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Brown Pelican Restaurant & Bar. One of Santa Barbara's best kept secrets: California Bistro cuisine on the beach! Sunrise breakfasts, Channel Island-view lunches, sunset appetizer and moonlight dinner specials on their heated patio. Breakfast specialties, baby green salads, rustic-bread sandwiches, prime cut steaks, seafood pastas, fresh local grilled fish, and "one of the best clam chowders on the coast," says Gourmet Magazine. Full espresso, cocktail, and oyster bar. Fine local and California wines. Open 7 days. Breakfast from 7AM. Lunch from 11:30AM. Dinner from 5:00PM. Sunday breakfast until 1:30PM. Beach Snack bar featuring BBQ tri-tip, sandwiches, hot dogs and more. [BLD] $$, (FB) Hendry's Beach (Arroyo Burro County Park), 2981-1/2 Cliff Drive, 687-4550. Cafe Luna. A friendly place where you can get real Costa Rican estate coffe, espresso, baked goods, salads and great sandwiches, soup and quiche, sit by the fireplace or sit on a deck overlooking the ocean. There are also tempting treats like truffles, cookies and cheesecakes. Open 6am to 6pm everyday. [BLD], $ (BW) 2354 Lillie Ave., Summerland, 695-8780. www.cafeluna.us Cajun Kitchen. Cajun Kitchen is a breakfast and lunch restaurant that has been serving one of the best breakfasts in town for over 20 years—from cajun specialties ranging from Jambalaya topped with two eggs, chicken hot sausage gumbo omelette, blackened catfish with two eggs, to blackened salmon and blackened chicken breast. A homestyle cooking restaurant, with something for everybody. [BL] $, (BW) 1924 De La Vina, Santa Barbara 687-8062; 6831 A. Hollister Ave, Goleta 571-1517; 901 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara 965-1004; 865 Linden Avenue, Carpinteria 684-6010. Chad’s on Chapala. Regional American cuisine. Extensive wine list. Specialty Martini’s—the biggest in town. Spacious patio with heaters. Live music. Happy hour nightly. Private dining rooms. Located in a historical Victorian house in downtown Santa Barbara. A locals favorite for 10 years. Great for special occasions...great food, cocktails and fun!! [D] $$, (FB) 625 Chapala 568.1876. Chuck’s of Hawaii. A local’s favorite celebrating 36 years of excellence serving award-winning steaks, wines and seafood to Santa Barbarans and their guests. Chuck’s has been voted Best Steak in Santa Barbara and is the recipient of the Award of Excellence from The Wine Spectator annually since 1989. They also feature a nightly selection of fresh fish, from old favorites like Alaskan halibut and grilled salmon to ahi tuna (grilled medium rare). Dinner is served weekdays from 5:30 to 11pm, and until 11:30pm weekends. Full cocktail bar, featuring Firestone-Walker Double Barrel Ale on draft. Reservations welcome. [D] $$, (FB) 3888 State, 687-4417. Cold Spring Tavern. One hundred years of tradition with true American cuisine only 15 minutes from Santa Barbara. Featuring the cuisine of chef Moises Bernal with selections of game and hearty entrées. Full bar & weekend breakfast. [LD] $$, (FB) 5995 Stagecoach Road, 967-0066. Endless Summer Bar-Cafe. Just upstairs from Chuck’s Waterfront Grill, this surf inspired bar-cafe offers great harbor views. Featuring tasty burgers, fish tacos, fresh salads, popcorn shrimp, and happy hour with food and drink specials like the Endless Summer Blonde Ale. Shoot a game of pool overlooking the boats and check out the cool collection of vintage and local surfboards and photos covering the walls. Feel like a steak? Chuck’s Waterfront menu is also available after 5 p.m. Large groups are welcome, and should call ahead for reservations at 564-4666. [LD]. $, (FB) 113 Harbor Way, Second Floor, Santa Barbara, 564-1200. Fresco Cafe. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm serving lunch and dinner with full sandwich and salad menu. Entrees include, pasta and fish specials daily. Serving Beer and Wine. [BLD] $ (B&W) 3987-B State Street, 967-6037. Fresco at the Beach. Husband and wife team Jill and Mark Brouillard match the property’s unrivaled views with a spin on European comfort cuisine. Following the success of their sister restaurant, Fresco Café, the menu will remain true to restaurants’ ethic. A small “bites” tapas-style bar menu, infused with regional wines and hand-crafted cocktails, will round out the experience. [BLD] $$ (FB) 901 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, (805) 963-0111. Hollister