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Best American Restaurants in Montecito

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lucky's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2881)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 20 times today
Lucky's, located in the heart of Montecito, Santa Barbara, has firmly established itself as a premier Steakhouse destination. Renowned for its USDA Prime steaks, this restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience, with guests frequently praising the "best steaks and sides in the 805." Diners consistently celebrate not only the quality of the meat, which is always cooked to perfection, but also the cozy ambiance and the exceptional service that makes every visit memorable. One review glowingly states, "The best steakhouse on the west coast," highlighting both Lucky's culinary prowess and its vibrant atmosphere. Whether it's for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Lucky's promises an exceptional Steakhouse experience with every visit.
A photo of Lilac Montecito restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(144)
Price: Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 7 times today
Lilac Montecito, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Montecito in Santa Barbara, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its innovative and health-conscious menu. Praised for its "exceptional food that just happens to be gluten-free," this restaurant offers a delightful fine dining experience that caters to all, regardless of dietary constraints. Guests rave about the freshness of dishes like the "perfectly cooked Branzino" and the creative "Yellowtail Crudo starter." The ambiance is described as "first class," with an atmosphere that complements its high-quality meals. Lilac Montecito stands out not just for its dedication to gluten-free options but for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a culinary gem in California's dining scene.
A photo of LOCAL Montecito restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(270)
Price: Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 22 times today
LOCAL Montecito is a gem in the heart of Montecito, celebrated for its mastery of Contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant's commitment to local ingredients shines through in dishes that are both innovative and bursting with flavor. Guests rave about the "insanely good" Ahi Crudo and the perfectly cooked Branzino and Lamb Bolognese, highlighting the restaurant's ability to elevate classic American dishes with a modern twist. The ambiance, featuring enchanting outdoor seating with heated patios and a firepit, complements the culinary experience, making LOCAL a must-visit for those seeking exceptional food in a vibrant, welcoming setting. According to one glowing review, it's the "BEST RESTAURANT IN SANTA BARBARA," where the inventive seasonings and fresh, high-quality ingredients leave a memorable impression, ensuring every meal is a celebration of contemporary American excellence.
A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito restaurant
4.5
Awesome(19)
Price: Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 33 times today
Clark’s Montecito is a stylish all-day restaurant celebrating coastal American classics spanning from New England to California. In addition to its flagship menu of oysters and raw bar, a signature burger, daily catch specials, lobster rolls, chowder and refreshing crudo, this California location features seasonal bounty from the Pacific Ocean. The wine list highlights California classics alongside French whites and reds primarily from Burgundy and the Loire. Clark’s signature martinis and cocktails are always available. A collaboration between Lambert McGuire Design and Santa Barbara-based architect Jeff Shelton, the space offers a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience that marries Clark’s classic coastal design features with the more whimsical ceramic tile traditions of Portugal and Mexico and a Mediterranean-inspired design that pays homage to its coastal setting and historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2621)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 times today
Nestled in the scenic Santa Barbara, Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch offers a steak dining experience that is as exquisite as its surroundings. Renowned for its "outstanding" Steak Diane, the Stonehouse provides a culinary journey that guests describe as "magical" and "perfect." The steak's presentation is "fantastic and fun to watch," ensuring that each meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Coupled with the restaurant's Grand Award-winning wine program, every steak dish is perfectly complemented, enhancing the flavors and overall dining experience. Diners consistently praise the ambiance, service, and food, making Stonehouse a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a memorable meal in an enchanting setting.
A photo of Stella Mare's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2313)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
Stella Mare's, nestled between Montecito and Santa Barbara, stands out as a beacon of American cuisine excellence. Housed in a historic Victorian overlooking the Bird Refuge, it offers a unique blend of comfort and sophistication. Diners consistently rave about the authentic American flavors, with one guest mentioning, "the food was great, probably the best onion soup I have ever had" and another lauding the "wonderful service and great food." The ambiance is frequently described as "charming" and "quaint," perfect for any dining experience. Stella Mare's commitment to quality and authenticity in their American offerings makes it a must-visit destination in Santa Barbara.
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1880)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 times today
Barbareño in Santa Barbara stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, masterfully blending locally-sourced ingredients with innovative culinary techniques. Patrons rave about the authenticity and creativity of the dishes, describing their dining experiences as "utterly delicious" with "innovative flavor combinations." Known for capturing the essence of Central Coast flavors, Barbareño impresses with dishes like the memorable Tri-tip and beans and the fresh Halibut caught in local waters served sashimi style. The restaurant is celebrated not just for its food but also for its ambiance and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of contemporary American fare in Santa Barbara.
A photo of RH Firehouse Grill restaurant
4.4
Awesome(16)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 55 times today
