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    Secret Bao

    4.5 (709 reviews)
    ModerateAsian Fusion
    Closed Closed

    Order Secret Bao Takeout or Delivery

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    SECRET BAO ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Secret Bao

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    Danny W.

    Absolutely loved Secret Bao! We were seated outside in the patio because we brought our fur baby and it was perfect with the lights and weather. The waiter was awesome and asked if he can bring our dog some treats and water (great customer service). The food was delicious and you can't go wrong with anything on this menu. The Taiwanese Popcorn chicken was fried to perfection and the Avocado Pear salad gave your taste buds a ride. All the food was delicious, but the Sticky Date Cake with vanilla ice cream was perfect and a must order. Definitely recommend this restaurant!

    Jessica G.

    First time in Santa Barbara! My cousin wanted her dinner celebration here, and I am glad she picked this spot. I highly recommend the pork belly bao and beef bulgogi chow fun. Some people in my party ordered the udon carbonara, which was also a hit!

    Patio either a nice rose
    Michael R.

    A must try! Close to the SB Art Museum and The historic court house & clock tower. Ever since i saw this on DDD a few years ago i've need to try! We loved this place! The dough in the folded "taco" style Bao was so sweet and fluffy! Fantastic, don't ever change this! The Spicy Soy Pork Dumplings were out favorite! Unbelievable! A must stop in every time I'm in SB!

    K.F.C Bao Pork Belly Bao Soy Chili Dumplings, Shrimp Bao, Pork Belly Fried Rice
    Sarah L.

    I saw a lot of talk about Secret Bao on tiktok because we were going to Santa Barbara for a day trip, and I wanted to make the most of it. I heard so many good things about this place and I wanted to give it a try! To cut it short, it was okay. Definitely didn't think that it was worth the extreme hype it was getting especially because I only really loved 2 items. Now onto the details, the chili dumplings were delish, but weren't hot when they came out to us and not even warm, so I'm not sure if that's how they're supposed to be served? The baos. Pork belly bao was good, however, it was nothing to go crazy over though. The shrimp bao was my favorite thing we ordered out of everything! I could've ordered more of these and I wish I did! The KFC was definitely a HUGE MISS. The red sauce was wayyy too overpowering that you couldn't even taste anything else. We could've gone without it 100%. My Mom just ended up eating the bun. The garlic noodles were very salty, but we did mix some of the chili sauce from the dumplings on top and it definitely made the dish better. But we shouldn't even have to mix anything, especially from a different dish, to make it better. The pork belly fried rice was good and portions were a lot too, however, it would've been nice to know it was spicy and kimchi heavy. My mom isn't a big fan of spicy so we would've skipped on it if we knew that. Also, the $19 price point was kinda wild. Like I said, Secret Bao was okay. I would go back and just get the Shrimp Bao and chili dumplings and maybe try other stuff on the menu if we spent more than a day in SB. 3 stars since we did like a couple of the menu items but it's a maybe on recommending it to other people.

    Catherine G.

    The food is absolutely amazing! Every BITE IS HEAVENLY! I could come here everyday! Make sure you try to get a reservation if you really want to eat here, we didn't have one but got lucky enough to get a table! The service is amazing from the lovely host to our waiter (the one with pink and black hair) you're absolutely lovely! Ambiance is so cozy and cute! Love love love!

    Lorena S.

    Food was incredible Service was great Ambiance is amazing I would definitely go out of my way to come back here. Everything HIT

    Kungpao Cauliflower
    David L.

    Found this place via TikTok. Honestly, a little underwhelming. The food was okay. Pretty good, but not good enough to justify the prices. The baos are sold individually, meaning each bao is like $8. Place should definitely be rated $$$ instead if you want to feel anywhere close to full. Tried the pork belly bao, fried chicken bao, cauliflower, and dumplings. Fried chicken and cauliflower were standout. Pork belly was not cooked long enough, so the fat stayed solid on the bao, which was a little unappealing. There is garage parking very close by. First 75 minutes free, which is nice.

    Pork Belly Bao
    Chloe N.

    Secret Bao is a a good modern asian fusion restaurant. You have to order and pay for food prior to seating. The food is delicious; the pork belly bao was very tasty; the pork belly was tender. It was priced on the higher end- $8 for one bao. The pork belly fried rice ($19) was seasoned well and had some crunch. The kimchi elevated the flavor as well. It was a decent size. However, the pork pieces were very small and disappointingly, there were not much in the fried rice. Overall tasty but priced on the higher end compared to what you are getting 3.5/5

    Soy Chili Dumplings
    Bella S.

