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Local picks in Santa Barbara

Date spots with fish

Made for those who want their romantic outings to center around fresh, simple ingredients.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Silvers Omakase image 1
Silvers Omakase image 2
Silvers Omakase image 3
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Restaurant

Small, intimate sushi counter with handcrafted Japanese dinnerware and artisanal finishes creates an elegant, modern atmosphere. Warm, approachable vibe with thoughtful personal touches and carefully curated sake pairings enhances the dining experience.

Celebrations here feature phenomenal dinners with a focus on intimate, special occasions. The setting suits marking important moments like birthdays with a memorable meal.

Fish comes from the finest purveyors and shows highest quality in every piece. Unique combinations and rare varieties pair with sushi rice to deliver beautiful Umami and Dashi flavor. Chef Lennon and his team share stories that add depth to the experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is expertly crafted and presented with meticulous attention to detail."

"The fish here is so high quality and prepared with such care."

"The Date Spots here offer expertly crafted food and personal chef experiences."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

The menu changes daily, reflecting seasonal ingredients and chef creativity.

3

Omakase experience is traditional and focuses on the chef's selection.

02
The Brewhouse image 1
American restaurant

Industrial decor sets a casual, come-as-you-are vibe with outdoor patios and distinct seating areas. Friendly energy fills the space, welcoming families and locals alike, often accompanied by live local music. The spot stands out for being dog friendly with a special menu for furry companions.

Plenty of options for sharing, like a club sandwich and a smash burger that get good feedback. Large salads and hearty sandwiches, including a tri tip sandwich, offer satisfying choices for couples.

Fish dishes include fish and chips with generous portions and pistachio-crusted salmon cooked to perfection. Fish tacos also stand out as a great option among the pub-style meals.

People are saying

"The beer here is great and flavorful."

"The smash burgers and fish and chips are cooked perfectly."

"The fish and chips here are delicious and a great value."

Good to know

1

The Brewhouse is dog-friendly and offers a special menu for pets.

2

Free parking is available in the rear of The Brewhouse.

3

Happy hour includes a cheeseburger and a beer for $14.

03
Bar Lou image 1
French restaurant

French restaurant offers a romantic, cozy atmosphere with a quiet, mellow vibe and classy metropolitan decor. A lovely outdoor patio adds to the intimate setting. Music complements the warm and convivial mood throughout.

A great spot for couples with a menu featuring Steak Frites and a selection of red greenish wine. Offers a relaxed setting for appetizers and dinner, suitable for dates or small groups.

Local fish dishes stand out with the Provencal style offering a spicy kick. Specials include a frisée and asparagus salad paired with fresh fish, alongside oysters that complement the menu.

People are saying

"The French food here is stunning and flavorful."

"The pasta with uni is delicious, a must-try for Date Spots."

"The fish Provençal was excellent and spicy."

Good to know

1

Bar Lou closes at 3pm and reopens at 5pm.

2

Happy Hour is available on Fridays with special pricing.

3

The menu features a limited selection but is well curated.

04
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.

Pleasant ambiance creates a cozy setting for a date night. The atmosphere suits quiet conversations and relaxed dining.

Tandoori fish stands out with its superb softness and rich flavor. It pairs well with dishes like paneer raisin bread and lamb biryani.

People are saying

"The food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"The service at these Date Spots was warm and welcoming."

"Joban's attentive service made our fish dinner feel like royal treatment."

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.

05
Pier Santa Barbara image 1
Tourist attraction

Long wooden pier offers stunning ocean and mountain views with a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Activities include fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, alongside fresh seafood dining and art displays. The place draws a steady flow of people enjoying both peaceful scenery and active waterfront recreation.

A sunset cruise offers a romantic way to enjoy the evening. Couples can also try wine tasting or grab ice cream while exploring nearby shops and restaurants with good food and service.

Fishing happens right off the pier with gear rentals and no license needed. Fresh fish and chips serve as a tasty reward after a few hours of fishing.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great view; it was amazing."

"I enjoyed my fish and chips with a breathtaking ocean view."

