I really enjoyed the halibut. The ingredients were well-balanced, and I loved the flavor. The presentation was just okay, though, and unfortunately, it doesn't look very appealing in my photo--especially since the restaurant had dimmed the lights. The waiter was very accommodating, and I really appreciated him letting me return the second glass of wine. It took me a little while after finishing the first glass to feel the effects, and by then, I was already getting tipsy. LOL. So I decided to exchange the second glass for a dessert of the same price instead. Thank you, Barbareno, for another pleasant dinner! I always appreciate the wonderful service and the lovely dining experience. read more

Barbareño - Halibut - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We had an absolutely wonderful time at Barbareño, from service to food to overall comfort level, everything was fantastic. Our server did a great job of explaining the menu and we were able to ask questions to make our experience great. I started with a lovely aromatic orange wine, then we moved into bottles of red. Wine service was quick, elegant, and fit perfectly with the meal. All dishes were coursed so well, my favorites were the ones our server had recommended. Dumpling starters were absolutely a highlight, crudo was fresh and delicious, and pork was a perfect entree to share. The baked California dessert had such prominent flavors and was such a delicate and delightful way to end. Overall I am so happy with my experience here and would recommend for an upscale and comfortable experience read more

See all

**An Unforgettable Anniversary at Barbareno!** Wow, what a night! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Barbareno, and it was nothing short of spectacular. He had reserved a table weeks in advance, and even though we ran a few minutes late due to the fiesta madness and Uber challenges, the staff was incredibly kind and understanding. Seriously, they turned what could have been a stressful situation into a smooth entry! Our server, Sierra, was an absolute gem--probably the best server I've encountered in ages! She kicked off the evening by walking us through the menu and setting the tone for our culinary adventure. Talk about being in good hands! To toast our special day, she even surprised us with complimentary champagne. Cheers to that! Now, let's dive into the food! We started with the **bread and butter**--trust me, don't skip it! Next up was the **bacon date preserve**, which was nothing short of incredible. Then came the acorn tagliatelle, made with wild mushrooms and acorn flour. I've never tasted anything quite like it! Unique and delicious! But the real star of the show was the **Santa Maria barbecue tri-tip**. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor--it's hands down the best tri-tip I've ever had. I'm still dreaming about it! To wrap up our meal, we indulged in the **dessert wine flight**--a must for anyone visiting! Each sip was a delightful surprise, and we finished with the **avocado mousse**, a light and unique dessert that felt like a perfect ending after a rich meal. As a dessert lover, I was thrilled to find something so indulgent yet refreshing! As if the evening couldn't get any better, the chef himself came to our table to check in. He was humble and genuinely cared about the experience he was providing. It's no wonder Barbareno is Michelin-rated! We can't wait to come back and bring the kids next time. Thank you, Barbareno, for making our anniversary so special and unforgettable! read more

See all

Barbareño is a well-known spot in SB serving up beautifully presented farm to table Central Coast cuisine. Reservations are highly recommended here, so plan accordingly. Wifey and I stopped by for dinner with reservations and were seated inside upon arrival. They have an elegant dimly lit ambiance with seating inside or outside on their patio. We ended up getting a spread consisting of the Ranchero Scotch Eggs, Hope Ranch Mussels, Especial, and the Chicken & Ranch. Everything was delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal! read more

See all

My friend and I haven't been back to this restaurant since 2018 and I have to say it was as good as it was back in 2018. I had made Monday 7:00PM dinner reservations on Open Table. We were greeted and seated upon arrival. Alvaro our server introduced himself, very pleasant and attentive. We ordered beers to accompany our meal this time around. We decided to share The Ahi Crudo, Hope Ranch Mussels and 1/2 a Fried Chicken Platter. All the dishes were presented well and tasted fantastic. The Crudo was the weakest but still good, Mussels excellent and the Fried Chicken was the best Fried Chicken I've ever had OMG! Loved that there was a 1/2 portion size on the platter option, since it was only the 2 of us. Atmosphere: laid back rustic vibe. Service: excellent. Food: excellent. read more

