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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Barbara's best

Authentic spots with outdoor space

An authentic meal is only as good as the environment it is served in, and you refuse to eat inside when the weather is right.

Based on 874 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Power of Your Om Yoga Santa Barbara image 1
Power of Your Om Yoga Santa Barbara image 2
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Studio offers infrared heated rooms with mountain and ocean views that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Intimate space fosters a friendly community with a focus on vinyasa and hot yoga practices. Decor includes a colorful wall and high ceilings, enhancing the cozy yet spacious feel.

Warm, welcoming atmosphere creates an authentic yoga experience without gimmicks like weights or strange postures. Teachers stay true to their individual teaching styles, fostering a genuine and local vibe.

Outdoor yoga sessions happen on a pier with a beautiful patio nearby. The walkway and stairs lead through this space, enhancing the connection to the surroundings during practice.

People are saying

"I considered this the best yoga studio in Santa Barbara."

"The teachers here are authentic, offering creative and inspiring flows."

"I found the outdoor yoga sessions to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Yoga Sculpt class with Lindsey is very challenging and requires prior experience.

2

Periodic wharf yoga sessions offer a unique outdoor experience.

3

Adrienne hosts special events that provide unique yoga experiences.

02
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 1

Large, airy dining space offers both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor patio with heating. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features Punjabi music that energizes the setting. Clean, spacious environment complements authentic Indian cuisine known for standout dishes like butter chicken and korma.

Offers authentic Indian cuisine with delicious, quality dishes and warm, attentive service.

Outdoor seating offers a welcoming atmosphere with views of State Street. The space features excellent ambiance and options for dining outside.

People are saying

"The food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"Joban's service made me feel right at home."

"I enjoyed dining at the outdoor tables, it's great for people watching."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily from 11am to 3pm.

2

Expect a casual dining atmosphere with no strict dress code.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

03
Dutch Garden Restaurant image 1
German restaurant

Outdoor seating under large, mature trees offers a scenic mountain view and a European biergarten vibe. The atmosphere feels homey and casual, with live music enhancing the lively, friendly energy. Pet-friendly patio welcomes both people and pups, creating a relaxed, inviting setting.

German dishes like schnitzel and kรคsekrainer match authentic recipes closely. The menu offers a solid selection of traditional German cuisine that feels genuine and well-prepared.

A comfortable patio offers great views of the mountains at sunset. The outdoor garden provides a relaxing spot to enjoy food and beer with friends.

People are saying

"I appreciated the great beer selection."

"I thought the German food here was as authentic as you can get."

"I loved sitting outside on the patio shaded by trees."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right out front, but it fills up quickly.

2

The restaurant is pet friendly, allowing guests to bring their pets.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions, often leading to leftovers.

04
Sazรณn Latino & Catering image 1

Large patio with picnic tables and indoor seating creates a cozy atmosphere with friendly service. Outdoor area features a DJ and salsa bar offering unique salsas for taco customization. Neighborhood spot attracts a diverse crowd and maintains an authentic, comfortable vibe.

Rich, flavorful dishes like mole enchiladas and goat birria showcase genuine Mexican flavors. Staples such as adobada burritos, shrimp cocktails, and pasole offer a truly authentic taste experience.

A large patio with picnic tables offers plenty of outdoor seating. A DJ often plays on the patio, adding to the quaint atmosphere.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is great for enjoying flavorful food and fantastic salsas."

"The mole enchiladas and goat birria were rich, flavorful, and authentic."

"The outdoor patio is nice, with picnic tables and a DJ."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough on the weekends.

2

The restaurant attracts people of all ages.

3

You can customize tacos with salsa from their salsa bar.

05
The Copper image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor courtyard with a historic water fountain creates a cute, relaxing patio atmosphere. Interior feels modern and airy but can be cold and lifeless. Warm, welcoming vibe outside contrasts with loud music and occasional distractions indoors.

Pizza here matches authentic Neapolitan style with a taste that recalls Naples. A family with over 130 years of experience crafts the original Italian style pizza, including a very authentic Margherita.

Dog-friendly patio offers a fun vibe with sunbrellas for shade and a refreshing spritz on hot days. Outdoor seating areas, including a cute courtyard, create a relaxing and pleasant ambiance.

People are saying

"I've never had pizza this good; it's next level."

"The atmosphere here is perfect for a romantic date night."

"I found the pizza to be truly authentic, with a thin, crispy crust."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy weekend evenings.

3

Pizzas are priced around $30, and wine glasses cost about $18.

06
Taqueria La Unica image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers lively, festive atmosphere with bright colors and traditional music. Seating includes cozy outdoor areas with a fireplace and heat lamps. A large, fresh salsa bar adds to the vibrant dining experience.

Mexican food here offers authentic street tacos and a huge selection of dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients. The flavors are delicious and true to tradition.