"The views from these date spots are stunning, like a postcard."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at Pier Santa Barbara.

2

Live music events occur regularly at the pier, especially on weekends.

3

Happy hour specials are available at various restaurants on the pier.

06
Meet Up Chinese Cuisine 遇见音乐餐厅 image 1

Robot servers deliver food in a setting with retro '80s decor and a feminine interior. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suitable for dates or dinners with friends, though noise can carry off tile walls. Round tables with lazy Susans facilitate sharing dishes.

Frequent visits show it works well for date night with a mix of authentic flavor profiles and dishes like sweet and sour chicken that appeal to different tastes.

Grilled fish and boiled fish come out perfectly cooked. Spicy options like Spicy Fish in Chili Oil and Spicy Crispy Fish stand out. Fish soup and sole fish also feature well on the menu.

People are saying

"The authentic Sichuan flavors here are bold and beautifully balanced."

"The robots serving Chinese food were a blast to watch."

"These Date Spots offer authentic Sichuan flavors with bold, balanced spice."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is plentiful and free for restaurant patrons.

3

Expect higher prices for authentic dishes compared to Americanized options.

07
Your Place Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Small building with traditional Thai decor creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with dim lighting and no loud music. The place draws those seeking authentic Thai food, especially known for Tom Kah soup and well-executed noodle dishes.

Options for couples are very limited here, with few choices even for takeout. The garlic pepper beef dish is decent but lacks vegetables.

Fish dishes feature steamed basil garlic fish with a memorable sauce and garlic fried fish. Seafood appears in a soup pot that stands out alongside other dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood soup pot and garlic shrimp were outstanding."

"I found this place to be the best Thai restaurant in town."

"The Mongolian Beef plate here is incredible for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy dinner hours.

2

Prices for main dishes range from $10 to $25, depending on the selection.

3

The large Tom Kha soup serves multiple people and is a popular choice.

08
Harry's Plaza Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Spacious American restaurant with old-school steakhouse vibe and red leather booths creates a retro speakeasy atmosphere. Energy stays lively with a classic full bar serving strong martinis and cocktails. Crowd leans toward retirees and families enjoying a traditional, comfortable setting.

Large portions like the full rack of ribs and fish and chips suit a private date or family dinner. The setting works well for a quiet meal with a partner or kids.

Fish and chips come in large portions and have a warm, musty flavor. Salmon dishes feature very tender fish paired with risotto.

People are saying

"It's got this cool, old-school vibe with classic red booths."

"You have to try the steak bites at these Date Spots; they're amazing."

"I loved the fish and chips here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups.

2

The all-you-can-eat deal is available for under a dollar.

3

The cafe has a private back room suitable for large gatherings.

09
Moby Dick Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers gorgeous marina views and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly, with outdoor areas shaded and comfortable. Music and a small TV add to the casual vibe, making it suitable for both casual meals and romantic dates.

Special moments happen with personalized celebrations like singing happy birthday. The setting suits a romantic date with a great overall experience.

Freshness stands out with Alaskan Cod used in fish and chips that stay crispy through dinner. Fish tacos come off the grill steaming hot and whole fish dishes are served with fair portions at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The sunset view from the restaurant was amazing."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the oysters."

"I thought the fish and chips were good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from 3 pm to 5 pm with affordable appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers 90 minutes of free parking for diners.

3

Outdoor seating is not accessible during lunch hours.

10
Sushi Teri - Santa Barbara Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small sushi restaurant offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere with comfortable outdoor patio seating featuring space heaters. The vibe is intimate and pleasant, attracting locals seeking fresh, high-quality sushi at reasonable prices.

Freshness stands out with sushi that impresses even after many years. It suits both first dates and family dinners with reliable quality.

Fresh fish stands out with good quality and clear freshness. Miso soup tastes like a fish broth, which may surprise some.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The sushi here is the freshest I've ever had."

"The fish here is so fresh, it's the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and mostly on the street, which can be challenging.

2

Expect minimal wait times, especially on weekdays.

3

Prices are reasonable, especially for the quality of sushi offered.

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Santa Barbara, California

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