From old-school steakhouses to wood-fired pizza, Spanish tapas, and the taquerias locals love, here are some of the spots I send friends and clients to again and again. This is my personally curated list — establishments that I believe consistently have great food and a wonderful atmosphere.
Lucky's ★ 4.8 · $$$$ 🍸 – Steakhouse A classic, old-school steakhouse on Coast Village Road, known for prime steaks, martinis, and a lively bar. 1279 Coast Village Rd
Tre Lune ★ 4.9 · $$$ 🐶 – Italian A longtime favorite for authentic Italian, open from breakfast through dinner. 1151 Coast Village Rd
Bettina ★ 4.4 · $$$ 🐶 – Italian Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza in the Montecito Country Mart. 1014 Coast Village Rd
Honor Bar ★ 4.5 · $$$ 🐶 🍸 – American A lively, casual spot famous for its crispy chicken sandwich and cocktails. 1255 Coast Village Rd
Monte's ★ 4.7 · $$$ 🍸 – Californian Farm-to-table with a Korean accent and a lovely patio. 1198 Coast Village Rd
Sushi by Scratch ★ 4.6 · $$$$ – Japanese A 17-course modern omakase by Chef Phillip Frankland Lee, beside the Montecito Inn. 1295 Coast Village Rd
Lion's Tale ★ 4.5 · $$$ 🍸 – Seasonal California Cocktails and French-California fare in the historic Montecito Inn, with live jazz on Wednesdays. 1295 Coast Village Rd
Little Mountain ★ 4.8 · $$$$ 🍸 – Seasonal California A beautiful Upper Village spot for seasonal, wood-fired cooking. 516 San Ysidro Rd
RH Grill ★ 4.7 · $$$$ – Seasonal California Indoor-outdoor dining at RH Montecito’s restored firehouse, open for brunch and dinner. 1486 E. Valley Rd
Field + Fort ★ 4.5 · $$ 🐶 – Café A charming café and home store on Lillie Avenue, lovely for breakfast or lunch. 2580 Lillie Ave
The Nugget ★ 4.6 · $$ – American A classic saloon-style bar and grill on Lillie Avenue — a down-to-earth local favorite for burgers, steaks, and big portions. 2318 Lillie Ave
The Lark ★ 4.5 · $$$ 🍸 – Seasonal California A Funk Zone favorite in a historic fish warehouse, serving seasonal, shared-style plates and standout cocktails. 131 Anacapa St
Lucky Penny ★ 4.4 · $$ 🐶 – Pizza Wood-fired pizzas and coffee behind a copper-penny façade in the Funk Zone. 127 Anacapa St
Silvers Omakase ★ 4.8 · $$$$ – Japanese A Michelin-starred, ten-seat sushi counter near the waterfront with a Japanese tasting menu. 224 Helena Ave
Oku ★ 4.6 · $$$ – Japanese Waterfront California-Asian and sushi in the Funk Zone, with a rooftop bar. 29 E. Cabrillo Blvd
Flor de Maíz ★ 4.5 · $$ – Mexican Oaxacan-inspired Mexican near East Beach with a lively patio. 29 E. Cabrillo Blvd
Brophy Brothers ★ 4.6 · $$ 🍸 – Seafood Casual seafood right on the harbor since 1986, with great chowder and views. 119 Harbor Way
Loquita ★ 4.6 · $$$ – Spanish Lively Spanish tapas, wood-fired seafood, and paella near the waterfront. 202 State St
Manifattura ★ 4.4 · $$$ – Italian Handmade pasta and seasonal Italian cooking on State Street, in a stylish, intimate setting. 413 State St
Paloma ★ 4.6 · $$$ – Seasonal California Live-fire, ranchero-inspired cooking on a historic Presidio corner, with a wonderful brunch. 702 Anacapa St
Azul Cocina ★ 4.4 · $$$ – Mexican Elevated, modern Mexican in a beautiful candlelit courtyard downtown. 7 E. Anapamu St
Barbareño ★ 4.6 · $$$ – Seasonal California Inventive Central Coast California cuisine downtown. 205 W. Canon Perdido St
Opal ★ 4.6 · $$$ – Californian A State Street favorite by the Arlington, with eclectic California fare. 1325 State St
Harry’s ★ 4.5 · $$ – American An old-school local institution with red leather booths, stiff drinks, and hearty fare. 3313 State St
Tee-Off ★ 4.5 · $$$ – Steakhouse A beloved retro steakhouse and lounge, a Santa Barbara local favorite for decades. 3627 State St
La Super-Rica Taqueria ★ 4.5 · $ – Mexican The legendary turquoise taco stand, Julia Child's favorite, with handmade tortillas and tamales. 622 N. Milpas St. · cash only
El Bajio ★ 4.4 · $ – Mexican A beloved Milpas Street taqueria, wonderful for tamales and soups. 129 N. Milpas St.
