Wow! We went to Rascals Vegan for brunch while visiting the Santa Barbara area. My husband found it…read moreonline, and it definitely did not disappoint. It happened to be their 3-year anniversary weekend, so in addition to their regular menu, they were offering some special dishes. I ordered the special chanterelle bagel. It was topped with buttered chanterelles, bachelor buttons, wood sorrel, chives, and cream cheese. The bagel was beautiful and absolutely delicious. The cream cheese was made from cashews and had a smooth, buttery, creamy flavor. The mushrooms were perfectly cooked and not overly buttery, adding great texture to the dish. We also ordered the chips and guacamole, which came with a trio of salsas: chipotle, habanero, and tomatillo. Each salsa had its own distinct flavor and spice level. The guacamole was topped with pepitas, and the homemade chips were perfectly crisp. My husband ordered the Homerun, which included two large pancakes, bacon, and a "fried egg." The pancakes were dense yet fluffy with great flavor. The bacon tasted very similar to turkey bacon, but the real showstopper was the fried egg. The yolk was incredibly convincing and delicious. He was genuinely surprised by how closely it mimicked the taste of a real egg yolk. The restaurant had a nice Mexican home feel. After our meal, I briefly spoke with the owner, who was friendly and appreciative of our visit. Since it was his 3-year anniversary, we wished him continued success. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in Santa Barbara.

Food Make sure you get their gauc with the three salsa…read moreoptions. They are a variety of smoky and spicy. The homemade tortilla chips are perfection, hot and perfectly salty. Big fan of fresh chips and this place delivered. Their vegan meats were so good. How they managed to get the texture and their meat crunchy was crazy. Their tacos are the must get because they make their tortillas fresh and they are better than the burrito. Service Came here with a party of seven and the servers were so great with handling a big party. They were attentive without being too overbearing. Ambiance An open space in the front and they have a whole back patio as well. We came for dinner so inside was the best option for us. Nice flowers on the table, you can see the kitchen and the bar as well.

Came here as a recommendation and was blown away by how great this spot is!…read more The ceviche was very flavorful, had a nice kick and was very refreshing. The ribeye tacos, and the beans and rice were also amazing and seasoned perfectly. The portions were also generous so this was not only delicious but also a great value. The entire staff from the servers, to the bartender and the DJ were super friendly and welcoming. It was a great experience, I would highly recommend and can't wait to come back.

I took some time writing this review as I stopped by this location on the way home and was left…read moreunsure about the experience I received. I found this place online based off some positive reviews. It was fairly packed for a Thursday evening but waited anyways thinking that would be a good sign. The hostess was very friendly and we were seated outside which wasn't an issue, it was the unsteady table that caused everything to shake and move while eating that was. As we were seated we were asked if we wanted chips, salsa and guac. Had we know it was a huge bowl of just guac for an extra charge we definitely would have passed. After returning with our drinks, the waitress began to take our order but in the middle of the order asked us to hold on for a moment and walked off. We then watched her for fifteen minutes seat two tables behind us. She took their drink and even food orders and it wasn't until after then she returned to our table. She stated the kitchen had a mix up and asked what we ordered. After telling her she never took our order she apologized saying it was busy. The food was just okay somewhat bland which was very disappointing but the drinks were good. After requesting the check a lady and her large two dogs walked by with only one being on the leash. The dog began to walk throughout the front of the restaurant off leash. As much as I love animals I did feel it was a bit unsafe especially considering how large the dog was. Before bringing the check our waitress stated she would be back after taking a picture with the dog. I feel the restaurant was overcrowded and overpriced for just okay food and service.

