Favorite places to eat in SB
updated: Nov 03, 2009, 11:47 AM

The Restaurant Guy asked the candidates, and now we're asking you: What are your favorite places for food and drink in Santa Barbara?

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Comments In Order Of When They Were Received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 43612	2009-11-03 11:54 AM
Spice Avenue. *Great* Indian food on State just below Figueroa.
PUENTE	2009-11-03 11:58 AM
M-Th, buffet at Pepes, Goleta.
COMMENT 43618	2009-11-03 11:58 AM
Freebirds.
LGH	2009-11-03 12:05 PM
Bangkok Palace for Thai, Edomasa for sushi, The Palace for cajun, and El Sitio for Mexican
SB8BALL	2009-11-03 12:09 PM
With their recent interior overhaul, the addition of many large, HD tvs, and being the only bar around with professional Simonis cloth on their pool table, Sportsman Lounge is the place to booze it up!! Some of the best pool players in SB hang out there, so don't be surprised if you get taught a lesson.
TENORELEVEN	2009-11-03 12:13 PM
Jill's Place, The Palace, Harry's, Hollister Brew Co.
GOWEST	2009-11-03 12:29 PM
We like Via Maestro for Italian, Brophy's for fish & chips and chowder, and Paradise for basic good food. We are still looking for good Mexican Food.
COMMENT 43630	2009-11-03 12:29 PM
Jeannine's Bakery, Tupelo Junction, Fresco, San Ysidro Coffeeshop (The Pharmacy), Cafe Quackenbush, Paula's Pancakes, and Petros are all great places for breakfast and lunch; Dutch Garden, Playa Azul, American Flatbread, Pascucci, Ballard Inn, Los Olivos Cafe and Brother's at Matteis Tavern cover the full gamut of deliciousness for dinner; the deli at New Frontiers in Solvang is a marvel.
KBSUTHERLIN	2009-11-03 12:35 PM
The "old" and hopefully, the "new" Wine Cask, the San Ysidro Ranch (no one accused the Quaids of having bad taste along with all else - just be sure to get it in writing that you paid your dinner bill,) the Japanese restaurant next to Occialli's in Montecito (come early, they don't take reservations) and anyone loving seafood should try the dry fried seafood platter "fruitta di mare" at Tre Lune for a real treat. Then stop by the Montecito Cafe for a scrumptious desert of their homemade coconut cake ... yum, yum ... **for the best "Lemon Drop" in town, head straight to Piatti's with your designated driver!
COMMENT 43635	2009-11-03 12:41 PM
MEXICAN Best Chile Relleno: El Bajio Best Torta: El Sitio Best Salsa: Los Arroyos INDIAN Spice Avenue, Taj Cafe, Flavor of India, and All India Cafe are equally good. I choose the least expensive of the four: Flavor of India. PIZZA Uncle Rocco's New York Pizza BEST PLACE TO GO WHEN YOU CAN'T MAKE UP YOUR MIND Either Mesa Cafe or Cody's Cafe CHEESE STEAK Norton's Pastrami and Deli OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER Brophy Brothers
EZ2	2009-11-03 12:44 PM
THE BREWHOUSE!
KBSUTHERLIN	2009-11-03 01:02 PM
Well worth a trip to the seriously quaint and charming little town of Los Olivos, is a dinner at Patrick's -- where you will often be treated to one of his own "creations" of the evening as whimsical specialties you will not be disappointed if ordering. Everything is good here, including a fabulous selection of wines from local vineyards. Often, the vintner who produced the bottle you are enjoying is sitting at the next table and Patrick will introduce you and, if you wish, the vineyard owner will be glad to tell you about the interesting history behind your glass of wine. Bring your dog(s) parked out front and Patrick will make sure they are well-taken care of by frequent personal visits carrying water bowls and assorted goodies to help keep them entertained while you dine. And if you are into celebrity sightings, you most probably will not be disappointed there either ....
SAMROQUE	2009-11-03 01:16 PM
Sly's!
COMMENT 43652	2009-11-03 01:27 PM
Chinos!
COMMENT 43657	2009-11-03 01:42 PM
No one has mentioned.. Renaud's for chocolate croissants.
COMMENT 43661	2009-11-03 02:03 PM
Ah, oui...Renaud's for almond croissants aussi! PS...love the new caste system on edhat and the anonimity of being just a "commenter"...methinks it's so inclusive!
MOONWILLOW	2009-11-03 03:08 PM
Brummis for German. Great food and very friendly, fun owners. They treat you like family there. Flavor of India, Taj Cafe for Indian. Rose Cafe(on the Mesa) for Mexican.
