The favorite dishes in Santa Barbara tend to involve ingredients that have been picked close by. Enjoy fresh guacamole created from sun-ripened avocados, or grab a jar of fat olives to take home with you.
The Mesa
The Mesa is close to the beach and has a charming small town feel, with red roofed Spanish style buildings, and small local restaurants with pavement tables. Alcazar Tapas Bar has an authentic Spanish atmosphere and you'll be able to enjoy a simple menu full of freshly prepared dishes, so that you can try a little of everything, with a glass of locally made wine on the side. Just down the road the small and unassuming Super Cuca's Taqueria is a local favorite, and at the counter you'll find a huge menu of Mexican dishes, cooked freshly for you to take away or enjoy in the sunshine on the outside tables.
• Alcazar Tapas Bar, 1812 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara; • Super Cuca's Taqueria, 2030 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara;
The Riviera
Just like it's European cousins in Italy and France, the Riviera has winding, steep roads that offer spectacular views across the glittering ocean. Here you'll find the rustic Stella Mare's with its French provincial dishes. In a distinctively rustic, shabby chic building, you can enjoy bright and open dining with floor to ceiling windows. Seafood and steak are specialities, fresh and from the grill, as well as French classics such as coq au vin. For a taste of Italy, the laid back Panino offers an authentic lunchtime experience, with sandwiches stuffed with prosciutto, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and other simple, hearty favorites.
• Stella Mare's, 50 Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara; • Panino, 1014 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara;
Montecito
Full of mansions and manors, many of which are owned by celebrities and wealthy business people, Montecito is an upmarket area and this means you'll find some of the best restaurants here. Trattoria Mollie often makes it into the top of critic's lists, and is a favorite with well-heeled locals. However, it manages to be unpretentious, with a menu full of fresh ingredients, and authentic, rustic Italian fare. The quaint Jeannine's Bakery & Café across the road is also a favorite meeting spot for locals, and you'll find it's pretty busy throughout the day. When you snag a table you'll be able to choose from a decadent menu, whether it's a laid back brunch or a freshly baked pastry you've come to enjoy.
• Trattoria Mollie, 1250 Coast Village Road, Montecito; • Jeannine's Bakery & Café, 1253 Coast Village Road, Montecito;
Downtown
During the day, Downtown's busy State Street is packed with shoppers, and it's a great place to grab breakfast or lunch in-between hitting the stores, with lots of charming places such as the Tupelo Junction Café. This airy restaurant is open from morning to night, serving a varied menu from decadent French toast or waffles smothered in maple syrup in the morning, to steak and sloppy joes for lunch or dinner. If you venture further down State Street, you'll start to see a lot of places offering seafood caught just off the coast, such as the lively Bay Roadhouse Bar & Grill. It has a relaxed atmosphere, with outdoor tables surrounded by palm trees, and a lively bar. Enjoy traditional favorites from fish and chips to crab cakes, shrimp tacos, or wild salmon.
• Tupelo Junction Café, 1218 State Street, Santa Barbara; • Bay Roadhouse Bar & Grill, 202 State Street, Santa Barbara; Tel: +1 805 963 2215
