Planning a weekend stay in Santa Barbara

I’m planning a weekend stay in Santa Barbara and want to make the most of it food-wise. I’ve already been to Brophy Bros and Jane (which were both solid), but I’m hoping to find a few lesser-known spots that locals actually go to—ideally not super touristy or overpriced. Any suggestions for breakfast and dinner places where you actually get excited to eat?

2 comments

2 Comments

Irina Tkachuk

Mar 28

Totally feel you on avoiding the usual overhyped tourist traps! I’ve lived in SB for 8 years and my go-to for breakfast is Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery—especially their lemon blueberry pancakes and homemade granola. For dinner, Los Agaves on Milpas never fails; their mole enchiladas are incredible and not ridiculously expensive. Also, if you like sushi, Arigato Sushi on State Street has the freshest I've had outside of LA.

If you want a bigger list of trusted spots (not just food either), I recommend skimming through this site: yellow pages santa barbara — it’s kind of like the old-school Yellow Pages but super local and up to date. I've found new gems there just by checking the latest business listings and user reviews.

Edited

unknown unknown

Jun 10

Replying to

I’d also throw in The Daily Grind for coffee and casual morning bites—easy to miss but locals love it. And +1 for Arigato Sushi. I’d avoid eating near the Wharf unless you’re just there for the view. It’s mostly overpriced and not worth it.

Edited