Romantic Restaurants in Santa Barbara, California

If you're in Santa Barbara and want a spot that nails the whole oceanfront dining + amazing food combo, you’ve got to check out Convivo Restaurant and Bar. It’s tucked inside the Santa Barbara Inn right on East Cabrillo, and the vibe here is sleek and stylish—think sunburst chandeliers, vintage wood floors, big arched windows, and cozy booth seating perfect for a date night or special dinner.

The menu’s always changing (in the best way), and everything’s made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They use a wood grill to fire up entrées like Pesce misto—a mixed seafood grill with Roman artichokes and salsa verde—or Sonoma quail with grilled ramps, spring veggies, and crispy Brussels sprouts. It’s one of those places where every dish feels thoughtful, seasonal, and totally delicious.

Highlights:

• Oceanfront dining inside the Santa Barbara Inn
• Chic space with vaulted ceilings and vintage-modern flair
• Rotating menu with wood-grilled entrees and fresh, local ingredients
• Great for date nights, celebrations, or just treating yourself
• Standout dishes like Pesce misto and Sonoma quail

901 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-845-6789

Inside the stylish Kimpton Canary Hotel, Finch & Fork is one of those spots that feels fancy without being fussy. The space strikes a perfect balance—elegant yet super inviting, with wood-beamed ceilings, big sunny windows, and crown molding that gives it a classic touch. Upstairs, there’s a relaxed lounge area with a cool chandelier and exposed brick floors that add to the charm. It’s a top pick for date night or a special evening out.

The food? So good. Finch & Fork focuses on fresh, local ingredients from Central California fishermen and farmers, so everything tastes like it came straight from the source. The menu leans New American and includes gems like rainbow trout, seared scallops, grilled salmon, and an absolutely killer prime rib.

Highlights:

• Located in the boutique Kimpton Canary Hotel
• Warm, elegant space with upstairs lounge and brick floors
• Locally sourced ingredients from Central Coast purveyors
• Standout dishes like prime rib, scallops, and rainbow trout
• Perfect setting for a romantic dinner or special night out

31 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-879-9100

Located in Santa Barbara’s funky and artsy “Funk Zone”, The Lark is tucked inside the old Santa Barbara Fish Market building—and it still holds onto that cool, edgy vibe. The space is a perfect mix of rustic and romantic, with exposed brick walls, dramatic chandeliers, high wood-beamed ceilings, and cozy private dining areas, all wrapped in rich wood tones that totally set the mood for a great night out.

The Lark leans hard into the bounty of California’s Central Coast, building their American-style menu around local farms and fresh seafood. Expect a creative mix of dishes, like roasted California chicken or a stunning Japanese Hamachi Crudo with avocado mousse, pickled pineapple, daikon, and candied peanut. Oh—and if the weather’s nice (which it usually is), definitely go for the al fresco dining out on the patio.

Highlights:

• Located in the heart of the artsy Funk Zone
• Rustic-chic space with exposed brick and romantic lighting
• Locally sourced, farm-and-sea-to-table menu
• Standouts include California chicken and Hamachi Crudo
• Outdoor patio seating for sunny Santa Barbara evenings

131 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-284-0370

Jane is an upscale spot right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara’s Theater Arts District. The space is warm and welcoming, full of character with wood beam ceilings, hardwood floors, and a mix of wood tables and chairs—including a big communal table that’s perfect for groups. There’s even a cozy fireplace and huge paned windows that bring in tons of natural light. Twin staircases lead you up to a second-floor dining area with a balcony that gives you views of the Arlington Theater and even the distant Santa Ynez Mountains.

The menu features fresh, flavorful California fare. You’ll find crowd favorites like Firestone red onion rings, grilled chicken piccata, veal marsala, and grilled salmon on cedar topped with margo relish and citrus sauce, served alongside seasonal veggies and potatoes. It’s a great spot for a date night, pre-show dinner, or just a nice evening out.

