You might be wondering, what makes Santa Barbara’s seafood scene so special? The simple answer is: it’s where the Pacific meets the plate. As a coastal city with deep fishing roots, Santa Barbara has seen generations of chefs harnessing the ocean’s bounty. And despite being a tourist destination dotted with wine bars and boutiques, you can find ridiculously fresh seafood in just about every corner.
So whether you’re craving grilled octopus, ceviche of any citrus or spice, or classic fish and chips, you can find it here.
bouchon Santa Barbara
$$$ | (805) 730-1160 | WEBSITE
The scent of fresh seafood and local wine greets you at the entrance of Bouchon Santa Barbara, a charming seafood spot with a pleasant covered outdoor setting. Perfectly cooked sea bass and ahi, along with flavorful appetizers like fig and burrata salad and a trio of scallops, make this restaurant a Santa Barbara destination—hence the recurring celebration atmosphere.
The ambiance feels like someone blended together a coastal wine bar, an intimate celebration venue, and a warm, welcoming dining room. But everything starts to make sense when you savor the lemon marionberry cake with ice cream or enjoy the attentive service from the knowledgeable, friendly staff. Sometimes, amazing food and a happy room are all the warmth you need.
Poke House – Santa Barbara
$ | (805) 869-2722 | WEBSITE
Named for a Hawaiian staple, Poke House serves fresh seafood bowls like miso salmon and oyster sauce tuna, along with a wide selection of toppings. The simple, clean restaurant builds what seems like a generous portion of vibrant, fresh fish over a bed of tasty rice along with various toppings and a bonus scoop of imitation crab, all of which should then be customized with sauces and seasonings.
If you don’t have chopsticks at the ready, make sure the friendly staff can provide some guidance in the moment.
The Drunken Crab Santa Barbara
$$ | (805) 845-2986 | WEBSITE
Watching a seasoned cook expertly crack a snow crab is a thing of beauty. Which is to say, the folks running The Drunken Crab Santa Barbara really know what they’re doing. Served in seafood bags, in which shrimp and crab get seasoned with nothing more than Cajun spices, everything is steamed again alongside butter-warmed corn. The seafood is juicy, with pockets of sweet, tender meat.
Each bite tastes better than the last, so much so you almost forget about dipping in any garlic butter, lemon, or a squeeze of hot sauce. Luckily, The Drunken Crab is open from lunch through dinner everyday—sometimes later on the weekends.
The Palace Grill
$$ | (805) 963-5000 | WEBSITE
The seafood destination The Palace Grill in Santa Barbara is a magical and enchanting restaurant known for its exceptional food and drinks. The gumbo and jambalaya pasta are still rich and flavorful, the service is attentive and personal, and the cajun martini is only available at the bar.
Wait for a table among the steady stream of tourists, locals, food enthusiasts, and special occasion celebrants for divine mixed seafood platters, oysters, and plates of blackened Louisiana redfish and ettouffe. The cozy atmosphere takes reservations, too, but then you would miss all the warm, welcoming environment that makes guests feel like part of a beautiful, functional family.
Chuck’s of Hawaii
$$ | (805) 687-4417 | WEBSITE
The only thing that’s changed about Chuck’s of Hawaii in the last few decades is that the place now takes reservations online. The old-school steakhouse usually has a small crowd of regulars gathered near the dark, cozy bar waiting for a New York Strip or teriyaki ribeye. The steaks are thick and juicy, but not overly fatty, and the delicious beef tips with peanut sauce and teriyaki rice will put you in a contented food coma for the rest of the evening.
Regardless, you should visit the salad bar and try the La Brea bread with marinated vegetables.
The Stonehouse Restaurant
$$$$ | (805) 565-1720 | WEBSITE
For those inevitable moments when you wish you were dining somewhere truly special, there’s The Stonehouse Restaurant, a fine-dining establishment in Santa Barbara. The Stonehouse sits on a stunning property with cobblestone paths and mature olive trees, so you can enjoy a walk through the chef’s garden and take pictures after your meal, if you like.
Standout dishes, like the abalone and oyster appetizers or the black cod entree, go quickly, but you can get the tableside flambéed Steak Diane and veal schnitzel any night of the week. Don’t skip the chocolate Crème brûlée, which is rich and melts on the tongue, or the tableside smoked cocktail, which will make you feel transported. We suggest trying both the Korean tacos and the lobster dim sum, which are equally interesting concepts.
Szechuan Restaurant
$ | (805) 564-7651 | WEBSITE
Szechuan Restaurant is known for three things: consistently high-quality food, excellent service, and a convenient location most people appreciate. Szechuan is mostly a straightforward spot with a few standout dishes functioning as the main attractions. Yet despite the simple, unassuming exterior, the food is pretty delicious: think kung pao chicken with perfect spice or crispy mandarin chicken cooked to order.
There are also satisfyingly authentic options, like the Dry Stir-fried Beef River, which is just tender beef stir-fried with savory sauce. You should embrace the reliability, and the professional delivery vibe—and also make sure to ask for the secret menu.
