Santa Barbara’s Best Restaurant Openings of 2025

Santa Barbara’s flourishing food and beverage scene reached new heights in 2025. Although this affluent beach town is best known for its idyllic charm, scenic mountain-meets-ocean landscape and many wine tasting rooms, its ever-growing restaurant scene has made Santa Barbara one of the best culinary destinations in California.  

Last year, Silvers Omakase made waves with its refined sushi, earning a Michelin star in a matter of months. We also saw MML Hospitality bring the West Coast’s first Clark’s Oyster Bar to Montecito, and Michelin Bib Gourmand-winner chef Ramon Velazquez opened Alma Fonda Fina. This year, however, saw even more openings that are already leaving a lasting impression. 

In a loss for Los Angeles, chef Dom Crisp relocated to the American Riviera to open a namesake taverna that serves Basque-inspired fare. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara opened not one, but two new restaurant concepts after completing a multimillion-dollar revamp, and one of L.A.’s best burger joints made itself at home on Chapala Street. Local restaurateurs behind places like Aperitivo and Barbareño expanded with brand-new eateries, while the highly anticipated Elwood on Goleta Beach finally opened its doors.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a burger and martini with a harbor view or coastal California cuisine in Montecito, these are Santa Barbara’s best restaurant openings of 2025.