An introduction to some of the best local restaurants in Santa Barbara, a region known for great wine, outstanding seafood, and cultural diversity.
If you're trying to stay on a diet""or are contemplating starting a new one""Santa Barbara, California probably isn't the best place to encourage prudent dining. Why? Because it's hard to say no to its melting pot cuisine, its diversity of downtown and harbor side venues, and price ranges to suit any travel budget. Here's a peek at the ones we think are worthy of a visit.
CARLITOS (1324 State Street) - Santa Barbara is roughly a 90 minute drive from where we live, making it an ideal place to slip away for lunch or a romantic weekend. Since it's usually close to lunchtime when we arrive, we've made a habit of making Carlito's Café and Cantina our first stop. My husband, who grew up in Arizona, is positively hooked on their pozole and praises its authenticity. I tend to gravitate to the enchiladas and soft tacos. The servings are generous, the salsas have a spicy kick, and the Margaritas are to die for.
BOUCHON (9 West Victoria Street) - We always ask the local merchants for recommendations on restaurants for special occasions. Nine out of ten always include Bouchon in their list and it's easy to see why. This intimate bistro makes the most of Santa Barbara's proximity to the Santa Ynez wine country. The cuisine, in fact, reminds us a lot of that found in the Napa Valley of Northern California, a spot we visited regularly when we lived in Sacramento. The service is attentive but not intrusive, the wine list is extensive and, weather permitting, you can lose all track of time out on the patio. They also have several selections that will appeal to vegetarians and are accommodating when it comes to making minor substitutions upon request.
OPAL (1325 State Street) - We discovered Opal by accident one Sunday when we were trying to decide whether we should have an early dinner or just drive back to Pasadena. Because the restaurant wasn't crowded, we had a chance to chat with the servers and the owner and learn that it had formerly been called Brigitte's but was under the same management. The appetizers are a meal unto themselves, all of the breads and pastas are homemade, and the entrees (especially their seafood dishes) reflect flair and imagination. In subsequent returns to Opal, we discovered that Friday and Saturday nights are a little bit noisy, owing to the popularity of its very swank bar. Even the crowds, though, didn't impact the impeccable service and friendliness of the entire staff. If possible, request a table in the room that is to the right of the doorway.
GALANGA THAI (507 State Street) - My husband and I are both fond of Thai cooking, especially curries. Accordingly, we like seeking out Thai restaurants on our travels just to see what we can add to our own cooking repertoire. Galanga Thai is a modest but friendly establishment tucked away on State Street. Torn between just having appetizers and going for an entrée, we asked our server's advice. She not only made some great recommendations but also gave us the option of mild, medium or hot for our selected curry. It was a meal that didn't disappoint. What made it even more fun, though, was when my husband inquired about a particular spice and the chef himself came out to chat with us, making the visit feel more like a visit to someone's home.
CA DARIO (37 E. Victoria Street) - If you like Italian food, romantic ambiance and don't mind giving your Visa or MasterCard a generous workout, make reservations with your sweetie for an evening at Ca Dario. What makes the meals here pricey, of course, are the wines. While you can certainly get by with a modest glass each, the extensive selection makes it really tempting to treat yourselves and go for a high-end bottle. The service is certainly commendable and pleasantly attentive without making you feel as if you have to rush through each course before the next one arrives. If I were to change only one thing, however, it would be to have slightly larger tables. While we were spoiled by getting a table for four when there were only two of us, we did notice that some of our fellow diners at tables for two were a bit cramped for space. The quality of the food and the stylish environment, however, are worth a visit.
STEARN'S WHARF - Seafood reigns supreme in Santa Barbara. Whether you're just in the mood for lunchtime clam chowder or want to watch the sunset as you nosh on crab legs and lobster, you'll find no shortage of restaurants along the beach stretch known as Stearn's Wharf. My own two favorites are the Harbor Restaurant and the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. Nearby, at the Santa Barbara Harbor, you may also want to check out Brophy Brothers.
CHEF KARIM'S (1231 State Street) - We may only be an hour and a half from home but the atmosphere at Chef Karim's makes us feel as if we've just been transported to the heart of Morocco. Maybe it's the fact that everything is finger food and that you dip your hands in warm water between courses. Maybe it's the swirling, twirling, jangling belly dancers who try to entice you to get up and be part of their show. Or maybe it's just the very gregarious hosts and their staff who have no problem striking up conversations and answering your questions about their exotic fare. While it's not a good place to have a quiet chat with your date, it is a festive atmosphere that's fun for families and special gatherings of friends.
ACAPELLA (2220 Bath Street) - This restaurant, which features California cuisine, has a terrific bar for meeting friends before a show or just winding down the evening. It's always a good sign when you go to a place that is frequented by the locals; you can easily find yourself engaged in conversation with total strangers, many of whom can enhance your knowledge of the area's history and provide off-the-beaten path sightseeing suggestions. If you come here for dinner, be sure to save room for dessert, especially any of their creations that involve chocolate!