Opal
$$ | (805) 966-9676 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Santa Barbara is Opal, a charming seafood restaurant serving standout calamari, divine swordfish, and perfectly roasted duck. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a fabulous meal, Opal can transport you straight to a cozy coastal retreat—with lots of great wine. Visit for a casual dinner with live music, a low-key date night, or a solo treat yourself cheesecake date.
Shaker Mill
$ | (805) 250-3824 | WEBSITE
The Shaker Mill in Santa Barbara pours a steady stream of creative cocktails from its friendly bar every single night of the week. The mango lassi is sweet and creamy, the mezcal drinks are smoky with a hint of citrus, and the tequila shots are smooth and affordable. All of the drinks are served standard—with attentive bartenders, knowledgeable service, and (in this atmosphere?) comfortable conversation. Pull up for an evening drink or a late-night chat—it’s a fun place to visit.
Shoreline Beach Cafe
$ | (805) 568-0064 | WEBSITE
Beachfront seafood spots with consistently excellent food and service are hard to come by in Santa Barbara, which is why Shoreline Beach Cafe feels like a true coastal treasure. Not only can you dig into crispy fried calamari or hearty bowls of clam chowder, but you can also get fish tacos, shrimp plates, and the daily fish special to enjoy right on the sand. The vibe is less formal restaurant, and more like your favorite beach shack with a friendly patio.
In other words, everyone working there feels like old beach buddies, even if it’s your first visit. Shoreline Beach Cafe is perfect for sunset views and is busy with visitors, so go with your closest friends (the ones who appreciate good seafood) or grab a table early to watch the waves.
Rosales Mexican Restaurant
$ | (805) 845-2000 | WEBSITE
On weekend afternoons, Rosales Mexican Restaurant, a counter-service Mexican spot, offers a quick and delicious meal to the sun-drenched folks of Santa Barbara. Filled with chicken, steak, and fresh ingredients, every fajita is prepared with care in the kitchen. You can also enjoy generous burritos, delicious Carnitas tacos, and mountains of flavorful options from the salsa bar.
But be warned: the carne asada burrito arrives piping hot with its great mix of rice, beans, and onions, so just relax on the dog-friendly patio with a Negro Modelo and know your satisfying meal is here.
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
$$ | (805) 966-6676 | WEBSITE
You might not expect a charming spot at the very end of a pier with sweeping ocean views to serve some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste, but Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is full of delights. Everything at this seafood haven is value-added: from the cute and quaint indoor and outdoor seating, to the friendly and efficient service, and the delicious-as-can-be food.
Make sure to order the perfectly crisp onion rings, the fresh shrimp ceviche, and, if it’s available, the delicious uni that will melt away any lingering hunger. So bring your family, or a group, and be transported.
Lito’s Mexican Restaurant
$ | (805) 962-1559 | WEBSITE
There are many Mexican spots in Santa Barbara, but Lito’s Mexican Restaurant, tucked away as a local favorite, is a true hidden gem. Since the breakfast burritos are legendary here, you’ll see regulars ordering them like they’re the only thing worth eating. This cozy spot has limited seating, so expect to see familiar faces chatting with staff who know most customers by name.
And while you might have to wait a few minutes for a table during peak hours, you can still enjoy the warm atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re sitting at your mom’s house, hoping the next plate of chicken enchiladas or bowl of pozole has your name on it.
Broad Street Oyster Company
$$ | (424) 323-4401 | WEBSITE
There’s no reservation needed or fancy attire required at this seafood spot, which is actually more of an oyster-bar-dive-shack. But Broad Street Oyster Company also serves Mango Lassi cocktails—an essential item, since there is a separate bar area. We especially like the lobster rolls here, which arrive generously stuffed with fresh, tender lobster and a rich, buttery sauce on a toasted bun. Grab a bar stool, order a lobster roll or two, and chat up some regulars.
Or bring some friends for a round of drinks in the open space.
Kim’s Service Department
The cocktail-curious will quickly feel at home at Kim’s Service Department, the service-focused bar in Santa Barbara. Kim’s Service Department is known for its excellent customer service and tasty drinks, where the friendly and knowledgeable bartender Paul showcases his amazing mixology skills. Each sip delivers balanced, flavorful complexity. It’s honestly kind of unfair that more drinks don’t magically refill themselves.
This place is fun yet genuinely mellow, the kind of spot everyone wishes they had in their neighborhood.
The Lark Santa Barbara
$$$ | (805) 284-0370 | WEBSITE
The Lark Santa Barbara, a charming restaurant in the heart of the Funk Zone, operates like a popular friend’s upscale dining room. Guests settle in and linger, sharing stories and special moments, while nibbling on complimentary lime-sugar popcorn or sampling small plates from the creative menu. The cozy space feels comfortably refined from years of serving expertly prepared dishes like shakshuka, chicken and waffles, and cleverly paired beets, crudo, and Brussels sprouts.
Head to The Lark for a memorable, leisurely, and flavorful dinner for around $75, and enjoy the sheltered patio before departing.