EATING LIKE A LOCAL: Santa Barbara’s Must-Try Spots
A quick list of a few of my favorite places to eat in SB!
APERITIVO
LOCATION
7 w haley street, santa barbara
the dl
Truly the only place we will eat Italian food in Santa Barbara. Very small cute wine bar/restaurant right off state street in the heart of downtown. Currently they are working on opening a second location just a half a block from where they are now. This spot will take reservations and people under 21 will be allowed to go!
MENU FAVES
Small curated menu that changes weekly, Aperitivo has one to two homemade pastas on the menu at a time in addition to a couple bruschettas, a crudo, burrata and occasionally a salad. Everything is always to die for and you must get a spritz while you’re there!
SB PUBLIC MARKET
LOCATION
38 W VICTORIA, SANTA BARBARA
the dl
The public market although ever-changing, has landed some fool-proof eats.
FAVES
Empty Bowl for phad thai, noodle soups and spring rolls. Corazon for tacos, ceviche and burritos. Three Monkeys for a divine pork bahn mi. Wabi Sabi for rice bowls and sushi rolls. Little Bird for the perfect classic cheeseburger, fresh crunchy chopped greek salad, salty fries and breaded onion rings And Little Heart Cafecito for breakfast burritos, coffee and breakfast tacos.
THE DAISY
LOCATION
1221 STATE STREET, SANTA BARBARA
the dl
Divine fresh food that always hits the spot. They shop organic farmers market and prepare the best tasting healthy food you can get outside of your home.
MENU FAVES
little gem salad, falafel plate, mezze plate, french fries, beans on toast, ham sandwich, the ribs and the farm grain bowl.
MERCI
LOCATION
1028 COAST VILLAGE ROAD, SANTA BARBARA
the dl
The cutest cafe with the most decadent food. Merci has incredible breakfast, lunch and take away items for dinner.
MENU FAVES
the yogurt at breakfast, anything from the baked goods case (especially the blueberry corn muffin and seasonal galette), a slice of chocolate cake, the ham sandwich, the sweet potato red curry and the kale salad.
TERU
LOCATON
1305 STATE STREET, SANTA BARBARA
THE DL
This place has the best sushi in town! Teru was the sushi chef for years at sakana in montecito. He opened up his own spot a couple years ago. It’s our favorite place to have a casual but delicious Saturday night sushi dinner.
MENU FAVES
bluefin trio, seared A5 Wagyu, sashimi appetizer, kokoro press box, aloha roll and otoro nigiri.
THE RIVIERA BAR
LOCATION
20 FIGUEROA ST, SANTA BARBARA
THE DL
The spot for a great cocktail and elevated bar food. The fries are cooked in beef tallow and so are the homemade potato chips. Great ambiance and music, this place is like that perfect neighborhood bar where you love to be a local.
MENU FAVES
the burger, the fries and potato chips, the wedge salad, the sardine toasts, the prime rib, the beet salad and the calamari.
THIRD WINDOW BREWING CO.
LOCATION
406 E HALEY ST, SANTA BARBARA
THE DL
Obviously, this is one of my favorite burgers in town. Who doesn’t love the original smashy b in Santa Barbara?!
MENU FAVES
Michellene is a wizard and has created the most divine menu with rotating seasonal salads, handmade sourdough pizzas, bbq & soudough pretzels on the weekends and of course, the smashburger. Produced originally with their very own wagyu raised beef from Los Olivos this burger is decadent. I rotate between the pb&j and the original. Don’t skip the homemade sauces for your fries!
ST. BIBIANA
LOCATION
17 W ORTEGA ST, SANTA BARBARA
THE DL
Ok if you want pizza this is it. This is the spot. Yes yes, I know, what about Bettina?! What about Revolver?! Not going to cut it compared to St. Bibs! Cindy uses only the best ingredients and all organic dough for her homemade pizzas. Don’t let the casual fun vibe throw you off, her pizza is top notch with the most perfect crust.
MENU FAVES
the whole shebang, the lemon mushroom, the pepperoni, the roasted cauliflower salad and the house salad.
DANG BURGER
LOCATION
5080 CARPINTERIA AVE, CARPINTERIA
THE DL
I rarely venture into Carp but lately... it’s been a lot more frequent thanks to Dang. Another smashburger to hit our little city but not to be overlooked. Dang is your classic smashed cheeseburger with caramelized onions, all the crisp shredded lettuce and perfect potato bun.
MENU FAVES
The Hot Dang is our favorite with the white cheddar, pasillas and jalapenos it tastes like the philly cheesesteak version of a burger and we cannot get enough. Do not skip the side salad with their homemade ranch and their fresh hot fries!
AZUL
LOCATION
7 E ANAPAMU ST, SANTA BARBARA
THE DL
Extremely delicious Mexican food created by chef Manny. Azul serves elevated but classic and satisfying Mexican cuisine in a beautiful space with the best patio in Santa Barbara. THEIR BRUNCH IS ALSO TO DIE FOR!
MENU FAVES
house carnitas, tuna tostada, duck mole, mejillones, ceviche de leche de tigre (if they have it), PANQUEQUES DE ELOTE CON RICOTTA AND HUEVOS RANCHEROS. Sometimes they have a lamb barbacoa special too and it is a must!
APNA INDIAN KITCHEN
LOCATION
718 STATE ST, SANTA BARBARA
THE DL
MY ABSOLUTE FAVE INDIAN RESTAURANT IN SB. IT’S RIGHT DOWNTOWN AND JUST A HALF OF A BLOCK AWAY FROM THE LOUNGE!
MENU FAVES
VEGGIE/PANEER KORMA, MALAI KOFTA, GARLIC NAAN AND VEGGIE/PANEER MASALA.
TAMAR
LOCATION
121 E YANONALI ST, SANTA BARBARA
THE DL
INCREDIBLE MEDITERRANEAN THAT IS SUPER FRESH, FEELS HEALTHY AND LEAVES YOU FULL WITHOUT THE HEAVY FEELING. THE HOMEMADE PITA IS UNREAL!
MENU FAVES
LAMB KOFTA PITA, LAMB KOFTA PLATE, ANY AND ALL OF THEIR SPECIALS AND THE FALAFEL PLATE AND PITA.
DUTCH GARDENS
LOCATION
4203 STATE ST, SANTA BARBARA
THE DL
The Dutch is always a good idea. With an extensively delicious beer menu and divine comfort food you will leave full and happy.
MENU FAVES
the Bavarian pretzel with the brown butter obatzda, the schnitzel plate and the bratwurst plate (or special brat of the day).