COMMENT 43679	2009-11-03 03:15 PM
For fresh and budget consious Mexican- New Baja Grill (in Camino Real by Costco) For the pricey end- SB FisHouse For pricey Mexican- Carlito's
COMMENT 43682	2009-11-03 03:27 PM
Any place with decent vegetarian/vegan options: The Sojourner and Natural Cafe are a given. Some more favorites include Spice Avenue, Lazy Acres, Pizza Guru, Spiritland Bistro, Little Alex's, Zaytoon, and Meun Fan Thai Cafe.
MAPLE	2009-11-03 03:31 PM
Edomasa - Sashimi Los Gallos - Vegetable Quesadilla Yanni's/Mackenzie Market - Gyro IV Deli Mart - Sandwich Backyard Bowls - Green Acai Bowl
COMMENT 43688	2009-11-03 03:52 PM
Joe's, Super Rica, Endless Summer, and Chuck's.
PATRICK	2009-11-03 04:51 PM
out of town: • Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos in town: • Deli-Sushi-Go-Go at the harbor for cheap dinner with great view of unloading urchin divers • Boathouse at Hendry's for cheap happy hour food with great view of sunset • French Press or Coffee Cat for coffee • Backyard Bowls for guilt-free lunch
COMMENT 43708	2009-11-03 05:31 PM
The Greek House on Haley for a gyros!!! Notons for the best pastrami and cheese sandwhich, China Pavillion for the fine dining style chinese or ShangHai on Milpas for to go, ummm and best fancy dinner(s) Opal or Downey's!!!! Order the duck!
SHOREBIRD	2009-11-03 06:40 PM
The best pizza: Paisano's on San Andreas near Micheltorena. When you walk in you can smell the yeast in the dough and you know it is made fresh on site. It reminds me of East Coast pizza places run by newly arrived Italian families. But don't go there after dark. Not a safe neighborhood.
CYNTHIAB	2009-11-03 07:29 PM
There are so many great restaurants here! I haven't tried them all, but in no particular order I like: Via Maestra, Opal, Renaud's (not just for pastries), Jane, Spiritland, Cafe Luck, Zen Yai, Super Rica, Hollister Brewing Co, Spice Avenue, Blush, Eladio's, Tupelo Junction, ...
COMMENT 43726	2009-11-03 08:28 PM
Los Agaves for molcajetes...
COMMENT 43748	2009-11-03 09:51 PM
SB Brewhouse, Los Arroyos, Flavor of India, Petrini's, Gino's Pizza on Figueroa
Z28RACERGIRL	2009-11-03 10:15 PM
Brewhouse for what? How about Hollister Brew Co? Food and brews are great. I heart TeeOff for prime rib. superCucas on Mitcheltorena for chicken burrito. I get a Sams To Go #2 on wheat weekly since 1989.
COMMENT 43769	2009-11-04 04:42 AM
Mexican food------La Super Rica Chinese------------Mandarin Italian--------------cadario Fish and chips--Brophys Seafood---------Enterprise Subs--------------Italian Market Desert-----------Montecito Cafe (the cake) Vegi Burger-----Frescos Steak------------Hitching post (worth the drive) breakfast-------Tupelo Junction pizza------------petrinies
COMMENT 43779	2009-11-04 07:17 AM
Brophy's is my favorite. I like to hang out at the Daily Grind. If Uncle Roccos delivered to my neighborhood I would eat pizza every day. San Andreas and Micheltorena is safe after dark. Don't be afraid of poor people.
COMMENT 43785	2009-11-04 07:36 AM
"Cafe Buenos Aires" for dinner with live Tango (on Wednesdays)
COMMENT 43789	2009-11-04 07:56 AM
Hollister Brewing Co! Yum - exceptionally good food and beer at reasonable prices.
COMMENT 43790	2009-11-04 08:01 AM
Flavor of India on upper-state for the BEST food and BEST service. For dinner try the navratan korma, onion baji, and onion kulcha bread-but the buffet is still the best! Itsuki- sushi, tasty ramen, udon, soba and more Renauds Patisserie- pastries, breakfast, lunch Coffee Cat- chai, coffee and crepes, family owned Via Maestra- best italian Noodle City (in Goleta)- best Vietnamese (if you don't believe me just look around at the 90% asian clientele Paesanos pizza- confirmed best pizza, and the neighborhood is safe, I live there! Chamomile cafe in Carpinteria has awesome pastries and breakfast if you don't mind a bit of a wait for homemade food Clementines Steakhouse in Carpinteria has the BEST homemade pie. Especially the banana cream! Homemade crust, filling and whipped cream Ahh, so hungry now!
