Chiara & Steven
For The Foodies
Brophy's
119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
A casual seafood house located right on the dock in the Santa Barbara Harbor. You’ll find a bustling scene of fisherman, young professionals and sand-sprinkled beach-goers nearly every night of the week at this true-blue waterfront institution. GBC's (Garlic Baked Clams) ARE A MUST! Dungeness crab cocktail, oysters on the half-shell and fried shrimp round out the “small” menu offerings. Fresh fish specials, such as grilled white sea bass from local waters, are one of the many highlights on the “long” menu. No matter what, libations are always in order at this locals’ favorite gathering place. Everyone is welcome at Brophy's, which is why we stop in every time we are visiting home!
Caruso's
1773 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, 93108, USA
Rosewood Miramar Beach’s one-star and Green Star MICHELIN oceanfront restaurant features al fresco seating over the sand alongside a stylish and sparkling interior with unmatched views of the Pacific Ocean. Executive Chef Massimo Falsini presents a gastronomic journey through California’s central coast while paying homage to his Italian roots. The cuisine showcases the chef’s intimate relationship with neighboring farmers, fishers, and ranchers, as well as his commitment to the preservation of the Ocean. Caruso’s menu follows the changes of the seasons and is complemented by an extensive selection of Central Valley and international wines as well as traditional hand-crafted signature cocktails.
Oku
29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Santa Barbara's premier waterfront restaurant. Unobstructed ocean views, rooftop dining and lounge. California-Asian inspired cuisine, sushi bar, delicious cocktails, and unparalleled service.
Convivo
901 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Michelin recommended, Convivo offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, created by Chef Peter McNee, who describes the cooking at Convivo as ‘nomad Italian’, sourcing inspiration from around the globe, melding other cultures’ cooking with coastal Italian cuisine. To top it off, you're dining oceanside no matter where you are seated! Convivo has become a new breakfast tradition with our parents whenever we come home to visit!
The Palace Grill
8 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
A VERY close place to my heart... Located just off Santa Barbara’s famous State Street, The Palace Grill offers all your favorite authentic Louisiana recipes like Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffée, Soft Shelled Crab, Blackened Filet Mignon, as well as many other specialties that include Pastas, Salads, Gluten-Free dishes and delectable desserts. Come check it out y’all!
Shellfish Company
230 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Take a stroll down the pier and find yourself at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. Established in 1980 as a buying station for local Santa Barbara fishermen to buy and sell shellfish, fish, and crab. "Over the years we've learned how to serve shellfish from recipes my family and I have appreciated and interpreted from our fishermen friends along the many coasts that we have traveled." Fresh from the sea. Every time.
Loquita
202 State Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101
Loquita showcases authentic Spanish food including hot and cold tapas, wood-fired grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella. The Mediterranean climate and terroir of Santa Barbara County mirror that of Spain, making the translation of locally sourced produce, meats and seafood an ideal match. The wine list is comprised almost entirely of Spanish wines with exceptional local wines that pair well with the cuisine.Loquita’s cocktail list showcases Spanish vermouths, farmers’ market Sangria, hand-crafted cocktails and a rotating selection of Spain’s king of cocktails, the Gin Tonic. Steven and I first reconnected while I was dining at Loquita. That day became our anniversary. Well, until now!
Toma
324 West Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Consistently rated as Santa Barbara's #1 restaurant, Toma Restaurant & Bar offers an idyllic dining experience with outstanding service. Toma is dedicated to showcasing the beauty of the central coast, utilizing locally-sourced ingredients alongside stunning beachfront views. Owned by third-generation Santa Barbaran Julian Sanders, a certified sommelier and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America’s Accelerated Wine and Beverage program, and Sam Grant, a front-of-house veteran and San Diego restaurateur. Located on West Cabrillo Boulevard, Toma Restaurant & Bar has been serving a unique array of Italian-inspired dishes since 2013. With its charm rooted in its old-world, historic building and romantic, waterfront façade, Toma is the beautiful result of over 70 years spent in the culinary industry.
Santa Barbara Public Market
38 West Victoria (at Chapala), Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Visitors to the SB Public Market can explore different eateries, each featuring unique flavors and culinary creations. The atmosphere provides a social and communal space for both locals and visitors to enjoy exceptional food and beverages. Santa Barbara Public Market has something for everyone! Pho-nomenal!
Boathouse at Henry's Beach
2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, featuring exquisite dining and Santa Barbara's most spectacular ocean views. You are basically dining on the ocean! Breakfast here is a must (Boathouse Signature Breakfast - House-made snow & rock crab cakes under poached eggs. Topped with chipotle hollandaise. Served with avocado, salsa fresca, and potatoes). Fun fact, Steven and I had our first date at Henry's beach, back in 2006!
Santa Barbara FisHouse
101 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Located right on Cabrillo Boulevard, FisHouse is a local favorite, featuring fresh seafood, strong cocktails, and an amazing Happy Hour! Whether dining indoors or outdoors, views of the ocean or even their 40 gallon fishtank, can be seen from all areas of the restaurant!
The Honor Bar
1255 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, California 93108
At Honor Bar in Montecito you'll find an exquisite wooden bar in the center, surrounded by cozy booths. This tiny space also features an exhibition kitchen where you can watch all the action. Outdoors enjoy a cocktail and snacks at one of our patio tables or relaxing Adirondack chairs. Walk-ins only.
La Super-Rica Taqueria
622 N Milpas, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Hailed by the late Julia Child as her favorite Mexican restaurant, La Super-Rica Taqueria is an unassuming tacos and tamales joint most recognized for its turquoise exterior. A landmark of Santa Barbara’s legendary Milpas Street, you’ll often find a line out the door. But, trust us, its iconic dishes—like the Super-Rica Especial, a handcrafted tortilla topped with spicy al pastor, chile pasilla and gooey mozzarella—are worth the wait!
Arigato Sushi
1225 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Arigato Sushi is a highly-rated classic Santa Barbara sushi spot serving dinner seven days a week. The State Street staple offers an extensive six-page food menu including nightly specials based on what’s fresh and local, such as Santa Barbara uni and albacore. Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on the sushi ritual here, thanks to a robust selection of plant-based rolls.