The natural wine bar of my dreams! We came to SB on a trip and were searching for wine bars that…read moreserve natural wine, and this one kept popping up as a top choice -- and it absolutely lived up to the hype. It's located right on State Street, so there's plenty to explore nearby. We came right at opening and were greeted by the friendliest host. The style of the space is amazing -- walls lined with bottles, funky furniture, and such a fun, modern vibe. They were also super dog‑friendly and immediately brought my pup a water bowl, which I always appreciate. The host was incredibly knowledgeable and answered all my questions (and I had many). I'm still new to the wine world, so her openness and guidance meant a lot. I sampled two wines and chose the one that was perfect for me. I also loved that they bring the bottle to your table to show you and tell you more about it. My partner had one of their vermouth cocktails and loved it. We even learned about a natural wine event happening next month that we might come back for. The host also recommended wineries in the area based on our preferences -- such a thoughtful touch. Would definitely come back anytime we're in SB.

Unfortunately, I didn't have the best experience here as I imagined it to be. I stopped by on a…read morewarm day and wanted to enjoy a Spritz. I walked in and spoke with the guy working the bar area. I wasn't sure if I had to order my drink there or if there was table service. He said he could take my order and then I could go find a table to sit at. I placed my order for a Spritz and found a table outside. It seemed like 15 minutes had passed by and still no drink. He tended to another table in front of me with a group of women he knew. I thought he would stop by my table after, but he didn't even acknowledge me. Finally, another staff member tended to me and I told her I had placed my order at the bar and was still waiting for it. She was very kind and quickly got it for me. My observation of this guy, was that he acknowledged everyone around me but for some reason never acknowledged me until my bill was ready. Such a bizarre experience! In any case, I still managed to enjoy myself and was glad the Eva waited on me. She was very kind and I appreciate her getting my drink and food in a timely manner. I ordered the Spanish cheese plate, which was the perfect snacking board. It comes with manchego, membrillo, corn nuts, cornichon, quince, strawberries, focaccia, and charcoal sourdough bread. This plate is great for two people. Overall, a not so great experience, but grateful that Eva came to the rescue! It left me unsure of whether I would come back, only time will tell.

Food, service and staff were so friendly. Small place so not great for a large group. You could…read moreorder and go to a nearby park or beach and eat. Will definitely come back

If I could give this place no stars I would. Idk if they're paying for reviews but our food and…read moredrinks took one hour to get to the table, service was so shit, food was mildly mediocre and tiny. Overpriced and mid. Save your money, time, and sanity. Oh also ordered the high protein bowl, cheese was cold as fuck. They forgot the guac and pico, chicken was chopped up and over cooked, could've made better chicken at home.

What can I say other than culinary perfection? It's where street food meets casual dining but with…read moremasterfully crafted menu items that will make your taste buds pop! The KFC Bao was exceptional. Crunchy, tangy, sweet, fresh and savory. A delightful dish that had me wanting a second one. The Dolsot Bokkeumbap was also delicious, savory and a bit in the heavy side, it could use something fresh, acidic or sweet to brighten up the dish. The staff was very friendly and recommended the Bao, so they know what is good on the menu. I was sat outside where they have a beautiful little patio with heaters and comfortable seating. Overall this place is a must try!

Overall the food was very delicious. I would recommend the Bao (both the KFC and pork belly were…read morevery good). The sweet potato dumplings are fried and had a very unique twist for Asian fusion and would recommend. The kalbi was very mediocre, but it was fun for sharing. Day cake was delicious. I would highly recommend since it came out and was very warm. The bingsu was mostly frozen and was not finally shaved in terms of milk ice and the Nutella pairing with it did not go very well. We had a fantastic server (Cathy) who took our orders and was very friendly. The front staff was quite rude when we followed up what the wait time was (might have been because it was busy, but hope that it's a 1x thing and not a pattern). Otherwise, vibes we're very good and I can see why this is a popular spot.