COMMENT 43791	2009-11-04 08:02 AM
Tre Lune for food, service and atmosphere. Jeannine's in Montecito & on Figueroa for socializing. Lucky's for cocktails
COMMENT 43795	2009-11-04 08:13 AM
Mexican: Los Agaves El Sitio Italian: Via Vi Steak: Tee off Lucky's Hamburger: Montecito Cafe Sushi: Sakana Bar food: Brophy's (appetizer menu) Best deal: Plow & Angel Happy Hour: Enterprise Fish Co. Lunch: Dutch Garden ( try the Klockrolin beer on tap it is ont on the menu but an excellent micro brew Belgian beer) Vegitarian: Spirit Land Bistro Burrito: Jerry's Pollofino Vietnamese: ... [ more ]
SBKENDOKA	2009-11-04 08:13 AM
Meat & booze = Tee Off I don't know what I want = Paradise Cafe Japanese = Ichiban Mexican = La SuperRica or Los Arroyos I'm too tired to cook and need a drink = Harrys
LINNYG	2009-11-04 08:18 AM
Food = Pascucci's Drink = Dargan's
LUCKY 777	2009-11-04 08:34 AM
Brophy's, TeeOff, Your Place, Deano's Pizzaria
COMMENT 43805	2009-11-04 08:39 AM
If you can't find good Mexican in SB, you haven't found Los Arroyos and the landmark Superica.
COMMENT 43807	2009-11-04 08:44 AM
I think Deano's pizza tastes like extremely expensive cardboard. That you usually have to wait forever for them to cook.
ENL	2009-11-04 08:49 AM
I think Marty's pizza is the best. A little pricey now, but still awesome.
COMMENT 43810	2009-11-04 08:50 AM
Shintori for sushi with some of the best and most creative rolls I have seen around town. The Brewhouse on Montecito is really, really good. Try the Filet Mignon Enchiladas. Zen Yai for Thai. Los Arroyos is really good Mexican food.
COMMENT 43818	2009-11-04 09:28 AM
Brophys for anything, but specifically the bloody mary's, garlic baked clams, calamari and the atmosphere. Gino's Pizza (figueroa st.) Hungry Cat! Great food and the best lemon drop martini on the planet. Paradise Cafe for the best burger in town. Taj Cafe for Indian
COMMENT 43819	2009-11-04 09:37 AM
Holdrens --a great steak house Los Arroyos --great mexican food, awesome ceviche Renaud for chocolate croissant and excellent breakfast selections Elements for fine dining with a view and the firetini! Panino --the best sandwiches Mmmm, I'm hungry!
LEMONJELLY	2009-11-04 10:09 AM
Renaud's for pastries and sweets. Square One for desserts and charcuterie. Hungry Cat for brunch, cocktails and raw bar. Itsuki for bento and noodles. Kobachi for amazing amazing izakaya, sashimi and shochu. Via Maestra 42 for Italian. Julienne for all-round great New American and locally sourced food. Romanti-Ezer for mole (if you can catch them when they're open). Palapa for flan!
LEMONJELLY	2009-11-04 10:12 AM
Oh, and La Chapala for cheap eats taqueria. Love their carnitas.
COMMENT 43824	2009-11-04 10:24 AM
Flavour of India for their lunch buffet; Playa Azul for Mexican; Grappolos in Santa Ynez for Italian; Brothers at Matteis in Los Olivos; the Ballard Inn
COMMENT 43828	2009-11-04 10:39 AM
When I get home, I gotta hit the following in no particular order La Super Rica (Isadoro even takes my out of state checks) Brophys, (Ring the bell for Weener) Rustys Tee Off God I miss the Aloha (Hey Jeff thanks for the PFR Recipe)
COMMENT 43830	2009-11-04 10:48 AM
SPICE AVENUE for Indian Food. Hands down. FREEBIRDS for burritos. LOS ARROYOS for all else mexican. NOODLE CITY in goleta for Vietnamese. THE HABIT for a good 'ol burger and fries. FRESCO for soup and salad. INTERNATIONAL CAFE' in Goleta for either breakfast or lunch selections.
COMMENT 43835	2009-11-04 11:13 AM
Lilly's, and Ichiban
NATIVE1	2009-11-04 11:18 AM
Oh my. I'm so hungry now. Can I start at one end of town and work my way through most of these?
COMMENT 43840	2009-11-04 11:23 AM
The Brewhouse for enchiladas and beer. Joe's and Epiphany for drinks. Arigato for sushi... Edomasa for sushi on a budget.
