San Diego Magazine / July 2011 / Santa Barbara Eats

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Santa Barbara Eats

Santa Barbara is a gastronomic heaven, boasting abundant farmers markets, local craft beers, and an urban wine trail, in addition to a stellar wine county, and chefs who are rethinking the typical farm-to-table offerings. So much food condensed into such a small town! When you only have the weekend, you’ll have to strategize. Here’s our map.

1. For Francophiles: Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro
This charming bakery on Santa Barbara’s main strip, State Street, offers the flakiest, most diet-deviating croissants outside of Provence. From traditional to pain au chocolat, Renaud’s is a gem for pastry lovers. For those who need bacon and eggs to get going in the morning, their Fried Egg Sandwich is filled with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese (ask for it on a croissant for a proper breakfast of champions). 3315 State Street, 805-569-2400. renaudsbakery.com

2. For Locavores: Restaurant Julienne
Daily menu creations, inventive charcuterie preparations, and a religious dedication to sustainability and the locavore mantra have made Restaurant Julienne one of the hottest restaurants in Santa Barbara. A young husband-and-wife team realized this dream three years ago and continues to offer a crave-worthy dining experience. One might even consider driving all the way from San Diego for a single dinner date. The charcuterie plate, with mustards and accoutrements both made in-house, sets the stage for a transcendent meal. The fettuccine swirled together with housemade ricotta, spinach, Marcona almonds, and egg yolk becomes rich and nutty—a dish that stands unmatched. The cozy dining room elicits conversation, and a sneaked peek at the neighboring tables’ choices. 138 East Canon Perdido, 805-845-6488. restaurantjulienne.com

3. For Pizza People:Olio Pizzeria Enoteca and Bar
Chewy, charred, and topped with everything from black truffles to fennel sausage, the pizzas at Olio Pizzeria evoke memories of trips to Italy. Tucked next door to their sister fine dining establishment, Olio e Limone Ristorante, the more casual pizzeria offers an array of small plates from formaggio to octopus salad. Dive into pizzas like the Rianella dressed with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, pecorino cheese, anchovies, Sicilian oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. The honed wine list is Italian and California focused, so finding a food-friendly Sangiovese is simple. 11 W. Victoria Street, 805-899-2699. oliopizzeria.com

4. For Scenesters: The Hungry Cat
Like most sought-after eateries in Santa Barbara, The Hungry Cat is tiny, so getting a table can be difficult. The bar, however, is a favorite place to watch the chefs work and to chat with the knowledgeable bartenders about their sip-worthy cocktails. Order one (or two!) of their seasonal or classic cat cocktails, such as the Greyhound Proper made with Plymouth gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and candied grapefruit. It’s refreshing, not too sweet or too bitter, and pairs easily with the unfussy fare. A pescatarian’s dreamland, the menu features seafood galore from local rock crab to black cod, though their burger has also received high marks. 1134 Chapala,
805-884-4701. thehungrycat.com

5. For Street Taco Snobs: La Super-Rica Taqueria
A taco shop it may be, but don’t expect 10-inch burritos or totally loaded nachos. This locals’ favorite is tasty and authentic with hand-pressed tortillas and chunky guacamole made with tons of ripe avocado. Julia Child made regular trips here to wait in the all-too-familiar line (though we doubt she had to wait often). The numbered menu seems easy to navigate, but as you read the 26-or-so options, the mouth-watering choices become increasingly difficult. Luckily, the dishes are small, so ordering two or three plates per person is required. Try items 6 and 18 (Taco de Rajas and the guacamole), and whatever happens to be the daily special. Tip: Bring cash and be prepared to wait in line.  622 North Milpas Street, 805-963-4940.

6. For Beach People: Brophy Bros. Seafood Restaurant
Super simple seafood done well is the draw at Brophy Bros. and it keeps regulars coming back. With its harbor-front location you can watch the fisherman arriving in their boats and unloading their catch, along with a stunning view of Santa Barbara’s coastline and mountains. Steamed clams to fish ‘n’ chips, the quality and freshness of the ingredients at Brophy Bros. is what makes it a must for lunch or dinner. Best way to get there: bikes! And then order one of their generous cocktails. 119 Harbor Way, 805-966-4418. brophybros.com.

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Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Santa Barbara’s Wine County

A day trip or a night’s stay, Santa Barbara’s wine county offers world-class wines and food.

Breakfast: Paula’s Pancake House has a hefty reputation, hence the crowd in front. For Danish pancakes, over-the-top omelets, or eggs bene, this busy breakfast spot lays the perfect foundation for a day of wine tasting. 1531 Mission Drive, Solvang. 805-688-2867.

If the wait is too long: The Greenhouse Café serves up a delish Danish breakfast, with Harvarti cheese, or sample the Aebleskivers, a pancake-like ball served with raspberry jam. 487 Atterdag Road, Solvang. 805-688-8408.

Lunch: New Frontiers Natural Marketplace is the delicious and healthy way to curb the decadence of Santa Barbara’s wine county. Their sandwiches, cold salads, and smoothies are quality fuel to ignite wine discoveries. 1984 Old Mission Drive, Solvang. 805-693-1746.

If you want a picnic: Los Olivos Grocery is stocked with cheese, a gourmet deli, and a wine section worth perusing. Dine in or pack your reusable tote with goodies for the road. 2621 W. Hwy 154, Santa Ynez. 805-688-5115.

Dinner: Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café is elegant and vibrant, as are the dishes. From classics like steak frites to seasonal specials like sweet pea risotto, lingering over a lengthy dinner and bottle of local wine here is a must. Plus the retail space is a treasure chest filled with local and hard to find bottles. 879 Grand Avenue, Santa Ynez Valley. 805-688-7265.

If you’re feeling rowdy: Cold Spring Tavern sits between downtown Santa Barbara and the wine country and has been a refuge for everyone from cowboys to bikers for 125 years. The lantern lit tables provide ample light by which to fall hard for the housemade chilies and barbequed meats. 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara. 805-967-0066. coldspringtavern.com