    This place is truly a gem in Santa Barbara. Not only is the Asian-fusion food amazingly delicious, but service is top notch friendly. It's hard to get fusion style foods to taste good, but Secret Bao has done it. They do have 2 separate menus (lunch menu & dinner menu) with menu items changing with the seasons. The drink menu consists of wines, sake/soju, beer, cocktails & mocktails. The place gets packed quick, so best to make reservations. 1. Avocado & Korean Pear Salad (5/5) Everything about this salad was super fresh and bursting with flavor. The sesame vinaigrette dressing was nutty & umami, which gave the dish an extremely pleasant aromatic flavor. This is essentially a lettuce-free salad dish that is mainly consistent of their super refreshing, crunchy, Korean pear mixed with creamy Haas avocado then topped with toasted pepitas seeds, kizami nori - furikake seaweed flakes and chives. Everything came together very well. 2. Hamachi Wonton Tacos (5/5) Never had tacos like this before - it's definitely an Asian spin on it where the taco shell has the consistency of fried wonton instead of corn/flour. It is stuffed with fresh Japanese yellowtail and topped with diced granny smith apples, cucumber, red cabbage slaw, which added a refreshing crunch with each bite. The secret chili sauce was mild in heat & the avocado puree added a bit of creaminess. It reminded me of eating a sushi roll. These were sure a satisfying, bite-sized, appetizers 3. Peruvian Scallops (5/5) I am not a seafood type of person and usually stay away from shellfish dishes as they tend to taste like the sea. However, this dish has proved me wrong. The scallops were super fresh (no seafood taste at all) and they just melt in your mouth like butter. Pair it with their citrusy yuzu vinaigrette sauce, massage and chives, it was like a flavor bomb with each bite. I especially liked that they topped it off with some fresh crunchy cucumber and bursting roe. 4. KFC Bao (4/5) $8/bao is kind of a steep price, but I think it is worth a one-time try. The bao was super fluffy and steamed to perfection. Then it is packed with a large piece of Korean fried chicken that is glazed in this dark umami-sweet (hoisin?) sauce and topped off with slaw, scallions and pickled red onions. It's definitely a flavor punch. A bit messy to eat. Best to split half with another person so you don't get too full off of this 5. Pork Belly Bao (5/5) Now this is the bao I would get again. That pork belly was just "melt in you mouth." The hoisin glaze with Kewpie mayo was the perfect dressing to balance out the fattiness of the pork. 6. Kung Pao Cauliflower (5/5) Cauliflower sautéed with charred red onion, shishito peppers, Japanese fried chilis, roasted cashew topped with kung pao sauce that gives it a sweet, yet tangy and very mildly spice. Healthy, yet satisfying. This is veggies done right ;) 7. Soy Chili Dumpling (4/5) The name was a bit misleading to me as I thought it would be the traditional steamed wonton/dumplings topped with chili oil sauce, but their version is actually 4 large "fried" dumplings that's filled with pork mixed with Korean glass noodles topped with cabbage, garlic chives, cilantro, shaved radish, fried shallots and dressed with the chili oil. The wonton shell was super crunchy and it reminded me of eating those Chinese fried cheese wonton. It was not spicy at all. I think the garlic-soy flavor overpowered the chili oil. 8. Duck Spring Roll (5/5) Wow, this has got to be some of the best duck dishes I've had. The duck was crispy, fatty, juicy and paired very well with the caramelized onions, garlic, sweet chili - hoisin sauce. Despite it being fatty, it actually didn't make us feel sickly heavy afterwards. Very well done; highly recommend trying this 9. Eggplant Fried Wonton (4/5) A very crispy wonton that's filled with eggplant, which naturally has that mushy consistency. It is topped with a spicy sauce and dressed with seaweed and white sesame that does give it a nice flavor combo We will definitely be back to try out more items and the lunch menu!!!

    Dumpling
    Ronnie S.

