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Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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33 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gala restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(288)
Price: Expensive
• European • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Gala exudes a European meets Santa Barbara charm, where you feel like you’re transported to a beautiful bistro in the Mediterranean. Enjoy shared tapas, farmer's market favorites, pasta and risotto, fresh oysters and the best steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Cozy up for our farm to table craft cocktails, a Pisco sour or martini and a full meal with friends. Curated wine list with local & Spanish wines. Right down the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse enjoy an evening at Gala. 1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Farm to table, Farmer's market driven, Tapas, Seafood, Steak, Oysters, Happy Hour, Food, Cocktails, Wine, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
4.2
Awesome(314)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 13 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 Finch & Fork restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1755)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 13 times today
Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company. Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.
A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1767)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 23 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(699)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 11 times today
A locally owned and operated, modern-classic California-French Pub. We serve elevated, eclectic, locally sourced Cuisine paired with incredible wines and craft beer. We are NOW OPEN for SUNDAY BRUNCH 10am-1:30pm. Located in Old Town Santa Barbara on 18 East Cota Street, the building boasts a rich history of French restaurants and saloons dating back over a century. We are open for Dinner Wed-Sun from 5PM. We are known for our incredible family style tasting menu’s where multiple dishes are presented to your table for each course.
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
3.5
Very Good(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant is a blast! With its elegant Italian decor, intimate bar, and outdoor patio, it's got a cool vibe. Reviews rave about the fantastic food, excellent service, and the brilliant ambiance. One reviewer even said it was a 'lovely restaurant with good food and atmosphere'. Plus, they offer a global wine list, custom cocktails, and Italian beer, so there's something for everyone!
A photo of Roy restaurant
3.9
Excellent(430)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 9 times today
In business for more than 30 years, Roy is a bistro-style, Americana restaurant with a frequently changing, handwritten menu. We strive to serve unpretentious cuisine of the highest quality. We use mostly certified organic produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market, free range chicken and Harris Ranch hormone free beef. We bake our own bread, hand roll our pastas and make all of our desserts in house. Our ambiance is retro moderne California casual, and we have rotating art shows that run for a month and a half at a time. Live music once in a while. Full bar all the time.
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1874)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 times today
At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work. In all of our efforts, we hope to capture the essence of a particular place or local flavor, embracing the nuances that make our food and drink unique to our home.
A photo of Secret Bao restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(660)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 times today
Modern Asian American Restaurant from Chefs Peter Lee & Felicia Medina. "Consider the bao. Chinese in origin, it’s most easily described as a steamed bun filled with something savory. Yet, like the American concept of a sandwich, the bao exploded into a flexible format of untold bounds — served at any meal, filled with you-name-it, completely closed or wide open, with endless regional variants from across Asia and far beyond." - Matt Kettmann (SB Independent)1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Bao, Food, Restaurant, Asian, American, New, Modern, Fried, Chicken, Octopus, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paelo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1740)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 16 times today
Opal Restaurant & Bar is a fun place with a vibrant atmosphere and creative Californian cuisine. Reviews rave about the 'inventive and eclectic menu', 'expertly made craft cocktails' and 'friendly and attentive staff'. The menu options range from 'fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood' to '14 oz. Herb-Grilled Ribeye Steak on Tuscan White Beans'. The outside dining option adds to the fun, casual vibe.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Irinavip
    Washington, D.C. Area •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Loved the food a bit overpriced But delicious nicest prepared and great presentation Our waiter was a bit anxious for no apparent reason But he did his best w our requests .. so no complains I would recommend this place as we are passing through was all in all a good choice
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.6
  • Kristin
    Los Angeles •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I had the fixed price menu which was wonderful and reasonably priced. The food was absolutely wonderful along with the service. We had a cute window table and the experience could not have been better! Would highly recommend and would return! This was already my second trip! I brought somebody who eats at many high end restaurants and she was very mpressed!
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Yumi
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Excellent Yuzu margarita from the bar and ordered a couple yummy appetizers. Terrific scallops for dinner. We gathered for a friend's birthday and had a wonderful time at Gala. Great service and we appreciated the delicious foods.
    More info
    GalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • Barbaravip
    California Central Coast •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Nov 2024
    Outstanding, as always. The food was wonderful - the oysters Rockefeller are just so delicious. I wish they would add another slice or two to the bread we ordered. Two pieces for two people - one piece per person - is a little skimpy. The wine list is wonderful and the cocktails, perfect! And the service couldn't have been more spot on. Than you Mia - you are delightful. We will be back soon.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • Brian
    Washington, D.C. Area •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 13 Nov 2024
    We enjoyed every aspect of our meal. There was a small glitch in the kitchen that delayed our meal, but the food was outstanding. We’ll be back.
    More info
    Bibi JiPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Barbara
    4.2

Discover best fun restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the fun and vibrant dining scene in Santa Barbara, located along California's scenic Central Coast. Our curated selection of restaurants in this area captures the essence of excitement and enjoyment, perfect for those looking to add a dash of fun to their dining experience. Each restaurant features lively atmospheres, innovative menus, and exceptional service, ensuring every meal is a memorable event. From expertly crafted cocktails and eclectic cuisine options to inviting decors and outdoor seating, these venues embody the spirit of Santa Barbara's casual yet sophisticated culture. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, sumptous steaks, or global culinary delights, the restaurants in Santa Barbara offer a dynamic and delightful dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Indulge in a dining adventure where the quality of food and the joy of eating are celebrated in every dish. Perfect for both locals and visitors, these establishments not only promise great meals but also contribute to the lively dining culture that Santa Barbara is known for.

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