The RH Firehouse Grill is an indoor-outdoor restaurant located at RH Montecito, The Gallery at the Old Firehouse. Enjoy a menu of signature salads and classics from our hearth in our courtyard restaurant, which seamlessly extends into a beautifully landscaped garden. Dine beneath the warm glow of handwoven pendants amid heritage olive trees, birds of paradise, a grand fireplace and cascading limestone fountains.
A photo of Gala restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(294)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Gala in Santa Barbara is a delightful American cuisine gem that seamlessly blends a European bistro vibe with the laid-back elegance of Santa Barbara. Diners rave about the "consistently delicious" food, from the succulent steak with bone marrow butter and chimichurri to the uniquely American pulled pork sandwich. Gala's commitment to farm-to-table freshness is evident, with ingredients sourced directly from local farms and markets, ensuring each dish is both delicious and responsibly curated. The inviting atmosphere and exceptional service make it a perfect dining spot, with one reviewer noting, "Gala provided a wonderful ambiance with excellent food, delicious wine and spirit choices all delivered with wonderful service." Whether it's the "heavenly fried green tomatoes" or the "next level oysters," Gala promises an unforgettable American dining experience right in the heart of Santa Barbara.
A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1759)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
Opal Restaurant & Bar in Santa Barbara is celebrated for its exceptional Fusion / Eclectic cuisine that creatively melds global influences with American regional flair. Dishes like the "delicious" Herb Grilled Filet Mignon and the unique Duck Confit Pizza showcase the kitchen's culinary prowess. Reviewers rave about the "amazing food" and the "outstanding" fresh bread, underscoring the quality and variety that Opal consistently delivers. Additionally, the attentive service and vibrant ambiance contribute to a dining experience that is both "perfect" and memorable. As one enthusiastic diner put it, Opal is "the best bang for your buck if you want a refined but laid-back dinner." This gem of Santa Barbara continues to impress locals and visitors alike with its blend of innovation and tradition in every dish.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • StephanieVIP
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Came for a work holiday celebration and the staff were so wonderful and accommodating. We had a wonderful meal and everyone was so happy to be there! Thank you to the entire team, we will definitely do it again.
    More info
    LOCAL MontecitoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Montecito
    4.7
  • Jason
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Dined here while on vacation from LA. What an experience! Is this place pricey? Yes. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth it. To start, we were seated at the upper terrace. It had such a wonderful atmosphere there. There isn’t much lighting, but there are oil lamps at each table as well as a mini light for looking at the menu. A nice touch. The wine and drink menu is very extensive. I ended up with a glass of wine while my wife had a mocktail that was served smoked with pear wood. Presentation was A+. For starters, we had the tuna tartare and the strawberry gazpacho. The tuna was delicate and served with seaweed chips. My wife was raving about the gazpacho as well. For entrees, my wife had the black cod and I had the duck a l’orange. The sauce was flambéd table side. While the duck was excellent, the black cod was better, in my opinion. We also shared two sides: the mashed potatoes and the broccolini. I’m not sure how they made the potatoes so creamy. They were very, very good. The broccolini wasn’t too bad either, but wasn’t as good as the rest. The char flavor was a bit much at times. For desert, we shared the lemon tart. They use house grown Meyer lemons. It was excellent as well. Overall, the food was excellent, the service was superb, and the atmosphere was charming and romantic for the two of us. While the pricing would prevent us from coming here often, I’d 100% recommend Stonehouse for special occasions. We’ll definitely be coming back next time we’re in the area.
    More info
    Stonehouse at San Ysidro RanchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Jason
    Portland / Oregon •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our first visit to Lilac as former California residents in Santa Barbara on vacation. Excellent service, clearly well trained and highly focused on delivering exceptional dining. Our wait staff team provided great suggestions and was attentive without being invasive. The food was excellent all around, high quality, classically prepared, and delivered on all fronts. Ambiance was perfect, understated, lively jazz, and dinner appropriate lighting. A perfect date night end to our quick vacation.
    More info
    Lilac MontecitoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Montecito
    4.7
  • LorenVIP
    Los Angeles •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The most phenomenal meal and filet we’ve ever had. 10/10 for special occasion dinner.
    More info
    Lucky'sPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Montecito
    4.8
  • LaurieVIP
    New York City •73 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Clark’s is so good! The oysters and fish selections change every day. The staff is very nice and super knowledgeable. Great addition as indicated by crowds every night!
    More info
    Clark's Oyster Bar - MontecitoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Montecito
    4.5

Discover best American restaurants in Montecito

Discover the rich and diverse American dining scene in Montecito, Santa Barbara, a gem along California's Central Coast. The area boasts a variety of restaurants that masterfully blend local ingredients with American culinary traditions, creating unique and flavorful dishes that reflect the region's cultural melting pot. Each establishment offers a distinct ambiance, from casual, beachside eateries to upscale, gourmet dining experiences, ensuring options for every taste and occasion. These restaurants emphasize quality and creativity, often featuring menus that highlight the best of seasonal produce and local seafood, crafted by chefs renowned for their culinary expertise. The dining scene here not only caters to a range of dietary preferences and palates but also focuses on providing exceptional service and a memorable dining experience. Whether you're looking for a classic American burger or a sophisticated take on traditional dishes, Montecito's restaurants promise an enriching culinary journey. This vibrant locality is a must-visit for food lovers seeking an authentic taste of American cuisine on the scenic California coast.

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