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Best of Santa Barbara

Lunch and dinner spots

You need a reliable spot that handles both lunch and dinner without forcing you to change your routine.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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01
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 1
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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.

Lunch offers a thali special with salad, butter chicken, rice, and naan, providing a great variety. Prices stay incredible for sampling many dishes, and service can be special and attentive.

Dinner offers great value, especially the Dinner for Two combo priced at $60. Meals feature flavorful Indian tandoori dishes that make for a satisfying evening meal.

People are saying

"The service at this Lunch Spot was great, especially from Joban."

"Our server Joban was so nice and attentive."

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.

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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.

Lunch offers a variety of hearty options like Meatloaf Special, spaghetti with meatballs, and Cobb salad. The spot also serves Martini lunches alongside satisfying soups and garlic bread.

Offers a satisfying dinner experience suitable for family meals or private dates. Serves consistently good food and drinks, making it a reliable spot for evening dining.

People are saying

"I celebrated Christmas dinner here and it was the very best."

"I had a great lunch here; everything was delicious."

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.

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Bright, intimate space with fun decor and patio dining options creates a lively atmosphere. Loud energy fills both inside and outside areas, welcoming diners and dogs alike. Focus on high-quality Mexican cuisine with thoughtful ingredient choices sets it apart from typical offerings.

Food impresses enough to return for lunch. Many make it a weekly lunch and dinner spot.

Dinner offers an incredible variety with many options across the menu. Making a reservation ahead of time is common due to its popularity for evening meals.

People are saying

"I thought this was something special, a truly magical dinner spot."

"I found the food here excellent and made it my weekly lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to ensure a table.

2

The menu is limited but features high-quality, fresh ingredients.

3

Expect a unique twist on traditional Mexican dishes, not typical tacos or burritos.

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Outdoor courtyard offers beautiful patio with propane heaters and romantic lighting, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. A large bar complements the modern, elegant design. Margaritas and cocktail flights stand out as popular drink choices.

Lunch offers a gorgeous outdoor dining area that stands out. Meals suit both casual day-offs and special occasions with a consistently great all-around experience.

Dinner here suits special occasions like weddings and birthdays. The spot works well for both romantic dinners and group celebrations.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have delicious food and magic with flavors."

"The presentation of the food at this Lunch Spot is stunning."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $10 for bottled water and $10 for tostadas.

2

Expect an additional $15 charge on your card without explanation.

3

The menu offers vegetarian options and local vegetables.

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Chinese restaurant offers authentic dishes with generous portions and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. Loyal locals frequent the place, enjoying vegetarian options and specialties like orange chicken and twice-cooked pork. The ownerโ€™s personality adds warmth, making it stand out for genuine flavors and value.

Lunch features a great special menu with options like the pork mushu lunch priced at $11.95. Seating includes access to the lunch, take-out, and dinner menus.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has fantastic dan dan noodles and fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The lunch special menu offers great value for money.

2

There are many vegetarian options available, including vegan dishes.

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Authentic dishes are recommended for the best experience.

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Mexican restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating and multiple TVs showing football creates a lively, sports-friendly atmosphere. The space combines heated patios and a cool bar vibe, attracting families and sports fans alike. Fresh, welcoming environment features beautiful decor and a casual, local cantina feel.

Lunch service runs with just a waiter and manager on Saturdays, which makes it slow. Plans exist to return for both lunch and dinner.

Salmon, halibut, and cheese enchilada dinners feature prominently on the menu. Meals suit groups, with options to share and enjoy a variety of dishes.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and provides great service for dinner spots."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was friendly and good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is daily from 3:00-5:30 pm with a special menu.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options, but check with staff for preparation.

3

Parking is available in the Vons shopping center lot.

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Harbor views dominate the setting with outdoor patios and a balcony overlooking boats and paddle boards. Music often plays live, creating a loud atmosphere that can clash with the otherwise joyful vibe. Indoor and patio seating offer options for enjoying the scenic waterfront.

Lunch offers a good selection from the regular menu, with entrees suitable for happy hour, lunch, or dinner. Service by Billy adds to a pleasant, casual experience.

Hosts often choose this spot for rehearsal dinners. Arriving early allows enjoying dinner with a sunset view.

People are saying

"The steak and scallops at these dinner spots were cooked to perfection."

"Billy made the lunch experience an absolute pleasure."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily with discounted drinks and food.

2

Reservations are not required and no upfront fees are needed for group bookings.

3

The restaurant is dog friendly, allowing pets in certain areas.

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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.

Lunch here offers a wonderful meal experience with a special occasion vibe. Reservations are available for afternoon times like 2:00 PM on weekdays.

People are saying

"The service here is amazing; the staff really goes above and beyond."

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.

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Dining room features aged 1970s decor with cluttered entrance and paper tableware. Atmosphere is cheerful and lively, filled mostly with college students. Food includes authentic Chinese dishes with standout items like Kung Pao and Mu Shu Chicken.

Fast lunch service offers a variety of lunch specials with generous portions. Lunch sets include an entree, rice, and sides, making it a solid spot for midday meals.

Dinner here varies, with some visits offering an exceptional dinner experience while others result in disappointment. The quality seems inconsistent across different nights.

People are saying

"I loved going to this lunch spot for the lunch special."

"I love these dinner spots for the best Chinese food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located in a strip mall with plenty of free onsite parking.

2

The menu offers a generous variety of items, especially during lunch specials.

3

Portion sizes are reasonable, with three people able to share four dishes.

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