Eat like a Local in Santa Barbara

Culinary delights and Santa Barbara—the sparkling gem on California’s Riviera—are nearly synonymous. The home of late, famed chef Julia Child, the city celebrates Julia Child Day each August, and this March 13-15 it will host the inaugural Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, featuring local farms, chefs, restaurants and more, all co-presented by the Santa Barbara-based Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary.

However, it is the area’s off-the-beaten path treasures that locals seek. Now, it’s your turn to discover these lesser known culinary legends.

Arnoldi’s Cafe

Santa Barbara’s oldest Italian restaurant, founded in 1937, is a true local’s secret. Dine on time-tested Italian delicacies on the spacious outdoor patio and pause to play some bocce ball. Family friendly, with some gluten-free and vegan dishes. https://arnoldis.com/

Barbareno

Neatly tucked away a few blocks off State Street, Barbareno features locally sourced, inventive dishes like Hope Ranch mussels and Santa Maria barbecue. https://www.barbareno.com/

Playa Azul Cafe

Get the best of both seafood and Mexican fare at this long-standing establishment that sits just behind the Presidio walls. At Playa Azul Café, sip an generously sized margarita on the outdoor patio and indulge on Callo de Acha, the café’s signature scallop dish.

Lily’s Taqueria

Stop by this tiny hole-in-the-wall taqueria hidden at the tail end of Chapala Street for authentic chicken, beef, pork or veggie street tacos. Lily’s has two locations—one in Santa Barbara and another in Goleta.  http://lillystacos.com/

Mesa Verde

This plant-powered restaurant serves vegetables from several local farms. The perfectly plated vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free lunch or dinner entrees have gathered kudos by both carnivores and vegetarians/vegans. Dine on the outdoor patio for fresh ocean breezes. https://www.mesaverderestaurant.com/

Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach

As the only restaurant on Arroyo Burro Beach, dog-friendly Boathouse at Hendry’s offers brunch, lunch and one of the best ocean views around. https://boathousesb.com/

Find more locals’ favorites here.