Location: Goleta
Top Restaurants in Goleta
Countries
Where to Eat in Goleta: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Goleta, home to University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the Santa Barbara Airport, hugs the coast 12 miles west of Santa Barbara. First called "The Good Land" by the Spanish, Goleta was once known for its rich agriculture, and smaller scale farms still pepper the landscape. The California Lemon Festival at Girsh Park is a must-see every October. Visitors seeking outdoor adventure can fish off Goleta Pier, surf at Campus Point and hike along bluffs overlooking untrammeled coastline.
Things to do in Goleta
1. The Habit Burger Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By OldOldBob - Gallatin, Tennessee
Folks get emotional about their love of The Habit. Visiting is a hectic heartwarming experience. The burgers are fine and the green beans are unusual. We were lucky to get a booth. I like the options available beyond the world of burgers. Just wish they had one in Nashville.
2. Anna's Marketplace Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
We offer high-quality, delicious American-style baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth. We offer different types of baked goods including donuts, eclairs, sugar cookies, lemon squares, croissants (sweet and savory), pies, customized cakes, cupcakes, breakfast burritos (vegetarian option included) and many more seasonal treats. You can also stop by for lunch. Our menu consists of artisanal sandwiches and salads. For any sandwich you purchase, we give you a complimentary cookie of your choice.
Reviewed By ADavis64 - Las Vegas, Nevada
We stopped after lunch for a snack while traveling....something for the road. While the Wedding cookies were so-so...the coconut macaroons and donuts were delicious. Wish I'd tried some of the bars. I'd come back again if in this area.Thank you for stopping into our bakery for a snack. The coconut macaroons and donuts are some of our more popular items and we're happy you got the chance to try them. We look forward to having you back at our bakery soon!
3. Beachside Bar-Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By lmyers21 - North Pole, Alaska
Beautiful view from the dining room, get there early for a window table. We had a quesadilla and the corn relish salad was really good. We also had the ahi tuna salad. Although the ahi was good the salad was soggy in dressing.
This restaurant is next to the Goleta pier, nice walk after your meal.
4. The Bistro at Bacara
Overall Ratings
4 based on 291 reviews
Named "Top 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America" by OpenTable, The Bistro at Bacara offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere to dine and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline. Chef Vincent Lesage's American cuisine can be enjoyed indoors or al fresco on a spacious oceanfront terrace. Local produce and sustainable seafood highlight an acclaimed menu of traditional bistro favorites, including brick oven flatbreads, seasonal salads, and the signature Bistro burger. Recent upgrades to The Bistro's patio include the addition of a cozy wood-burning fireplace, direct access to an oceanfront pool bar, and enhanced outdoor heating to enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas all year long.
Reviewed By FredN47 - Walnut Creek, California
First time here. We had an early dinner and really liked it. Light fare and delicious. Service was super.
5. Kyle's Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Every time you eat at Kyle's Kitchen you are helping people with special needs reach their potential. That's because each month we team up with a great special needs organization in our community. In addition to donating a portion of our proceeds to their cause, Kyle's Kitchen tries to be a place that spreads the word and helps us all connect better to those with special needs. So, come on in to Kyle's Kitchen, a unique restaurant where you get to eat great food & help great people.
Reviewed By Zekesgirl - Santa Maria CA
Not only is the food really good, but I like the fact that a portion of the proceeds goes to help others. I have told many people about this charming little burger joint and will definitely return again even though we live over an hour away.
6. Jane At The Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Lydia G - Ojai, California
Jane deserves the reputation she has created over the years. So glad that she came to Goleta to give a classy option for dining amidst the chains. My first visit was for their Saturday brunch. The menu was extensive including appetizers, traditional breakfast dishes of eggs, omelettes and sandwiches including several choices of hamburgers and fish, pastas and entrées. The veggie omelette came with a tiny side of au gratin potatoes and a tiny cup of fruit. Tiny proportions and exactly right size! The omelette was light and fluffy and filling. The basket of fresh baked bread with butter melted into the crevices made it impossible to resist! My second visit was for lunch with another great menu offering some of the same choices as brunch. I had the Jane’s Burger: Gouda Cheese, Caramelized Onions & Garlic Aioli on a Sesame Bun. Delish!
Service was excellent with an attentive and caring staff who helped each other out and not simply focused on their designated tables. Seating options include inside in a cozy and dimly lit space creating a nice ambience with the bar in the center. You can also opt to sit outside on an enclosed terrace complete with heaters around the perimeter keeping the temperature comfortable on a chilly day. There’s plenty of parking since it’s located in a shopping district but the ambience inside makes it feel like if you were in downtown Santa Barbara.
7. In-N-Out Burger
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
At In-N-Out Burger, quality is everything. Stop by to enjoy our menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries and shakes. In-N-Out makes fast food the old fashioned way.
Reviewed By laneyloslunas - Chico, California
The restaurant was located near my hotel so was quite convenient. I choose to walk-in and had a very short wait in the order line. The food was delicious, large portions and reasonably priced! I left feeling very satisfied!
8. Nikka Fish Market and Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By fred200099 - frederick, maryland
Had the charbroiled halibut over brown rice with a mango salsa - perfect blend of flavors. Paired well with a local Summerland chardonnay. Good recommendations from the young guy (budding economist) behind the counter. So many good choices that I had to indulge and also have some oysters. Fun low key great food.
9. Hollister Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By Peter F - Staten Island, New York
Chain style establishments are not really my usual preference. We ended up here in our travels and it was decent. My wife had a chicken pot pie. I tried the meatloaf and mashed which came with a salad. The salad was terrible but our entrees were fine.
10. Cajun Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By dianamna - San Francisco, California
Hearty plates, reasonable prices, plain good food, this is how any breakfast place should be. The beignets and blackened salmon salad Were our favorites! We will be back!
