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Best Authentic Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1767)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 4 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
4.2
Awesome(314)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 times today
Modern Indian food featuring local produce and seafood paired with a robust low-intervention wine program curated by Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr. Located directly across the street from the historic Granada Theatre in the heart of Santa Barbara's ARTS District. Join us in our lively, signature pastel pink dining room. Michelin Guide Central Coast Selection 2021, 2022 and 2023
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
3.6
Very Good(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant has been a beloved Santa Barbara institution since 1979. With its classic elegant Italian décor and warm, romantic ambiance, it truly transports you to Italy. The menu boasts the finest meat, seafood and pasta dishes, and traditional Italian desserts. The reviews are consistently positive, praising the food, service, and atmosphere. One reviewer said, 'We felt like we were in Italy!' Another noted, 'The food was excellent. The staff was extremely pleasant & looked like they enjoyed their job.' This is authentic Italian dining at its finest.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2535)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 22 times today
Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's ARTS District, serves artisanal Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with eggplant souffle, then tuck into a plate of house made duck ravioli or Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties. Bonus: their contemporary Italian breakfast, lunch & retail spot Olio Bottega, and authentic pizzeria next door at Olio Pizzeria. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests.
A photo of Corazon Comedor restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(179)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 12 times today
Corazon Comedor emerged from the longing of nostalgic food from the streets, markets, and homes of Mexico. We look forward to bringing this experience in each dish.
A photo of Olio Pizzeria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1480)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara
Booked 17 times today
Olio Pizzeria is an upscale-casual pizzeria with salumi bar/wine bar/full bar which was inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie and enoteche found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy. This idea began to take shape before Alberto and Elaine Morello even opened Olio e Limone Ristorante, their fine dining Italian restaurant next door. Wine bars serving boutique salumi and formaggi are ubiquitous in Italy, as is a regionalism which the Morellos are excited to share with you. Sicily is an emerging powerhouse, and touches of Sicilian food and wine delight their guests. You’ll also find exciting tastes from Campania and other emerging regions on their menus, wine and beer lists. Takeout available. Buon appetito!
A photo of Tre Lune restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1983)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Montecito
Booked 50 times today
"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010 Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts. Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails. Award Winner of Italian wines list.Please call to make reservations.
A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1791)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 26 times today
"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."
A photo of Holdren's Santa Barbara restaurant
4.5
Awesome(970)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Barbara
Booked 9 times today
Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood, located on State Street, serves up a delicious and diverse menu of seafood and steaks, where the portions are always generous and the prices always reasonable. Our surf and turf menu, including our favorite bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp or our USDA prime steaks that are charbroiled over a mesquite grill, is complimented by an extensive wine list, a healthy assortment of premium spirits, and a selection of signature drinks. Daily meals can be enjoyed in our cozy, and dark saloon-inspired dining room, or on our outdoor patio. The indoor dining room is adorned with brown leather booths, dark wood paneling, and funky artwork lining the exposed brick walls. Holdren’s has been voted as the best steakhouse multiple times by the Santa Barbara Independent’s Reader’s Poll and by the Santa Barbara News Press’ Reader’s Choice Awards.
A photo of Sandbar Mexican Restaurant restaurant
4.3
Awesome(180)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 4 times today
We are a traditional Sonora style Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Guests will experience the authentic tastes and warm outdoor dining of Mexico. We use homemade sweet and sour with organic agave nectar in our world class margaritas. We also feature handmade tortilla chips and salsas, fresh Ceviche, homemade guacamole and the best fajitas around.We feature a vibrant bar scene and a social atmosphere. We also serve our full menu nightly until 11pm. Stick around after dinner as we transform into one of Santa Barbara's best late night hot spots.

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Discover best authentic restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the essence of authenticity in Santa Barbara's vibrant dining scene with our curated selection of restaurants along the scenic California Central Coast. Each venue captures the unique flavors and culinary traditions of the region, offering patrons a genuine taste of local and international cuisine. From rustic Italian dishes that transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Italy, to innovative Californian fare that blends fresh, local ingredients with global gastronomic techniques, the dining experiences here are diverse and memorable. Santa Barbara is renowned for its eclectic gastronomy, characterized by a commitment to freshness and quality. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening out, a casual meal with friends, or a special family dinner, these restaurants provide exceptional service, a warm ambiance, and consistently delicious food that embodies the keyword 'authentic'. Dive into a world where each meal tells a story of heritage and creativity, ensuring a satisfying dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Explore our list to find the perfect spot that meets your craving for authentic culinary delights in Santa Barbara.

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