In case you haven't heard, Santa Barbara has transformed its downtown area into a pedestrian mall, with restaurants, bars, and other businesses expanding onto sidewalks and into the main boulevard, infusing a sense of energy and vitality. The State Street Promenade spans multiple blocks and is closed to vehicle traffic while cross streets continue to pass through it. People who visit this popular corridor are encouraged to wear masks, especially on the 500 block of State Street, where the greatest number of bars and restaurants are concentrated.
Andersen's Bakery & Restaurant
1106 State St, Santa Barbara805-962-5085
Category: American, Bakery, Scandinavian
Andersen’s Danish Bakery and Restaurant welcomes you to a family owned and operated landmark on Santa Barbara’s State Street. For over 40 years we have upheld a well earned handcrafted reputation for time honored traditional European cuisine and Danish pastries.
Apna Indian Kitchen
718 State St, Santa Barbara805-770-8479
Category: Indian
Apna serves modern Indian cuisine right in downtown Santa Barbara that stays true to authentic dishes and classic flavors. We strive to bring you a unique dining experience. It's our mission to make sure you are satisfied - and we pride ourselves in being flexible and reliable. Our menu features starters like cheese naan and samosa, and delicious meals like tandoori or butter chicken, along with beer, wine and Indian sodas. Customers have the option to make their dishes mild, medium, spicy, or even 911. Apna offers four types of curry as a base: masala, nirvana, korma and saag; and seven proteins, including chicken, fish and tofu, that customers can choose from. For catering in Santa Barbara - let us bring India to you. Our excellent service, and attention to detail will mean your event or function will run smoothly - and your guests will leave happy, and satisfied.
Arigato Sushi
1225 State St, Santa Barbara805-965-6074
Category: Japanese, Sushi
Arigato Sushi serves modern Japanese cuisine and rolls prepared with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Guests can visit for lunch and dinner and experience innovative sushi rolls and freshly prepared meals in a casual setting. The extensive menu features hand rolls, nigiri and sashimi, along with a variety of combos and entrées. Arigato Sushi appetizers are available in hot and cold options for starting the meal. For cold flavors, experience the hot shot, carpaccio, gold shot, the salmon cooler and more. Those looking for hot foods can go with the hot appetizers, or choose spicy seafood or three varieties of miso soup. Entrées at Arigato Sushi include gyoza, soft shell crab, pan seared scallops and grilled chicken breast. Make sure to check out the special rolls, where you'll find options like the Palm Springs, Pacific Rim, blue-man, Dracula and the swinging rolls.
Asie Dumpling House
511 State St, Santa Barbara805-869-6407
Category: Chinese
Our Chef and Staff: With 20 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants from Aspen co, our chef is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff will ensure you have a fantastic experience with us. Special Events and Catering: Our restaurant is available for private events: weddings, business lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, and more. We would love to discuss how to be a part of your next event. Seasonal and Local: We refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets.
Benchmark eatery
1201 State St, Santa Barbara805-845–2600
Category: American
Benchmark eatery is a casual restaurant located in Santa Barbara CA. Focused on delivering value driven dishes and generous cocktails, all in a comfortable environment. Individuals, couples, families, locals and/or tourists will all find Santa Barbara’s Benchmark eatery restaurant to be a solid representation of the surrounding community. We are excited to reopen for pick-up and delivery 7 days a week from noon till 8pm
Bibi Ji
734 State St, Santa Barbara805-560-6845
Category: Indian
With an electrifying atmosphere, Bibi Ji offers residents and visitors alike, an approachable and modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. Located on Santa Barbara's State Street Promenade, surrounded by fine wine tasting rooms, handcrafted artisanal shops, and contemporary art galleries, the critically-acclaimed restaurant opened its doors in February 2018 and has quickly become a community staple. A short stroll from Stearns Wharf and the pristine beaches along the Santa Barbara waterfront, the extensive list of natural, sustainably and organically farmed wines, is the perfect way to settle into any night while on the private back patio enjoying the fresh ocean air or inside the spacious restaurant designed with a vibrant, eclectic décor.
