2025 is the year for restaurant openings in Santa Barbara and Montecito
Santa Barbara is one of California’s most popular getaways, and it’s easy to see why. Whether traversing State Street, the posh lanes of Montecito, the Santa Barbara Waterfront, or meandering around the Santa Ynez Mountains, there is always somewhere to linger and find an exceptional meal. This year has been a busy one for Santa Barbara’s dining scene, as the region sees a flurry of new openings from longtime chefs and newcomers. In recent months, seafood chef Dom Crisp opened Basque restaurant Dom’s Taverna, while coastal Italian gem Marisella debuted at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta. Here are Santa Barbara’s most exciting recent openings and the restaurants to look forward to this fall for your next trip to the American Riviera.
For additional dining options, check out Eater’s Santa Barbara 24-hour guide or essential Santa Barbara restaurants map.…