We hosted a 20-person outdoor wedding reception at our home, and Mezza Thyme catered the event. The…read morefood was outstanding. Throughout the meal, I kept hearing the same comment from different tables: "This is really, really good food." And it was. The Mediterranean dishes were vibrant and fresh -- not generic or middle-of-the-road, but thoughtfully prepared with balanced flavors and ultra-fresh ingredients. Even our most restrained eaters went back for seconds. Delivery was on time as scheduled. The general manager personally supervised the transfer of the food from transport containers into our serving dishes and offered helpful suggestions on serving layout to improve flow. Presentation and execution were handled professionally, which matters when hosting an event at home. Prior to placing the final order, I studied the menu and placed a preliminary order online to establish a starting point. I reviewed it with my daughter and wife and received their approvals before finalizing. I did have a few questions about overlap among side dishes, spoke with the general manager about it, and finalized the order 30 days before the event with no subsequent changes. That clarity made the rest of the planning straightforward. Their menu reflects flavors and traditions rooted in the Levant region. Mediterranean cuisine lends itself well to buffet service within a defined service window. We would be happy to use Mezza Thyme again for any larger-scale gathering -- or for a great meal at home or in their restaurant on Cota Street downtown. I highly recommend them.

The food is delicious! I came on Friday for lunch and immediately changed my Saturday plans so I…read morecould return. 10/10 all around. The beef samosas or sambusa were perfectly seasoned, crispy, and flakey.

While visiting Santa Barbara, my husband and I stopped by The Blue Owl and had a great experience…read more The person who took our order was friendly and very helpful, which made us feel welcome right away. The restaurant has a really fun, eclectic vibe. There are a variety of seating options including tables, booths, and even a sofa with a table. It was very busy when we went, but we were still able to find seating without too much trouble. There wasn't music playing at the time, but there was a small stage area with a piano set up for performers, which gave the space a cool, creative feel. I ordered the 3 bánh mì tacos (two beef and one pork) and Wow, they were amazing! The tortillas tasted freshly made and everything was incredibly flavorful and juicy. The tacos were topped with oyster chili mayo, greens, pickled radish, cilantro, green onion, and chili paste, and were served with sliced cucumbers and radishes on the side. I also ordered a side of kimchi, which was delicious. It had the tangy, crunchy flavor you expect from good kimchi. My husband ordered the tofu Bahn Mi. The sandwich was made on a baguette and served with a side of chips. The baguette was crunchy but not overly hard. The tofu had a nice texture. It was soft but not mushy. The flavor had a nice balance. The menu was extensive including several vegan options. Overall, a really enjoyable stop with great flavors and a unique atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out!

So unfortunate that this place has gone so far downhill in recent times. Last three times i have…read morebeen here i got a bad stomach ache. I think its the lettuce. A prices have done nothing but go up. Spent $42 on a meal for two, no drinks or sides just two mains. Crazy. The wait staff is more and more aloof, but they do an acceptable job. I enjoy the live music and i'll be honest the food does taste good, but a $42 tummy ache for two ain't worth it! They do serve espresso in case you want to feel the tummy ache immediately instead of waiting until the next day, at least that's an option!

Absolutely stunning dinner at The Lark last night on our only night in Santa Barbara and I feel…read moreglad to say we picked the right restaurant! The place was full, including indoor and outdoor seating, great ambience and light level, and lovely string lights above the seating outdoors. To start they bring over a delectable dill popcorn which was a rich, salty, dill and butter creation. Totally set a fun tone for the meal. Then we had the crispy Brussels sprouts (ORDER THESE!!!) they were divine, the sesame and lime combination was reminiscent of a great pad Thai, with the perfect amount of sauce and tiny bites of figs which all worked together in a way I wouldn't have expected. For the mains we had the shrimp toast and the pork ribs, both fantastic both well portioned and both 10/10s. Pork ribs fell off the bone easily and were spicy and tangy without overdoing flavor and the shrimp toast tasted like a great gumbo sauce and the shrimps were big! This is a meal I'll be thinking about and recommending to others for a long time, thank you Lark!

