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Restaurants near University of California Santa Barbara

Explore the vibrant culinary landscape surrounding the University of California Santa Barbara, a hub of innovation and learning nestled along California's stunning coastline. Where to Eat Near University of California Santa Barbara? Just minutes away from campus, you’ll find a wealth of dining options to satisfy any palate. Enjoy California cuisine with fresh, local ingredients at casual elegant eateries, or indulge in farm-to-table experiences that celebrate seasonal produce. For something different, discover authentic Indian flavors with richly spiced dishes that transport you to another world. Whether you’re in the mood for lively bistros featuring handmade pastas or diverse Asian influences showcasing sushi and dumplings, the dining scene here caters to all tastes. Experience a delightful day of exploration and great food after a visit to one of California’s most respected universities.
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115 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Ca' Dario Cucina Italiana restaurant
1. Ca' Dario Cucina Italiana
4.4
Awesome(690)
$$$$
• Italian • Goleta
Booked 7 times today
Anything grilled is "divine" and the rest of the menu is "delectable" at the "charming" Italian in Santa Barbara known for its "excellent" execution of "simple" pasta, meats and other classics plus a "fantastic" wine list with many available by the glass; it's a local "favorite", so reservations are a must.
A photo of Rooftop Bistro & Bar restaurant
2. Rooftop Bistro & Bar
4.6
Exceptional(12)
$$$$
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Goleta
Booked 1 time today
Enjoy Goleta’s only rooftop sunset to stars.Roof Top Bistro & Bar is a modern open-air dining experience offering craft cocktails, local beer and wine, and Santa Barbara fresh fare daily.Join us for nights under the market lights lounging in a laid-back setting, nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the coast.Savor an unforgettable evening under the market lights, lounging in a laid-back setting nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Central Coast.With live music by local artists every Saturday, you can #rocktheroof or relax by one of our fireplaces with friends and family.Guests simply cannot decide what makes Roof Top Bistro & Bar the best of Goleta. Is it the unrivaled views, friendly service, or delectable dining? Join us and decide for yourself!
A photo of Woodstock's Pizza - Isla Vista restaurant
3. Woodstock's Pizza - Isla Vista
4.4
Awesome(10)
$$$$
• Pizzeria • Goleta
Legendary taste meets an epic party scene at Woodstock’s Pizza in downtown Isla Vista. Bring your friends for mouth-watering pizza and our famous Wildebread.
A photo of Lulio at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara restaurant
4. Lulio at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
4.5
Awesome(113)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • Goleta
Booked 17 times today
Enjoy fresh, seasonal fare and refreshing cocktails at this restaurant that blends bold flavors, handcrafted design, and panoramic ocean views into an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Marisella restaurant
5. Marisella
4.6
Exceptional(86)
$$$$
• Italian • Goleta
Booked 5 times today
Marisella is Chef Danny Grant’s coastal Italian love letter to California, blending timeless hospitality with a relaxed elegance. Drawing from Amalfi Coast traditions and the bounty of California’s land and sea, the menu features handmade pastas, local seafood, and grilled meats —all served in a dimly lit space that channels the romance of seaside living. With a thoughtful wine list, curated martini program, and interiors inspired by sand, sea, and sky, Marisella invites guests to linger in the glow of a long goodbye. The restaurant is perched above the Pacific Ocean at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara.
A photo of Caya Restaurant restaurant
6. Caya Restaurant
4.3
Awesome(419)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Santa Barbara
Booked 3 times today
Inspired by the fresh coastal flavors of Santa Barbara, CAYA restaurant invites everyone to “Come As You Are” for a modern culinary adventure paired with a mood as relaxed and inviting as a California sunset.Embark on a delectable journey through the West Coast with our seasonal menus influenced by sustainably sourced local ingredients and global cuisine inspirations. From social gatherings to intimate dinners, indulge in the relaxed and inviting indoor and outdoor atmosphere while your tastebuds savor the culinary traditions of the west through nostalgic homemade dishes and signature craft cocktails.
A photo of Timber's Restaurant restaurant
7. Timber's Restaurant
4.2
Awesome(162)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Goleta
Booked 3 times today
Timber's Restaurant is an American food outlet which serves fast-food as well as seafood options. The restaurant has a sunny ambience and classic interiors which are very relaxing. The waiting staff at the restaurant is very friendly and cooperative. Timber's Restaurant offers live music for entertainment as well as television and free Wi-Fi. It is a good place to dine at with family and friends (child friendly atmosphere). Timber's Restaurant has a full alcohol bar and serves delicious food. Some of the popular cuisine options include steaks, grilled varieties, burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, pizza, nachos and tacos. The restaurant also serves mouthwatering dessert options and non-alcoholic beverages.
A photo of The 'O' Bar & Terrace at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara restaurant
8. The 'O' Bar & Terrace at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
4.5
Awesome(51)
$$$$
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 5 times today
Savor Coastal Californian cuisine on our beautiful Ocean Terrace with views of the PacificMarriott Bonvoy Members can earn points when staying with us. Please enroll here: https://www.joinmarriottbonvoy.com/uscanqr/s/EN/ch/sbarzFor parties with 6 guests or more a 26% service charge fee will be added to your final bill. For all guests there will be an 8.75% California State tax added to the final bill.
A photo of Masala Spice - Goleta restaurant
9. Masala Spice - Goleta
4.7
Exceptional(10)
$$$$
• Indian • Goleta
We at masala spice signify the true traditions and culinary treasures of our homeland ,presented to you in our restaurant , where we welcome you to come and try our delicacies , handcrafted by our chef to take you on a soulful journey through our spice mountains and curry streams to the land of incredible flavor and true satisfaction.
A photo of Terra at The Steward Hotel restaurant
10. Terra at The Steward Hotel
3.7
Very Good(56)
$$$$
• Farm-to-table • Goleta
Booked 1 time today
Tucked within the lush gardens of The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Terra is more than a restaurant—It’s a celebration of Santa Barbara’s agricultural heritage and coastal bounty. Inspired by the Spanish word for “earth,” Terra offers a culinary experience grounded in sustainability, seasonality, and a profound respect for the land.Our chef sources ingredients from nearby farms, local purveyors, and the hotel’s own garden. From just-picked citrus to line-caught seafood, every dish reflects Central California’s vibrant terroir—flavorful, approachable, and thoughtfully prepared.Dine indoors in a bright, inviting space or outside beneath native oaks and garden greenery. Sip a glass of local wine at golden hour or enjoy lawn games in the California sun.Our beverage program showcases regional winemakers, craft brewers, and garden-forward cocktails. Open for breakfast, weekend brunch, and dinner, Terra welcomes both locals and hotel guests to gather, savor, and connect.

