Santa Barbara has a documented claim as the site of the first avocado cultivation in the United States (1871, Judge R.B. Ord's garden near De La Vina Street) and the first commercial orchard (1895, Montecito). Local farms within 30 miles of downtown supply year-round avocados to the Saturday Certified Farmers Market. The dish appears on almost every breakfast and brunch menu in the city in forms ranging from simple to elaborate.
Judge R.B. Ord planted three avocado saplings from Mexico in Santa Barbara in 1871, making the city the documented first place in the United States where avocados were cultivated and eaten. In 1895 Kinton Stevens planted 120 trees in Montecito, creating the first commercial avocado orchard in the country. Santa Barbara and Carpinteria remain active avocado-growing areas; avocado on toast became a brunch staple across Santa Barbara's cafes and brunch spots from the 2010s onward.
2 editor picks for California Avocado Toast in Santa Barbara, ranked by editorial score. All Santa Barbara signature dishes · California Avocado Toast across every city.
Helena Avenue Bakery ★ 4.2
Funk Zone · 131 Anacapa Street, Suite C, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Organic sourdough, pastries, quiches, and hand pies in the historic Fish Market building on Anacapa Street. Essential Funk Zone morning stop.
Scarlett Begonia ★ 3.5
Downtown Santa Barbara · 21 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Progressive organic California food on Victoria Street since 2011. Rotating seasonal menu from breakfast through dinner on a sustainable sourcing commitment.