Brewing Company. An exciting new brewpub in Goleta. We feature hand crafted beers made on premise, an innnovative, fresh menu with appetizers, pizzas, burgers, paninis, salads, and more. Our chef, much like our brewer, strives to hand craft our menu using only fresh ingredients and locally grown and harvested produce when possible. We have a full bar and seven large TV’s to catch up on sports. We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. [LD] $ (FB), 6980 Marketplace Dr. Goleta, 805-968-2810, www.Hollisterbrewco.com Harry’s. Santa Barbara's traditional locals restaurant. Steak, seafood, sandwiches and salads served in a family atmosphere. Excellent wine list and full bar. Banquet facilites available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. [LD] $, (FB) 3313-B State Street, Santa Barbara 687-2800. Holdren's Steaks & Seafood. Holdren's Steaks & Seafood is elegant and timeless, featuring U.S.D.A. prime Midwestern corn fed beef, charbroiled over their mesquite grill. Try the "Cowboy Cut" - Holdren's signature steak - a 20 oz. Prime bone-in rib chop served over spicy onion rings. The Rosemary Blue Cheese Prime Sirloin is another favorite. Their fresh seafood selections include Bacon Wrapped BBQ Tiger Prawns, seared Hawaiian Ahi, and a shrimp Scampi like no other. Their delicious lunch items include the Prime Top Sirloin Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich and an Ahi Tuna Sashimi Salad. Want something sweet? Enjoy "Smore's on the Campfire," Caramel Apple Pie, or Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee for dessert. Holdren’s offers an extensive wine and martini list and looks forward to making your dining experience superb. Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m., and for dinner from 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday for dinner from 4:00 p.m. [LD] $$ FB. 512 State Street, 805-965-3363. Intermezzo. Wine Cask’s expanded presence in the historic El Paseo. This café and bar features breakfast, lunch and evening menus to appeal to all palates and appetites. Light bistro style dining, delicious coffees and teas, convenient downtown dining, indoor and outdoor seating, early opening and late closing, a fireplace and relaxed atmosphere, and a fine selection of cigars permitted on the front patio. Intermezzo completes the range of services the Wine Cask strives to offer. [BLD] $$, (FB) 813 Anacapa 966.9463 Longboard’s Grill. Upstairs from the Harbor Restaurant is an active, fun bar & grill with a big TV, a surfer’s attitude and 360-degree views of the city & water. [LD] $$, (FB) 210 Stearns Wharf, 963-3311. Lucky’s. Chef James Sly brings his world-wide culinary experience to this premium Montecito steakhouse. [LD] $$$, (FB) 1279 Coast Village Road, 565-7540. Max's Restaurant. Max's Restaurant is where locals send their family & freinds for breakfast or lunch when visiting Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara loves Max's unique blend of food, service & atmosphere. For breakfast enjoy one of Max's unique specialties or breakfast basics. Max's lunch menu includes entree salads, sandwiches, pastas, & homemade soups. [BL] $ (B&W). 3514 State Street, Santa Barbara, 898-9121. The Montecito Cafe. The Montecito Cafe boasts exquisite California Nouveau cuisine. The casual and intimate Montecito Cafe Bar features a special appetizer menu, cocktails and fine wines. Lunch hours are from 11:30-2:30, Dinner hours are 5:30-10:00PM, and the Cafe ar is open from 5-11pm nightly. [LD] $$ (FB). 1295 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, 805-969-3392, www.montecitoinn.com The Palace Grill. The Palace is a contemporary American grill, with a lively, high-energy atmosphere, and fun, spontaneous events. Featuring fine grilled steaks and fresh seafood, delicious pastas, and select American Regional specialties, like Blackened Crawfish-stuffed Filet Mignon, and Louisiana Bread Pudding Soufflé. Cajun Martinis, unique beers, and a well selected wine list. Their unique “team Service” voted the Best in Town the last 16 years in a row. Rave reviews in Gourmet Magazine, Gault-Millau Travel Guide, Zagat, and Sunset Magazine. “Best on the West Coast” according to Los Angeles Magazine. Open 7 days: lunch 11:30am to 3pm; evenings from 5:30. [LD] $$, B&W. 8 E Cota 963-5000. Paradise Cafe. Santa Barbara’s favorite dining patio. Fresh fish, steaks, chops, chicken and their famous oak-grilled