Owners Alejandro Medina and James Beard award-winning sommelier Rajat Parr offer a menu that highlights the abundance of local seafood served sea-to-table with traditional Indian coconut curries, a bounty of fresh produce harvested from the region cooked in Indian spices, and a Chef’s Tasting culling favorite dishes from the team.
At Bibi Ji, all senses go with the rich and dazzling colors on each plate, fresh and exotic aromas, playful neon lighting, and enlivened sounds. With an atmosphere and menu unlike anything else in Central California, Bibi Ji is not your typical Indian joint.
Blenders
720 State St, Santa BarbaraCategory: Smoothies
At Blenders in the Grass, we strive to provide our customers with a quick, nutritious, and inexpensive alternative to the typical empty-calorie fast food meal. We invite you to come in and experience our friendly service and enjoy our smoothies!
Buena Onda
1131 State St, Santa Barbara805-679-3320
Category: Argentinian
At Buena Onda we are dedicated to quality and true to tradition, offering authentic Argentinian empanadas handmade and freshly baked from our oven to your table. As a family owned and operated business, we take pride in creating a flavorful taste that is both foreign and familiar. With respect to our ingredients, we use only grass-fed, free-range poultry, and locally sourced produce to ensure that our commitment to quality can be tasted in every bite. Inspired in South America and desired in Santa Barbara, Buena Onda is honored to represent its old country in its new community.
California Pasta
811 State St, Santa Barbara805-899-4030
Category: Italian
Located in the historic Paseo Nuevo Mall in downtown Santa Barbara, we have been serving fresh, great tasting food for over 15 years. We feature fresh and healthy salads alongside unique and delicious pasta dishes using only the freshest ingredients and homemade recipes. We also have large, tasty sandwiches that come served with our classic pasta salad. Come in and try our legendary New England Style Clam Chowder or our traditional Vegetable Minestrone. Wash down the great food with some local wine and beer whilst enjoying the atmosphere on our outside terrace.
Cold Stone Creamery
504 State St, Santa BarbaraCategory: Dessert
For more than 25 years we’ve served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients, and of course, our signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone.
The Cruisery
501 State St, Santa Barbara805-770-0270
Category: American, Breweries
Creative cocktails, delicious food, and a good beer selection - what more could you want? The Cruisery is a cool, beach cruiser bike-themed brewpub in Old Town Santa Barbara with great local beer, high quality food, and professionally hand mixed drinks. On a busy corner on Santa Barbara's main thoroughfare, State Street, The Cruisery has a bright front seating area with tables and chairs near the large store front windows. Further back is the bar next to four tall and narrow steel serving tanks with an ornate wood-fronted cooler where chilled glasses are kept. Two long walls of used brick provide a backdrop to the a deep front room which sports high definition TVs with sports.
Dune Coffee Roasters
1101 State St, Santa BarbaraCategory: Coffee
What started as two people behind an espresso machine in downtown Santa Barbara undeer the brand name has grown into a full-scale coffee roastery with a passionate team of people who love service and thrive on making days. We believe that specialty coffee is for everyone, and should be accessible, approachable and fun. It is our privilege to find beautiful coffees and roast them and serve them in our hometown of Santa Barbara.
Farmers Market
Tuesdays, State Street PromenadeThe Santa Barbara Certified Farmers' Market Association (SBCFMA) was established in 1983 as Non-Profit Mutual Benefit Corporation to provide California farmers with direct access to market their products to the local community. The initial farmers' market in Santa Barbara was held at the Santa Barbara Mission in 1979, which was among one of the first 20 farmers' markets in the State of California. Some of the original participants can still be found selling their produce at the Santa Barbara farmers' markets. Over the years, their Member owned and operated Association has grown to approximately 130 Members, participating in their 6 weekly certified farmers' markets throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Carpinteria and Solvang. The SBCFMA is committed to the direct marketing principles of "producer to consumer", working diligently to bring the freshest and most nutritious produce our rich local agricultural land has to offer, direct to the public.
