Since opening earlier this year, The Ellwood has quickly established itself as one of the most ambitious and exciting new restaurants in Santa Barbara, transforming a beloved oceanfront location into a fine dining destination that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in its place. Located at Goleta Beach, it occupies a remarkable stretch of coastline where glass walls and expansive patios showcase panoramic Pacific views. Years of planning and careful redevelopment have turned the former Beachside Bar-Café into a modern landmark.
Warm wood finishes, marble accents, and abundant natural light give the space an elevated but approachable feel, while thoughtful details like a covered patio with heaters and a fireplace make it comfortable year-round. The ambiance, whether dining in the airy interior or out on the lively patio overlooking the waves, is among the most memorable in Santa Barbara. It is the sort of setting that could coast on scenery alone, yet The Ellwood makes clear from the moment you arrive that substance drives the experience as much as the view.
The vision is the result of a collaboration between partners Omar Khashen, Chris Jow, Joe “Diggs” Dies, and builder Brian Escalera, who set out to create more than just another oceanfront restaurant. After structural reinforcements like a seawall and drainage upgrades, the team designed a space meant to serve locals and visitors alike with a variety of experiences: indoor dining rooms anchored by a central bar, private spaces for celebrations, and an expansive terrace that lets diners watch the sun slip below the horizon.
Chef Craig Riker, formerly of the Alisal Ranch, leads the kitchen with a focus on fresh ingredients, seasonality, and a menu that celebrates the bounty of Santa Barbara County. His approach marries refinement with approachability, ensuring the restaurant appeals to diners seeking an elevated meal without losing the laid-back charm of its beachside surroundings. Importantly, The Ellwood serves not only dinner but also lunch and brunch, making its hospitality accessible across the day and extending the experience of oceanfront dining beyond the evening hours. The service is exceptional, polished without pretension, and plays a central role in making each visit feel special.
The Ellwood menu begins with starters and soups that immediately set a high bar. The jumbo lump crab cake, served with aioli and frisée, is a coastal classic done with uncommon finesse. The chopped salad combines greens, dates, almonds, citrus, and cauliflower with a ginger-turmeric dressing for a vibrant vegan and gluten-free option. The tomato soup is finished with cashew cream, chives, and a drizzle of olive oil for a lighter, plant-based choice. The clam chowder au gratin, however, is the standout; layered with pancetta and potato beneath a bubbling cheddar crust, it is rich, satisfying, and quite possibly the best version in town.
The shared plates and pasta selections at The Ellwood invite communal dining and highlight the kitchen’s connection to seasonal produce. The stone fruit and heirloom tomato panzanella combines Tutti Frutti Farms tomatoes with farmers market stone fruit, stracciatella cheese, brioche croutons, and pickled onion for a seasonal celebration of color and texture. Baby red tomatoes with burrata come with basil, a drizzle of pesto, toasted pine nuts, and sourdough toastettes, while mussels scarpetta arrive in a fragrant broth of Spanish chorizo and herbs, accompanied by sourdough for dipping. Pastas are standouts as well, with fusilli alla vodka featuring ’nduja, Calabrian chiles, and a velvety vodka sauce, and pappardelle with braised short rib, wild mushroom soffritto, crème fraîche, and parmigiano-reggiano. However, be warned that pasta portions are incredibly generous and intended to be shared among hungry patrons…