Barbareño was such a great overall experience. The service was great, everyone was friendly, attentive. The outdoor patio was also really nice and peaceful, with an intimate atmosphere. We ordered the: Beet Salad Hope ranch mussels Especial Santa Maria bbq Market fish The Hope Ranch mussels were amazing with such a flavorful broth, and the smoked tri tip/Santa Maria BBQ was cooked with a great sauce (very tender). The beet salad was fresh and refreshing, and the market fish was tender and flavorful. The only dish I wouldn't recommend was the especial. Overall the food, service, and atmosphere made this such a solid date night spot. Definitely on the pricier side, but worth it for the experience. read more

See all

One of the BEST service experience I've ever had. All the staff were so friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Outdoor patio seating is also a very nice and you can hear the other person talking vs other restaurants where it's super loud. The menu has a lot of local items & everything was delicious. I think out of the few items we ordered, we liked the smoked tri tip and the mussels the most. The mussel soup was SO good and we needed more bread to eat it all up. The tri tip was also cooked perfectly and I loved the sauce that came with it. This is certainly a great date night spot and also bit pricier than I usually go for. The food might not have been what I crave but it was a great experience. read more

See all

I chose this place to celebrate my birthday. Have never been here before but notice the good reviews from fellow Yelpers. We ordered eggs muffins, ricotta dumplings, especial, Santa Maria bbq, and chicken and ranch. The outdoor dining area is pretty cozy, coupled with Santa Barbara pleasant weather it was just nice to sit outside. Vianne, our waitress, is very good and polite, she even gave hiking recommendations when I asked her. The food in general is pretty good, eggamuffin is a little bland, the fried ricotta is good but not impressive the same with especial. The bbq and chicken were pretty good. The kale salad that came with the chicken was way too sour for my taste, I love kale and I would have loved to be able to eat the veggie but I couldn't force myself to eat it, the same with my husband and son. read more

See all

Lovely meal and experience, from top to finish. We sat on the patio, which was a great vibe on a predictably perfect Santa Barbara evening. Started off with a refreshing non-alcoholic strawberry spritz drink. Then the bread course--simple but so delicious because of the high-quality butter and olive oil that accompanied it, and the bread itself was excellent. My favorite bite of the meal was the tri-tip, it literally melted in my mouth! The beet salad was also delicious. I'd probably skip the al pastor dish when I return. It wasn't bad, but the other dishes were such standouts that it was overshined and I'd like to try something different. Didn't have room for dessert, but will be back to try that Baked California! read more

See all

We were looking for a restaurant where we could enjoy a nice dinner, some wine, and good food. While this place didn't disappoint, we still walked away a little underwhelmed. The service was cool and the vibes were nice. The restaurant sits on a standalone corner in a quiet little neighborhood, which made for a relaxing evening. The crudo was incredible. If it's on the menu when you go, order it. The grilled avocado was fantastic. Would I order it again? Probably not, but I'm still glad we tried it. We also ordered the Scotch egg and honestly, this was another letdown. The chorizo was a little too strong and reminded me a lot of the Cacique chorizo you get at the grocery store. Unfortunately, this one missed for me. The mussels had really good flavor, but they felt just a little underdone. They definitely weren't lacking seasoning. It just felt like the mussels themselves needed a little more time. One thing I do have to mention though was the sourdough bread they served. It was unfortunately very dry. If you're going to serve grilled sourdough, I think it actually needs to be grilled. Maybe slice it a little thinner too because these were thick chunks of bread that completely lacked texture. The ricotta balls were delicious and surprisingly light even though they sound like they'd be heavy. The salmon was also delicious. The skin could have been crispier. Lastly, the New York strip. Visually, I felt like it could have been presented a little better. The flavor was good, but truthfully nothing that really stood out. Still a decent steak. Parking was easy. Our server's name started with a V. She was very nice. A little timid at first, but she warmed up throughout the night and took good care of us. Would I come back? Truthfully, probably not for a full dinner. The restaurant is beautiful, the atmosphere is great, and the food is visually appealing, but outside of the crudo and the Lioco wine, I felt like the flavors lacked a little balance. I'd absolutely come back for a glass of wine, the crudo, and the vibes. Barbareño gets a 7 out of 10 from me. read more