burger. Start with a drink at the street level bar, and work your way up. Open seven days a week. [BLD], $, FB. 702 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, 962-4416. Pierre Lafond Bistro. A feast for the eyes as well as the palate, Pierre Lafond’s deli and bakery are a real treat. The deli brims with delicious entrées, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Desserts range from the slightly sinful low-fat cheesecake to the downright decadent farmcake. Outdoor seating places you in the State Street action, or, if you want to get away from it all, rent a wicker picnic basket, complete with tablecloth, fill it full of goodies and head for your favorite Santa Barbara spot. 516 State, 962-1455. Rocks. A beautiful and hip setting right on State Street next to the Paseo Nuevo Mall. Rocks offers fresh and tasty food in a lively atmoshere. The menu covers all the bases with seafood, chicken and meats in addition to many salads and pastas. Patio and balcony seating offer prime people watching on Santa Barbara's busiest street. Live music or DJ most nights, full bar. [LD], $$, FB. 801 State Street, Santa Barbara, 884-1190. Rodney’s. Featuring prime aged beef, succulent seafood, fine spirits and great local wines at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. [D] $$$, (FB) 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., 884-8554 Roy. Winner of “Best New Restaurant in Santa Barbara,” if you plan to sample the four-star cuisine, including Roy’s signature filet mignon, get there early. Dinner from 6pm till midnight daily. [D] $$, (FB) 7 West Carrillo, 966-5636. Sambo’s. The original on the beach! Serving up the classic dining experience. [BLD] $, (B&W) 216 W. Cabrillo Blvd. 965-3269 Savoy Truffles Food Boutique. A charming deli featuring a wine and tea bar. Santa Barbara’s most complete salad bar focusing on natural and organic produce. Daily selection of four house-made soups. Full service deli with daily specials like Stuffed Chicken Breast, Seared Salmon, Sweet Potato Gratin, and cold salads such as Strawberry Spinach, and Cranberry-Tuna Salad. Custom sandwiches to order. Freshly baked cookies, lemon bars, carrot cake and more. Organic coffee and espresso. Catering. [BBr] $, B&W, 24 West Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, 805-966-2139. Square One. Seasonal Basics—Old World Influences. The menu is committed to organically grown and sustainable raised ingredients. Square One is open Tuesday–Thursday 5:30–10:00, Friday and Saturday 5:30–11:00, Sunday 5:30-10:00. [D], $$$ (B&W). 14 East Cota Street, Santa Barbara, 965-4565. Stella Mare’s. Overlooking the bird refuge in Montecito...a glass greenhouse, sofas by the fire, and the freshest innovative Santa Barbara cuisine. Casual, French Provincial decor...excellent wine list...and Live jazz on Wednesday nights. Lunch served Tuesday– Saturday from 11:00– 2:30pm; Dinner Tuesday thru Sunday from 5:00pm; Brunch 9:00–2:00. Live music Wednesdays. [BrLD] $$, (FB) 50 Los Patos Way. 969-6705. Events by Stella Mare’s is located at 3302 McCaw Ave, on upper State Street. The Tee-Off. One of the town’s premier steak houses featuring succulent prime rib, fresh seafood, generous cocktails and, of course, quality steaks. [LD] $$, (FB) 3627 State, 687-1616. Tupelo Junction. At Tupelo Junction they make everything from scratch. They choose delicious recipes using only the freshest ingredients and the menu changes frequently depending on the season and product availability. [BLD] $$, (FB) 1218 State Street, (805) 899-3100. Tuttini Bake Shop and Cafe. Great coffee, breakfast and lunch! Offering a wide selection of breads, baked goods and pastries. Takeout available. [BL] $, 10 East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, 963-8404 Wine Cask. Located in historic El Paseo, Wine Cask offers a majestic dining room complete with seven foot Baronial fireplace and one of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful courtyards. The menu is influenced by ethnic cuisine from around the world, combining simplicity and creativity, tradition and innovation, to create an imaginative menu of bistro-style plates. To complement your meal, select a wine from their award winning wine list specializing in the finest and rarist wines from Santa Barbara and around the world. On Sundays and Mondays, a specially priced five course meal is offered. Open daily for lunch and dinner and serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Catering is available. [LD] $$$, 813 Anacapa 966.9463 Woody’s. Oak-smoked BBQ, bring your family or team. [LD] $, (B&W) 5112 Hollister Ave 967.3775. Arigato Sushi. The hip spot for sushi with an urban flair. [D] $$ (B&W), 1225 State Street, 965-6074. Ichiban. Fine Japanese cuisine featuring sushi bar and tatami seating—a mesa destination. [LD] $$ (B&W), 1812 Cliff Drive, 564-7653. Mandarin Palace. Voted the best Chinese food by the Independent readers poll for the last seven years. Serving fresh authentic Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine for over 20 years. [LD] $$ (B&W), 3955 State Street, 456-2256. Saigon In and Out. Offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine fresh and full of flavor. Open Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm for lunch and dinner. [LD] $ (B&W), 318 N. Milpas St, Santa Barbara, 966-0916. Szechuan Restaurant. Excellent Szechuan and regional Chinese specialties. [LD] $$ (B&W), 1994 Cliff Drive, 564-7651. Zen Yai. Experience a new era of Thai cuisine, blending traditional dishes with a California nouveau flair. [D] $$, (B&W) 425 State Street, 957-1193. Bella Vista. Enjoy the most incredible ocean views in all Santa Barbara and experience innovative California wine country cuisine in Bella Vista, the Four Seasons Resort’s new restaurant. Executive Chef Martin Frost has created a menu featuring fresh local bounty and regional produce. Experience the legendary Biltmore Brunch (served Sundays 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Reservations required). Open Daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. A la carte breakfast is served daily Monday thru Saturday 7:00–11:30 AM, Sunday 7:00–10:00 AM. Lunch hours are Monday–Saturday 11:30 AM–5:00 PM and a limited lunch menu is offered on Sunday 1:30–5:00 PM. Dinner is served from 5:00–10:00 PM daily. Reservations are highly recommended. [BBrLD] $$$, (FB) 1260 Channel Drive at the Four Seasons Biltmore, 805-565-8237, www.fourseasonsresorts.com. Bouchon. Restaurateur Mitchell Sjerven hosts the city’s first Wine Country Cuisine restaurant with more than 50 Santa Barbara and Central Coast wines offered by the glass to compliment bouchon’s “ingredient driven” and seasonal fresh menu. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list features exclusively Californian selections, paired with cuisine that is "creative without being over the top..."” (Wine Spectator, July 1999). Fresh Channel Island seafood, Santa Ynez and Ojai Valley game, and local farmer’s market produce predominate. Outdoor dining is available year-round on the heated, covered garden patio. Ask about private dining in the intimate Cork Room where up to 20 guests can be seated at the Grand Table. Open for dinner nightly from 5:30pm, reservations recommended. [D] $$$, (B&W) 9 W. Victoria, 730-1160. Downey’s. Chef John Downey has been serving Santa Barbara's finest cuisine since the restaurant opened in 1982. Clearly defined tastes using the finest foods available and artful yet simple presentation have earned Downey's top honors in the ZAGAT SURVEY for the past sixteen consecutive years. The dining room is in the capable hands of Liz Downey who will be happy to guide you through the mostly California wine list with a proud bias towards the extensive Santa Barbara County selections. Dinner served Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30pm. [D] $$$, (B&W) Reservations: 966-5006, 1305 State St., www.downeyssb.com Eladio’s. Santa Barbara Coastal Cuisine at its finest. An extensive wine list, specializing in both local and Napa Valley wines complements the exquisite fare, along with a full premium bar. Enjoy spectacular ocean views while experiencing the unique style and decor of Eladio's dining rooms. Outdoor dining is available year-round on the heated fountain patio. Open daily for breakfast and lunch from 7am to 2:30pm. Dinner nightly from 5:30pm. Reservations recommended. [BLD] $$, (FB) 1 State Street at Cabrillo Blvd, 963-4466. Louie’s. Celebrate the taste of a Santa Barbara tradition in the historic Upham Hotel. Delicious California bistro fare in a wonderful downtown setting. [LD] $$$, (B&W) 1404 De La Vina at Sola. 963-7003. Opal. A local's favorite, Opal fuses creative influences from around the world with American Regional touches: from Chile-crusted Filet Mignon, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas from their wood burning pizza oven, fresh baked Breads, deliciously imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts. Sophisticated yet comfortable, Opal radiates a warm, friendly atmosphere. Full bar, award winning wine list, private room for parties up to 60. Located Downtown, near theaters and shopping, with easy parking. 