Santa
Barbara
Fortunate to call this paradise my hometown! Whether you're embarking on a weekend getaway or planning an epic road trip, Santa Barbara is an unmissable destination. In just one day you can spend a few hours beachside, indulge in some wine tasting, venture into the Santa Ynez Mountains for a quick hike, savor some of the best foods around, and even immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of California's history.
What to eat?
Little Heart Cafecito - If you like chorizo, don’t miss out on the Carpintero breakfast burrito
Jeannine's Bakery - Everything’s high quality & tasty! My family also loves to order cakes here for birthdays and holidays
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach - Right on the water, but be sure to get there early, they don’t take reservations! Also a great spot for lunch or dinner
Cajun Kitchen Cafe - A local favorite, their menu is full of classic options & cajun choices too
D'Angelo Bakery - Fresh pastries & a delicious breakfast
Jack’s Bistro - Grab a quick breakfast or pick up a dozen fresh bagels + don’t miss their several delicious shmear options. I’ve probably eaten over a hundred of their plain bagels with extra strawberry cream cheese!
Scarlett Begonia - Fresh & delicious eats, plus a fun bubbly brunch weekend option
Lighthouse Coffee - They have the best iced dirty chai with oat milk in town! Plus, they offer baked goods and fresh made foods as well
Breakfast
Panino - My tried & true order is a #12 on focaccia, or a Curried Chicken Salad
Valentino’s - I was lucky enough to grow up down the street from this pizza & submarine sandwich local favorite. I’ll never forget the heart-shaped pizza’s we got to take home & bake!
Mony’s - Located in the Funk Zone, they have amazing Mexican food options but a funky schedule, so check their hours before you go! I love their carne asada quesadilla with their aguacate salsa.
South Coast Deli - Another hometown favorite, some of the best sandwiches & salads in touch
Three Pickles - I had to include this one for my dear Momma, her all-time favorite is the De La Guerra
Metropulos Fine Foods - Both a solid lunch spot and a fine foods marketplace
La Super-Rica Taqueria - If you see the teal awnings, you’re in the right place. Fresh Mexican food that Julia Childs even frequented! I love to see the fresh tortillas being pressed behind the cash register. Cash only though, so don’t forget your monies
Lilly’s Taqueria - One of my favorite spots for authentic taco’s, cilantro, onions and all
Bluewater Grill - If you can get seated on the top floor balcony on a clear day, it’s a beautiful view! I love their Yellowfin Tuna Poke
Lure Fish House - I gotta say, I prefer their appetizers to their mains, but they have a ton of great options. Their charbroiled oysters are a family favorite
Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar - Located in the Santa Barbara Public Market, my favorite menu item of theirs is the Northern Thailand Curry Noodle, “Khao Soi”
Corazon Cocina - Also located in the Santa Barbara Public Market, and connected to my Breakfast favorite Little Heart Cafecito, Corazon Cocina has a great selection of Mexican foods
Lunch
.
Bettina
Toma
Jane
Oku
Oliver’s
Los Agaves
Olio Pizzeria
Sama Sama Kitchen
Jill's Place Restaurant
Secret Bao
Reunion Kitchen + Drink
Bibi Ji
Convivo
Dinner
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