4:00pm - 7:30pm Summer
3:00pm - 6:30om Winter
SUMMER HOURS begin on the second Sunday of March (start of daylight savings time)
WINTER HOURS begin on the first Sunday of November (end of daylight savings time)
Galanga Thai Restaurant
507 State St, Santa Barbara805-963-6799
Category: Thai
Galanga Thai Restaurant is a wonderful venue for friends and family to get together for a tasty bite to eat. There are lots of wonderful options for vegetarians and meat eaters. Galanga Thai Restaurant is beautifully decorated with a fountain, plants and artwork. Diners can also order beer and wine to pair with their meal. For something hearty and comforting, the coconut soup is great for sharing and served in a beautiful tiered bowl that has a very impressive look to it. The appetizer sampler is perfect for those who love trying a bit of everything and has items like fried shrimp and spring rolls. Those who love classic Thai dishes should be sure to try the pad Thai and the beef noodles. Galanga Thai Restaurant also makes a tasty Thai iced tea that is creamy and sweet.
The Habit
628 State St, Santa BarbaraCategory: American, Burgers
Founded in 1969, we char-grill fresh ground beef to make our Habit Charburgers. We also grill up fresh albacore, marinated tri-tip & chicken sandwiches and offer salads, shakes, crispy fries & onion rings.
Hana Kitchen
503 State St, Santa Barbara805-845-9039
Category: Chinese, Japanese, Vegan
The vegan-friendly Hana Kitchen offers Bowls and Boba. It is a fusion of mostly Japanese and Chinese cuisines where the menu is half vegan. Their idea here is to create the gourmet food truck experience but without the food truck. It is one of the few restaurants on the State Street Promenade that is open late on weekends. Hours are Sunday - Thursday 11am - 9pm, and Friday - Saturday 11am - 2am. The eatery has sister restaurants in nearby Isla Vista and also Los Angeles.
Hibachi Steak House & Sushi Bar
503 State St, Santa Barbara805-966-6607
Category: Steakhouse, Japanese, Sushi
Casual Japanese spot for steak, sushi rolls & tabletop hibachi grills where chefs cook & entertain. We bring the kitchen to the table delivering a show to our guests while they dine. Established in the 1980s we've been in downtown Santa Barbara for decades. As the trends have changed in the food industry, we've kept our base as original as possible for that unwavering taste. Hibachi steakhouse has great options for to-go orders amidst the Covid-19 isolation as well as onsite dining on our new State Street patio.
Holdren's Steaks & Seafood
512 State St, Santa Barbara805-965-3363
Category: American, Steakhouse, Seafood
Delicious steaks, fantastic cocktails and an award winning wine list has made us an award winning - locals favorite steakhouse in Santa Barbara. We also feature the oldest bar in town along with great service and wonderful ambiance. Established in 2003, Holdren's has been voted as the best steakhouse multiple times in the Independent's Reader's Poll and The Santa Barbara News Press' Readers' Choice Awards. We have an award winning wine list, happy hour every day, great martini's and delicious seafood.