1325 State Street, 966-9676. [LD] $$ (FB) Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner. Sage & Onion. Ambitious, Innovative English-accented New American cuisine of Chef Steven Giles at this classy entry that's quickly becoming a contender for the best in town. [D] $$$, 34 E. Ortega, 963-1012, www.sageandonion.com. SOhO. Venture upstairs to Santa Barbara’s upscale restaurant and music club, complete with brick walls, hardwood floors, local art exhibits and a large, comfortable terrace for outside dining. The menu features California Cuisine. Favorites include Crab Cakes, Grilled New York Steak, Garden Pasta, Chicken Molé, and delicious soups and salads. Enjoy their full cocktail bar, happy hour Monday through Friday, dancing, and quality live music every night. Major credit cards accepted, reservations suggested. [LD] $$, (FB) 1221 State Street (Upstairs in Victoria Court). 962-7776. Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Gourmet Restaurant. Established 1976, the best in Danish & European cuisine in Santa Barbara serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Authentic Danish’s, Apple Strudels, Marzipans, desserts & much more. Experience Andersen’s Gourmet Food Parade with a European interior or dine on the sidewalk patio. [BLD], $$ (B&W) 1106 State St., 962-5085. Mimosa. Superb French Casual cuisine delicately prepared. Dine in a comfortable south of France ambiance. Salads, Pastas & House Specialties such as Boulliabaisse, Osso Bucco, Fresh Fish, Venison, Lamb, or Ostrich. Home-made pastries. Excellent selection of French & California wines. [LD] $$, (B&W) 2700 De La Vina, 682.2272. Elements. Eclectic international restaurant with grand views of the courthouse and gardens serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week, with breakfast served on Sunday. [BLD] $$, (FB). 129 East Anapumu Street, Santa Barbara, 884-9218. Epiphany. Co-owners actor Kevin Costner and husband-wife team Alberto & Michelle Mastrangelo have created this New American cuisine focusing on classical European technique while incorporating innovative new recipes. The stylish decor is intimate and inviting. Indulge yourself in the lounge with specialty martinis, cozy up on the couches and sip champagne or enjoy a cognac & cigar on the garden patio. Epiphany serves dinner up to 10:30pm though the eclectic bar menu is available until midnight on Friday and Saturday. [D] $$$ (FB), 21 West Victoria, 805-564-7100. www.epiphanysb.com Spice Avenue. A family-owned restaurant from London with a top chef from Bombay bringing you some of the most exciting, authentic Indian cuisine there is to offer. The lavish, all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is only $7.95. Dinner buffet is $12.45 Wednesday evenings. A creative and carefully developed menu superbly takes on traditional Indian favorites with an excellent choice for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Heated patio and inside seating. Indian beers and local wines. Specializing in private parties and catering. [LD], $$ (B&W), 1027 State Street, Santa Barbara, 965-6004, www.spiceavenue.com.cn. Aldo’s Italian Restorante. Since 1986. Experience lunch in the sun or dine by candle light in their enchanting courtyard. Enjoy Tuscan influenced dining room located in a historic Santa Barbara landmark. Friendly servers deliver fresh Italian specialties and creative dishes with a distinctive California flair. Taste the finest wines, fresh local fish, specialty salads and the famous house specialty Osso Bucco (served Saturday night only). Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. [LD], $, B&W. 1031 State Street, 805-963-6687. www.sbaldos.com Ca’ Dario. Fine Italian dining with extensive Italian wine list. Excellent seafood and authentic cuisine. [LD] $$, (B&W) 37 E. Victoria, 884-9419. The Neo Chase Restaurant and Lounge. A local favorite, with a warm inviting atmosphere. Extensive Italian based menu, with specials daily. A full bar with a weekday complimentary happy hour showcasing several hearty family recipes. Lunch and dinner served daily 11am-9pm; weekends 11am-10pm. [LD] $$, (FB) 1012 State Street, Santa Barbara, 965-4351. Olio e Limone Ristorante. (“Oil and Lemon” in Italian.) Savor creative, authentic Italian cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. Owned and operated by husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello, the menu features dishes from all over Italy but you’ll be treated to some touches of Sicily. Zagat-rated. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence-winning wine list five years in a row, highlighting carefully selected Italian and Californian varietals. Lunch: Mon-Sat, 11:30AM-2:00PM. Dinner: 7 Nights from 5:00PM. Private dining in the “Cucina” room for groups up to 30, by reservation. [LD] $$, (B&W) 17 West Victoria Street, 805-899-2699, www.olioelimone.com Petrini's Italian Restaurant. The oldest continuously operating Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara. The menu ranges from the traditional spaghetti with home-made meatballs to Chicken Picatta to thin crust pizza, salads, sandwiches and soups. [LD], $, (B&W). 14 W. Calle Laureles, Santa Barbara 805-687-8888. Piatti. Elegant yet casual rustic Italian trattoria. Located next to a seasonal creek, Piatti offers homemade pasta, pizzas and delicious entrees. There is an exhibition kitchen where you can watch your dinner being prepared, two patios and two fireplaces. "Come home to Piatti" Located in the upper village of Montecito. Banquets and catering are available. [BrLD] $$, (FB) 516 San Ysidro Road, 969-7520 Trattoria Mollie. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine lovingly prepared by the incomparable Mollie Ahlstrand. Reservations recommended. [BLD] $$, B&W. 1250 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, 565-9381. Via Maestra 42. Traditional Italian flavors come together in this deli/shop/café on upper State Street. Serving panini, insalate, antipasti, formaggi, salumi, dolci, caffè and delectable gelatos. [BLD] $$, 3343 State Street, 569-6522. The Natural Café. The Natural Cafe is known for their homemade soups, hearty salads, delicious sandwiches, vegetarian entrees, pasta, chicken and seafood dishes, as well as a complete juice bar, microbrewed beers and local wines. [LD] $, (B&W). Three locations: 508 State, 962-9494; 361 Hitchcock, 563-1163; 5892 Hollister, 692-2363. Sojourner Cafe. Located a few blocks off the beaten path in the historical center of town, this is the local’s favorite place for outrageously delicious and wholesome natural foods. Renowned for its friendly, nurturing and energetic atmosphere, the Sojourner since 1978 has served up a variety of creative, internationally influenced vegetarian, chicken and seafood specials. A popular espresso bar serving all kinds of mouth watering concoctions and the best homebaked desserts in town top off a day or night at one of the city’s landmark eateries. [LD] $, (B&W) 134 E Canon Perdido, 965.7922. Spiritland Bistro. Creative, Flavorful, and Pure. A cozy European-style bistro offering a fusion of internationally influenced cuisine using organic ingredients in every dish; including Audubon recommended seafood, organic poultry, vegetarian, vegan, and raw food specialties complimented by a diverse selection of organic beer, wine, tea and herbal tonics. Each week Chef Joel Koch celebrates a different ethnic cuisine to compliment the daily menu. Weekly specials are posted at spiritlandbistro.com. Also available: private parties, off-site catering, and business luncheons. [D] $$ (B&W). 230 E. Victoria (corner of Garden and Victoria), Santa Barbara, 805-966-7759-Reservations Suggested. spiritlandlandbistro.com. Chuck’s Waterfront Grill. Chuck’s of Hawaii has expanded to a second location at Chuck’s Waterfront Grill; by the boats at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Same great food and service you already love...in a setting that makes going out to dinner feel like a little vacation. Featuring Prime Grade Top Sirloin Steaks. “Chuck’s Style” Fresh Alaskan Halibut, Teriyaki Grilled Prawns, Grilled Sea Scallops, King Crab Legs, and Australian Lobster Tail. Serving dinner nightly from 5pm, with incredible Sunset Dinner Specials from 5-6:30 p.m. Reservations accepted. Free Parking. [LD] $$, (FB) 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, 564-1200. Enterprise Fish Co. The lively nautical atmosphere at the Enterprise will whet your appetite for great seafood. Fortunately, you’re in the right