Santa Barbara’s flourishing meals and beverage scene reached new heights in 2025. Though this prosperous seashore city is finest recognized for its idyllic appeal, scenic mountain-meets-ocean panorama and lots of wine tasting rooms, its ever-growing restaurant scene has made Santa Barbara among the best culinary locations in California.
Final yr, Silvers Omakase made waves with its refined sushi, incomes a Michelin star in a matter of months. We additionally noticed MML Hospitality convey the West Coast’s first Clark’s Oyster Bar to Montecito, and Michelin Bib Gourmand-winner chef Ramon Velazquez opened Alma Fonda Fina. This yr, nonetheless, noticed much more openings which can be already leaving a long-lasting impression.
In a loss for Los Angeles, chef Dom Crisp relocated to the American Riviera to open a namesake taverna that serves Basque-inspired fare. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara opened not one, however two new restaurant ideas after finishing a multimillion-dollar revamp, and one among L.A.’s finest burger joints made itself at house on Chapala Avenue. Native restaurateurs behind locations like Aperitivo and Barbareño expanded with brand-new eateries, whereas the extremely anticipated Elwood on Goleta Seashore lastly opened its doorways.
Whether or not you’re trying to take pleasure in a burger and martini with a harbor view or coastal California delicacies in Montecito, these are Santa Barbara’s finest restaurant openings of 2025.