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Dining near University of California Santa Barbara at a glance

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Most popular restaurant

popular restaurant

Masala Spice - Goleta

4.7

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Exceptional reviews

Most popular cuisine

popular cuisine

Italian

Average bill amount

$41 to $70

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JenniferGold
    Phoenix / Arizona •14 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Pasta is fresh made and outstanding —-delicious! Flavorful sauces Portions are huge Odd that they have spritz on the special menu but can’t have Prosecco …so just don’t offer it! Great service , nice family feel for ambiance
    More info
    Ca' Dario Cucina Italiana$$$$• Italian• Goleta
    •
    4.4
  • NancyGold
    California Central Coast •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We love the Rooftop! The food was delicious, the waitstaff attentive and to top it off, enjoyable live music at a volume allowing conversation. On one side there is a panoramic view of the mountains, on the other, peek of the ocean view, complete with the islands.
    More info
    Rooftop Bistro & Bar$$$$• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Goleta
    •
    4.6
  • SunnyGold
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Marisella is fantastic! Exceptional food and service in a very beautiful setting. We highly recommend it for a special experience.
    More info
    Marisella$$$$• Italian• Goleta
    •
    4.6
  • Dr . ThomasGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •71 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Everything was amazing! First, we had a wonderful breakfast with great service and food. Then an evening dinner that was just as we expected; top-notch! Definitely the best restaurant on the property.
    More info
    Lulio at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara$$$$• Mediterranean• Goleta
    •
    4.5
  • Greg
    Las Vegas •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 June 2026
    Was a great time and perfect for our graduate to enjoy her special day!!! Thanks for everything and we can’t wait to be there again!!!
    More info
    Woodstock's Pizza - Isla Vista$$$$• Pizzeria• Goleta
    •
    4.4

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