Upscale in Santa Barbara

The Lark ★ 4.4

Seasonal sharing menu in the Funk Zone fish market building. Farm, ocean, and ranch from Central Coast. Women-owned, Michelin Guide recognised.

OrderWood-roasted vegetables, Seasonal crudos, Farm-sourced sharing plates

The Lark ★ 4.4

Most ambitious room in the Funk Zone. Seasonal sharing menu across farm, ocean, and ranch. Women-owned, Michelin Guide listed, in the fish market building.

The Lark ★ 4.3

Farm-and-ocean seasonal sourcing meets brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The full weekday dinner format with a lighter daytime menu in the same Funk Zone space.

OrderSeasonal grain bowl or egg dish with Central Coast produce

Bouchon Santa Barbara ★ 4.2

Wine Country cuisine and Channel seafood downtown since 1998. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002. Garden patio year-round, deep County wine list.

OrderCentral Coast seasonal menu, Santa Barbara Channel seafood, Wine Country cheese course

Bouchon Santa Barbara ★ 4.2

Wine Country cuisine and Channel seafood downtown since 1998. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002. Garden patio under string lights, 50 seats.

Bouchon Santa Barbara ★ 4.2

Longest-running Wine Country restaurant in Santa Barbara since 1998. Wine Spectator Award. Santa Barbara County cellar, paired with a seasonal kitchen.

Zaytoon ★ 4.2

Lebanese garden restaurant since 2005 in the lower State Street garden district. Mezze, grilled meats, outdoor patio under olive trees. No cocktail-bar noise.

TipReserve the outdoor patio in advance and arrive at dusk. The free-range chicken and halal lamb kebabs cooked over wood are the reliable order.

Loquita ★ 4.1

Spanish tapas, wood-fired meats, seasonal paella on lower State Street. Spanish vermouths, gin and tonics, Santa Barbara County wines. Michelin Guide listed.

OrderSeasonal paella, Wood-fired seafood, Spanish tapas

Olio e Limone Ristorante ★ 4.1

Italian fine dining since 1999 under chef Alberto Morello, with a Sicilian-influenced menu and 230-label wine cellar. Wine Spectator Award since 2002.

OrderSicilian pasta, House-made fresh pasta, Seasonal fish

Olio e Limone Ristorante ★ 4.1

Italian fine dining since 1999 under chef Alberto Morello, with a Sicilian-influenced menu. Over 230-label wine cellar, Wine Spectator Award since 2002.

Loquita ★ 4.0

Spanish vermouths, gin and tonics, and Santa Barbara County wines alongside full tapas and paella. Suits aperitivo-style drinking as much as a full dinner.

Brophy Bros. ★ 3.9

Third-generation family seafood house on the harbour dock since 1986. Award-winning clam chowder, garlic clams, bar overlooking the marina. No reservations.

OrderNew England clam chowder, Garlic baked clams, Oysters on the half shell

The Palace Grill ★ 3.8

Cajun and Creole downtown since 1985. Authentic New Orleans-style blackened fish, jambalaya, and Bananas Foster. Team service, four-decade loyal following.

OrderBlackened fish, Cajun jambalaya, Bananas Foster

Toma Restaurant and Bar ★ 3.7

Waterfront Italian-California dinner on Cabrillo Boulevard since 2011. Local fishermen, farmers, and artisan sourcing with harbour views across West Beach.

OrderSeasonal pasta, Fresh-caught seafood, Local farm vegetables

Arigato Sushi ★ 3.7

Long-running State Street sushi bar with candlelit energy. Known for the magic mushroom roll and black cod. Japanese technique meets Californian produce.

OrderMagic mushroom roll, Black cod, Nigiri omakase