Food Near and Far
Near Campus, in Isla Vista
938 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 am-12:00 am, Sun 11:00 am-11:00pm.
Syrian restaurant serving authentic Mediterranean food. Noted for their veggie combo plate, shawarma sandwich, and hummus plate.
6527 Madrid Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours: Sun–Wed 7:00 am -11:59 pm, Thu–Sat 7:00 am -2:00 am.
Laid-back Mexican joint drawing students with a wide selection of burritos, plus vegetarian options.
948 Embarcadero del Norte, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Mon–Thu 6:30 am-10:00 pm, Fri–Sun 7:30 am-10:00 pm.
Hip, late-night craft coffee shop with free WiFi and local art on display. Noted for their breakfast bowls, bagels, and locally roasted coffee.
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Blenders (In Isla Vista and Near the Goodland)
6560 Pardall Rd # A, Isla Vista, CA 93117 (IV)
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5743 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours (for all locations): Mon-Sun 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
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A local company known for amazing smoothies, wheatgrass shots, and fresh squeezed juices. One of multiple locations, but the closest to campus.
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Short trip from UCSB
6940 Market Place Dr, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30-2:30 pm (Lunch), 5:00-10:00 pm (dinner).
Relaxed, stylish restaurant serving an eclectic array of locally sourced dishes, plus an extensive selection of regional wine and beer. One of the most refined dining options within a 5-minute drive of UCSB. Dinner reservations encouraged but not required.
6950 Market Place Dr, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Sun–Thu 11:00 am-10:30pm, Fri–Sat 11:00 am-11:30 pm.
Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex and American fare.
6980 Market Place Dr, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: 11:00 am–10:00 pm every day.
Laid-back brewery and restaurant serving a variety of handcrafted draft beers with upscale pub grub.
7010 Market Place Dr, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Sun–Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm, Fri–Sat 11:00 am–9:30 pm.
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Surf-themed Hawaiian eatery serving burgers, sandwiches, skewers, and plate lunches.
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7127 Hollister Ave, Suite 30, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm (lunch), and 5:30 pm-10:00 pm (dinner); Sundays only, 5:30-10:00 pm.
Roomy eatery with understated modern decor, serves sushi, ramen, and other Japanese specialties.
7024 Market Place Drive, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 am-9:00 pm.
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Laid back Mexican restaurant serving a variety of California-inspired dishes, plus a salsa bar, and local beer and wine at reasonable prices. Order up front and have food delivered to your table.
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5905 Sandspit Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm, Sat–Sun 11:30 am–9:30 pm.
Seafood restaurant with amazing views, located right on Goleta Beach, a 5 minute drive from UCSB.
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Near the Goodland
5687 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Tue–Thu 11:00 am-9:30 pm, Fri–Mon 11:00 am -9:00 pm.
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American bar and grill in Goleta, serving a variety of food options, including burgers, steaks, salads, and seafood.
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5668 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Sat–Sun 8:00 am-5:00 pm.
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Casual and innovative eatery specializing in acai bowls, hot porridges, smoothies, and more using all-natural and organic ingredients.
5722 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00 am-8:30 pm, Fri–Sun 11:00 am-9:00 pm.
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Seafood market that also serves a variety of fresh dishes daily, including pasta, burgers, and sandwiches.
5746 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 am-2:30 pm (lunch) and 5:00 pm-10:00 pm (dinner).
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Local chain serving a variety of sushi as well as teriyaki, udon noodles, and combo meals.
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Santa Barbara Experience
209 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00 pm-2:30 pm (lunch). and 5:30 pm–9:30 pm (dinner), Sun only 5:30 pm-9:30 pm.
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Comfy spot for authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern fare with an outdoor fire pit, waterfall, and weekly live entertainment. Try their fresh kebabs! Reservations recommended for fire pits.
702 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Sun–Fri 11:00 am-11:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am–11:00 pm.
Celebrated eatery with steaks, fresh seafood, and signature burgers in a circa-1915 building. A favorite for brunch, especially for their cinnamon rolls! Indoor and outdoor dining options available.
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7 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Tue-Sun 6:00 pm–12:00 am. Closed Monday.
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Located near the corner of Carrillo and State Street in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, Roy serves up tasty, complete meals until midnight, seven days a week. Features farm fresh food, revolving artwork on the walls, and a relaxed ambience.
