Make sure to have a full tank of gas before tackling the San Marcos Pass. This twisty stretch of Route 154 rises north of Santa Barbara and delivers diners to Cold Spring Tavern, a former stagecoach stop that’s been serving food since 1865. The restaurant remains popular with bikers and wine country tourists thanks to a Western setting that includes wagon wheels and picnic tables, plus dishes like buffalo burgers, venison steak sandwiches, and wild game black bean chili. Saturdays and Sundays are the best time to visit for grilled tri-tip.

History, heritage, and fine dining collide at Stonehouse, the impeccable upscale restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch. Long a haven for the wealthy, the famous, and those willing to spend money to hide away, this is the daytime lunch destination worth splurging for. Be sure to take a walk around the property after lunch too, and order a bottle of wine from the world-class cellar.

Oat Bakery’s prowess spreads across Santa Barbara County with one location in Downtown Santa Barbara and one slightly north in Goleta. Bread and pastry vary from traditional to gluten-free along with additions like chia seeds, chopped almonds, or fresh spinach, to name a few.

After receiving a Michelin Bib Gourmand for his sister Santa Barbara restaurant Corazón Cocina, Ramon Velazquez opened Corazón Comedor in late-2022. At Comedor, Velazquez opts for traditional Mexican dishes where options include tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and a hearty, puffy quesadilla.

Santa Barbara’s Southeast Asian specialist Sama Sama is a bright spot on State Street, where options like the Indonesian nasi goreng, a Javanese chicken curry bowl, a Peking duck-inspired salad tossed with a sweet chili fish sauce dressing, and outstanding sticky chicken wings keep the place busy.

It’s hard to imagine better pizza than what’s being made at Bettina in Santa Barbara, right near the edge of Montecito. The wood-fired pies are blistered to a glorious freckle, while the rest of the menu relies on local wines and vegetables to round out a cozy, casual meal. Earlier this year, owners Rachel Greenspan and chef Brendan Smith signed a lease for a second location in Carpinteria that opens in 2024.

Alessia isn’t just one of these “good for Santa Barbara” shops. This French cafe turns out worthy croissants, breakfast items, and coffee that could hold their own just about anywhere, so be sure to swing by for a morning bite or some magical dish from a farmers market haul.

After opening successful outposts in Hollywood and New York, Antica Pizzeria debuted last November in Santa Barbara’s historic Ember Mill building. Just like the first location, this restaurant showcases pizza production through an open kitchen along with a stunning courtyard where more than Neapolitan-style pizza is available.

The team behind the Lark and Loquita returned La Paloma to its 1940s-era glory, turning up the breezy, artsy vibes and expanding the ample patio. Stop by for the newly launched lunch or margaritas or in the setting sun, but don’t forget a carnitas plate wagyu tri-tip dinner, either.

Modern Indian spot Bibi Ji has found its way with the locals and tourists who find themselves walking through State Street. The eclectic menu moves from street food snacks to curries and more composed plates from the grill with lots of local wines to match.

Best described as a Californian-French pub, the Black Sheep is a fantastic stop for casual bites, French onion soup, or a reasonably-priced $39 three-course early bird dinner that includes coq au vin and a brown sugar creme brulee.