Gracie, occupying the former Breakwater Restaurant space, has brought fresh energy to the Santa Barbara Harbor since opening in September.
Co-founders Dudley Michael and Grace Austin, the duo behind The Shop Brunch and Rodeo Room, wanted to fill what they saw as a gap in waterfront dining: food that matches the beauty of the setting. “When the Breakwater became an option, it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up, with it being such an amazing restaurant space with an incredible past and heritage to it,” says Michael.
Inspired by the couple’s travels through Europe’s waterfront locales, executive chef Richard Maxwell leads the California coastal cuisine, which spans from brunch to happy hour and dinner. Brunch highlights include the Gracie Benedict with mortadella; a sea salt citrus-butter waffle; and the Bincho Burger grilled over Japanese binchotan charcoal. Dinner features colorful appetizers like rockfish ceviche with mango lemongrass and avocado, and burrata with stone fruit, pistachio, and housemade focaccia. Larger plates range from light and casual to refined and hearty — think kale & chicken salad with dates; fish tacos with smoked chili aioli and gooseberries; uni pasta with housemade spaghetti and fresh uni; and short ribs with yellow beets and horseradish gremolata — all under $36. Soon, California buffalo milk soft serve will join the menu.
Complementing the food are playful cocktails, like the P.O.G. Margarita with passion fruit, orange, and guava, and the Bluebird Spritz with Lillet, blueberry, and bubbles. Also a standout: This is Bananas, a riff on an espresso-martini with banana and toasted cornflake cream. A small but thoughtful wine and beer list rounds out the beverages.
As for the setting, the expansive covered terrace offers pristine views of boats and passersby, while the interior shines with a horseshoe-shaped bar glowing beneath a custom chandelier made of 300 Venetian Murano pink glass pieces.
“We hope Gracie becomes a staple for Santa Barbara locals and visitors alike — a place where families and friends can gather, take in the gorgeous waterfront views, and enjoy incredible food, cocktails, and service,” concludes Michael.
Gracie is located at 107 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.graciewaterfront.com
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