Where to Eat in Santa Barbara
Backed by the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara’s culinary footprint grows as long as its sandy beaches stretch. With new restaurants opening daily, there’s plenty of tasty bites to discover. If you’re looking for where to eat in Santa Barbara, don’t miss these top spots.
Best Seafood in Santa Barbara: Broad Street Oyster Company
The seafood centric Broad Street Oyster Company is known for lobster rolls, oysters, and plenty of good vibes. The trademark bright colors of Broad Street Oyster Company lure you in and friendly staff greet you. There’s something about the ambiance created here that puts you at ease, and you will instantly want to be a regular. With the best seafood on State Street, Broad Street Oyster Company emphasizes fresh and local products. Founder Christopher Tompkins tells Independent, “I just started to introduce as many local products,” and he built his menu around the bounty of Santa Barbara’s pristine waters. Box crab, spot prawns, mussels, sea urchin, and more are featured prominently, but it’s the lobster roll topped with caviar and uni that will keep you coming back again and again. With an extensive drink menu featuring over 30 beers and plenty of wine, Broad Street Oyster Company in Santa Barbara is your home away from home.
Best Tacos: Lilly’s Taqueria
There’s one thing on the menu at Lilly’s Taqueria. Perfected in simplicity, the taco is Lilly’s hand held calling card. Broken down into three categories: grilled, steamed, and veggie, the straightforward approach works wonders. Crowd favorites include cachete (beef cheek cooked until melted and tender) and adobada (marinated pork and pineapple commonly known as al pastor).
Best Fried Chicken: Bossie’s Kitchen
Inspired by childhood flavors from her Korean grandmother’s kitchen, chef Christina Olufson created the perfect crispy chicken sandwich. Organic chicken is fried until deeply golden brown and shatteringly crispy. Bathed in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, topped with a nutty sesame slaw, and finished between a brioche bun, this sandwich contains multitudes.
Best Italian: Mizza
Serving Santa Barbara for over 20 years, Mizza is family owned and operated. The love shows in the food, served from the highest quality ingredients. Locally sourced produce, free range organic chicken, sustainably farmed beef, house-made dough, sauces and pastas make the Mizza menu taste just like Nonna’s homemade cooking with a touch of refinement. Try the creamy pesto orecchiette with smoked chicken for a bold yet familiar bite.
Where to Eat in Santa Barbara:
From a plethora of delicious restaurants, you might be wondering where to eat in Santa Barbara. Try Broad Street Oyster Company for the best seafood, freshest oysters, and the most delicious lobster roll, as it is a top rated, 5 star restaurant. Post up at a picnic table on the chillest patio on State Street. They’ll have a cold one waiting for you.
Related Blog Post: Santa Barbara Lobster & Crab Seafood You Must Have