa Barbara Restaurants For Seafood
20. Lure Fish House
I’ve enjoyed the fresh seafood at Lure Fish House many times over many years, and it’s all been delicious.
The menu changes seasonally, and the daily catch will depend on the local fishermen. But some of my favorites are always on the menu: Ahi ceviche, raw and charbroiled oysters, and Sally’s sand dabs in a lemon caper sauce.
Lure Fish House: 3815 State St, Suite G131, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
21. Blue Water Grill
My first time at a Blue Water Grill was during Happy Hour in Carlsbad. I’ve been hooked ever since. Their Santa Barbara restaurant is at the very end of State Street, across from the Pacific Ocean.
For fish tacos, New England clam chowder, and the San Francisco specialty cioppino, Blue Water Grill won’t disappoint. Try the spiny lobster when in season!
Blue Water Grill: 15 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Santa Barbara State Street Restaurants for Steak
22. Rare Society
Rare Society is Chef Brad Wise’s homage to old fashioned steak houses. Wise fell in love with the Central Coast method of BBQ, Santa Maria–Style grilling, and is renowned for bold wood-fired flavors.
At Rare Society, premium meats, fish, and even oysters are grilled over American red oak. We swooned over it all. And even though they’re a famous Boston food, order the scrumptious Parker House rolls here!
Rare Society: 214 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
23. Holdren’s
If you’re a meat and potatoes guy or gal, Holdren’s will fill the bill well. What kind of meat? First, there are lots of beef choices—filet mignon, rib eye, NY strip, with and without crusts and sauces. Then, there’s lamb, pork, burgers, and baby back ribs. You can also opt for seafood, or a combo plate.
One of the things I really like about Holdren’s is that each entrée comes with a choice of side dish (potatoes, rice, or vegetable) AND a soup or salad.
Holdren’s: 512 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Best Funk Zone Restaurants Near State Street
24. The Lark
The Lark was first recommended to me by one of my former kitchen employees about ten years ago. It instantly became one of my favorite Santa Barbara restaurants and remains so today.
I really love everything about The Lark. The space uses repurposed materials to create a nice restaurant ambiance worthy of its address in the Funk Zone.
The food celebrates the bounty of the Central Coast, incorporating Ojai pixies, local peaches, and heirloom tomatoes. Everything always tastes incredible, even the popcorn.
The Lark: 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
25. SB Biergarten
The most casual Santa Barbara restaurant on this list is known for sausages and beer, and we’re fans of both. Don’t be turned off by the big parking lot in front, you’ll hardly notice it once you sit down.
This is one of our favorite spots for lunch in Santa Barbara before we go wine tasting in the Funk Zone.
We like to sit outside at the bar. We order a sausage sampler, a Bavarian pretzel, and a couple of beers. Stomachs full, we head out to find some great wine down the street.
SB Biergarten: 11 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Where to Stay When Dining at state street Restaurants in Santa Barbara
The Craft House Inn
On our last trip to Santa Barbara, we stayed at The Craft House Inn and loved it.
Location
Located in a quiet neighborhood 3 blocks off State Street, The Craft House was the perfect place for us. We didn’t get in our car once or Uber at all from this location, and we still got everywhere we needed to in town. Granted, we probably walk more than most—but when you eat like we do, you need to!
Accommodations
From the outside, The Craft House looks like a large family home. An exceptionally-well-cared-for home with a meticulously manicured front yard blooming with colorful flowers.
We stayed in the Lotus Suite, which was quite large for only two people and exquisitely decorated. It had its own gate and entrance that was separate from the main house. There was also a private side yard with table, chairs, and barbecue.
We had a lovely bedroom with a plush king bed, a bay window with pillows that looked out onto the attractive neighborhood in which we were comfortably enmeshed, and a closet and chest of drawers for storage. There was also a living room with couch, desk, and TV. At the far end of the suite was a sparkling bathroom with lots of counter space.
In the kitchenette, we enjoyed our morning Nescafé coffee at the dining counter. And although we were there to explore the State Street restaurants, we cooked one day. OK, actually we heated leftovers for breakfast so we could get on the road early the day we were leaving.
But when you want to sample as many things as possible at the best restaurants in town, you’re bound to have leftovers! It was great to have a big fridge to hold them, and a microwave, stove, and oven to heat them! All the necessary utensils, pots, pans, and dishes were also provided.
We look forward to visiting again.
Click for pricing and availability: The Craft House Inn.
American, Travel
Denise Macuk
California, Santa Barbara, restaurants
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