Outdoor seating features a fireplace that pumps serious heat and adds ambiance. Large healthy plants grow outside, and a cozy fire pit with barstools creates a pretty atmosphere.

People are saying

"The salsa bar here is fresh and offers a great range of heat and flavor."

"I found the food here to be very authentic and delicious."

"The outdoor space has a cozy fire pit and lots of plants."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2.95 tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers during weekdays.

3

The restaurant is very clean, even during busy hours.

07
Tamar image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant shares space with a coffee shop, featuring an open cook area and airy design with long windows overlooking the sidewalk. Atmosphere stays casual and chill, with Bob Marley music adding to the vibe. Dog-friendly patio invites relaxed dining alongside a garden setting.

The dips offer authentic flavors that stand out. Shawarma tastes fine but lacks the authentic touch expected.

A dog-friendly patio offers space to relax with pets. A quaint patio connects to a garden across the street, providing varied outdoor seating options.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the chicken shawarma, is packed with flavor."

"The dips here are so authentic and delicious."

"The outdoor space has a dog-friendly patio."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, making it easy for walk-ins.

2

The dog-friendly patio allows you to bring your pup while dining.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during midday on weekends.

08
Palapa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic casual atmosphere and outdoor seating that feels like dining in Cancรบn. The vibe is family friendly and friendly, with a mix of local regulars and visitors. The space combines intimate indoor areas and a lively patio near the road.

Mexican food tastes authentic and comes with fresh salsa at the table. The atmosphere feels casual and genuine.

Outdoor seating includes a pet-friendly patio that captures a Mexican atmosphere. The space offers a nice dining area outside.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the carnitas and fish."

"I loved the delicious, authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm on weekdays with great deals on drinks.

2

The restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options to cater to different tastes.

3

Palapa Restaurant has a pet-friendly patio area for dining with pets.

09
Rozzi Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Window service connects kitchen with two bars, creating a casual, straightforward setup. Outdoor seating features cozy patio with checkered tablecloths, offering a relaxed vibe despite limited space. Energy builds with a steady line at a small kiosk, reflecting a focus on authentic New York-style pizza and efficient takeout and delivery.

Pizza features an authentic crust, toppings, and sauce that reflect New York style. Staff includes a native New Yorker who adds to the genuine vibe.

Cozy outdoor patio features a few tables with cute checkered tablecloths. Seating is available on the street, but the setup is fairly bare bones.

People are saying

"I found the New York Style Pizza here to be super authentic."

"I found the New York-style pizza here to be the real deal."

"The outdoor patio area is cozy and suitable for lunch."

Good to know

1

Finding parking on a busy night can be challenging.

2

The restaurant has limited seating in front.

3

They offer takeout and delivery services.

10
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas image 1

Outdoor seating defines the small, casual space with humble surroundings. The atmosphere reflects cultural roots through simple, authentic Mexican vibes. Large, flavorful burritos and a notable salsa bar attract those seeking authentic Mexican food and generous portions.

Offers authentic Mexican food with a focus on healthy and affordable options.

Outdoor seating defines the space with a small dining area that sits entirely outside. The outside area feels cool and sets the tone for dining.

People are saying

"I tried some of the best tasting Mexican food tacos I've had."

"The outdoor space here is really cool."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a little tight sometimes.

2

The restaurant has limited seating and is more of a takeout place.

3

The total cost for three burritos is about $50.

11
Augie's of Santa Barbara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open air patio overlooks a busy street with palm tree roof feature and beautiful bar. Atmosphere blends upscale fun with a local vibe, energized by music that evokes Mexico. Known for an exceptional tequila selection and handcrafted cocktails, it attracts those seeking a lively yet classy setting.

Unique, authentic Mexican food and atmosphere stand out here. The cuisine and drinks are delicious and well presented.

Open air patio offers direct views onto State Street for people watching. The space features a cut patio with plants in front and a comfortable vibe among guests.

People are saying

"Hector was the best server for our Mexican food."

"You've got to grab a patio seat overlooking State Street."

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and well presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekends.

3

The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM daily, but check for holiday hours.

12
Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana image 1

Small restaurant with an open kitchen and authentic Mexican decor creates a chill atmosphere. Outdoor seating is pleasant but limited to a few groups. Tacos and margaritas stand out as flavorful highlights.

Mexican food here has an authentic feel that recalls traditional home cooking. The guacamole stands out as very authentic and flavorful.

Outside seating offers a pleasant dining area but fits no more than three groups comfortably due to its small size.

People are saying

"The octopus taco is the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so authentic, it reminded me of tacos in Mexico City."

"The outdoor space is pleasant for dining."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos, making it a popular event.

2

Street parking is available near the restaurant, but can be limited.

3

Menu items may be unavailable during lunch hours, so check ahead.

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