Might take the #1 spot for fancy/sit-down Mexican food in Santa Barbara. Extensive and creative drink menu with plenty of mezcal and tequila, many margarita variants. Many good options on the food menu, I particularly like the octopus ceviche appetizer and the criollo enchiladas (one red mole sauce one green).

One of the best Thai street food places outside of Thailand. The wait might be long but the wings are to die for

Flavorful Asian Fusion. You must get the cumin ribs and ginger rice.

A small food menu but killer items you'll come back for over and over. My personal favorites are the Dip Duo appetizer (excellent spicy cheese dip and avocado dip), Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and the Thai Noodle Salad w/ Chicken. Extremely fast and professional service, and you can usually get a seat at the bar right away if there is a wait for tables. Been here more often for lunch than dinner, same great menu for both.

Amazing Sri Lankan food. Has a Bib Gourmand, if that sways your decision.

Great tapas restaurant on the mesa, mix of American and Spanish. Small stylish interior with a cozy vibe, old cartoons projected on the wall. Usually less crowded than downtown restaurants on Friday/Saturday due to out-of-the-way peaceful location. Would recommend Manchego y Membrillo, plus the Madhatter if you enjoy spicy drinks.

Best place for an espresso in Santa Barbara. Spacious and modern interior and outdoor patio, fun and friendly baristas, tasty toasts and other baked goods, all espresso drinks and coffees are great.

Very cool decor. Electronic music is jammin'.

Best Indian food in Santa Barbara. New still, as of September 2019, but consistently good and relatively cheap. All the curries are amazing, good variety of ingredients. Good beers on tap and bottled.

An all around pleasant experience almost every time, not too pricey to visit frequently. Friendly and fun staff. Ruben runs the place and has a lot of positive energy around the food they make. His father is the chef and gets creative with shifting the menu around. Personal favorites are their ramen (one of the best in town), and their rotating risotto of the night.

This is probably the best tapas restaurant in santa barbara, and the closest santa barbara has to authentic Spanish tapas.