EATING LIKE A LOCAL PART TWO: Santa Barbara’s Must-Try Spots
There is always room for more food talk, here’s part 2 because my list of faves keeps growing!
ALMA FONDA FINA
LOCATION
1024 Coast Village Rd Ste. A, Santa Barbara (Montecito Country Mart)
THE DL
Everything Chef Ramon does makes it to my favorites list and Alma is no exception. This elevated Mexican cuisine is mouthwatering, and I cannot get enough! The food is fresh and comforting with incredible flavors.
MENU FAVES
Ceviche cuixmala, tuna tartar, rib eye chicharrón, tacos suadero, tacos ensenada, tacos asada and carne asada
SECRET BAO
LOCATION
1201 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
Delicious, inventive and comforting food with a menu that is always changing and adding new exciting things while keeping the tried and true always available.
MENU FAVES
Any bao special, pork belly bao, honey walnut shrimp, curry noodles, soy chili dumplings, udon carbonara, pork fried rice, date cake and scallop and shrimp dumplings.
MANIFATTURA
LOCATION
413 State St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
Brian and Adrea who created Aperitivo just opened their second concept, and it is as exceptional as you can imagine! You can now make reservations and get their decadent pastas Tue-Sat.
MENU FAVES
Pizza bianca (house made focaccia), burrata, affettati misti, polpette di bollito (meatballs), tagliatelle degli umarelles (ragú) and the gnudi al pesto.
ALESSIA PATISSERIE
LOCATION
134 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
The best pastries in town hands down! The croissants are exceptional.
MENU FAVES
Guava cheese danish, plain croissant, ham and cheese croissant, hazelnut cinnamon roll, seasonal fruit danish, roast beef sandwich and the blue crab crepe.
CHINA PAVILION
LOCATION
1202 Chapala St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
It is hard to find good Chinese food in this sleepy little town, but this spot is always consistent and hits the spot. We keep our order simple and it’s always the same, quick and piping hot!
MENU FAVES
Beef soft noodle, pork fried rice, sizzling black pepper beef and spicy basil eggplant.
RARE SOCIETY (HAPPY HOUR)
LOCATON
214 State St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
The happy hour (4pm-6pm) is so good and especially on Mondays for $1 oysters! Get there early because the bar fills up quick! The cocktails are great, and the bar menu is delicious.
MENU FAVES
Oysters, shrimp cocktail, dynamite shrimp, philly cheesesteak and grilled artichoke.
ROOM SERVICE
LOCATION
1155 E Thompson Blvd Ste 101, Ventura
THE DL
Technically not in Santa Barbara but it is impossible for me to make a list of my faves and leave this off! Gorgeous space, friendly staff & owners, delicious creative coffee and unbelievable pastries. Just 30 mins away too.
MENU FAVES
Maple sage cappuccino (seasonal) (not too sweet), iced espresso (or americano) with cold foam, cappuccino, cinnamon sugar apple hand pie, garlic sage parmesan biscuit, gf zucchini bread and key lime pie.
FARMER BOY
LOCATION
3427 State St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
You just cannot find pancakes this good anywhere else in this town! For an affordable casual breakfast, you can’t beat it! I can’t vouch for much on the menu but the amazing pancakes!
MENU FAVES
Farmer Boy Classic with fried eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and a pancake!
LITTLE KING COFFEE
LOCATION
1801 E Cabrillo Blvd b, Santa Barbara (The Post)
THE DL
Although not a full restaurant this coffee shop has insane breakfast items with super delicious coffee. The breakfast sandwich will melt in your mouth and the rye ccc is divine.
MENU FAVES
Cappuccino, breakfast sandwich (add bacon) and rye ccc
BOSSIE’S
LOCATION
901 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
Ok I cannot speak for their entire menu because I really only come here for the doughnuts. These doughnuts are truly amazing and the only (traditional) doughnuts in SB I will eat!
MENU FAVES
Cinnamon sugar twist, vanilla glazed pull apart, chocolate almond toffee, brown butter cruller and chocolate pistachio cruller. They always have amazing seasonal doughnut specials too!
SATELLITE
LOCATION
1117 State St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
Delicious veg/vegan food and excellent wines with great outdoor seating right on state street.
MENU FAVES
YP salad (formally the yoga pants salad), herbed focaccia, gigante beans, grilled cheese and vegan mac & cheese.
MARISELLA
LOCATION
8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta
THE DL
The new stunning restaurant at the Bacara in Goleta. The ambiance and food were spectacular! The only thing we did not love was the focaccia but the prosciutto add on was unreal. Don’t forget to mention you’re a local for 20% off!
MENU FAVES
Bluefin tuna crudo, spicy rigatoni alla vodka, roasted lamb chops, filet mignon and savory martini with caper brine.
TEE OFF
LOCATION
3627 State St, Santa Barbara
THE DL
I will aways love the Tee Off. A true hole-in-the-wall SB staple. It's been around since the 50’s and it has the best old school, dark, loungey steakhouse vibes. MENU FAVES
Dirty martini. wedge salad and filet mignon.
