5 Best Californian Restaurants in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA
Updated 11 October 2026 · 5 restaurants in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list covers Californian restaurants in Downtown Santa Barbara CA, a Google category used for restaurants with a California-style menu. Five qualifying businesses were considered, and the ranking is based on weighted Google rating. It is aimed at visitors and locals looking for a sit-down or casual meal in the downtown area. Each entry shows its rating, review count, listed hours and address, and service features. Descriptions summarize what reviewers mention rather than any firsthand visit.
#1
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads
★ 4.6 (975 Google reviews)Californian restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads is a Californian restaurant at 811 State St B in Santa Barbara, rated 4.6 on Google from 975 reviews. It is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. The listing notes wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers describe ordering and paying at the counter, a small indoor area with most seating outside, and a line out the door. Dishes mentioned include a Cajun shrimp pasta, a California cheese steak sandwich and a crunchy chicken salad.
Best for: Casual pasta, sandwiches and salads
- Address
- 811 State St B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- daily 11 am–9 pm
#2
Barbareño
★ 4.6 (745 Google reviews)Californian restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Barbareño is a Californian restaurant at 205 W Canon Perdido St in Santa Barbara, rated 4.6 on Google from 745 reviews. It is open daily from 5 to 9 pm for dinner. The listing notes wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention a warm welcome, attentive service, and a tri-tip and strip steak. One reviewer describes an eggamuffin as an imaginative take on a classic, and another notes a Michelin recommendation.
Best for: Dinner with tri-tip and steak
- Address
- 205 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- daily 5–9 pm
#3
Jane
★ 4.6 (523 Google reviews)Californian restaurant$30–60 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Jane is a Californian restaurant at 1311 State St in Santa Barbara, with a listed price range of $30 to $60 and a rating of 4.6 from 523 Google reviews. It is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and for dinner on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. The listing identifies it as women-owned and notes outdoor seating, a fireplace, a private dining room and happy-hour food and drinks. Reviewers mention celebration lunches in a mezzanine for groups, burrata, salmon, coconut cake and a cozy, romantic atmosphere.
Best for: Private lunches and celebrations
- Address
- 1311 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–9 pm; Mon 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm; Sat 5–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm; Tue 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm; Wed 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm
#4
Paloma
★ 4.6 (412 Google reviews)Californian restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Paloma is a Californian restaurant at 702 Anacapa St in Santa Barbara, rated 4.6 on Google from 412 reviews. Hours vary by day, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings open, along with Wednesday and Thursday early evenings. The listing identifies it as women-owned and notes outdoor seating, great cocktails, a wine list, small plates, vegan options and wheelchair access. Reviewers praise the Paloma cocktail and an outdoor table, while others describe a smaller menu, slow food and uneven service.
Best for: Cocktails and a wine list
- Address
- 702 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 10:30 am–2 pm, 5:15–10 pm; Sun 10:30 am–2 pm, 5:15–10 pm; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 4–9 pm
#5
The Lark Santa Barbara
★ 4.5 (1,575 Google reviews)Californian restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Lark Santa Barbara is a Californian restaurant at 131 Anacapa St, rated 4.5 on Google from 1,575 reviews. It is open in the evenings on weekdays, with weekend hours from 10:30 am to 2 pm and evening service on weekends. The listing notes wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention a seasonal menu, tender ribs, fried chicken and grits, halibut, and bar staff who offered drink and wine suggestions.
Best for: Seasonal menu with ribs and fried chicken
- Address
- 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon 5–9 pm; Sat 10:30 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm; Sun 10:30 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm; Thu 5–9 pm; Tue 5–9 pm; Wed 5–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 5 restaurants in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then Google category “Californian restaurant”, ranked by weighted rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Jane and Paloma take reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.6 from 975 reviews. Barbareño is second at 4.6 from 745 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Paloma, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Jane $30–60. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Jane and Paloma.
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