Santa Barbara, nestled on California’s Central Coast, boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to health-conscious individuals. The city's restaurants proudly emphasize their commitment to healthy eating by sourcing locally grown ingredients and offering a range of dishes that are both nutritious and delightful. Each establishment is dedicated to providing meals that not only satisfy the palate but also support a healthy lifestyle, ensuring that every dish is crafted with both flavor and well-being in mind. From innovative plant-based menus to seafood rich in omega-3s, the options are designed to meet the dietary needs and preferences of all diners. Santa Barbara's restaurants make it easy to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the rich, culinary diversity of one of the most beautiful regions in California. This guide explores some of the best healthy restaurants in Santa Barbara, providing a glimpse into their unique offerings and commitment to quality.
Mezza Thyme: A Taste of the Levant
Mezza Thyme, a sister location to a Lebanese restaurant established in 2005, offers a casual bar/lounge experience at 20 East Cota Street. Opened in August 2018, this location provides a primarily indoor setting with a bar atmosphere on the main floor, an intimate lounge upstairs, and a small balcony. Guests can enjoy a full bar with premium spirits, local draft beers, and fresh handmade cocktails.
The seasonal menu features popular mezza and new Levantine-inspired plates. A highlight is the fresh, hot pita bread served straight from the oven. Diners can also watch shawarma being shaved directly off a vertical grill from the bar. Mezza Thyme operates as a test kitchen, welcoming guests to experience its culinary innovations. Open evenings Wednesday through Saturday, it's perfect for those seeking a drink or a casual meal, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ordering can be done at the bar or with a cocktail server.
Finch & Fork: Local and Inspired
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets, Finch & Fork is inspired by the area's lush farms and rugged coastline. Their attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of their neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on their grapevines.
Finch & Fork offers a nourishing brunch and an evening menu of eclectic wines and ingredient-driven cooking. The restaurant emphasizes local ingredients and diverse culinary techniques, creating a unique dining experience that reflects Santa Barbara's natural beauty. Complimentary valet parking is available for diners upon availability.
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Bibi Ji: Modern Indian Cuisine
Bibi Ji offers modern Indian food featuring local produce and seafood, paired with a robust low-intervention wine program curated by Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr. Located directly across the street from the historic Granada Theatre in the heart of Santa Barbara's Arts District, Bibi Ji provides a lively dining experience in its signature pastel pink dining room.
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele: A Slice of Naples in Santa Barbara
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele brings the essence of Italy to California, dedicated to sustainability and local sourcing. Diners can indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian dishes made with the finest ingredients. Each dish showcases traditional flavors, from the perfect Margherita pizza to sumptuous pasta and indulgent tiramisu. The rustic ambiance creates a cozy setting for any occasion.
Roy: Unpretentious Cuisine of the Highest Quality
In business for more than 30 years, Roy is a bistro-style, Americana restaurant with a frequently changing, handwritten menu. Roy strives to serve unpretentious cuisine of the highest quality, using mostly certified organic produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market, free-range chicken, and Harris Ranch hormone-free beef. The restaurant bakes its own bread, hand-rolls its pastas, and makes all of its desserts in-house. The ambiance is retro moderne California casual, with rotating art shows and occasional live music. A full bar is always available.
Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood: A Classic American Experience
Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood, located on State Street, serves a diverse menu of seafood and steaks with generous portions and reasonable prices. The surf and turf menu includes favorites like bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp and USDA prime steaks charbroiled over a mesquite grill. The menu is complimented by an extensive wine list, a healthy assortment of premium spirits, and a selection of signature drinks. Daily meals can be enjoyed in the cozy, saloon-inspired dining room or on the outdoor patio. The indoor dining room features brown leather booths, dark wood paneling, and funky artwork lining the exposed brick walls. Holdren’s has been voted as the best steakhouse multiple times by the Santa Barbara Independent’s Reader’s Poll and by the Santa Barbara News Press’ Reader’s Choice Awards.
OKU: Asian Flavors with a Santa Barbara View
OKU, a two-story restaurant on the water, offers Asian favorites such as Wagyu Steak, Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dumplings, Garlic Noodles, and fresh local seafood. Proprietor Tina Takaya aims to create the highest quality food and warm, friendly service, hoping that guests will enjoy their experience as much as they enjoy creating it.
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Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront and Funk Zone Districts, OKU offers lunch and dinner with waterfront rooftop bar. Diners can soak in the sun by day while sipping on a refreshing cocktail surrounded by a beautiful ocean vista, and by night, enjoy lounging by the fireplace after a delicious meal and a great glass of wine. The chef uses the freshest ingredients from central coast farmers and local fisherman to create dishes with the best of what California has to offer.
LOCAL: Montecito's Culinary Gem
LOCAL is located in the heart of Montecito, featuring local ingredients and exceptional dishes from multiple cuisines paired with an extensive and rare wine collection. The restaurant offers incredible outdoor seating with two heated patios, a fire pit, couches, and a 360-degree bar.
Tre Lune: Healthy Italian Cuisine
Tre Lune is a healthy Italian restaurant with a menu that includes fresh fish, veal scaloppini, and organic salads. Reviews often highlight the freshness of ingredients and the quality of food, with phrases like 'the highest quality of ingredients in every dish' and 'the salmon is fresh'. The restaurant takes pride in serving dishes with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Ca' Dario: Authentic Italian in Montecito
Ca' Dario's newest restaurant on Coast Village Road brings the same authentic and fresh Italian cuisine as its other locations to Montecito residents. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining on the covered patio or indoor dining in the elegant dining room. The restaurant features an adjustable roof that keeps out the rain and allows in the sun. Dogs are welcome, with a limit of one per guest.
The Stonehouse: A Historic and Elegant Dining Experience
The Stonehouse, located in a beautiful 19th-century citrus packing house, offers an unparalleled dining experience. Guests can unwind in a relaxing lounge with full bar service or enjoy the ambiance of the separate dining room, complete with a crackling fireplace and world-class views. Chef Matthew Johnson creates evocative regional cuisine, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden. The Stonehouse boasts the only Grand Award-winning wine program in Central California, ensuring an unparalleled selection of wines to complement your meal. A speakeasy offers a unique twist for before or after-dinner drinks, where guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, nostalgic setting.
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Lilac Montecito: A Pleasant Breakfast Spot
Lilac Montecito is a pleasant place in town for breakfast, with delicious and beautifully presented food. The restaurant offers a salad side instead of potatoes, and provides individual pots of coffee or tea water. The early morning hostess is gracious, and the service is excellent.
Pascucci: A Santa Barbara Favorite
Pascucci is a favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara, known for its friendly staff and delicious food.
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