    Amanda Loves Secret Bao Santa Barbara's Asian inspired Fusion restaurant. As we approached the restaurant at 450pm there was a line of people waiting we walked around to Paradise Found for a spot of warm tea . We proceeded to the restaurant and were seated. As we checked out the menu we ordered cocktails. The servers were Amazing helpful, kind, and patient as I had questions. Amanda knew the menu well having been there recently. Amy arrived and we were in full swing for our evening to celebrate my impending Birthday. Amy C and I met the day before with Mickey A for a Yelp Elites event. Check out my reviews. So I believe that counts as a Impending Birthday celebration event. All the food was amazing my favorites were the Dumplings and the KFC Chicken tacos. There are a couple things I'll try next time. As we sat near the front door it was was exciting to see the energy of people coming and going. The place looked and felt Amazing. Thanks for a wonderful experience at Secret Bao Ronnie S

    Kungpao Cauliflower
    Divya J.

    I'm a vegetarian so I had to pick from the limited options they had. Got the Kungpao cauliflower: 4/5 very delicious! I'd have liked it more if it was crispier. The fried cashews added a great flavor to it. Veggie Yellow Curry Noodles: 3/5 good combination of bok choy, bean sprouts, shitake mushrooms and coconut milk gravy. But it lacked spice and kick. My friend got the pork belly bao and said it was delicious. The spicy fried rice was awesome too. I wish they had more vegetarian options. The ones they do have aren't extraordinary. Lovely service and very cute ambience. Slightly on the pricier side. Parking in public lots nearby.

    Jonathan R.

    Honestly one of the cleanest inspiring eating experiences I've had recently. Secret Bao is where the cook, ingredients and cooking come together to produce fresh and tasty dishes. I love the simplicity and flavors that this place produces. Start with the Chinese salad, add the cauliflower with its sweet spicy sauce, and the sweet potato dumplings. How is this for a lineup dear readers?! You certainly can't make a wrong decision here. Enjoy!

    HH Soy Chili Dumplings
    Steph C.

    Loved this place so much, we went twice during our 4 day SB vacation! Went at 5pm on a Wednesday and were able to score a table for 4 without an issue. They have a great happy hour from 5-6pm with many of their dishes at a slightly lower price. We had: Taiwanese popcorn chicken (light, crispy popcorn chicken-delicious), tropics and sparkling berry mocktails (both really tasty and not too sweet), pink Peruvian bay scallops (pretty good), KFC bao (large piece of fried chicken and fluffy white bun, cut in half and perfect to share), soy chili dumplings (juicy and really good), crispy mapo tofu (really good), garlic noodles (perfect chewy texture and delicious garlicky flavor), dolsot bokkeumbap (only OK, perhaps least favorite dish), udon carbonara (super special dish, delicious/never had anything like it!), beef bulgogi chow fun (delish but a bit on the sweeter side), and sticky date cake a la mode (ask for the ice cream on the side--this was so good!). Restaurant had good indoor and outdoor seating options, they are somewhat strict on the amount of time you can spend at the table, but they do warn you ahead of time. Will always come back anytime we are in SB!

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    The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was great. Service was also top notch. The yellow tail dish was amazing!!

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    Ask the Community - Secret Bao

    Do we get to order our food at our table or do we have to order our meal at the counter?

    Lunch is counter-service (order at front counter with cashier, receive order number, and our staff will bring everything out to whichever table you decide to sit). Dinner is full service, hostess will seat you and one of our servers will take your… Read more

    Is dinner all "order at the counter" or is it full waiter service?

    Full waiter

    Are dogs allowed on the patio?

    yes but must be on leash

    What time is your happy hour dim sum? And is it only applied if you sit at the bar?

    5-6pm!!

    Is the food Korean?

    It's Korean fusion.

    View All 9 Questions

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    Sama Sama Kitchen

    3.9(732 reviews)
    0.1 mi
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    We came here for a late lunch as we saw it holds Michelin Bib…read more Sweet: great menu options. So many tasty choices. We ordered the Vietnamese chicken wings and braised pork noodles. Both very delicious. The wings were all flats so that was a plus alone. Full of good flavor and very crispy. The noodles were delicious as well. I recommend both. The restaurant is decorated very nice and the server was attentive. Sour: the restaurant was very clean but it bothers me so much when some places have a designated area that flies like to circle around that tends to be near the bar. I wish there could be more control to prevent that. I did really enjoy the meal but the portions were small. If it wasn't so good I would almost say the prices weren't worth it. You can definitely share but I would get at least 3 options for 2 people. My husband and I weren't that hungry so it was a decent amount since it was such a late lunch and we were thinking about getting something else shortly after. Overall I hope we are in town again soon as there are other things I'd like to try.

