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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Barbara

Salad and seafood spots

A salad that actually fills you up with fresh seafood, rather than just a few sad shrimp tossed over wilted greens.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Alma Fonda Fina image 1
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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.

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 Mexican food here is incredible, especially the tacos."

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

"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.

02
Santa Barbara Fish Market image 1

Seafood market offers fresh local fish with a variety of oysters, uni, and poke. Outdoor patio seating provides a beautiful ocean view to enjoy meals. Atmosphere feels lively and inviting, with early hours and quick sell-outs indicating high demand.

Salads feature fresh seaweed and a clean sesame flavor. The salmon poke salad melts in your mouth with a nice balance of tastes.

Freshness stands out with local fish and sweet sea urchin that lacks any fishy smell. Oysters and fish and chips show consistent quality at fair prices.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be super fresh, tasting like it was still from the sea."

"You can enjoy the fresh catch on the patio seating."

"The uni here is so sweet, it's still moving when shucked."

Good to know

1

Sea urchin availability depends on stock, so call to confirm before visiting.

2

Certain products are only available early in the morning.

3

They offer to-go food such as seared fish and poke.

03
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads image 1

Outdoor seating dominates the space, offering a cozy patio with tables in a small alley near the embankment. The atmosphere feels quiet and inviting, suitable for relaxed meals or a first date. Music plays softly, enhancing the pleasant environment without overwhelming conversation.

Salads feature fresh ingredients with options like salmon and blackened chicken. The Caesar salad stands out with creamy dressing and a well-coated presentation.

Shrimp dishes stand out with the Santa Barbara Spicy Shrimp and Cajun Shrimp Pasta being favorites. Seafood pasta options often include a mix of shrimp, clams, and Mahi Mahi, sometimes served with pesto sauce for added flavor.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly balanced."

"I loved the salmon Caesar salad with its amazing dressing."

"The seafood pasta here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms inside the establishment.

2

The nearest restroom is a two-minute walk above Panda Express.

3

The restaurant is open in the evening, unlike most other places.

04
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.

Local fish dishes stand out with the Provencal style offering a spicy kick. Fresh oysters and a frisรฉe and asparagus salad complement the seafood options well.

People are saying

"The French food here is stunning and flavorful."

"The fish Provenรงal was excellent and spicy."

"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.

05
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.

Fish and chips come in large portions and offer good value. Pistachio-crusted salmon stands out as a well-cooked crusted fish. Fish tacos also appear as a solid option.

People are saying

"The beer here is great and flavorful."

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

"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.

06
Rincon Brewery image 1

Large, open space with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating including two spacious patios surrounded by gardens and trees. Atmosphere stays laid-back and chill despite nearby foot traffic, with respectful guests and a cool vibe. Tables feature board games and ping pong, adding a playful touch for all ages.

Salads feature fresh greens and vibrant ingredients like oranges and crispy wontons. Dressings stand out as delicious, with options like the RB Cobb and Caesar salad offering solid, tasty choices.

Fish and chips stand out with a crispy texture and solid flavor. Blackened shrimp tacos offer a spicy, bold taste. Shrimp appears in multiple dishes, showing a focus on seafood variety.

People are saying

"They have a large selection of tasty beers."

"I loved the fish and chips; they were really nice."

"You have to try their Buffalo cauliflower wings; they're the best."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks.

2

Limited parking is available near the brewery; consider street parking.

3

Rincon Brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

07
The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar image 1

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.

Shrimp Caesar Salad stands out with fresh shrimp and crisp greens. Fish dishes vary, with some good options but occasional issues like over-charred catch of the day and less fresh fish.

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."

"I found the seafood dishes to be good."

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.

08
Little Alex's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean space with ample outdoor seating and a heated dog-friendly patio offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere away from busy streets. Indoor area features a small bar and large TVs showing sports, creating a lively vibe that can get loud. Frequented for fresh, local Mexican food with standout dishes like fish tacos and specialty meats.

Salads include a taco salad and a tostada salad that is smaller and less filling. Side salads come small and sometimes miss expected ingredients like avocado.

Fish tacos stand out with happy hour specials and pair well with a draft beer. They offer a tasty, flavorful option that avoids blandness often found in similar dishes.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here tastes so fresh, especially the tacos."

"I enjoyed the tasty fish tacos."

"I loved the cute bar seating and great outdoor patio."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day from 3-6pm with good food and drink options.

2

There is plenty of free parking available at the new location.

3

The new location offers both indoor and outdoor seating for guests.

09
RH Firehouse Grill at RH Montecito image 1

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.

