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Top picks in Santa Barbara

Salad and dinner spots

Made for those who want a light, vegetable-focused lunch but still require a substantial, sit-down dinner experience to round out their evening.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar image 1
The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar image 2
The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar image 3
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Restaurant combines old-fashioned Parisian style with SoCal vibes in a space featuring high ceilings and arched windows. Atmosphere feels cozy and elegant, balancing intimacy with openness through semi-private layout. Music plays at a comfortable volume, enhancing a chic yet welcoming mood.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Options include a beet salad, a roasted peach salad, and a farmers market salad, all noted for their distinct taste.

Dinner offers a world class menu with consistently excellent food. The apero early dinner prix fix provides great value. The owner personally greets guests and oversees the experience.

People are saying

"The tasting menu offered great value and was plenty of food."

"The French food, especially the coq au vin, has a rich, delicious sauce."

"The food for dinner spots was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The parking fee is $3 per hour after the first 75 minutes.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy nights.

3

Happy hour runs from 5 to 6 PM with special menu items.

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.

Salads here come as part of meals like the lunch thali special and the tandoor salad dish. They taste refreshing and complement dishes like butter chicken well.

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 food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"Our server Joban was so nice and attentive."

"The 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.

03
Alma Fonda Fina image 1
Restaurant

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.

Salads feature a delicious endive salad and a very good Caesar salad.

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

"The Mexican food here is incredible, especially the tacos."

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

"The endive salad was delicious and a must-try."

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.

04
Petrini's Italian Restaurant - Santa Barbara image 1

Old-fashioned Italian restaurant with red and white checkered tables and historic Italian photos creates a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Locals gather for classic thin-crust pizza and traditional dishes in a relaxed, inviting setting. Prices remain reasonable, supporting a welcoming vibe for families and groups.

Hearty salads come with homemade dressings and pair well with garlic bread or breadsticks. The Caesar salad serves multiple people and offers a satisfying portion size.

Dinner here features great conversation and a friendly atmosphere. Service stands out with a server who feels like 10 years of therapy in one meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and sublime."

"The food at these dinner spots is so delicious and fresh."

"The #2 salad used to be piled high with toppings."

Good to know

1

Most menu items cost between $15 and $20, offering good value.

2

Expect a line for takeout during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant serves large portions, suitable for sharing.

05
Jill's Place Restaurant image 1

Steak house with old school decor and vintage Wild West photos creates a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere filled mostly with locals. The space feels relaxed yet lively, growing louder as it fills up. It stands out for its authentic charm and a welcoming, family-like vibe.

Salads come fresh and often paired with nostalgic sides like split pea soup and garlic bread. The fried chicken salad stands out as a delicious lunch option.

Dinner includes entrees like Grilled Chicken Breast and a steak and lobster combo. Meals come with soup, salad, and a side, paired with delicious cocktails.

People are saying

"It's a comfortable local spot with a welcoming, regulars feel."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, especially the steak and lobster."

"The fried chicken salad was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour menu offers discounted drinks and food items.

2

Dinner entrees include soup, salad, and a side.

3

Parking is not available at the restaurant.

06
Yellow Belly Tap image 1

Casual eatery with large outdoor seating including a fenced-in kids' play area and dog-friendly patios. Atmosphere stays laid back and cozy, welcoming families and pets alike. Indoor space features quirky decor and comfortable seating options.

Dinner offers perfect and delicious dishes with options for a light meal after a long day. The spot suits casual dinners, food to go, or a dessert and night-cap.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is great for enjoying delicious burgers and craft beers."

"I enjoyed the excellent selection of beers on tap."

"I came here for dinner and everything was perfect and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour deals are available with weekly specials.

2

They sometimes host tap takeovers by local breweries.

3

Vegetarians should be cautious due to cross-contamination in food preparation.

07
Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina image 1

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.

Salads include a blue bowl with salmon that comes slightly pink and a Caesar salad served alongside seafood dishes. The beets salad is less favored.

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

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

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

"The chef makes magic with flavors in the salad."

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.

08
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.

Salads come with fresh ingredients but sometimes include overripe tomatoes. Staff will accommodate requests like swapping rice for salad to avoid butter. The salads pair well with dishes like steak tacos.

People are saying

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

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

"I'd ask about the tomatoes before ordering the salad."

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.

09
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.

Salads feature different lettuces and generous portions of chicken and bacon in the Cobb salad. Side salads come with a homemade honey mustard dressing that adds great flavor.

Dinner here features good food that draws repeat visits. It suits special occasions like weddings and anniversaries without requiring minimums.

People are saying

"The beer here is great and flavorful."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with the salad."

"The food here is amazing; I'd return for dinner."

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.

10
Chuck's of Hawaii image 1

Dark interior with dim lighting and old school dining style creates an elegant yet noisy atmosphere. A self-service salad bar complements the juicy, perfectly cooked steaks. Outdoor seating feels uninviting and lacks thoughtful design, contrasting with the lively indoor bar area.

Free flow salad bar offers amazing variety with enough choices to build a salad you like. It stands out as a highlight alongside meals, providing a fresh and satisfying addition.

Dinner features a delicious menu with a salad bar and fresh bread standing out as highlights.

People are saying

"I thought the salad bar was a really good idea and it was fresh."

"I thought the salad bar was a really good idea and it was fresh."

"I found the dinner spots here to be delicious, especially the rib eye."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait to be seated during peak hours.

3

Parking is available for free off State Street and behind the building.

11
Tee-Off Restaurant and Lounge image 1

Old school pub with dim lighting and leather booths creates a casual, relaxed vibe. Noise levels vary from quiet to very loud depending on crowd size and events. Frequented by diners seeking classic cocktails and hearty American fare in a nostalgic steakhouse setting.

Dinner features prime rib cooked to perfection and beef BBQ ribs available on Wednesdays with a full dinner option. Drinks and salads come quickly, and meals arrive promptly after the first course.

People are saying

"The Prime Rib was cooked to perfection, tender, juicy, and flavorful."

"Our waiter Chris provided excellent service for our date spot."

"The prime rib here is tender, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekend nights.

2

All-you-can-eat prime BBQ ribs night is on Wednesdays for just over $20.

3

Happy hour at Tee-Off Restaurant and Lounge runs on Fridays with discounted drinks.

12
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.

Salads feature crisp textures and a mix of bitter and sweet flavors, like the Chicory and frisรฉe with asparagus. Some, like the tomato salad, could use more seasoning and added texture with herbs or chili crunch.

Outdoor patio offers a relaxed setting for dinner. Cocktails and dinner feature delicious flavors and a dry dinner option exists. Reservations are honored with timely seating in the dining room.

People are saying

"The French food here is stunning and flavorful."

"The dinner here is unbelievable, especially the pasta with uni."

"The Chicory Salad was outstanding, crisp with a great mix of bitter and sweet."

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.

13
Intermezzo by Wine Cask image 1
New American restaurant

Courtyard setting with beautiful decor and perfect lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that balances upscale and relaxed vibes. Indoor and outdoor spaces feel engaging and intimate, suitable for special occasions or casual dining. Walls display unique photography, adding character to the venue.

Strikes a perfect balance between upscale and relaxed, fitting for a romantic date night or celebratory dinner. Accommodates groups comfortably, with dinner service available on busy evenings.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, especially the lobster salad sandwich."

"I had a fantastic, special dining experience here."

"It's the perfect spot for a special dinner or romantic date night."

Good to know

1

Sunday brunch is a popular event at INTERMEZZO.

2

Reservations are recommended for brunch to secure a table.

3

The Gold Room can accommodate up to 88 guests for private events.

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