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Restaurants near Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Explore the vibrant culinary scene surrounding the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a cultural gem in the heart of the city. Where to Eat Near Santa Barbara Museum of Art? As you wander near this artistic landmark, you'll discover a variety of dining options that reflect the local flavor and creativity. Enjoy casual settings that offer contemporary Asian cuisine, where you can indulge in delightful bao and other innovative dishes. Alternatively, savor classic American fare, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients alongside eclectic wines. For those craving something spicy, authentic Mexican dishes celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the region. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the nearby restaurants promise a memorable dining experience that complements your visit to the museum.
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117 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Secret Bao restaurant
1. Secret Bao
4.8
Exceptional(1018)
$$$$
• Asian • Santa Barbara
Booked 56 times today
Contemporary Asian American Restaurant from Chefs Peter Lee & Felicia Medina. "Consider the bao. Chinese in origin, it’s most easily described as a steamed bun filled with something savory. Yet, like the American concept of a sandwich, the bao exploded into a flexible format of untold bounds — served at any meal, filled with you-name-it, completely closed or wide open, with endless regional variants from across Asia and far beyond." - Matt Kettmann (SB Independent)1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Bao, Food, Restaurant, Asian, American, New, Modern, Fried, Chicken, Octopus, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
2. Bouchon - Santa Barbara
4.7
Exceptional(5852)
$$$$
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 31 times today
We are delighted to have added additional outdoor seating but Santa Barbara nights are chilly so bring a sweater or light jacket!Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of our region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambiance, service at a relaxed, leisurely pace. Santa Barbara ‘Wine Country Cuisine’ means we source our ingredients using an ‘as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible’ approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from the surrounding countryside. We then take into account how these flavors can be presented in concert with our local wines. We believe you’ll taste the difference. Bon Appètit!
A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant
3. Opal Restaurant & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2124)
$$$$
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 17 times today
We have inside and limited outdoor sidewalk dining. If you prefer to sit outside, please indicate that with your reservation request. To accommodate our second seating, early parties should plan for a maximum stay of 1.5 to 2hrs, depending on party size. Please call 805 966 9676 for more details. A popular local’s favorite, opal restaurant & bar’s Eclectic California Cuisine fuses creative world cuisine influences with American Regional touches, from a 14 oz. Herb-Grilled Ribeye Steak on Tuscan White Beans, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas, fresh Baked Breads, imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts. We have a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, & a full bar with seasonal Craft Cocktails. Our entire dining room staff assists to take care of each table, enabling exceptional service in a warm engaging manner, properly nuanced to your mood & taste. Our staff genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience!
A photo of Dom's Taverna restaurant
4. Dom's Taverna
4.7
Exceptional(227)
$$$$
• Basque • Santa Barbara
Booked 22 times today
Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s historic El Pueblo Viejo, DOM’S Taverna celebrates the bold, soulful flavors of Basque cuisine made with the freshest ingredients from California’s Central Coast. From wood-grilled seafood to rustic stews and vermouth-driven cocktails, we bring together fire, salt, and story.Join us daily for Happy Hour from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, with late-night Happy Hour from 9:00 to 11:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner is served from 5:00 to 10:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on Sunday and Monday. We hold reservations for 15 minutes. Please note, dining time ends at the original booking time to honor all guests.
A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant
5. Olio e Limone Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(2750)
$$$$
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 10 times today
Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's ARTS District, serves artisanal Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with eggplant souffle, then tuck into a plate of house made duck ravioli or Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties. Bonus: their contemporary Italian breakfast, lunch & retail spot Olio Bottega, and authentic pizzeria next door at Olio Pizzeria. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests.
A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
6. Ca' Dario Ristorante
4.5
Awesome(1899)
$$$$
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 9 times today
"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
7. Finch & Fork
4.6
Exceptional(1916)
$$$$
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 12 times today
Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company. Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.
A photo of The Copper - Cafe & Restaurant restaurant
8. The Copper - Cafe & Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(211)
$$$$
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 2 times today
COPPER IS BORN FROM TWO LEGACIES. FOR OVER 250 YEARS, THE OVENS OF L'ANTICA DA MICHELE HAVE DEFINED TRUE NEAPOLITAN PIZZA-AND AT COPPER, WE PROUDLY CARRY THAT FLAME.Using time-honored techniques and 250-year-old recipes, our dough is slowly developed, then baked in a blazing wood-fired oven that gives every pizza its signature char, light texture, and subtle smoky flavor. Our name also honors The Copper Coffee Pot, the first restaurant in this historic space and a beloved gathering place for locals. By keeping Copper, we celebrate the memories, first dates, and family traditions that began within these walls. We import key ingredients directly from Italy, from creamy fior di latte mozzarella to sharp, nutty Pecorino Romano, to ensure every bite is authentically Italian. Copper isn't about trends, or shortcuts-it's about respecting the craft, the ingredients, and the stories that shaped this place. The name has changed, but the warmth, care, and soul of the space live on at Copper.
A photo of Olio Pizzeria restaurant
9. Olio Pizzeria
4.7
Exceptional(1631)
$$$$
• Pizzeria • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Olio Pizzeria is an upscale-casual pizzeria with salumi bar/wine bar/full bar which was inspired by the myriad neighborhood pizzerie and enoteche found around the corner from just about every piazza in Italy. This idea began to take shape before Alberto and Elaine Morello even opened Olio e Limone Ristorante, their fine dining Italian restaurant next door. Wine bars serving boutique salumi and formaggi are ubiquitous in Italy, as is a regionalism which the Morellos are excited to share with you. Sicily is an emerging powerhouse, and touches of Sicilian food and wine delight their guests. You’ll also find exciting tastes from Campania and other emerging regions on their menus, wine and beer lists. Takeout available. Buon appetito!
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
10. Chase Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(820)
$$$$
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Chase Restaurant, a Santa Barbara institution since 1979, is conveniently located at 1012 State Street in the Theater district and showcases a classic elegant Italian décor with an intimate interior bar and an outside patio with high top seating overlooking State Street. Chase Restaurant features the finest meat, seafood and pasta dishes, as well as traditional Italian desserts. Signature dishes include Chicken Piccata served with Fettuccini Alfredo, Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Valle de Ostra, Penne Carbonara and many more. This warm, romantic Italian restaurant offers a global wine list boasting many Santa Barbara wines which are curated to pair with the bold, rich flavors of classic Italian fare. Custom cocktails featuring spirits blended with seasonal ingredients as well as Italian and craft beer are offered as well. There is free parking in the rear of the restaurant off Anacapa Street.

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