We chose this spot to celebrate a milestone birthday and made an advance reservation for a large…read moreparty. The booking process was smooth and straightforward, which I really appreciated. When we arrived, the ambiance was lovely, we were seated outside, and with the perfect weather, it made for a really nice setting to celebrate. Because of our group size, we were on a prix fixe menu. While I understand the need for that with larger parties, it did limit the experience a bit since we couldn't choose individual dishes. We chose the high priced option with more food. The food itself was decent, but nothing particularly stood out. Many of the courses felt more like appetizers, so it didn't quite feel like a full, well-paced meal. Service was a bit inconsistent. We had Harlow, who seemed a little disengaged at first, though she did warm up after some light conversation. That said, we didn't see much of her afterward and were expecting a bit more attentiveness given the size of our group. She actually had no idea we were celebrating a birthday until about check out. Which is odd because of our advanced reservation. Once she did know she brought out a small birthday dessert. Water refills weren't offered regularly, and we had to flag someone down for additional drinks. There also wasn't much explanation of the dishes as they were brought out, so we found ourselves guessing what each item was based on the paper menu left at our tables. One point of confusion was the billing process. We were asked to put a card on file ahead of time, with the understanding that it would be charged at the end of the meal and that gratuity would be included for a large party. However, neither happened, which left us a bit unsure about how to handle the final payment and tip. Overall, it was a decent experience, and we made the most of the evening thanks to the great company and atmosphere. That said, for the price point, I was hoping for a more seamless and attentive dining experience to match the setting.

Black Sheep has quickly become one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara -- and…read morehonestly, every time I walk in I think, am I really still in Santa Barbara? The level of service is that good. Logan & jess Huge credit to Ruben, the owner, and his wife, who created the beautiful decor. The space is stunning -- high ceilings on the main floor and a cozy, chic European bistro feel upstairs, but still airy and comfortable. It's stylish without being stuffy. The food is consistently excellent -- fresh, seasonal, and often sourced from the farmers market, with many organic ingredients. The chantelle mushrooms and risotto were outstanding. They're also incredibly accommodating with dietary needs (yes, even vegan options -- they had vegan butter ready without hesitation, which I deeply appreciate). And the bar... if you're lucky, you might catch happy hour all night. Even luckier? Jess behind the bar. She is absolutely fantastic -- warm, skilled, and makes the whole experience feel special. An ode to Jess: Hey Jess, the queen of the pour, One drink in and you'll want more. Good vibes, great laughs, service at its best, Every bar needs a Jess -- but this one has the best. The service overall is truly exceptional -- attentive, genuine, and rare to find these days. What does this place need? Honestly... nothing. Just go. If you're visiting Santa Barbara, don't miss it. If you live here, this should become your new favorite spot.

Great vibe and solid food…read more The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar is a fantastic spot for drinks and catching up with friends. The atmosphere is lively and visually appealing -- I love how the space is set up. Ruben, the owner, was our server, and he was personable and attentive even though the restaurant was slammed. It was clear he cares about the experience and makes sure guests are taken care of -- thanks, Ruben! The food was good, with generous portions. It's not "over the top" or heavily specialized, but everything was well-cooked and executed by a chef who knows his craft. Perfect for a relaxed night out with friends. Overall, if you want a fun bar vibe, solid food, and attentive owner-led service, this is a great choice in Santa Barbara.

Visited Loquita on 04/11/26 for a birthday celebration and let me tell you I was blown away by the…read moreentire Loquita experience! From the food to the service to the ambience, all of it was truly an amazing experience. Food - We got the patatas bravas and the paella verde. Both were phenomenal. I have tried ~4 other vegan paellas and was originally skeptical going into this, but Loquita's paella was by far the best vegan paella I've ever had! The attention to detail is what made the dish shine. It had perfectly tender mushrooms and artichokes as well as the delicious vegan cream on top. They were able to make the dish smoky and delicious. Dessert - We got the crème brûlée and the pistachio ice cream. Both were truly wonderful, when I go back I will order both of these again! Vibe and Staff - Super cute and romantic vibe, perfect for a nice date. The staff was super attentive and even gave me a little postcard for my birthday! Definitely worth the visit :)

This place is hyped as a date place…read more It's in a fancy location near the beach, nice patio. It is good food but overhyped IMO. $16 for patatas bravas is a bit on the silly end. lts also one of thoses places that defaults to 20% tip on the low end. I have no problem with paying a 20% tip but the service was poor on my visit. We gave one instructions/request that were just completely disregarded. Very little in terms of service other than attempts to upsell with more Tapas when we were done. Sorry, just being honest.