Looking for the best places for lunch in Santa Barbara? Then you’re going to love this article! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and sample some of our area’s guest-favorite fare! This coastal gem is packed with incredible spots to grab a bite, whether you’re craving fresh seafood, farm-to-table goodness, or a laid-back café vibe.
Sunny skies and scenic ocean views will greet you, and the laid-back vibes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere will keep you coming back. And that’s not even mentioning the food yet. Satisfying? Absolutely! With so many lunch places in Santa Barbara to check out, we’ve compiled a list of our guest favorites and top recommendations to start your foodie adventures.
Brophy Bros
Brophy Bros is the place to be if you love seafood and want the freshest flavors around. It offers the freshest catches of the day, so the dishes are always spot-on for flavor. Pair your meal with a cold beer or glass of wine, and soak in the harbor’s beauty.
Brophy Bros is most famous for its fresh clam chowder and shrimp cocktail. The place is brimming with West Coast charm.
Arrive early — Brophy Bros is a popular spot for good reason.
Finney’s Crafthouse
Looking for a casual yet elevated dining experience? This gastropub serves up a diverse array of dishes, from decadent truffle fries to creative craft burgers that are worth every bite. And the menu features 50 guest-favorite dishes — all made from scratch.
Finney’s Crafthouse has craft beers on tap. And for those who love a great salad, you’ll find plenty of inventive selections to choose from. There’s always something to please everyone’s taste buds. The atmosphere is cozy yet trendy. That makes it a great spot for everyone. Try Finney’s BBQ Chicken Pizza; it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Santo Mezcal Restaurante
Santo Mezcal is traditional Mexican fare with a modern twist. This spot is a must for bold flavors, mezcal cocktails, and tacos or moles with serious kicks. Each plate not only bursts with flavor but celebrates contemporary authenticity.
This Santa Barbara lunch spot is a dream for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant ingredients. Enjoy the perfect blend of heat and spice with every bite.
Looking for something spectacular? Try their Birria Tacos. They balance tender meat and rich broth with crispy tortillas.
The Brewhouse
Sometimes a little comfort food paired with a comfortable, lively, and fun dining atmosphere is what you crave. We get it, and for that, we recommend heading over to The Brewhouse. The Brewhouse is a local favorite. It exudes charm with a rustic and welcoming atmosphere.
You’ll find everything from hearty sandwiches to fresh salads on the menu. However, the icing on the cake is its craft beers, and the Brewhouse offers an outstanding selection.
Need some inspiration on what to try first? We suggest the Brewhouse burger. It’s juicy and bursting with flavor, making this top pick a lunchtime legend.
Santa Barbara FisHouse
If seafood is your go-to, the Santa Barbara FisHouse will steal your heart. Many of our guests love this spot, and it’s steps away from the beach.
FisHouse combines fresh catches with a laid-back atmosphere. Its fish tacos have gained a loyal following. However, its cioppino, rich with seafood flavors, also makes for a fantastic meal.
Love salad? Try the Pacific Rim Salad! It’s mouth-watering, light, flavorful, and hits the spot on a sunny afternoon.
Combine the great food with the stunning coastal views, and you’ve got yourself one of the best places for lunch in Santa Barbara.
Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Ready for a meal that offers an Irish twist on local fare? Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is the place to be.
Hearty plates and a cozy pub vibe pack a powerful — and flavorful — punch to your lunch plans. There’s something incredibly comforting about its beer-battered fish and chips. However, it also makes a ‘mean,’ hearty shepherd’s pie (and there’s even a vegan-friendly version for those following a vegan or gluten-free diet).
This downtown lunch spot is perfect to refuel during a day of exploring, sightseeing, or shopping in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone. You’ll feel right at home the moment you walk in the door.
Want to taste an authentic Irish meal? Pair the traditional Irish stew with a crisp pint of Guinness!
Joe’s Cafe
Joe’s Cafe is a Santa Barbara institution, located near The Eagle Inn. This longtime favorite has been dishing out big portions and even bigger history since 1928.
Craving a hearty burger, a flavorful salad, or a Diablo Dip? Joe’s serves it all alongside a big helping of nostalgic charm. It’s the perfect spot for anyone longing for a no-fuss meal that’s delicious and satisfying.
Want something truly unforgettable? Treat yourself to their Tri-Tip sandwich — it’s simple, satisfying, and will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Savor the Flavors of Santa Barbara’s Lunch Scene
Lifelong local or just passing through? Either way, you’ll find plenty of variety in Santa Barbara’s lunch scene. The best places for lunch in Santa Barbara serve it all, from fresh seafood to bold international flavors.
Craving comfort food? You’ll find that, too! There’s something for everyone, and lunchtime feels like an adventure. Lunch spots like Brophy Bros, Santo Mescal, and Joe’s Cafe are calling your name, so you’re for a treat.
Hungry yet? Book your room and get ready for a Santa Barbara foodie adventure! Explore these incredible Santa Barbara lunch spots and discover your new favorite today. Santa Barbara’s culinary scene is packed with flavor and charm, ready to impress!
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