Sear Steakhouse will open its doors March 10, bringing proprietary farm-sourced dining to the center of downtown Solvang.  The new full-service restaurant and bar, transformed from the existing K’Syrah Catering and Events Solvang space, represents the third Santa Ynez Valley … Continue reading →

Lompoc Valley’s Restaurant Week has begun and runs through Sunday, February 28. The area is once again showing off some tempting eats and drinks during the annual event hosted by The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. Local restaurants … Continue reading →

Reader Richard let me know that employees with Hibachi Steak House & Sushi Bar at 500 State Street have said that the restaurant will be closing its doors next week. I called the eatery and a representative tells me it … Continue reading →

There has been a mystery surrounding Dunkin’ Donuts on upper State Street that has finally been solved. The 4-year-old business announced a temporary closure around the time “COVID-19” became a household word yet never reopened when similar businesses did. Dunkin’ … Continue reading →

Panera Bread, Left At Albuquerque, and Ma Dolce Vita were all once located at 700 State Street. The property has been vacant since July 2015 and now reader Richard tells me that local entrepreneur Chris Chiarappa has applied for a … Continue reading →

Reader Annie read a post from commercial real estate agent Caitlin McCahill Hensel that says: “Not so fun fact: 1 in 6 retail storefronts are available on State Street. Even Starbucks is giving up its space on De La Guerra … Continue reading →

In October 2017 I wrote that Copenhagen Sausage Garden of Solvang is opening a business location in the Funk Zone. The Copenhagen Sausage Garden is an outdoor beer garden located in the heart of Solvang and offers the famous danish … Continue reading →

Reader Steve H. let me know that Wingstop has opened in La Cumbre Plaza at 3849 State Street, next to next to Chipotle. Wingstop began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, in 1994, Wingstop has expanded … Continue reading →

Tre Lune on Coast Village Road in Montecito is offering a special 4-course menu this Valentine’s Day featuring Burrata Caprese, Fresh burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, basil; Ravioli All ‘Aragosta, a fresh, made-from-scratch lobster ravioli in a … Continue reading →

Jills Place usually is closed on Sunday’s but is open this VDay 4:30-8:30. Taking reservations 805 963-0378 Jill Shalhoob Jill’s Place Restaurant

Hi John, We wanted to let you know that we are taking pre-orders now for Valentines treats from Crushcakes! We are making special Valentines Cake Pops, Cookies, Cakes and Cupcakes. Our custom orders fill up by Friday so get yours … Continue reading →

The Elaine F. Stepanek Foundation Restaurant Fund announced a new grant program today to provide relief for small, independently-owned, dine-in restaurants during the ongoing pandemic. Small businesses in the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley (including Los … Continue reading →

Ca’ Dario restaurants are offering a 4 course $80 prix fixe menu at their 3 restaurant locations (also available for takeout/delivery). For details and a menu visit cadariorestaurants.com. Ca’ Dario’s Lobster Ravioli. Courtesy photo.

La Paloma Cafe resumes outdoor dining for dinner on Thursday, February 11.  You can also enjoy your favorite ranchero creations for lunch. Lunch is takeaway only with access to our patio for self-seating and includes pozole, fresh salads, and slow-cooked … Continue reading →

Rosewood Miramar Beach is celebrating love on the American Riviera with several Valentine’s Day offerings this year. Reconnect over an intimate six-course prix-fixe dinner for two at Caruso’s. For Valentine’s Day, the beachside oceanfront restaurant will offer fine wine, candlelight … Continue reading →

You know Valentine’s Day is near when round pizzas suddenly become scarce. Rusty’s Pizza has announced that they will be delivering the love with their Heart Shaped Pizzas Feb., 11th – 14th. This Santa Barbara favorite is outlined with pepperoni … Continue reading →

This just in from Toma Restaurant on Cabrillo Boulevard: Hi John, I wanted to let you know that we will be opening Toma Restaurant back up on Wednesday, Feb. 10. We have built a new roof over our existing parklet … Continue reading →

From reader JRS: 2/3/2021 BIG CHANGE…Every week we get takeout from CHINA KING in Goleta. This week we sadly found that there has been a change of management. The receipt now says “Northern Brothers”. Unfortunately, the N. Brothers do not … Continue reading →

Proprietor Shayre Olive-Jones, owner of Valentino’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza on  Hollister Avenue in Noleta, tells me that the restaurant will be open open from 11 to 7 on February 14 Valentine’s Day and plans to celebrate the occasion with … Continue reading →

Eagle-eyed reader Geren spotted Deli Boy peeking out from behind an empty sign on upper State Street, the former home of Noemi Pizza Romana (June 2020-January 2021) and Pizza Guru (July 2006-October 2019). Deli Boy is the mascot for the … Continue reading →

