Santa Barbara Christmas Dinner Recommendations 2019
Nothing beats Christmas dinner in Santa Barbara. Enjoy the mild weather, holiday shopping along State Street and festive twinkling lights of Downtown, but leave the cooking to Santa Barbara’s incredible restaurants.
The holiday season is the busiest time of year and to help you check off your to-do’s, we’ve listed our favorite Santa Barbara restaurants that will be serving Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner this year and all within walking distance of the Hotel.
Santa Barbara Christmas Dinner Recommendations 2019
The Lark
Located in the trendy Funk Zone neighborhood, The Lark creates a seasonal menu using locally sourced and responsibly grown ingredients and has a full bar featuring modern handcrafted cocktails. The Lark accolades include a Michelin Plate Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and the Official Cocktail of Santa Barbara – “Sticky Fingers.”
Details: Christmas Eve full seasonal dinner menu available, featuring Christmas Eve Specials (Whole Roasted Honeynut Squash $16, Crispy Kurobuta Porchetta $32, Warm Gingersnap Cookies & Marscarpone $10). Open Christmas Eve from 5:00 pm – 9:45 pm.
Cost: $30 – $60 pp; Reservations recommended.
Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Opal restaurant and bar serves California cuisine with an Asian flare, striving to create an experience that nurtures the soul.
Details: Christmas Eve 3-course prix fixe menu, along with regular full menu. Two seating times on Christmas Eve at 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm.
Cost: $48 pp; Reservations required.
Black Sheep offers a creative menu that is inspired by global flavors and fresh sustainably-sourced ingredients from the farmer’s market with the goal of creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Details: 3-course Christmas day prix fixe menu with options to build your menu. Open Christmas Day from 5:00 – 10:00 pm.
Cost: $65 pp; Reservations recommended.
Tucked away in the historical El Paseo, Wine Cask offers vibrant flavors and the finest ingredients that elevate the dining experience. With indoor and outdoor seating, as well as private dining rooms, Wine Cask is the perfect place for any occasion from casual to formal.
Details: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 3-course prix fixe menu. Open Christmas Eve from 5:00 – 9:00 pm & Christmas Day from 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
Cost: $85 pp; Reservations required.
One of Santa Barbara’s best restaurants for fine dining, bouchon prepares each dish using fresh local ingredients to create their seasonal menu.
Details: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 3-course Seasonal Wine Country Cuisine Dinner; full regular menu; Holiday Prime Rib ‘Fiorentina’ Special. Open Christmas Eve from 5:00 – 9:00 pm & Christmas Day from 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
Cost: $85 pp; Reservations required.
Ca’ Dario Ristorante & Pizzeria
Ca’Dario serves up authentic Italian cuisine inspired by executive chef and owner Dario Furlati’s childhood, growing up in Italy and cooking with his grandmothers.
Details: Traditional Italian Christmas Eve specials, along with full regular menu. Open Christmas Eve from 11:30 am – 9:45 pm.
Cost: $30 – $50 pp; Reservations recommended.
Make reservations soon because our Santa Barbara Christmas dinner recommendations are filling up fast.
If you want Hotel Santa Barbara to be your home for the holidays, please call us at 1 (800) 549-9869 to make a reservation or book online.