Joe's Cafe
536 State St, Santa Barbara805-966-4638
Category: American
Joe’s Cafe is an acclaimed American steakhouse and upbeat bar that’s been the centerpiece of Santa Barbara’s dining, drinking, and socializing since 1928. Our commitment to offering great meals, stiff cocktails, and a friendly ambiance has made Joe’s Cafe a downtown destination for generations of locals and visitors alike. Renowned for serving up a great evening out, Joe’s Cafe transforms seamlessly from a neighborhood restaurant to a lively bar as the evening progresses. Many visitors start and end their night at Joe’s Cafe. Our menu is hand crafted, modern American favorites in generous portions. Diners can find everything from prime steaks and chops, savory lamb shank, market fresh seafood and vegetables, classic sandwiches, pastas, daily soups, burgers, vegetarian entrees, and salads. On weekends, Joe’s Cafe buzzes as people flock to our extensive breakfast menu that offers something for everyone. Joe’s Cafe is tended by a welcoming and accommodating staff – some of whom have worked for us for 40 years. The experience we’ve gleaned as the oldest restaurant in Santa Barbara ensures you receive our trademark excellence. For decades, Joe’s Cafe has been lauded for our award-winning cocktails – sweeping the “stiffest drinks” category year after year.
Kai Sushi
738 State St, Santa Barbara805-560-8777
Category: Japanese, Sushi
Kai Sushi offers Japanese cuisine, specializing in sushi and culinary interactive shabu-shabu. Owner and Chef Kaz Sato has a history on the Santa Barbara dining scene, having owned and operated Sati’s Kitchen and Montecito’s Restaurant Kai before opening Kai Sushi in 2000.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Chef Kaz Sato, owner and executive chef of Kai Sushi in Santa Barbara, California, received his culinary credentials at Shinjuku Culinary School before working at notable establishments in Jogashima-Japan's premiere fishing area and fish market on the Miura-hanto Peninsula.
Chef Sato elevated his career when he became a chef at the prestigious Tokyo Kaikan. When he accepted Tokyo Kaikan's invitation to open a restaurant in Los Angeles, he relocated to the United States and after a stint as head chef for Sushi Zen in Oregon, he opened Sato's Kitchen in Santa Barbara. More than twenty five years later, Chef Sato continues to serve up traditional Japanese cuisine infused with his unique artistic flare.
Kai Sushi sits on the bustling corner of De La Guerra and State Street in Santa Barbara. It is here at this popular eatery that fresh uni is delivered daily.
Chef Sato is also the co-author of The Idiot's Guide to Sushi and Sashimi, proving that making delicious sushi and sashimi in the comfort and convenience of your own home is not a daunting task.
Lilac Patisserie
1017 State St, Santa Barbara805-845-7400
Category: Bakeries
Lilac Pâtisserie is a dedicated gluten free bakery and café located in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara, California. Husband and wife duo, Gillian and Alam Muralles, have worked for years in some of the most well-known bakeries in Southern California and are delighted to bring their beautiful and delicious gluten free cakes, baked goods, and entrées to downtown Santa Barbara. A diagnosed Celiac, Gillian’s focus as a pastry chef has always been gluten free baking as well as unbelievable custom cake decorating. Alam has worked his way up the kitchen ranks to become an expert when it comes to operating a bakery. After years of carefully developing their gluten free recipes to meet their exacting standards and honing their pastry and decorating skills, together they are delighted to have the opportunity to serve you the finest gluten free fare that Santa Barbara has to offer.
Lokum Turkish Delight, Baklava, Coffee
1019 State St, Santa Barbara805-324-3067
Category: Coffee, Dessert
Lokum sells Turkish Delight, Baklava and Turkish Coffee. It offers more than 30 flavors of delights; some have pistachio, walnut, fig, or creme. There's a mix of candy, nuts and fruit, with gluten-free and vegan options.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
728 State St, Santa BarbaraCategory: Dessert
At McConnell's, we're out to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In th eprocess, we hope to enrich and enliven the communities in which we live and work, and leave the world just a little bit "sweeter" than we found it. The finest ice creams, made from scratch: Dense and pure-flavored, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel. 70-years of craft, pushing for something greater, and, with a few, simple ingredients, ending up someplace magical.
Natural Cafe
508 State St, Santa BarbaraCategory: American, Vegetarian
We offer the freshest, healthiest, and most natural ingredients available to give you great tasting, healthy dishes. Salads, veggie burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and daily lunch and dinner specials!