See all

If I could give this place 40 stars, I would! Every single thing we ordered absolutely melted in our mouths. The flash-fried ricotta dumplings were incredible. They were perfectly crispy without being greasy at all, and the sauce was so delicious you'll want to lick the plate clean. We also had the tagliatelle with mushrooms, and it was absolutely to die for. It was rich, flavorful, perfectly cooked, and every bite was better than the last. The smoked barbecue platter was unbelievable. The meat was so tender it literally melted in your mouth, with incredible smoky flavor in every bite. Even the burger was outstanding. It's rare to find a restaurant where every single dish is a hit, but this place absolutely delivered. To top it all off, the service was exceptional. Everyone was warm, attentive, and made the entire experience feel special. This was honestly one of the best meals I've ever had. If I could give this place 40 stars, I would. They deserve a Michelin star, and I can't wait to come back! read more

Barbareño - Kids having some of their house made sodas, so good! - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We had dinner here at Barbareno tonight. The wait staff and support were on point. However, we weren't impressed with the food nor its presentation/plating. Food: we started with the bread service (4/5) and the Scotch eggs (4/5). Both were good. We then had the mussels (4/5). Although I'm not a fan, my buddy powered through the entire bowl...so obviously he liked them. The sauce was spicy and flavorful, which I appreciated. I used the bread to soak up that flavorful sauce. Then we had the Santa Maria grill (3/5) and the pork rib plate(4/5). The presentation and seasoning for the Santa Maria plate was just boring and lacking. We chose not to finish that plate as it was not real flavorful, nor interesting. The pork ribs (3/5) on the 2nd plate had really good seasoning and flavor, but should have been cooked longer. This was a pretty significant miss, as the ribs needed to cook at least another hour. The meat was pink??? This is an oversight for cooking ribs. Dessert: we ordered all 3 desserts and they were all just okay. Nothing craveable or exciting. The service team was a strong 4 stars all night. The kitchen was maybe 3.5 stars. I was surprised that our party of 6 didn't enjoy the meal more based upon the reviews and previous restaurant recognition. Maybe the kitchen had an off night and we need to give it another try. There are so many great restaurants in SB, we may or may not make our way back to Barbareno. read more

Did I really pay $16 for a grilled avocado? Yes. It was good but now that I think of it I'm embarrassed I spent that much on an avocado. It's a cute little restaurant with a lovely outside patio. The service was great. They were attentive and went over the menu in-depth. They even marked up the menu to show what options fit our dietary needs. Everything we got was good. The portions are small and the prices are a little high. So you can try a lot of the menu at once. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and curious. I'd give it 4.5 stars. read more

Barbareño - Grilled avocado and strawberry salad. - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I wouldn't come back here, but it's because it just wasn't my cup of tea. I've heard great things and ratings are high, but I personally felt like nothing stood out about the food, or was worth the steep cost. I ordered the ricotta balls as well as the burger. The ricotta balls were good, but nothing crazy that I would crave to order again. The burger threw me off, as I was expecting a standard bun, but to my surprise it was in between 1.5in thick slices of sourdough. It was way too big and tall to comfortably bite. The fries were also extremely salty. My friend ordered oysters and the crudo, but was also not impressed. We chose to pass on dessert. Service was great and the ambience of the place is lovely, but I would rather visit the Lark or Oku for a pricey meal like this. read more

Fantastic food good service and cute place night highly recommend this place Just found on yelp reviews all great read more

