Santa Barbara’s New Restaurants + Eateries

March 29, 2023

Santa Barbara is known for having incredible restaurants and eateries. Tourists travel here from around the world and admire the unique dishes and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Between our local staple restaurants that have been here for decades and the newer restaurants welcomed into our community, there are certainly lots of wonderful options to choose from.

The Anchor Rose

Located on the harbor with incredible views of the mountains and the sea is The Anchor Rose, a new bringing to the Santa Barbara community with a stunning ambiance. They have a wide variety of cocktails ranging from anything between a Mai Tai and a Whiskey Smash, along with a wine and a beer list. The Anchor Rose’s delectable menu has everything from starters, soups + salads, sandwiches, and main entrees - which include seafood pasta, paella, steaks, lobster, and more!

Photo courtesy of The Anchor Rose

Augie’s

Located on the corner of State and Ortega is Augie’s, an elevated Mexican-influenced menu with a modern take on Mexican cuisine. Open for brunch and dinner, Augie’s menu ranges from items like huevos rancheros, seafood empanadas, king salmon and bluefin tartar, smoked rainbow carrot salad, and more. Although most of the cocktails are made with tequila - Augie’s has a handful of cocktails with other liquor preferences. In addition, there’s both a wine and a beer list, with beers bottled and by the draft.

Photo courtesy of Augie’s

The Black Sheep: SB Brasserie

Once known as one of Santa Barbara’s must-try restaurants, The Black Sheep: SB Brasserie is now back and in a new location in Downtown Santa Barbara. The locally owned and operated California-French pub serves dishes with locally sourced ingredients and pairs them with incredible wines and craft beers. From raw bar items like A5 wagyu tartar, and petit plats like stone crab beignets - they have dishes that are truly unique and delicious. Other menu items include 48-hour braised California lamb, awake ramen, cassoulet, and choucroute.

Photo courtesy of The Black Sheep: SB Brasserie

Corazon Comedor

A sister restaurant to Corazon Cocina - a reputable Mexican cuisine restaurant in Santa Barbara - is Corazon Comedor. Located on Victoria Street just off State Street, Corazon Comdedor features traditional authentic Mexican dishes, with a subtle twist on them. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and with options for vegetarians. Dishes include tamales, flautas, enchiladas, milanesa de pollo, tacos, and more! Corazon Comedor has an array of desserts, and specialty cocktails like spicy palomas and rumchatas. In addition, they have a beer and wine menu, along with aguas frescas.

Photo courtesy of Corazon Comedor

Dawn and Dusk

Located within one of Santa Barbara’s newest hotels, Drift Santa Barbara, Dawn and Dusk feature a side-by-side coffee shop and a bar, right in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara. Wake up bright and early and visit Dawn for local pastries from D’Angelo Bakery and coffees such as matcha lattes, cold brew, espresso, americanos, and more. Dusk, the baja-inspired Mezcal bar, has specialty cocktails - mainly infused with tequila and mezcal. Enjoy their wine and beer list, or order a light bite from their bar menu.

Photo courtesy of Dusk Bar SB

L’antica Pizzeria da Michele

Originally founded in Naples, L’antica Pizzeria de Michele expanded to Hollywood - their first U.S. location - and have now opened shop in our own backyard. The Neapolitan pizzeria sources its ingredients from Naples, and uses a brick oven to cook their pizzas to perfection.

Photo courtesy of L’antica Pizzeria da Michele

Mokutan

New to Downtown Santa Barbara is Mokutan, a Japanese restaurant that has a variety of delicious menu items. From sushi, to grilled fish and meat skewers, to seafood and crudo - there’s something for everyone. A fish special is available daily, with fish from major seafood destinations like Spain and Japan.

Photo courtesy of Mokutan

Rare Society

Rare Society, which originated in Las Vegas and then opened its doors in San Diego, has finally made its way to Santa Barbara. The local’s new favorite steakhouse is located near the Funk Zone and off of State Street. Their menu has everything from a raw bar, a seafood tower, delicious starters - including wedge salads and dry-aged meatballs, and main courses with a selection of different proteins like filet mignon, Australian wagyu tri tip, spiced pork tomahawk - just to name a few. If you’re looking for a delicious and presentable meal, try the boards which consists of a selection of chef determined cuts of the night.

Photo courtesy of Rare Society Steakhouse

Rodeo Room

Open from Wednesday through Sunday, Rodeo Room has a selection of crafted cocktails and delectable food items on their menu. Whether you like gin, whiskey, mezcal, or vodka - they have a drink selection for every liquor preference. Their menu ranges from items like poke tacos, street tacos, burgers, fried chicken and waffles, and they even have a bourbon cheesecake.

Photo courtesy of Rodeo Room

Taza Mediterranean Street Kitchen

Located on lower State Street, Taza Mediterranean Street Kitchen offers Mediterranean street food with a modern twist. Choose from the selection of traditional items like gyros, kebabs, falafels, and signature shawarma plates. The plates are served with basmati rice, salad, hummus, and pita.

Photo courtesy of Taza Mediterranean Street Kitchen

Tyger Tyger

If you’re in the mood for unique flavor and one-of-a-kind cuisine, Tyger Tyger is back and serving plant-forward Asian-fusion cuisine. Using locally sourced ingredients, menu items include tea leaf noodle salad, fried yuba sandwich, chicken khao soi, and mushroom carbonara. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner - you'll definitely want to try it for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Tyger Tyger

Thai Bistro

In the heart of Santa Barbara, Thai Bistro is new to the Santa Barbara community and serves healthy and authentic thai cuisine. Dishes include tom kha soup, duck rolls, tofu salad, and a selection of signature dishes that range from noodle soups, curries, and more!

Photo courtesy of Thai Bistro

We Want The Funk

New to the Funk Zone, We Want The Funk has opened its doors to the public and has menu items including starters, flatbreads, salads, and oysters. Dishes include wood-fired oysters, “taco-truck” flatbread, mushroom and garlic flatbread, and more! Paired with the dishes, We Want The Funk offers both a wine and beer list.

Photo courtesy of We Want The Funk

Ama Sushi

Ama Sushi, a omakase-style restaurant located in the Rosewood Miramar Beach, serves hand-prepared nigiri and sushi from always-fresh ingredients. In addition, a selection of wine, sake, or Ama Sushi’s innovative cocktails are offered at dinner.