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Best French Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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2 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(739)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Barbara
Booked 28 times today
The Black Sheep SB Brasserie in Old Town Santa Barbara is a haven for authentic French cuisine enthusiasts. Diners rave about its exquisite offerings like the Coq Au Vin, described as "the best I’ve ever had," with chicken that "falls off the bone." The restaurant's charming ambiance, reminiscent of a "charming alley in France," perfectly complements its elegant, spacious decor. Guests are consistently impressed with the expertly prepared dishes, praising the "perfectly balanced" flavors and diverse tasting menu that "caught me by surprise." With its welcoming atmosphere and passionate service, The Black Sheep SB Brasserie is truly a standout in French culinary excellence.
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5477)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Barbara
Booked 26 times today
Bouchon in Santa Barbara is a beacon of authentic French cuisine, where "the food is unsurpassed" and embodies traditional French flavors with a modern twist. Their dedication to using "fresh, local ingredients" ensures that every dish is prepared with the utmost care and quality, making it a standout dining experience. Diners rave about the "spectacular duck" and the "amazing" French onion soup, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to excellence. With a relaxed, inviting ambiance and a wine list that expertly complements the cuisine, Bouchon is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of France in California. Bon Appétit!

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Claire
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I’m not usually one to write reviews, but Bouchon definitely earned its stars last night! My fiancé and I came for Valentine’s Day dinner and were expecting the typical “lower quality service and rushed atmosphere” but were extremely impressed with all bouchon had to offer! From start to finish, the service was impeccable. I cannot stress enough- if it weren’t for the adorable heart-shaped balloons and rose-petal covered tables, we wouldn’t have even been able to tell it was Valentine’s Day (in the best way possible). On top of the incredible, friendly, and warm service, the food was also top-notch. Starting with the fresh sourdough bread, rounding out with the delectable French-onion soup, to the perfectly cooked surf and turf, this truly was one of the better meals we’ve had. My fiance even said the Warm Lemon-Berry cake was probably in his top 5 desserts ever! So thank you, bouchon, for your incredible staff, delicious food, and giving my fiance and I a new favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara!
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    Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • kathryn
    Hawaii •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Outstanding!!! This is a locally owned French bistro with exceptional cuisine. It’s an excellent value too!
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    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • MatthewVIP
    Los Angeles •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Bell's is, without a doubt, one of my favorite restaurants in the entire state of California. Along with its sister restaurant, Bar Le Cote in Los Olivos, it offers cuisine influenced by both the local products of the Central Coast (locally-farmed produce, Santa Barbara sea urchin, and the like), and both modern and classic European influences. I make it a point to visit at least one, if not both, of these two restaurants, whenever I am in the area, and I would consider them to be worth a trip or at at least a detour, when driving up and down the California coast. The food is fresh, innovative, and extremely flavorful, and the service is always top notch. The a la carte lunch menu at Bell's is extremely fun. I think it would be impossible to come here and not enjoy yourself.
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    Bell’sPrice: Very Expensive• French• Los Alamos
    4.7

Discover best French restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the essence of French cuisine along the scenic California Central Coast in Santa Barbara, where a selection of restaurants offer a delightful fusion of French culinary traditions and the fresh, vibrant flavors of California. Each establishment provides a unique dining experience, emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients, meticulous preparation, and authentic French techniques. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy bistro setting or a more sophisticated dining affair, these restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and occasions, ensuring every meal is memorable. Santa Barbara itself is renowned for its eclectic dining scene, seamlessly blending international flavors with local culinary innovations. This coastal city is a gastronomic haven for foodies, particularly those seeking a taste of France. Patrons can expect top-notch service, exquisite menus, and ambiances that range from elegantly casual to luxuriously intimate. By choosing to dine at one of these French-inspired venues, you're not just enjoying a meal; you're partaking in an authentic culinary experience that celebrates the rich, culinary heritage of France tailored with a distinct Californian twist.

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