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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to SB Downtown

Date spots

You want an environment that makes it easy to focus on the person across from you.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Petit Valentien image 1
Petit Valentien image 2
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French restaurant

Cozy bistro offers intimate seating perfect for date nights and small groups. Quiet, friendly vibe feels like a European town. Weekends bring a unique Ethiopian twist for variety.

Small, cozy setting creates a great atmosphere for a date night. Suitable for intimate dinners with a small group of friends.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"This Ethiopian Lunch Spot is incredibly good."

"The French food here is amazing, especially the duck confit."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is recommended before visiting.

2

Lunch offers a great deal at $18.

3

The menu changes every 2 weeks, so check for new items.

02
ROLLD ICE CREAM image 1
Ice cream shop

Gorgeous ice cream parlour serves freshly made rolled ice cream on a super cold plate. Family-owned spot offers weekly new flavors and plenty of outdoor seating. Cute, sweet vibes create a friendly, lively atmosphere perfect for casual hangouts and date nights.

A cute little spot with rolled ice cream makes for a sweet after-dinner date. The ice cream offers a fun, casual vibe that fits well for couples.

People are saying

"This ice cream is amazing and totally worth the price."

"The ice cream here is delicious and not too heavy."

"I tried the Dubai Chocolate flavor; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

The shop is located in Paseo Nuevo Mall.

2

There is plenty of seating outside to enjoy the ice cream.

3

They have new flavors every week.

03
Mister Softee Santa Barbara image 1

Ice cream shop with old fashioned diner vibe and 50s photos offers a welcoming atmosphere for couples and families. Soft serve ice cream delivers a nostalgic NYC taste with smooth flavors and toppings. Perfect for a relaxed date spot after dinner.

A welcoming environment suits couples and families alike, making it a relaxed spot for a date. Ice cream cravings fit well here, especially after dinner, adding a sweet finish to the evening.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is fantastic and the best I've ever had."

"It's a lovely place for a nostalgic treat."

"This ice cream shop is a blast from the past, a classic find."

Good to know

1

Mister Softee offers both vanilla and chocolate soft ice cream with various toppings.

2

Prices at Mister Softee Santa Barbara are affordable and similar to NYC prices.

3

The location is clean, bright, and well-maintained for a pleasant visit.

04
Jamie Slone Wines image 1

Cozy, romantic ambiance invites couples to connect over wine. Historic, European style tasting room offers intimate setting for relaxed conversations. Knowledgeable hosts create a warm atmosphere perfect for date spots.

Visitors can enjoy a shared love for wine in a cozy setting. Spending a couple of hours here offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere perfect for connecting.

People are saying

"The wine here is amazing and among the best I've had."

"This winery offered the best wine tasting experience on my trip."

"Jamie's enthusiasm and expertise make it a great spot for wine lovers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for a guaranteed tasting experience.

2

The tasting room offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

Prices for tastings are reasonable considering the quality of wines.

05
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara image 1

Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and historic murals create a stunning backdrop. Gardens and a large lawn offer an intimate atmosphere perfect for weddings. A 360-degree observation deck provides panoramic views of city, sea, and mountains.

Courthouse offers a classic celebration setting for couples. Appointments can be set up easily for weddings or ceremonies.

People are saying

"The panoramic views from the clock tower are breathtaking."

"The courthouse gardens are beautiful and well-maintained."

"The courthouse's architecture and gardens make it a fairytale setting for date spots."

Good to know

1

The courthouse is free to visit.

2

Parking is free on side streets within a 2-3 minute walk.

3

Getting upstairs in the tower is free.

06
Massage Touch of Heaven image 1
Massage therapist

Cozy studio offers deep tissue massage with skilled therapists in a serene space. Soft music and pleasant aromas create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for couples. Heated tables and thoughtful touches like facial massages add to the comfort and connection.

Couples enjoy deep tissue massages lasting 90 minutes to two hours. The experience focuses on relaxation and connection with skilled therapists.

People are saying

"The massage here is incredible, leaving you feeling renewed."

"I had an amazing couples massage; it was the best I ever had."

"You'll feel great after these amazing couples massages."

Good to know

1

Expect to ring a doorbell or buzzer to enter the massage facility.

2

The cost is $120 for a 60-minute massage and $320 for 90 minutes.

3

The massage rooms and tables are clean and well-maintained.

07
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 1

Large, airy space with dog-friendly patio and heating suits casual dates. Warm vibe with Punjabi music energizes the room. Enjoy authentic Indian dishes like butter chicken in a clean, welcoming spot perfect for quiet talks.

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

People are saying

"The food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"I found the Butter Chicken to be fantastic and well made."

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

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.

08
Domโ€™s Taverna Santa Barbara image 1

Open kitchen fuels a lively atmosphere with polished, casual design. Perfect for date nights, it offers intimate and group-friendly seating. Guests savor extraordinary flavors in a warm, inviting space with a full bar.