Taqueria Cuernavaca ★ 4.5 · $ – Mexican A local go-to for street-style tacos — the al pastor is the one to get. 201 W. Carrillo St
Marisella ★ 4.5 · $$$$ – Italian Coastal Italian fine dining at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, from acclaimed chef Danny Grant. 8301 Hollister Ave
Noodle City ★ 4.2 · $ – Vietnamese A longtime Old Town Goleta favorite for Vietnamese pho, vermicelli bowls, and big portions at honest prices. 5869 Hollister Ave
Choi’s Oriental Market ★ 4.5 · $$ – Korean A Korean grocery with a beloved food counter in back — homestyle bibimbap, bulgogi, and stews. 185 S Patterson Ave
Helena Avenue Bakery ★ 4.5 · $$ 🐶 – Breakfast A rustic artisan bakery and café for pastries, sandwiches, and morning coffee in the Funk Zone. 131 Anacapa St
Oat Bakery ★ 4.8 · $$ – Bakery An organic Scandinavian bakery for naturally leavened sourdough, focaccia, and pastries, with locations downtown and in Montecito. 5 W. Haley St
Alessia Patisserie & Cafe ★ 4.6 · $$ – Patisserie A downtown patisserie blending European pastry technique with Central Coast ingredients — croissants, cakes, and high tea. 134 E. Canon Perdido St
Bree’Osh ★ 4.8 · $$ 🐶 – Bakery A Montecito artisan French bakery known for sourdough brioche, croissants, and breakfast on Coast Village Road. 1150 Coast Village Rd
Merci ★ 4.4 · $$ 🐶 – Café An artisanal Montecito café for breakfast and lunch — beloved for its chocolate chip cookies and bright, Parisian-style space. 1028 Coast Village Rd
Dart Coffee Co. ★ 4.6 · $ 🐶 – Coffee A local roaster with a sleek Funk Zone café — for a really good cup. 121 E. Yanonali St
Cajé Coffee Roasters ★ 4.7 · $ 🐶 – Coffee A local roaster with craft espresso and a chic, plant-filled vibe — coffee by day, speakeasy by night. 1316 State St
Caffe Luxxe ★ 4.4 · $$ 🐶 – Coffee A small-batch artisan roaster in the Montecito Country Mart, serving meticulous espresso in a calm, minimal space. 1028A Coast Village Rd
Montecito Coffee Shop ★ 4.5 · $$ 🐶 – Café A cozy neighborhood institution off East Valley Road, serving classic breakfast and lunch for over 30 years. 1498 E. Valley Rd
The Miramar ★ 4.5 · $$$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar Oceanfront cocktails, bites, and live music at Rosewood Miramar Beach. 1759 S Jameson Ln
Brophy Brothers ★ 4.6 · $$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar Cold drinks and chowder with the best harbor view in town. 119 Harbor Way
Lucky’s ★ 4.8 · $$$$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar A see-and-be-seen bar scene for martinis and steaks on Coast Village Road. 1279 Coast Village Rd
Lion’s Tale ★ 4.5 · $$$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar Craft cocktails and live jazz in the historic Montecito Inn. 1295 Coast Village Rd
The Good Lion ★ 4.6 · $$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar A contemporary craft cocktail bar with seasonal, market-fresh drinks downtown. 1212 State St
San Ysidro Ranch ★ 4.5 · $$$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar The legendary Plow & Angel speakeasy lounge tucked into San Ysidro Ranch. 900 San Ysidro Ln
Monte’s ★ 4.7 · $$$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar A stylish patio for cocktails with a farm-to-table, Korean-accented menu. 1198 Coast Village Rd
Little Mountain ★ 4.8 · $$$$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar A buzzy Upper Village bar for wood-fired bites and seasonal drinks. 516 San Ysidro Rd
Honor Bar ★ 4.5 · $$$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar A lively, casual cocktail spot famous for its crispy chicken sandwich. 1255 Coast Village Rd
Rodeo Room ★ 4.3 · $$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar A cozy, walk-ins-only cocktail bar and lounge with late-night bites. 231 W. Montecito St
The Lark ★ 4.5 · $$$ 🍸 – Cocktail Bar Standout cocktails and shared plates in a historic Funk Zone warehouse. 131 Anacapa St
Kathy embodies a go-getter spirit, fueled by curiosity, proactivity, and a keen sense of anticipating the needs of others. With a commitment to personal and professional growth, she stays informed and up-to-date on various aspects of real estate, politics, and lifestyle trends. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Kathy recognizes that being a real estate agent means more than just facilitating transactions. It involves understanding the unique goals and aspirations of each client and navigating the intricate process of buying or selling a home. Kathy upholds the highest standards of competence, integrity, and creativity in her work, ensuring that her clients receive only the best. With an extensive network of industry professionals and a deep understanding of the real estate market, she provides valuable insights and guidance throughout the entire real estate journey.