Really great service and great food! Did a bunch of research before on what people liked and felt like our order had no misses. We got the bread and spread to start. Highly recommend doing the butter, olive oil, and jam all at once. It's better than divvying things up. This is no time for dieting. If I weren't pregnant we definitely would've wanted to try the ahí crudo but had to skip this time. We were also tempted by the Hope Ranch Mussels but it's just out of season for mussels so decided to skip those as well. We landed on the beet salad and even though I'm not the biggest beet fan, I really enjoyed it! Nice crunch. I always prefer a pungent goat cheese whereas this one was more subtle but still a great compliment to the salad. We got the Ricotta Dumplings. I was a little hesitant to get these but there were so many positive reviews for them we thought we had to give them a go. We were so glad we did! I expected a more Asian-inspired "dumpling" but they're honestly more like an arancini minus the rice. Such an interesting flavor in the sauce. Couldn't tell you what the flavor is, just that it's good! For our entree, we got a half order of the Santa Maria BBQ. Coming from Texas, we felt that "BBQ" is a bit of a stretch but it was tender and delicious steak. Finished off the meal with the Baked California. Kind of seems like you can't come here and not get it. We've felt wronged by desserts at upscale restaurants in the past so it was a pleasant surprise when this one seemed to live up to the hype! Not huge on sweet desserts (I prefer chocolate or something tart) so I think this would be a one-time order for me but glad I gave it a try. My husband said he'd get again. read more

See all

Barbareno does a great job of capturing Santa Barbara's food in a setting that might be someone's home. The outdoor seating feels like you're in someone's backyard downtown, and each of the dishes is uniquely Santa Barbara. Service is kind and caring - we showed up with 5 people when we had a reservation for 4, and they took care of us! My favorite dish bar none were the Ricotta Dumplings - I don't know why something like this hasn't taken off everywhere but the sauce, the cheesiness, the crisp first bite, omg it is soooooooo good. My second favorite dish had to be the Santa Maria Tri Tip. I'm originally from Santa Barbara and living in NYC makes it hard to get good Tri Tip or beans similar to what were served. This meat was beautifully seasoned and cooked, the beans were what I remember eating as a child, and the garlic bread divine! The inclusion of so many Santa Barbara wines is lovely, and the list of dishes that are reminiscent of what Santa Barbara is is also lovely! I'll definitely be coming back and enjoying some outdoor dining at Barbareno! read more

Barbareño - mcmuffin things - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

From the smells of the parking lot it seemed fyeee but why was the ravioli saltier than the Tri tip. I want my blood pressure increasing. No fr now the especial was the best thang & the baked california was demolished read more

See all

tl;dr the unapologetically Californian farm-to-table fare is equal parts whimsical and delicious; order a wide assortment of appetizers, but don't miss out on the signature BBQ platter Barbareño is a specialist in "Central Coast cuisine", a self-coined term referring to the use of hyper-local ingredients in whimsical ways. The restaurant has been a stalwart in the Santa Barbara fine dining scene since 2014, but the menu remains refreshingly fun. It's no wonder, then, that Barbareño remains routinely ranked among the upper echelon of Santa Barbara restaurants and has even received recognition from the Michelin Guide. Even though it's just a few blocks from the bustling State St, Barbareño's low-key exterior and fenced-off patio feel quiet and secluded. The canopied outdoor space is enclosed by succulents, planters, a short plaster wall, and a lattice fence. With shade aplenty, a light breeze, and optional space heaters, the temperature is surprisingly more comfortable than the balmy indoor seating. Woven chairs are pressed up to lacquered-wood tables. Neo-techno plays unobtrusively below the din of chatter. My partner and I booked a reservation for an early weekend dinner, and the patio filled up shortly after our seating. Our server masterfully curated a tour through the menu. To begin, the Eggamuffins blini bites were effortlessly light, with a punch of salt to cut the smooth creaminess. Meanwhile, the crispy, falafel-esque battering on the Ranchero Scotch Eggs was well complemented by a smoky southwestern chipotle aioli and perfectly runny egg. The Grilled Avocado struck me as a "vegan sushi", combining buttery avocado with rich garlic ponzu reduction and fresh cucumber-yuzu puree. The pinnacle of our meal was the Santa Maria BBQ (Barbareño's only dish that has been around since the original menu). Melt-in-your-mouth steak and a tangy deconstructed pico de gallo overshadowed the standard side of pinquito beans and crispy-but-bitter garlic toast. The only "dud" across our order was the Acorn Pappardelle; the dish was warm rather than hot, and the noodles were unpleasantly gummy. Further, the gritty mushroom sauce was far too tame in flavor. The service was a team effort, and the staff even offered us complimentary bubbly to celebrate our special occasion. Our total came to $150 (after tax and tip), and we left feeling pleasantly full. Most of our dishes were eyebrow-raisingly good, and we were pleased to order a la carte instead of opting for the tasting menu. Notably, Barbareño offers half-portions (and scaled-down prices) for the entree platters. I strongly recommend this spot for a fun, fancy dinner that won't break the bank. read more