Offers a great vibe for date nights with a setting that suits both intimate dinners and larger groups. Works well for couples looking for a relaxed, enjoyable evening.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, exciting, and genuinely good."

"You have to try the caviar cheesecake; it's a dream."

"The seafood and oysters here are so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly.

2

Happy hour features a limited menu and runs from 5-7pm.

3

Expect the restaurant to get busy around 7pm, especially on weekends.

09
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads image 1

Outdoor seating with a sunset view creates a cozy, quiet spot perfect for dates. Spicy shrimp adds a decent menu choice. Soft music and a fancy vibe make it inviting for relaxed meals or first dates.

Outdoor seating offers a sunset view over downtown, creating a nice atmosphere for dates. The menu includes spicy shrimp that is decent, and the overall vibe feels fancy and suitable for a first date.

People are saying

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

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

"The pasta and salads here are delicious, perfect for Date Spots."

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.

10
Goodland Waffles and Melts image 1

Cozy coffee shop offers handpicked fruit waffles perfect for date brunches. Quiet, laid-back vibe suits study or work sessions. Spacious outdoor seating adds comfort for all visitors.

Waffles stand out as a top choice for a date brunch, with the complete waffle earning strong praise. The mosaic melt offers a different option but tends to be soggy and less impressive.

People are saying

"I thought the waffles here were the best I've ever had."

"The coffee here is amazing and will bring me back."

"I've never had a waffle this amazing before."

Good to know

1

The parking lot offers 75 minutes of free parking.

2

Expect long lines on Sundays, especially during brunch hours.

3

Free street parking is available four blocks away.

11
Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina image 1

Outdoor courtyard with romantic lighting sets a calm vibe. Large bar offers margaritas and cocktail flights that impress. Cozy back patio and small bites make it perfect for date night.

Cozy and warm back patio creates a great vibe for date night. Food impresses even a chef, and margaritas with small bites fit a relaxed evening.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating is so romantic with its fireplace and lights."

"The food at these Date Spots is delicious and beautifully presented."

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.

12
Salt Cave Santa Barbara image 1

Salt cave offers a calming atmosphere with Himalayan salt walls and meditative music. Couples enjoy relaxing massages and quiet rooms perfect for dates. Amenities include a tea room and gift shop with unique salt products.

Couples enjoy a quiet salt cave room with a relaxing couples massage that often leaves them feeling very calm. Deals like Groupon offers make it easy to experience together.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the massage but was confused by the lack of information."

"The salt cave meditation here is so peaceful and calming."

"The salt cave experience is simply beautiful and relaxing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the salt cave experience.

2

A 10% discount is available for guests staying at certain hotels, including The Milo.

3

Street parking can be difficult in the area.

13
The Good Lion image 1
Cocktail bar

Intimate cocktail bar offers classic cocktails in a dimly lit space with a speakeasy vibe. Cozy yet lively atmosphere suits date nights and social evenings near a historic theater. Jazz music adds to the relaxed, packed feel.

Excellent spot for a date night with classic cocktails made very well. Great for couples who appreciate expertly crafted drinks and a relaxed meet-up vibe.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are expertly crafted and beautifully presented."

"It's a dimly lit, cozy speakeasy vibe, perfect for date spots."

"I loved the impressive and unique cocktail selection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers two free drinks if you ask for 'Jenna and The June Bugs.'

2

During peak times, the bar can become crowded and hard to find a seat.

3

Finding the bar is easy with plenty of covered parking directly behind the venue.

14
Kimpton Canary Hotel image 1

Spanish colonial architecture and wrought-iron balconies create a charming setting. Friendly, dog-friendly vibe adds warmth. Rooftop with heated pool and 360ยฐ views offers a peaceful retreat. Welcoming staff support early check-in for relaxed date spots despite some tech issues.

Welcoming staff offer early check-in when rooms are ready. The setting suits celebrations like birthdays and quiet weekends. Some tech issues with casting to TVs may affect iPhone users.

People are saying

"The rooftop pool was inviting and stunning."

"It's so dog friendly; the staff was lovely to pets."

"The staff here makes it a special place for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Sunday to Thursday from 4-6 pm with free snacks.

2

A daily wine social occurs at 5 pm, offering complimentary wine.

3

Valet parking costs $50 per day, which is quite steep.

15
The Copper image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor courtyard with a historic water fountain offers a cute, relaxing spot perfect for date nights. Inside feels modern and airy but can be cold and loud, which may distract from a cozy vibe. Warm outdoor atmosphere contrasts with indoor noise.

A cute atmosphere suits special dinners and date nights. Some find it great for a date, while others do not recommend it for that purpose.

People are saying

"I've never had pizza this good; it's next level."

"The atmosphere here is perfect for a romantic date night."

"It's a cute place with a perfect atmosphere for a date night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy weekend evenings.

3

Pizzas are priced around $30, and wine glasses cost about $18.

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Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara

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