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Guide to Santa Barbara

Seafood lunch spots

Made for those who view a midday meal as an opportunity to prioritize fresh seafood.

Based on 702 Opinions
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01
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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.

Freshness stands out with high quality seafood and vibrant flavors. Baja-style fish tacos and fresh ceviche with tropical fruit highlight the seafood offerings.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and the flavors are elevated."

"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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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.

Shrimp here stands out with large size and perfect cooking. The shrimp tandoori offers strong flavor and is cooked just right.

People are saying

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

"Joban's recommendations for Seafood were amazing."

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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Restaurant blends luxurious furniture with a serene backdrop of rolling hills creating a calming, relaxing atmosphere. Guests find the space gorgeous and inviting, with an outdoor patio offering wonderful views. The vibe suits those seeking a peaceful dining experience in an elegant setting.

Lunch offers a pleasant ambiance with beautiful surroundings. Meals come with tasty flavors suited for casual or business settings.

Shrimp dishes stand out with options like the grilled shrimp salad and a Shrimp Starter featuring six grilled shrimp with sauce. Appetizers often pair shrimp with vegetables or artichokes for a tasty combo.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has delicious food that's all good."

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp, is delicious and a favorite."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand since the restaurant just opened.

2

Valet parking is available, but consider street parking at nearby shopping centers.

3

A 4% service charge is added to all bills, noted in fine print on the menu.

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Brick-walled interior with authentic Irish decor creates a warm, lively atmosphere. Multiple seating areas include a bar with pool tables and a quieter dining section, separated by a sliding door. Frequented by friendly patrons, the place fills with noise during sports events shown on numerous TVs, offering traditional Irish drinks and meals.

Lunch offers a quiet atmosphere with few patrons during late hours. Staff aim to serve quickly, fitting meals into a 30-minute break window.

Fish and chips come in huge portions and taste excellent. The popcorn shrimp is hot and delicious, fitting well with the authentic Irish and British seafood offerings.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has fresh and tasty food."

"I loved the fish and chips, it's authentic Irish pub food."

Good to know

1

Karaoke takes place on Thursday nights starting at 10pm.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with drink and appetizer specials.

3

The pub offers traditional Irish music and dancing on Thursday evenings.

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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.

Fish and chips come in large portions with a tender texture. Seafood pasta and salmon with risotto offer varied options beyond fried dishes.

People are saying

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

"I loved the fish and chips; the portions were large."

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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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.

A popular choice for a post-workout lunch, it serves well for casual family meals too. The spot offers a reliable and straightforward lunch experience with a variety of options.

Fresh fish stands out with its bright flavor and quality. Shrimp tempura offers crispy batter and tender shrimp, while shrimp chow mein features great noodles and juicy shrimp.

People are saying

"The fresh seafood, especially the shrimp tempura, was the best I ever had."

"The sushi here is always fresh and delicious."

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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Pier offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views with a peaceful, historic atmosphere. Visitors enjoy fishing off the dock and exploring hands-on marine exhibits popular with children. The area features casual dining and souvenir shops that complement the relaxing vibe.

Lunch comes with ocean views right from the pier. The spot offers a pleasant atmosphere to hang out and enjoy meals like those at the shellfish company.

Fishing off the pier offers chances to catch species like thresher shark. Fresh seafood restaurants serve fish and chips with oceanfront views and the sound of waves.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the fresh seafood with stunning ocean views."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at Stearns Wharf.

2

There are various shops and restaurants with ocean views on the wharf.

3

Visitors can walk to Stearns Wharf from nearby hotels.

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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.

Kung pao shrimp and Shrimp with Lobster sauce stand out among the seafood options. The seafood noodles also deliver solid flavor beyond expectations.

People are saying

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

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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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.

Fresh fish shines in the ceviche and fish tacos. Shrimp comes out perfectly cooked in dishes like the baja shrimp tacos and enchiladas.

People are saying

"The seafood here is super good and fresh."

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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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.

Fresh seafood features in dishes like Aguachiles with shrimp, cucumber, and lime, and seafood enchiladas topped with creamy chipotle sauce. Steak and shrimp fajitas also highlight the seafood options.

People are saying

"The seafood enchiladas la Paz were packed with fresh seafood."

"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.

Fresh fish stands out, especially the Mahi Mahi and raw oysters from Vancouver. Appetizers feature large shrimp and perfectly cooked calamari, while clam chowder comes in a highly rated bread bowl.

People are saying

"I had the seafood pasta; it was amazing and unexpected."

"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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Outdoor seating overlooks harbor views with boats and mountains, creating a chill atmosphere ideal for watching people. The space is small and modest, with limited seating and no indoor tables. Sushi is known for its freshness and quality, often praised for real wasabi and top-notch seafood.

Sushi lunch specials offer decent quality but main entrees stand out with better ingredients. Seating on a Saturday lunch is manageable without much hassle.

Fresh fish stands out with consistently high quality and perfect portions. Seafood dishes come with quick service and maintain a delicious taste throughout.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, I was surprised with the quality."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The menu does not list prices, so be prepared for potentially high costs.

3

Sashimi prices are reasonable compared to other sushi places.

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Outdoor patio and backyard seating create a cozy, charming atmosphere with a chill vibe. Handmade tortillas and a salsa bar highlight authentic Mexican flavors. The menu offers generous portions with a wide variety including meat, seafood, and greens.

Mexican dishes define the lunch menu with consistent quality. Service runs a bit slow, so plan for a relaxed lunch pace rather than a quick stop.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors and a loyal following. Daily specials include fresh fish ceviche and weekend oysters that arrive a couple of days old.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding with good portions and reasonable prices."

"I drove 40 miles for the fish tacos; they're the best in the game."

Good to know

1

Tortas cost $7 on Thursdays.

2

Daily specials include oysters on weekends.

3

Happy hour offers exceptional values on select items.

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