Barbareño - Santa Maria BBQ - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Wow wow wow. One of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. Seriously. Chef Carter is an amazing culinary talent. Absolutely a must visit. Wait staff excellent. Indoor and outdoor spaces very comfortable. read more

This was my first time at Barbareno and I can't say good enough things! We went with a group and shared multiple plates. All of the food was great - get the Quail eggs, you won't be disappointed. Cute spot with great service. Sierra and Mitchell made us feel like family. We can't wait to come back! read more

Barbareño - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

My friend and I tried their tasting menu over the weekend. While it was fun to try different dishes, I prefer ordering my favorites on the regular menu. The first course was a plate of three amuse bouche. The egg mcmuffin 0/5 was not a favorite. I also did not care for the strawberry gazpacho 1/5. However, I enjoyed the ranchero scotch eggs 3/5. The second course was a salad with ranch dressing -5/5. The bacon bits were good. But other than that, this was salad greens drowned in ranch dressing. Definitely not fine dining. A tasty dish was the halibut crudo 4/5. It was delicious. I just wish it was a little bigger. It was tiny. Our next course consisted of the sweet corn tagliatelle 3/5. The dish was cold. It was also a bit plain for my taste. However, my friend enjoyed it, other than the temperature. Things started to improve when the especial came out with delicious morsels of lamb and this yummy masa flatbread 4/5. I think it could have had more meat to flatbread ratio. However, the dish was very tasty. My favorite dish came out next, the santa maria bbq. This was tender and yummy 4.5/5. The portion size was also decent. This was definitely the star of the evening. I took half a point because they were served at room temperature. The staff was gracious and brought out the ricotta dumplings 4/5 due to the cold steak. It was very gracious of them. Finally, we had dessert, the baked California 4/5. The staff was very nice. I believe one person was getting trained who would absolutely not smile. I tried to make conversation but nope. Lol. They may have been nervous on their first day. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant. Order the Especial and the tri-tip. The steak is to die for. read more

Lovely dinner dining outside. The server was nice enough to share stories of influence on the dishes. Water was diligently refilled, ambiance was perfect, courses were perfectly spaced, and food was plated to perfection. Highly recommend the baked California dessert! The pork belly was great as it was not too fatty - more like a fatty pork chop and while the named because it was not crispy at all, the sauce made up for it. It was walking distance from our hotel on state street. I will definitely but it on the return list should I visit Santa Barbara again. read more

I was in the area looking for restaurants to try and I stumbled upon this one and I'm so glad I did! This place did not disappoint the food is amazing with great flavor combinations and options of food choices. I really enjoyed the food so much it might be one of my new favorite restaurants now. Bummed it's not closer to me. I had the sourdough bread starter, with the beet salad and Santa Maria BBQ. Vianne was so knowledgeable and super friendly. Highly recommend coming here. read more

Barbareño - Santa Maria BBQ - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

Was so excited to try this spot after so many recs but sadly left disappointed. Eggamuffins were avg, bland. Don't get the hype. Ricotta dumplings didn't have any wow factor either. Both were priced way too high for what you get. The blackberry hoisin pork belly was the star of the night. Rich, fruity, savory, amazing texture combination. Opted for the half portion of the santa maria bbq. Great cook on the meat but the dish overall felt bland as well. Wasn't a fan of the beans as the main starch Baked California was tasty. Great texture bomb as well with a nice mixture of salty, caramel sweet, nutty, & fruity pineapple flavors. Just smaller than I expected Overall happy that I tried this spot once but don't think I'll be back. My birthday didn't really feel acknowledged either. Way too overpriced for what's put on the plate. The upscale bbq just didn't work for me read more

See all

Great food and service!! Great vibe! Loved the homemade bread, herb butter, date jam. The mussels were divine! Little gem salad, delicious!