Within hours of California Gov. Gavin Newsom lifting the stay-at-home order, Tre Lune Ristorante on Coast Village Road in Montecito led the revival of outdoor dining on Coast Village Road with the introduction of a greatly-enhanced parklet and sidewalk tables … Continue reading →

Rumor has it that Chris Chiarappa from Mesa Burger on Meigs Road plans to open an ice cream shop across the street next to the Cliff Room. Chiarappa has been busy during the pandemic. In the last year he opened … Continue reading →

All five Los Agaves locations, along with sister restaurants Santo Mezcal and Flor De Maiz have reopened for outdoor dining, following the official green light from the State, County and City of Santa Barbara. “We are so grateful for the … Continue reading →

Last November I wrote that Cajé Coffee Roasters, which opened its first South Coast location in Isla Vista in January 2009, then added a Santa Barbara outlet on Haley Street in May 2019, had opened its third area store across … Continue reading →

Owner Jill Shalhoob tells me that Jill’s Place on Santa Barbara Street is re-opening Friday February 5th with outdoor dining and takeout. Ordering is available online or by calling.  The restaurant is open Monday-Friday for lunch 11am-3pm, Happy Hour from … Continue reading →

Reader Brendan sent me this message about Yanni’s at Mackenzie Market on upper State Street: “I was saddened to learn today that MacKenzie Market has closed, including the Greek deli inside, after decades serving up delicious gyros and tri-tip sandwiches. … Continue reading →

California Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted the stay-at-home order on Monday, which allow California restaurants to again offer outdoor dining services. Four-week ICU capacity projections for our region are above 15%, the threshold that allows Santa Barbara County to end the … Continue reading →

Last August I wrote that a “Public Notice of Application for Ownership Change” sign was posted on East Cota Street, the former home of The Middle Child, that indicated a new bar/restaurant named “Venus in Furs” was on the way … Continue reading →

Chad’s Cafe on West Cabrillo Boulevard (formerly named Sambo’s) has launched a new to-go menu. The list features Killer Burritos (all served with scrambled eggs, homemade pinto beans, a blend of Monterey Jack and Medium Cheddar Cheese), Breakfast Sandwiches (with … Continue reading →

Owner Ruben Perez tells me that The Black Sheep restaurant on East Ortega Street started serving to-go food again on January 21st. Hours are 5-8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday Courtesy

After a four-year run Dunkin’ Donuts closed last December on upper State Street which is also the former home of Taco Bell and Char West. Reader Annie tells me that green fencing has gone up around the property and that … Continue reading →

Reader Ashrith tells me that Corazón Guisados restaurant, offering homemade Guisados, Tamales and Churros, is coming to East Victoria Street, the former home of Ca’Dario Pizzeria. This will be owner Ramon Velazquez’s third local eatery. He operates Corazon Cocina locations … Continue reading →

Reader Cris let me know that Beachside Bar-Cafe on Sandspit Road in Goleta is closing for good. The restaurant opened in 1985 by proprietor Dave Hardy. Here is a message to you from the business: It is with a heavy … Continue reading →

Have you heard of any restaurants doing Valentine’s Day take-out specials or partnerships? Thanks for all you do! – Ellen

Word on the street is that Diana Pereira from Impact Hub and Chris Chiarappa of Mesa Burger are launching a new venture this fall called Kitchen 530. The 11,500 square foot community kitchen, will be located at on State Street … Continue reading →

Secret Bao is a popup restaurant from the former Executive chef of Loquita, Peter Lee and former Executive Sous chef of Loquita, Felicia Medina. Last June I reported that the duo were in a lease agreement to take over the … Continue reading →

Owner Gene Montesano has posted signs at Tre Lune Ristorante-Bar and D’Angelo Bakery, calling the shutdown unfair and challenging the justification for banning outdoor dining. A message outside Tre Lune reads: “We need to work. This shutdown is not fair. … Continue reading →

This just in from Thario’s Kitchen in Carpinteria: “Hello Santa Barbara, My wife (Thais) and I (Mario) own Thario’s Kitchen. We’re a Italian European restaurant. Serve Pizza,Pasta and Salads. Serve lunch and dinner. Open from Wed to Sun. 12 to … Continue reading →

Inspired by a luxurious sailing vessel, the Miramar Beach Bar on South Jameson Lane in Montecito features highly varnished wood, copper and stainless-steel detailing. The day-to-night beachfront destination presents a memorable venue for guests to socialize over music and activities … Continue reading →

La Paloma Café opened for dinner service last November on Anacapa Street, the former home of the Paradise Café and La Paloma. Now you can enjoy your favorite ranchero creations for both lunch and dinner. Lunch includes pozole, fresh salads, … Continue reading →