ELELLEN2	2009-11-04 11:51 AM
Best Mexican is Los Agaves Best all around food and drink Harry's Best atmosphere Biltmore Best Chineese is Empress Palace Best Breakfast & Coffee Anderson's Bakery Best Italian is Eladio's or Molly's Best steak is Tee Off Best PuPu's and overall is 246 Roots
KNITALIFE	2009-11-04 12:09 PM
LOL SBHIKES! So right with that comment! But I agree: Paesano's for pizza. Try their veggie sandwich with roasted peppers, eggplant, garlic and goat cheese on grilled focaccia bread and don't miss out on the eggplant subs. Delish! Ichiban's for Japanese China Pavilion for Chinese Flavor of India for Indian -- #34 Vegetarian Combo with Bhengan Bharta. Lilly's for Tacos Cuca's for Burritos Norton's for a pastrami sandwich Fresco's for tortilla soup (Wednesdays and Saturdays) Pascucci's for risotto I'm very specific about what I like so I often order the same things over and over when I eat out.
COMMENT 43888	2009-11-04 03:50 PM
Zaytoon Lilly's for Tacos The Habit for burgers Joe's for drinks
COMMENT 43903	2009-11-04 05:56 PM
Mesa Pizza - so good and they deliver! Jeanine's for treats. Anything at the Beachbreak Cafe, breakfast or lunch.
INFINIDBOND	2009-11-04 10:07 PM
Some favorites, many which I haven't seen listed: Chinese: Red Pepper Japanese: Edomasa Italian: Aldos Pizza: Pizza Mizza and Gina's Burgers: Kahuna Grill Vietnamese: Noodle City Breakfast: Cajun Kitchen Californian: Opal Burrito: Cucas Mexican: Is there any place that has handmade corn tortillas? In the valley: Vineyard House; Shelbi Ranch!
COMMENT 43960	2009-11-05 08:43 AM
Superica does handmade corn tortillas, but frankly, they are not much better than the ones you buy at the stores. Los Arroyos has handmade tortillas, but I find them to be too thick and chewy.
COMMENT 44017	2009-11-05 11:41 AM
Cant beat the Island Burger at the Kahuna Grill- the kabobs are great too.Love the fact that they have the turkey alternative for all their burgers.
COMMENT 44019	2009-11-05 11:44 AM
Is there a good Greek restaurant in SB?
COMMENT 44042	2009-11-05 01:12 PM
Mediterra cafe in Goleta is the best place for Greek and Turkish cuisine overall and the Mackenzie market on State street had a surprisingly good gyro and great service. The Greek House downtown left me disappointed. I'd sign a petition for more/better SB Greek food any day! Note: I also searched all of Ventura for decent Greek and (unfortunately)found Daphnes chain restaurant to be the best. If you're ever driving through LA go to Papa Cristos. You will find the best Greek food, market, deli and bakery EVER.
EARO65	2009-11-05 02:07 PM
The Farmer Boy, been there years, great people, decent food, those cinnamon rolls are wonderful (and they make bread pudding out of the ones left over.) Ralph also helps homeless people out of a pinch. Mesa Cafe for a taste of "old" SB.
NAMASTE	2009-11-05 04:54 PM
Italian: Bucattini French: Le Petit Valentien California: Opal Breakfast: Tuttini Late Dinner: Cafe Luck Happy Hour and Drinks: Elements
COMMENT 44095	2009-11-05 05:52 PM
So many good recommendations... missing are the Shawarma gyros from IV Deli Mart in Isla Vista and the donuts & cookies at Anna's bakery at Camino Real Marketplace. The Red Pepper in Old Town is terrific chinese, but so is Ming Dynasty if you order only off the Chinese menu.
POOH	2009-11-05 09:15 PM
I like Stells Mares and Beachside. Am I the only one?
POOH	2009-11-05 09:16 PM
Stella Mares
COMMENT 44312	2009-11-07 12:48 AM
Zen Yai for Thai Los Arroyos for Mexican (salsa!) Bouchon for California Cuisine Opal for Casual Dining Panini for sandwiches Fosters on Milpas for donuts Arts and Letters Cafe for lunch (Riviera Salad) Cold Springs Tavern for the Winter Get Out of Town Dinner South Coast Deli for quick lunch Salads The Habit for that quick SB Burger
BEACHBUMTHOM	2009-11-10 11:15 AM
Though I live in LA county, I come to SB two or three times a month. I agree with the majority of the resturants slected. How about a survey on the best Happy Hours around - there is nothing like a good inexpensive drink before dinner made by an experienced bartender.