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The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 898-2628
Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30 am-9:00 pm.
Upscale seafood and brunch spot on the beach with panoramic ocean views and a heated outdoor patio. Offering brunch with California Fusion cuisine. One of the most popular brunch spots in town. Impossible to get a seat during the weekends, but worth a try.
1972 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 966-5303
Hours: Mon–Sat 6:30 am-10:00 pm, Sun 6:30 am-9:00 pm.
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Casual joint with patio seating dishing up American diner classics such as corned beef hash, fried steak, and tuna melts. Noted by locals for its straightforward yet tasty brunch menu.
25 W Gutierrez St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-5466
Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00 am-2:00 pm.
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European bakery with LA/continental choices. Great pastry selection with fresh bread baked daily. Located downtown, one block off State St.
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324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-0777
Hours: Mon-Sun 5:00-10:00 pm.
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Sunny eatery featuring Italian cuisine and a sizable wine list in a compact space with harbor vistas. Upscale but not extravagant Italian, reservations are strongly recommended.
202 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 880-3380
Hours: Mon-Sun 5:00-10:00 pm.
Upscale Spanish fusion, featuring hot and cold tapas, wood-fired grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella. Reservations are basically required.
1325 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-9676
Hours: Mon–Tr 11:30 am-2:30pm (lunch), and 5:00 am-10:0 pm (dinner); Fri-Sat 5:00-11:00 pm . Sun 5:00-10:00 pm.
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Upscale Americana. A go-to option for globally influenced Californian fare and specialty drinks with a bustling view of State Street. Reservations are strongly recommended.
3627 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 687-1616
Hours: Sun–Thu 5:00-10:00 pm, Fri–Sat 5:00-11:00 pm.
Local Hole-in-the-Wall 1950s golf-themed American steakhouse and bar. Friendly service, intimate dining, and plentiful food for a reasonable price. Try the prime rib and classic 1950s-era cocktails!
Sun Sushi
3631 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 845-7720
Hours: Tue–Fri 11:00 am-2:00 pm(lunch), and 5:00-10:00 pm (5:00-11:00 pm Fri). Dinner only on Sat and Sun (5:00-11:00pm, 5:00-10:00 pm respectively).
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Reasonably priced and friendly local sushi bar on upper State Street offering serious quality. They only use fresh fish and Tuesday and Thursday feature specials from fish flown in from Japan. If you try to go to Arigato and can't get in, go here!
1225 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-6074
Hours: Sun–Thu 5:30-10:00 pm, Fri–Sat 5:30-10:30pm.
The best sushi bar in Santa Barbara. Innovative shushi, nigiri, and sake served in a lively brick-walled space with featured local art. No reservations taken, so expect to wait 15-45 minutes.
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11 W Victoria St #21, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 am-10:00 pm.
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This restaurant actually entails three autonomous establishments, all directly adjacent to each other. The primary restaurant, Olio e Limone, serves exquisite Italian fair with full service. The Olio Pizzeria, just around the corner, is a less formal bar and pizza place boasting the same quality of food in a casual atmosphere. The Olio Crudo Bar is ideal for light meals and those looking to try expensive wines not otherwise available in Santa Barbara. Reservations for the restaurant recommended (one can usually walk into the crudo bar or pizzeria).
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37 E Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Another fine Italian restaurant specializing in grilled meats and vegetables. Boasts an impressive wine list and an intimate, semi-formal setting. Reservations basically required.
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1151 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108
(805)969-2646
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The best option on Coast Villiage Road for those looking for an old fashioned Italian restaurant. The menu is simple but elegant. Reservations recommended.
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1279 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108
Hours: Mon-Sun 5:00-10:00 pm (dinner), Mon-Fri 11:00 am-2:30 pm (lunch), Sat-Sun 9:00 am-3:00 pm (brunch)
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The best steakhouse in the area, with probably the best service you will find in Santa Barbara. The price is somewhat higher than most of the other restaurants on this list, but you get what you pay for. Boasts a full bar, extensive and exotic wine list, and career service staff. Reservations basically required.
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230 E Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Tu-Sun 5:00-9:00 pm
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The most unique restaurant on this list. Serves a rotating menu of Japanese dishes made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. Expect to find items you would only otherwise encounter in major metropolitan Kaiseki establishments in Japan. Also boasts the best sake menu in town. Reservations required.
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