Highlights:

• Located in Santa Barbara’s Theater Arts District
• Charming interior with wood beams, fireplace, and upstairs balcony
• Views of the Arlington Theater and Santa Ynez Mountains
• Standout dishes like veal marsala and grilled salmon
• Perfect for romantic nights, family dinners, or group gatherings

1311 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-962-1311

Restaurants for a Date

The love affair between Santa Barbara and Spain is alive and well at Loquita Santa Barbara, the newest chica on the block that’s quickly become a go-to for anyone craving bold Spanish flavors. Inside, the vibe is super chic and breezy—think white brick walls, an open stainless steel kitchen, soft neutral tones, and big French doors that flood the space with natural light. There’s also a cozy outdoor patio with a sleek wall fire feature—perfect for a romantic dinner under the stars.

Loquita’s menu leans hard into classic Spanish cuisine, with a California twist. You’ll find hot and cold tapas, wood-fired seafood, grilled meats, and not one, but three kinds of paella. Their wine list is packed with Spanish selections, and the cocktail program is all about creative takes featuring Spanish vermouths and market-fresh sangria. It’s a full-on flavor experience.

Highlights:

• Modern Spanish restaurant in the heart of downtown
• Chic, sunlit interior with a romantic outdoor patio
• Tapas, grilled meats, seafood, and three types of paella
• Extensive Spanish wine list and craft cocktail menu
• Great for date nights or group dinners with flair

202 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-880-3380

Reflecting the traditions and ingredients of California’s Central Coast, Barbareno is easily one of Santa Barbara’s most stylish and inventive dining spots. The space feels warm and modern, with hardwood floors, big windows, soft pendant lighting, and eye-catching ceiling details that give it a clean, open, and homey vibe—perfect for a casual dinner or a special night out.

The menu is New American with a local twist, and it rotates with the seasons to highlight fresh ingredients from the region. Some of the standout dishes include Hamachi Crudo, Panzanella, Duck Bao Buns, and Oak Tagliatelle made with wild mushrooms and a smoky charred oak broth. But if there’s one thing you’ve gotta try, it’s the Especial—a lamb al pastor dish served on fermented masa flatbread with goat gouda, shishito peppers, and salsa verde. It’s a local favorite for a reason.

Highlights:

• Trendy yet cozy setting with thoughtful modern design
• Seasonal New American menu using fresh Central Coast ingredients
• Creative dishes like Duck Bao Bun and Oak Tagliatelle
• Must-try Especial with lamb al pastor and fermented masa flatbread
• Perfect for foodies looking for something uniquely Santa Barbara

205 West Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-963-9591

Boathouse at Hendry's Beach is one of those spots where the food and the views are equally amazing. Set right on the coast, it blends exquisite seafood dining with breezy, beachy charm. Inside, it’s got a clean, coastal feel with recessed lighting, white columns, big exposed wood beams, and a banquette along the windows so you can soak in those ocean views. The blue tablecloths and chairs round out the nautical vibe perfectly.

Known as one of Santa Barbara’s go-to seafood restaurants, the Boathouse also features a killer raw bar and a menu packed with both ocean-fresh and land-lover favorites. Top picks include the Grilled Ahi Tuna, Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pacific Seabass, and for the meat lovers, the Split Bone-In Ribeye and Grilled New York Steak. It's the kind of place where you come for dinner and stay for the sunset.

Highlights:

• Beachfront dining with unbeatable ocean views
• Fresh seafood and a well-stocked raw bar
• Prime meats like Ribeye and New York Steak
• Coastal-chic interior with a laid-back, upscale vibe
• Perfect for sunset dinners or a relaxing lunch by the water

2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-898-2628

Located just off the main drag in downtown Santa Barbara, Bouchon brings a little slice of France to the California coast. The vibe here is pure French country charm, with original wood floors, French-style furnishings, an open kitchen wrapped in a copper façade, and cool abstract art on the walls. French doors open to a cozy, covered flagstone patio surrounded by leafy trees—perfect for a quiet, romantic dinner under the stars.

Bouchon takes serious pride in sourcing locally—fish comes straight from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from nearby Central Coast farms. The menu leans French-Californian, with standouts like Pan-seared Pacific salmon and the rich, hearty Braised Kurobuta Pork Shank, served with caramelized onion, farro, pearl onions, broccolini, and a blood orange-rosemary demi-glace. It’s elegant, flavorful, and totally memorable.

Highlights:

• Upscale French-Californian cuisine in a cozy setting
• Charming decor with French provincial touches
• Outdoor patio surrounded by mature trees
• Locally sourced seafood and produce
• Must-try dishes: Pacific salmon and Kurobuta Pork Shank

9 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-730-1160