    The chicken wings were absolutely amazing - if you do nothing else, order those!!! The Vietnamese…read morestyle was my favorite. The shaved bok choy and duck salad was SO good as well!!! The duck was excellent, and didn't feel too fatty - it was perfect. The drinks were good as well - had the spritz. Our servers were so polite and friendly, and honestly just felt like we were around friends. I like that this place, like many jn Santa Barbara, pays their staff a living wage and so you end up with a more authentic interaction that doesn't feel forced. The aesthetic was beautiful - perfect for a lunch date or for a dinner before sunset. Open air seating, beautiful decor, overall a lovely experience!

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    Ig : @dawntc

    Sama Sama Kitchen - Braised Pork Mie Goreng ($23)

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    Oku - Santa Barbara's premier waterfront restaurant

    Oku

    4.3(1.1k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$
    Rooftop seating
    Gluten-free friendly

    Andreina was our server and provided outstanding service from start to finish warm, attentive, and…read moregenuinely hospitable. She made the entire experience feel elevated and personal. The sushi was some of the best we've had in Santa Barbara fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The ocean view from the second floor made it even more special. What really stood out was Andreina offering my girlfriend a blanket to keep her warm such a thoughtful touch that you don't see often these days. We'll definitely be recommending this spot and coming back with friends. Highly recommend! -Ian Lantz

    My husband and I dined here for an early dinner with a reservation. I think after checking in it…read moremight've taken 5-10 minutes to be sat. Our server was really kind and on point with everything! Everything came out quickly. We ordered the otoro sushi, ikura sushi, rainbow roll, and two orders of the filet mignon. I have zero complaints about the sushi. It was incredibly delicious! I do think the filet mignon had beautiful plating, but it was very underwhelming, and didn't come out the requested way of cooking. I don't think I'd order that again, but we enjoyed our food overall. We chose to dine outside since it was a nice day and I thought that was pretty nice. We did bring our baby and had enough room with a high chair etc. we'd come back!

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    Oku - Gorgeous place for our post-work drink!

    Gorgeous place for our post-work drink!

    Oku - Yellowtail Carpaccio paired with Sakuna Rose Sake

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    Oku - Way of the Dragon Roll and Piranha Roll. Paired with unfiltered Momo Kawa Sake!

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    Uniboil - Stewed beef noodle

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    3.9(306 reviews)
    6.7 mi
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    Outdoor seating
    Kid friendly

    We were passing the area when we decided we needed some lunch. I found this place on yelp and…read moredecided to give it a try. It was an open layout that had plenty of seating inside the restaurant. The decor was moder, but not overdone. We were greeting and pointed to a table but that was it. We realized there was a QR code on the table and we could order our food on there. It took a little while to get our food even though no one else was there. I found it really odd to not even be told to use the QR code to order or be informed of anything. Stewed beef noodles with Ramen- 9/10 My husband ordered this and I tried some. The broth was delicious. Rich and flavorful but not overbearing. The noodles were cooked perfectly and the meat was tender. The bok choy was a needed touch. My husband ate the whole bowl and wanted a second because was so good. Certified Angus Beef hot pot- 8/10 I ordered this with the tom yum broth. I didn't know it was a creamy version of the broth until it was served. I'm not mad about it but it wasn't in the description in case others are dairy sensitive. The broth was flavorful and really delicious. I will say that the beef was tough and it a typical cut that overcooked very quickly in the broth. I'm not positive it was Angus beef grade. I just now realized it was missing the lotus root but gave me zucchini instead. I was also missing my quail eggs. If I didn't read the description to know I was supposed to have them, I would've missed that too. Overall, the food was delicious but the service was 1 star for sure. We were never checked on and the waiter only appeared if we pushed the call button. If you can overlook the lack of customer service, the food is really delicious.

    For our monthly house dinner, we stumbled upon Uniboil and were knocked out of the park! Their…read morevermicelli was absolutely delicious when paired with the spicy broth and beef! It also my first time having lotus fruit and now it's a must have for any broth/hot pot! It was a very relaxing restaurant to enjoy conversations with friends! It was incredibly easy to order food using their QR code menu on the table and the servers were very attentive if someone needed a refill on water or if we needed extra utensils! I'm looking forward to the rainy season when I can really leverage their Hong Kong-style hot pot!

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