I normally don't write reviews unless I've had a bad dining experience, but this restaurant absolutely blew my mind. It was so good that I felt compelled to write this review. This by far, has been the best restaurant I have ever been to. A large group of us made dinner reservations here while celebrating a bachelorette party, and the experience exceeded every expectation. We opted for the 7-course menu, and every single course was outstanding. Our menu included: -Grilled avocado -Ranchero scotch eggs -Buckhorn Canyon citrus -Local bluefin crudo -Citrus miso black cod -Santa Maria BBQ -Baked California Honestly, every dish was delicious, but the standouts for me were the local bluefin crudo, Santa Maria BBQ, and Baked California. The flavors were incredibly well balanced and each course felt thoughtfully prepared. I didn't realize the restaurant is Michelin Guided--and it absolutely lives up to that recognition. The ambiance was also wonderful, with a warm atmosphere and an open kitchen that made the experience feel even more special. Watching the team work while enjoying such an incredible meal added to the overall vibe. Highly recommend for a special occasion or if you're simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience. read more

See all

Believe the reviews! Excellent service. Trendy yet chill vibes. Unique (but delicious) menu. Good wine selection. I had been meaning to come here cuz the reviews peaked my interest, but from photos I wasn't sure the patio or interior was my vibe. Looked a little lackluster. Now I know the photos don't do it justice. Can't say enough good things about the staff and excellent service. Love that the chef owner is a local. My foodie family and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this menu. Not a bad bite. read more

Barbareño - You can watch the amazing bread being made from your table. Halibut crudo and their take on a Scotch Egg, inspired by huevos rancheros. - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

My absolute favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara, fantastic elevated food and wine, but relaxed feel. Staff is extraordinary. Much thanks again, and I can't wait for my next visit! read more

Awesome dining experience! Ivanne was wonderful and thoughtful and knew the menu and made great recommendations. This was our first visit to Santa Barbara and Barbareno was top of the restaurant list in our research and it exceeded expectations. Cozy casual rustic Cali feel - added to the evening. The dishes were each unique and perfectly done. Top notch quality and creativity. Tried the grilled avocado, beet salad, ricotta dumplings, acorn pasta, and mushroom al pastor, and baked California. All outstanding and memorable. We would have gone back during the week and did the same meal again if we had time! read more

See all

Next-level food -- absolutely outstanding My wife and I ate at Barbareño, and the bottom line is simple: the food is out of this world. We knew it would be good, but this was on a completely different level. We shared: Bread & Spread (house sourdough, cultured butter, local olive oil, bacon-date jam) Ricotta Dumplings with strawberry masala, pine nuts, rosemary, nigella seed, and basil Santa Maria BBQ Brandt Tri-Tip with pinquito beans, pico de gallo, and garlic bread Everything was incredibly flavorful, but the tri-tip was mind-blowing. I've never had beef that tender -- it was almost pork-tender, yet still clearly tri-tip. Truly impressive. The staff was great, service was smooth, and the mead was excellent. Portion sizes were generous -- plenty of food without feeling skimpy. This place instantly became a favorite of ours, which is unfortunate only because we live a couple hours south. If you love bold, well-executed flavors and food cooked to perfection, go here. It's not even that expensive for the quality you're getting. A must-visit in Santa Barbara. read more

What a cute spot! We used to live in Santa Barbara but had never been here. Funny enough, we were actually recommended this place by our bartender in Miami! Back for a visit, we made a reservation for a group of 5. The atmosphere was so cozy, especially during the holidays. It kind of felt like being in someone's cabin, with chefs bringing out the best meals. The service was amazing! We ordered food to share, and each dish just got better and better. The wine recommendation was spot on and paired perfectly with our meal. Excellent flavors, great portion sizes to share with our group, and just an overall incredible experience. Definitely a special place during the holiday season--amazing food, great service, and such a lovely spot to dine. Would absolutely go back; still thinking about how juicy the lamb was! read more

