Summer has begun, which means now is the best time to explore Santa Barbara & Montecito’s latest culinary destinations! Our community continues to boom with an exceptional stream of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to try. Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group shines the spotlight on a few of the most exciting culinary additions to check out as the weather gets warmer.
Montecito Essentials
OYE VEY MARIA’S
Gene Montesano – owner of Joe’s Cafe, D’Angelo Bread, Tre Lune, and Lucky’s – completely reimagined the local food scene by taking over the former Montecito Deli and Letter Perfect spaces on Coast Village Road. This beloved Jewish Italian delicatessen and market launched with a wonderful community focus, retaining the original team's familiar, happy faces that locals have known for years.
CLARK’S OYSTER BAR
Bringing its celebrated chic aesthetic from Austin and Aspen, Clark’s expanded onto the West Coast by transforming the former Cava space on Coast Village Road. Collaborating with local mastermind architect Jeff Shelton, the space serves as an airy, coastal neighborhood standout featuring an incredible raw bar, fresh catches, house-baked sourdough, lobster rolls, and signature martinis.
Santa Barbara Hotspots
TAZA STREET KITCHEN
Located in the vibrant, former JJ’s Diner and Onus Donuts space on State Street, Taza Mediterranean Street Kitchen brings a masterful, modern twist to traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Highlighting a spectacular menu featuring chicken shawarma, scratch-made falafel, and perfectly charred kebabs, it has quickly become a downtown favorite.
RARE SOCIETY
Bringing retro-swanky Las Vegas steakhouse energy directly to State Street near the Funk Zone, this premium Trust Restaurant Group concept pays brilliant homage to vintage upscale dining. Featuring tufted-leather booths, towering fresh seafood platters, and an open-flame oak-fired grill, it blends Rat Pack lore with modern style.
AUGIE’S
Distinguished by a striking corner buildout by architect Jeff Shelton, Augie’s serves exceptional, authentic Mexican cuisine paired with an unparalleled collection of premium agave spirits. The whimsical space features custom tiled archways, decorative wrought-iron work, and an enchanting streetside patio that elevates your dining experience into a true celebration.
& Beyond the Foothills…
The Other Room - Los Olivos
From the brilliant culinary minds behind Bell’s in Los Alamos, The Other Room serves as a highly sophisticated beer-and-wine destination in the former Community Craft space, pairing premium pours with elevated small snacks like tinned fish, pickled eggs, and artisan pâté.
The Baker’s Table - Santa Ynez
Nestled beautifully at 3570 Sagunto Street, the valley's premier artisan bakery continues to anchor Santa Ynez mornings, turning out locally renowned craft coffee, breakfast plates, artisan breads, and exceptional gourmet pastries.
A Never-Ending Bucket List
The closer you look, the more you’ll realize our community not only boasts an award-winning food and wine culture, but also an endless list of things to explore. Looking for more local culinary or luxury lifestyle recommendations? Contact our team at [email protected].