Over the years, the food scene of Santa Barbara has more than lived up to the beauty of the place, a noteworthy achievement considering that the town has become a favorite tourist destination because of its mild climate, beautiful beaches and waterfront, fun hiking locations, thriving art scene, and rich history. Some enterprising restaurateurs have even taken the extra step by establishing their businesses to allow guests to enjoy the two things that put Santa Barbara on the map in terms of tourism; great food and fantastic views. If you’re heading to the town, be sure to scroll down to check this list of restaurants with a view in Santa Barbara, California, to know where to go in order to enjoy both.
1. Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Water lovers should not miss out on dining at the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, which, as the name suggests, is located right on the beach. Guests can enjoy full meals, including steaks and seafood such as oysters, clams, calamari, and lobster. Vegetarian options are also available. Cocktails are served here as well, and there’s happy hour for those who want to kick back and relax by enjoying a few drinks. Guests on a date will love walking on the beach before or after they have their meal at the restaurant.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Address: 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-1024
Price Range: 10-30 USD
Website: Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
2. Breakwater Restaurant
If you prefer boats to beaches, then Breakwater Restaurant may be the destination for you. Located north of Stearns Wharf, it features a patio where guests can dine at if they want to enjoy views of the boats and yachts at the marina. Food served there lean more towards fast food than fine dining, for example, fish and chips, burgers, and fries, although they also do offer meals for those who want to take their time. Ice cream is also served for those who want to cool off as they enjoy the views.
Breakwater Restaurant
Address: 107 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2315
Price Range: 10-30 USD
Website: Breakwater Restaurant
3. Santa Barbara FisHouse
This restaurant provides guests with views of the ocean and the market as they enjoy the sumptuous seafood served here. As a note, there are only a limited number of seats on the patio because of its small size, so do be sure to get there early if you want to watch the sunset from here, or else make reservations. Nonetheless, it is heated, which means guests can remain comfortable dining there even at night. Cocktails can be enjoyed during happy hour.
Santa Barbara FisHouse
Address: 101 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-1880
Price Range: 10-30 USD
Website: Santa Barbara FisHouse
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4. Moby Dick Restaurant
If you want to see the beautiful sunset Santa Barbara is known for, consider dining at this restaurant, which provides customers with views of the harbor. Most of the items on the menu are seafood, although there are also a few offerings outside of that category. Must-tries include the New England clam chowder and the lobster bisque. The restaurant also offers a decent collection of wines if you wish to enjoy a drink with your meal.
Moby Dick Restaurant
Address: 220 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3571
Price Range: 10-30 USD
Website: Moby Dick Restaurant
5. The Harbor Restaurant
One of the long-running and well-loved restaurants in Santa Barbara, The Harbor Restaurant, located on Stearns Wharf, provides diners with gorgeous views of the ocean from the upper deck. As with many of the other establishments on this list, seafood is the specialty of this restaurant, with lobster being a favorite of customers. Portions are also very generous, so you don’t have to worry about getting hungry quickly if you finish the food you order here.
The Harbor Restaurant
Address: 210 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3583
Price Range: 10-30 USD
Website: The Harbor Restaurant
6. Toma Restaurant and Bar
If you only have a limited time to try out the restaurants in Santa Barbara, make sure to add Toma Restaurant and Bar to your list. The beachfront restaurant may be a little pricier compared to the earlier establishments on this list, but the rates are worth it considering how delectable the food is there. Seafood is always a great option here, although their other dishes, including ribs, are also delicious. The ravioli is a must-try, according to those who have already dined there. Desserts and cocktails are worth trying out here as well.
Toma Restaurant and Bar
Address: 324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3855
Price Range: 31-60 USD
Website: Toma Restaurant and Bar
7. Tydes Restaurant
Access to Tydes Restaurant is so exclusive that only those who are checked in at the Four Seasons or are members of the Cabana Club can eat there. If you happen to fall under either group, you will be treated to panoramic views of the Butterfly Beach. Must-tries here are their seafood dishes, including the lobster truffle pasta and the grilled octopus. Enjoy your meals with either wine or cocktails. Enjoy it at the bar, which features an aquarium as part of its decor.
Tydes Restaurant
Address: 1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108-2805
Price Range: 30-60 USD
Website: Tydes Restaurant
8. Bella Vista
Bella Vista is another restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel that provides diners with fantastic views of Butterfly Beach, giving credence to its name. Those who have a huge appetite or simply want to try the different flavors in Santa Barbara will love the fact that guests can enjoy buffets here during mealtime. Meals are also offered a la carte, with seafood and handmade pasta as its must-try dishes. Guests will love enjoying wine and cocktails as they watch the sunrise.
Bella Vista
Address: 1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108-2805
Price Range: 30-60 USD
Website: Bella Vista
9. Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
This restaurant is located at Stearns Wharf, allowing guests to enjoy views of the ocean even as they feast on the seafood offered. As the name suggests, this establishment specializes on shellfish, but diners should also not miss out on trying the other dishes, particularly the crustaceans (crabs, shrimps, and lobsters). The seating space is pretty small, so be prepared to wait for seats, especially during meal time. Alternatively, you can order your food to go and look for a table by the wharf to still enjoy the view while eating.
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
Address: 230 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3571
Price Range: 10-30 USD
Website: Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
10. The Endless Summer Bar Cafe
The ocean and the mountains are not the only views you can enjoy here. Put one foot in The Endless Summer and you’ll immediately understand why California is known for its laidback surfer culture. You will truly feel as though the place has been frozen in time to a perfect summer day. Surfboards decorate the establishment, fresh seafood is served, and refreshing cocktails such as pina coladas help cool diners off. There’s even a pool table here where customers can play while waiting for their food to be served.
The Endless Summer Bar Cafe
Address: 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2344
Price Range: 10-30 USD
Website: The Endless Summer Bar Cafe
Fantastic views and enjoyable meals
When plotting travel itineraries, it can be challenging for foodies to identify what sights to see if they also want to try out the local eats. Instead of choosing between the two, why not enjoy both? By dining in restaurants with a view, you not only get to enjoy a tasty meal, but you also get to feast your eyes on the beauty of Santa Barbara.