See all

My husband and I came here for dinner on a Saturday night over Labor Day weekend. I'd only made reservations a few days prior, and they were easy to make online. Street parking in the area is easy to find. We got here right at our reservation time and were seated immediately. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, but all of the outdoor seating that night was reserved for a function. Indoor seating was bright, airy and chic. We had a good amount of space between tables. Service here was efficient and friendly. Our waiter also gave us great recommendations. We got a mixture of dishes, including the mussels, ricotta dumplings, market tomatoes, lamb al pastor, and also couldn't go past dessert. As with all our meals in Santa Barbara, Barbareño was spectacular. Would highly recommend trying this restaurant and will return. read more

See all

Good was amazing, we had the tri-tip and the chicken plate. Service was excellent and the atmosphere was really pleasant. read more

See all

We went here for my husband's birthday and the food, service and ambiance were great! Our server Mitchell was attentive, kind and knowledgeable about the menu. We appreciated when he showed us the half portion of the chicken so we could change our order size. I could have easily made a meal out of their sourdough bread + butter and the ricotta dumplings. The ricotta dumplings are a must order and unlike anything I've had before! Paired with the strawberries and sauce it comes with - divine. We also ordered the half plate fried chicken. It was good but just a tad peppery for my liking. Overall great experience and awesomeness restaurant just off State Street! read more

Server was very nice. Explained the menu well and knew everything about every item. One thing I hated was that they had the suggested tip based on the price plus tax, which you aren't really supposed to do. Feels like they should correct that. What I got: Especial- when I first tried it, I thought it was missing a little flavor, but as I sat with it, I really enjoyed the taste. It got better as I ate. Santa Maria BBQ- the tri-tip was perfect. Melted in my mouth. Would absolutely recommend and suggest that if you go there, you get it. The bean were solid and made better by the pico. Garlic bread would be amazing on its own as an appetizer. Loved the atmosphere. Staff was great. Food was great. Wish I went with more people so I could have tried more. read more

Barbareño - Especial -lamb al pastor, fermented corn flatbread, pickled red onion, goat gouda, salsa verde. - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

5/5 ambiance 5/5 service 1/5 eggamuffins. "Tastes like nothing" - my husband 5/5 beet salad with pistachio. yes. 4/5 Santa Maria BBQ. Supposed to feed 2-3, my husband could have enjoyed this on his own* After this $175 meal, we bought a $20 pizza. *We are two average to petite sized humans with outsized appetites. read more

This is a bougie restaurant with small portion sizes and large prices structured so that you buy a lot of food and spend a lot of money and walk away with less money and still incredibly hungry. The food itself is very experimental- and not in a good way. The one star is solely for the sourdough bread, which is the only thing I ate and actually enjoyed. Everything else was not good. Our server was super rude- she started with a faux friendliness and ended by neglecting us and being rude when she actually spoke to us. I don't remember her name but she had curly hair. The decorations are nice and the place has a very bougie ambiance. Also, all they could muster to give my mom for her birthday was a tiny frozen yogurt. Overall, definitely would not recommend. Will not come back. Going now to get actual food for a portion of the price. McDonalds is a better alternative to this. read more

Barbareño - Ranchero Scotch Eggs - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

By far the best meal we have had in central coast. Every single dish was uniquely prepared and the service was spectacular. Don't miss the eggamuffin or the noodles. Literally everything was great. read more

Barbareño - Eggamuffin - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Tri tip sandwich- I absolutely loved this sandwich. The tri tip was grilled to perfection and I enjoyed how the sides were also charred. The aioli also went perfectly with the tri tip meat and the ciabatta bread was fresh. The perfect pick me up during the lovely Sunsender festival in Santa Barbara I didn't try the food at the actual restaurant however they had a vendor stand at the Sunsender festival! Instagram: @hungrytamale read more

Barbareño - Tri tip sandwich Instagram: @hungrytamale - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all