Best Family Style Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Bibi Ji is a fantastic spot for excellent Indian food. I loved the Makhni Dal, from Rajat Parr's mother's recipe. Everything is delicious and authentic. With the dinner, I enjoyed the Bibi Ji Orange Wine from the Parr's Real Wine company. The chef, Israel Romero, has learned well from founding chefs Jessai and Gary Singh. The new space is lively, bright and modern and very much busier than the old location. Congratulations to Alejandro Medina for a very successful move and renovation.

We had the best time last night at Arnoldi’s! It’s been literally 50 years since I was here last! We arrived early- 5:30pm- and it was nice and quiet. By the time we left- 7:30- the restaurant was full and a bit noisy. The food was amazing and our waiter, Silavano, was so sweet and accommodating. We couldn’t have had a better experience.

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We are adding Black Sheep to our regular dining options in SB and shocked that we hadn’t tried it before. The early bird 3 course fixed price meal was simply amazing. Unique flavors, good choices for our two different preferences, and a price that we felt almost wasn’t fair to the restaurant. Service was totally attentive, they just got their liquor license and made a great vesper martini. The regular menu was very interesting so we will definitely go back to try more items. Great venue too, felt cozy.

A truly charming place. This cozy Italian restaurant has the feel of a neighborhood, vintage gem. The extensive menu includes lots of salads and antipasto, a great selection of pastas and inviting main courses featuring steak, chicken and fish dishes. Our entrees were perfectly prepared and presented with rich and pleasing flavors. Service is very attentive and friendly. We very much enjoyed our experience there.