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Best Cozy Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Roy restaurant
3.5
Very Good(440)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 4 times today
In business for more than 30 years, Roy is a bistro-style, Americana restaurant with a frequently changing, handwritten menu. We strive to serve unpretentious cuisine of the highest quality. We use mostly certified organic produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market, free range chicken and Harris Ranch hormone free beef. We bake our own bread, hand roll our pastas and make all of our desserts in house. Our ambiance is retro moderne California casual, and we have rotating art shows that run for a month and a half at a time. Live music once in a while. Full bar all the time.
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1782)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 times today
Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company. Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.
A photo of Intermezzo By Wine Cask restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1805)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 2 times today
Intermezzo by Wine Cask New Menu by Executive Chef Mossin SugichModern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
A photo of Gala restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(319)
Price: Expensive
• European • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Gala exudes a European meets Santa Barbara charm, where you feel like you’re transported to a beautiful bistro in the Mediterranean. Enjoy shared tapas, farmer's market favorites, pasta and risotto, fresh oysters and the best steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Cozy up for our farm to table craft cocktails, a Pisco sour or martini and a full meal with friends. Curated wine list with local & Spanish wines. Right down the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse enjoy an evening at Gala. 1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Farm to table, Farmer's market driven, Tapas, Seafood, Steak, Oysters, Happy Hour, Food, Cocktails, Wine, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(740)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 19 times today
Locally owned California-French brasserie in Old Town Santa Barbara, blending classic technique with bold, eclectic flavors. Housed in a historic space, we offer an elevated dining experience with a renowned family-style tasting menu, curated wines & craft beer. Open Wed-Sun from 5 PM—check daily for our specials!
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
4.3
Awesome(339)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 times today
Modern Indian food featuring local produce and seafood paired with a robust low-intervention wine program curated by Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr. Located directly across the street from the historic Granada Theatre in the heart of Santa Barbara's ARTS District. Join us in our lively, signature pastel pink dining room. Michelin Guide Central Coast Selection 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1910)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 19 times today
At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work. In all of our efforts, we hope to capture the essence of a particular place or local flavor, embracing the nuances that make our food and drink unique to our home.
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5480)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
Bouchon - Santa Barbara is a cozy spot with a warm and inviting ambiance, as noted in multiple reviews. It's described as having a 'wonderful familial feel' and a 'vacation-like' atmosphere. The restaurant's interior is decorated in a traditional French style, adding to its cozy feel. The service is praised for being attentive and professional, contributing to the overall cozy experience.
A photo of Olio Pizzeria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1504)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara
Booked 15 times today
Olio Pizzeria is an upscale-casual pizzeria with salumi bar/wine bar/full bar which was inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie and enoteche found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy. This idea began to take shape before Alberto and Elaine Morello even opened Olio e Limone Ristorante, their fine dining Italian restaurant next door. Wine bars serving boutique salumi and formaggi are ubiquitous in Italy, as is a regionalism which the Morellos are excited to share with you. Sicily is an emerging powerhouse, and touches of Sicilian food and wine delight their guests. You’ll also find exciting tastes from Campania and other emerging regions on their menus, wine and beer lists. Takeout available. Buon appetito!
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5540)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 30 times today
Toma Restaurant and Bar a waterfront bistro, located along Santa Barbara's picturesque Cabrillo Blvd. Experience Santa Barbara waterfront's most romantic restaurant. Savor exquisite Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes from Santa Barbara's seasonal bounty, supporting our local fisherman, farmers, foragers and food artisans. Pour over local and Italian wines along with a full bar of handcrafted cocktails and spirits. Enjoy warm and attentive service while dining window side with a view of the enchanting Santa Barbara harbor.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MargoVIP
    Greater Boston •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our Soppressata pizza was so disappointing. What has happened to it over the past year? Not only not the same as it used to be, this time it was burned to a crisp and yet the chef and kitchen staff still sent it out to us. The filet mignon au poivre was excellent. Both LT and Kenny were amazing wait staff. We were lucky to have them.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.5
  • WAYNE
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Roy's is such a nice, relaxing place to enjoy a superb meal. Fine cuisine at a very fair cost. Very cool Jazzy, artistic, slightly upscale atmosphere. Great music, Great people. Santa Barbara has loved Roy for over 30 years !
    More info
    RoyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
    3.5
  • Juan
    California Central Coast •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food was exceptional very tasty,We started with Octopus with rosted cuya very good and after that we had a Calamari an other nicly done appetaicer, for our mains I had the Bransino nice delicate fish and my wife had the Duck really nice done dish,,,, Graet food I really recommend
    More info
    GalaPrice: Expensive• European• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • kathryn
    Hawaii •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Outstanding!!! This is a locally owned French bistro with exceptional cuisine. It’s an excellent value too!
    More info
    The Black Sheep SB BrasseriePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Santa Barbara
    4.7
  • JudyVIP
    California Central Coast •125 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Four of us had a wonderful dinner at Finch and Fork the other night. The corkage fee is a little outrageous but the food was delicious and the server was very knowledgeable and engaged. We started with a Kung Pao cauliflower which was truly outstanding! A couple people had the halibut special and they enjoyed that very much - no leftovers to take home. I had the short rib pappardelle which was very good.
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    4.4

Discover best cozy restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of Santa Barbara’s cozy dining spots nestled along the scenic California Central Coast. These restaurants embody the essence of warmth and intimacy, making them perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet refined dining experience. From traditional French decor to real Italian settings, each venue offers a unique atmosphere that enhances the 'cozy' keyword. The dining scene in Santa Barbara is diverse, with each establishment providing attentive service, quality cuisine, and a welcoming ambiance that invites diners to linger longer. Whether you’re looking for a place with outdoor heaters for a chilly evening or a spot with soft piano music to set the mood, Santa Barbara’s cozy restaurants cater to various tastes and preferences. These eateries are not just about great food but about creating memorable moments in comfortable, inviting settings. Ideal for both intimate gatherings and casual dining, Santa Barbara’s cozy restaurants promise a delightful culinary journey that resonates with both locals and visitors.

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