Oakberry Acai Bowls
819-B State St, Santa Barbara805-284-8540
Category: Bowls, Smoothies
Brazilian husband and wife team Ana Luiza Amaral and Paulo Roberto operate Oakberry Acai Bowls in Paseo Nuevo at 819-B State Street, next to Sushi Tyme. Famous for their all organic products and unlimited toppings, Oakberry has outlets throughout Brazil and continues international expansion with Santa Barbara being their first store in California. The fast superfood chain has over 220 locations worldwide.
Through their exclusive Acai recipe, with an organic product, all natural, without adding colorants or agrotoxic and being trans-fat and cholesterol free, Oakberry offers to the clients three bowls and smoothie sizes (classic, works and The OAK). When ordering an Acai bowl the consumer can choose unlimited toppings from a list with over 20 options, like banana, granola, coconut, chia seeds, organic peanut butter, organic honey and others. For the smoothies the customer chooses up to 3 toppings from a dozen options on the menu which are quickly blended into your meal.
"We believe that the people became more careful with their eating patterns these days. With the ever-shortening amount of time that the average person has for a meal, we want to give the customer the opportunity to choose between a common fast-food and a fast SUPERFOOD," explains Georgios Frangulis, who founded the company in 2016. "From the order to the handover, the client waits for only 2 minutes."
Oakberry is open from every day from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
OPPI'Z Bistro and Natural Pizza
1026 State Street, Santa Barbara805-770-7390
Category: Pizza
OPPI'Z is a modern, nonconventional healthy food concept rooted in the tradition of the Italian cuisine and the "Slow-food" manifesto. Motivated by his love for simple but genuine and tasty foods that characterize the Italian cuisine, Guido Oppizzi has reinterpreted the traditional concept of the pizzeria, by designing a unique menu with a great novel variety of gourmet pizzas and a selection of fresh, light and healthy dishes. Our gourmet pizzas are prepared with a secret recipe of naturally slow-fermented dough, combining high quality, farm-fresh and local ingredients. Our signature dishes include rice in a bottle, savory cheesecakes, fresh tartares, and many other healthy vegetarian and gluten conscious options.
Patxi's Pizza
515 State St,Santa Barbara805-560-9493
Category: Pizza
Patxi’s is much more than just another pizza joint! Patxi’s Pizza has a welcoming atmosphere, personable service, vast selection of local beer & wine and, of course, delicious food! It’s what your favorite neighborhood pizzeria should be. We believe in fresh and local ingredients to create our award winning and great-tasting food. Our inviting, energetic restaurants are a great place to host an event, party, or just get together with friends & family. If you have a large party of 8 or more, please give us a call so we can create a memorable experience for you and your guests.
Pascucci
509 State St, Santa Barbara805-963-8123
Category: Italian
For over 20 years, this locally owned downtown gem has served up savory Italian dishes, garden-fresh salads, local & international wines, and house-made desserts. A favorite of locals & tourists alike, Pascucci is both affordable & delicious. We are a local business that truly supports local business. We have a wide variety of local wines and offer a full bar. Great kid's menu. Patio seating where pets are welcomed.
Petit Valentien
1114 State St, Santa Barbara805-966-0222
Category: French, Ethiopian
Petit Valentien offers French cuisine during the week and in the evenings, and Ethiopian cuisine for brunch on the weekends. The restaurant is located in the La Arcada Plaza, off of State Street, and offers seating inside, as well as outdoor seating in the plaza.