place. A variety of shellfish hors d’oeuvres is served at the oyster bar, and the dining room offers a selection of fresh seafood grilled over mesquite, including catch-of-the-day specials. Now offering a full liquor bar. [LD] $$, (FB) 225 State St 962.3313, www.enterprisefishco.com. The Harbor Restaurant. The Harbor is one of Santa Barbara’s finest destinations, where fresh fish and steaks are specially prepared and served in an elegant maritime interior with unmatched views of the harbor sunsets, the boats, the islands and everything that makes Santa Barbara special. [BrLD]. $$, (FB) 210 Stearns Wharf, 963-3311. Santa Barbara Fish House. Great locally caught fresh fish prepared in a casual fun atmosphere. Terrific happy hour. Right across from East Beach. [LD], $$, FB. 101 East Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara 966-2112. S.B Shellfish Company. Established in 1979 as a buying station for local Santa Barbara shellfish and a place to sell crab, this casual spot has become a favorite destination for fresh seafood and views of the harbor and local mountains. [LD] $$ (B&W) 230 Stearns Wharf, 966-6676. Cafe Buenos Aires. A unique world dining experience in the heart of Santa Barbara’s art district. Excellent service and Argentine cuisine make casual patio dining a finer experience. [LD] $$ (FB), 1316 State Street Santa Barbara 963-0242. www.cafebuenosaires.com Carlitos Cafe y Cantina. A taste of old Mexico with lively ambiance, Carlitos features mesquite grilled specialties, signature Cuervo mango margaritas and exotic Latin cocktails with everything made from scratch. Enjoy the State street scene from the heated outdoor patio, accented by colorful umbrellas and fountains while listening to live guitar music every night. Fresh spirited menu includes roasted corn and black bean salsa, halibut ceviche, Mahi-Mahi fajitas, chicken with mole poblano and pozole. 2002 Zagat award. Carlitos’ inspired flavors can turn any event into a fiesta! Serving brunch on Sunday. Free parking. [BBrLD] $$, (FB) 1324 State St., 962-7117. CAVA. Experience the bold flavors of Spain, Mexico and Latin America in a romantic garden setting in the village of Montecito. Sunflower colored walls, relaxed outdoor terrazzo and beautiful bar to enjoy tapas while sipping Sangria with friends or magnificent margaritas or mojitos and listening to live Spanish guitar nightly. Cava’s methods and imaginative combinations by chef Onofre Zuñiga including lobster tamale, quesadilla with chicken, manchego cheese and caramelized onions, coconut shrimp with spicy mango salsa mango and grilled ribeye churrasco steak, 2002 Zagat Award. Happy Hour 4-6, Weekend Brunch from 8am. Complimentary Valet Parking. [BLD] $$, (FB) 1212 Coast Village Road, 969-8500. El Paseo Restaurant. This world-famous restaurant is filled with the character of Old Santa Barbara. The historic placita layout takes diners back to old Mexico with authentic entrées and specialty margaritas. [BrLD] $$, (FB) 800 State Street, 962-6050. El Sitio. This trio of restaurants prepares very fresh and very authentic Mexican food. Their tacos, tortas and horchata really hit the spot. [LD] $, 2830 De La Vina St., 682-9747; 138 S. Salinas St., 963-0171; 102 S. Fairway Ave., Goleta, 964-6104 La Super-Rica Taqueria. The restaurant that started it all. Charbroiled meats & vegetables, cheeses & chorizos served with homemade corn tortillas, daily specials. [LD] $, 622 N Milpas, 963-4940. Los Arroyos. This casual Mexican restaurant prides itself on serving the freshest ingredients. Salsas are prepared daily while the corn tortillas are made to order. Prices are reasonable, so expect it to be busy at lunch time. [LD] $. 14 West Figueroa, 962-5541. Playa Azul Café. Enjoy the ambience of the historic Presidio as you dine under magnolia and jacaranda trees. La Playa Azul Café features superb Mexican cuisine in a relaxed setting. Open daily from 11:00am. [LD] $, (FB) 914 Santa Barbara St., 966.2860. Rose Cafe. Enjoy award-Winning Mexican food all day. [BLD] $$, (B&W) On the Mesa at 1816 Cliff Drive, 965-5513, open Tuesday–Sunday; Downtown 424 East Haley, 966-3773, open 7 days. Zia Cafe. Enjoy the ambiance of old Santa Fe on the balcony overlooking State Street. The New Mexican cuisine is “hot” in every way—spicy and popular. Temper the heat with Zia’s famous “Zia Rita Margarita.” [BLD] $, (B&W) 532 State 962.5391.
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