Salads feature Chinese chicken and grilled veggie with shrimp options, both noted for their flavor. The menu also suggests a choice between chicken or avocado and chickpeas at the same price.

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

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

"The Brunch food was as lovely as the breathtaking setting."

"I enjoyed the delicious Chinese chicken salad."

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.

10
Holdren's Steaks & Seafood image 1

Old-school steakhouse with dark leather decor and a dimly lit, tight interior featuring a large bar and booths. Atmosphere is vibrant and lively, often loud with TVs but no obnoxious music. Outdoor seating offers a comfortable patio ideal for people watching.

Salads come with ample bacon and blue cheese in the Half Wedge, offering rich toppings. The Cobb salad stands out as well-crafted and satisfying.

Seafood dishes come very fresh with bacon wrapped shrimp as a notable appetizer. Shrimp is cooked well, never overdone, and the seafood quality stays consistently top notch.

People are saying

"I had a steak, and it was perfectly cooked."

"I split a Caesar salad with my steak and shrimp combo."

"I enjoyed the great seafood; it was top notch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 8pm daily.

2

Special entrees for $21 available during early bird seating from 4-6pm.

3

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

11
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.

Seafood includes shrimp with natural flavor despite being overcooked and unseasoned. Fish specials and scallops also stand out alongside steak options.

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 enjoyed the steak and seafood here."

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.

12
Happy Cat Eats image 1
American restaurant

Outdoor seating with stunning beach views and sun umbrellas creates a casual, friendly atmosphere. The space is small but not crowded, featuring games like corn hole and a sand pit for entertainment. Music plays loudly, adding energy to the otherwise relaxed vibe near the pier.

Salads here range from super tasty Caesar to decent tempura chicken options. Some salads, like the one with fried chicken, can be watery.

Fish dishes feature fresh, flaky fish with a crispy texture. Options include fish and chips, fish tacos, and fish sandwiches served with sides like guacamole.

People are saying

"I loved the outdoor seating right across from the beach."

"The fish and chips here are so tasty and crispy."

"I enjoyed the salads; they were super tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating and a kidโ€™s menu.

3

Parking is limited, but a parking deck is two blocks away.

13
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.

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 food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"Joban's recommendations for Seafood were amazing."

"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.

14
Brass Bear Uptown image 1

Brewpub offers mountain views from both indoor and outdoor patio seating, creating a laid-back, warm atmosphere. A dedicated family zone with a play area keeps children entertained while adults enjoy crafted cocktails and local beers. The space balances casual dining with scenic relaxation, making it suitable for both brunch and private events.

Salads come with an amazingly simple dressing that tastes great. Portions like the BBQ chicken salad are large enough for two meals and pair well with other items like chicken wings.

Buffets include shrimp and chicken thighs that appeal to both kids and adults. Menu offers fish and chips alongside other common dishes like burgers and salads. Portion sizes for seafood can be small, such as a few frozen shrimp in some meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing; Emily helped bring my vision to life."

"I loved the casual patio and mountain views."

"The salads here have great mountain views."

Good to know

1

Brass Bear Uptown is suitable for hosting private events and weddings.

2

They only offer valet parking, and street parking is limited.

3

Happy hour runs at specific times, which can be confusing.

15
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.

Louie salad offers a classic, straightforward option with fresh ingredients. It pairs well with fried fish and hot crispy chips for a satisfying meal.

Oysters stand out as fresh and fantastic, especially at the oyster bar where local mussels and tuna tartar also shine. The whole fish and lobster pasta feature abundant seafood with flavorful, perfectly cooked lobster.

People are saying

"The sunset view from the restaurant was amazing."

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

"The views here are fantastic, making the salad a great experience."

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.

16
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.

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

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

"The seafood here is super good and fresh."

"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.

17
Rare Society image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse offers a beautifully decorated interior with a dog-friendly outdoor patio that brings lively energy. The atmosphere is loud and vibrant, not suited for quiet or intimate dining. Guests enjoy excellent steak and bourbon selections alongside creative cocktails.

Caesar salad stands out with its rich flavor and crisp texture. Iceberg salad offers a crisp and fresh bite.

Oysters stand out with their perfect freshness and quality. The seafood tower offers a 5-star selection including Ahi Tuna and other fish, paired well with mushrooms and New York steak.

People are saying

"The steak here was cooked very well and tasted buttery."

"I loved the oysters; they were some of the best I've ever had."

"I had the best Caesar salad I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Oysters are $1 each on Mondays, a great deal for seafood lovers.

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