Pickles and Swiss
811 State St, Santa BarbaraCategory: Deli
Pickles & Swiss is a locally owned premier sandwich shop located in downtown Santa Barbara's Paseo Nuevo Mall & Goleta's Hollister Village. We offer a wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches, build-your-own sandwiches, paninis, wraps, soups and salads. Our restaurant emphasizes its use of fresh, local and homemade ingredients; aside from its sliced deli meats and cheeses, everything is made on-site. Our sandwiches, soups + salads are made from scratch daily with some of the finest ingredients around: Swiss Emmental cheese from Switzerland, Boar's Head premium meats and cheeses, locally sourced farm-fresh vegetables, and breads and pastries delivered fresh daily by local bakeries. Our ingredients are free of nitrates and preservatives, and we offer many gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and organic options. What sets us apart is how much love & effort we put into everything. The whole atmosphere at Pickles & Swiss is fun and upbeat with positive energy because we're all about going above and beyond for our customers.
Pressed Juicery
651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara805-966-0099
Category: Juicery
Pressed Juicery has set the standard for cold-pressed juice by abiding to a simple, guiding principle: nutrition should be delicious, affordable and accessible to everyone. Our farm-to-bottle promise provides millions of customers with healthy juice sourced from California’s Central Valley. We make cold-pressed juice, plant-based soft serves, and power-packed shots.
Rockin' Yogurt
620 State St, Santa Barbara805-962-6190
Category: Dessert
Established in 2007 on the State Street Promenade, Rockin' Yogurt sells crêpes and organic frozen yogurt including plain, tart, strawberry, and vanilla. Numerous toppings are available.
Sama Sama Kitchen
1208 State St, Santa Barbara805-965-4566
Category: Fusion
Southeast Asian food inspired by the offerings of our local farms. Southeast Asian food inspired by the offerings of our local farms. This eatery in the heart of downtown is not only good food but also easy on the wallet. One chef is a barbecue aficionado from Nashville, the other is Indonesian, and together they turn out a menu of thoroughly pleasing Southeast Asian food. Attractions include a well-spiced rendition of green papaya salad, mixing aromatic herbs, chilies and peanuts. The restaurant offers interior dining and a back patio filled with string lights and communal tables that can be used for parties.
Sandbar
514 State St, Santa Barbara805-966-1388
Category: Mexican
Since 2006 Santa Barbara locals and tourists from around the world have enjoyed our Sonora style Mexican food and our Handcrafted cocktails. Our menu features the freshest seafood, finest cuts of meat and market fresh produce. Our extensive cocktail menu features handmade margaritas and specialty cocktails designed by world famous mixologist Manny Hinojosa. We freshly prepare all of our ingredients daily. Enjoy dining and socializing in a contemporary hacienda setting inside or on one of our multiple patios.
Satellite
1117 State St, Santa Barbara805-364-3043
Category: Vegetarian
Satellite is a Farmer to Table / Farmer to Glass Restaurant & Wine Shop. We’re Focused on Conscious, Quality Farming and Fresh Local Ingredients. We provide all day Bar Service, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, and Educational Services to Both Members of Kiva Coworking and Visitors alike. With a Full Farm to Table, Vegetarian Menu, Satellite is the Place to Discover Uncommon, Honest, Flavors, Meet Friends, and Learn New Skills.
Starbucks
539 & 800 State St, Santa BarbaraCategory: Coffee
Every day, we go to work hoping to do two things: share great coffee with our friends and help make the world a little better. It was true when the first Starbucks opened in 1971, and it’s just as true today. We’re not just passionate purveyors of coffee, but everything else that goes with a full and rewarding coffeehouse experience. We also offer a selection of premium teas, fine pastries and other delectable treats to please the taste buds. And the music you hear in store is chosen for its artistry and appeal.
Taqueria Santa Barbara
1213 State St, Santa Barbara805-869-6618
Category: Mexican
Hello,
Bienvenidos! Taquería Santa Barbara is a local, family-owned business based in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara that serves authentic Mexican cuisine. You’ll enjoy the outstanding quality of our Mexican food, with exquisite flavors in our meats, salsas, and, of course, you can’t forget about our handmade corn tortillas. Experience them for yourself when you order our tacos, Alambres, and more!