A new restaurant in SB that's destined to be in the top 3 for the city! Maybe the most creative chef in the city putting out one great dish after another . You can taste his love in every dish. Love the vibe as well. You feel Like family. So excited to go back again and again. read more

Solid spot! I recommend the Aegean fries. Seriously the best fries I've had - extremely flavorful steak fries with a wonderful garlic yogurt dip. The $12 price point may seem steep but worth it. The lamb and chicken kebab dishes were excellent as well, however at the price i would have expected a little more. read more

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let's start off with a good stuff - the food was amazing! The chef is extraordinary and should be applauded for his efforts to serve really healthy amazing food in Santa Barbara Barbara. let's start off with a good stuff - the food was amazing! The chef should be applauded for his efforts to serve really healthy amazing food in . That being said, our rating of only two stars is based on the fact that we had a two hour reservation. But they started trying to kick us out at an hour and a half. Basically told us we could not order dessert unless we sat on a bench side! We still had a full glass of wine each from their quite expensive wine list and wanted to enjoy that. We were reminded three times during a 15 minute period that we needed to leave! from quite expensive wine list and wanted to enjoy that. We were reminded three times during a 15 minute period that we needed to leave! So we did leave and unfortunately I will not go back, no matter how good the food is. A real shame that the staff does not understand a two hour window is what the customer . A real shame because Efe deserves to have his restaurant succeed. read more

Nothing brings me more joy than seeing a chef go from weekly pop-ups and special events, to opening a restaurant. Congratulations Chef Efe Onoglu! I already knew the food would be good here after trying Chef Efe's cooking at a pop-up event. After my recent visit at the restaurant, I'm already anticipating my next visit! We started with crispy falafel. They were perfect little balls bursting with flavor. Presentation on point. We also enjoyed the farmers market tzatziki. Totally different from the typical Tzatziki I'm used to but honestly way better! Made with fresh veggies, garlic yogurt and fresh herbs. Make sure you order the bread basket to go along with this. The Aegean fries are also a must! They are more than just fries, they were next level. Seasoned with Greek oregano and lemon zest, finished with feta and dipped in creamy Greek yogurt. Zesty, lemony and so addictive! For the mains, my son ordered the Chermoula salmon which was perfectly cooked. It was bright, herby, and layered with preserved lemon over creamy garlic couscous. I ordered the lamb kofte which is made with lamb belly and American Wagyu. The mini kebabs are juicy tender bites, balanced by sumac onions, blistered shishitos, and cool tzatziki. And the Tavuk chicken kebab? So juicy and full of warmth from the harissa and yogurt marinade, paired with roasted peppers, tomatoes, and garlicky toum. The presentation of each dish was incredible. The colors were vibrant and clearly fresh from the farmers market. Every bite felt vibrant, comforting, and delicious. To end the night in celebration of my sons birthday we ordered two desserts. A baked Mastic rice pudding and the flourless chocolate cake. The rice pudding was creamy and delicious. It reminded me of arroz con leche, but better. The flourless Varlhona cake was dense, fudgy and not too sweet. Such a lovely presentation. Overall, a wonderful experience. The staff here was attentive and friendly. Be sure to make reservations in advance. read more

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Timeless Mediterranean with great twists in such a cute space! Service from Julia was thoughtful and casual (in an appropriate good way) with great knowledge. Patio is small but spaced and decorated to feel like you're on vacation. Loved the halloumi app with sweet notes from the dates, and the salmon entree was smokey and flavorful with amazing garlic couscous! Also got the brisket which was cooked perfectly. Small but fair priced plates, great for sharing as nothing is too rich. Great neighborhood spot and will be back read more

Aegean - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Service was amazing. Outdoor seating was nice and intimate. I got the tavuk kebab and it was really good. Portions are okay, you might be hungry after. Great dinner spot. read more

Aegean - Flourless varlhona chocolate cake - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Aegean SB (also known as Aegean Neotaverna) is a highly-rated Mediterranean "hidden gem" in downtown Santa Barbara that focuses on fresh, seasonal Greek and Turkish cuisine. Opened as a permanent location in late 2025 by Chef Efe Onoglu, it has quickly gained a reputation for its authentic, flavor-packed dishes and welcoming "local hideaway" vibe. read more

Aegean - Outdoor patio. - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This restaurant is by far the best food I have ever had in my life! Not only was the food great but the service was excellent as well. The servers were so friendly and knowledgeable! We were also lucky enough to meet the chef who was such a nice person and shared with us how the restaurant came to be and how his staff is all like family to him. It was very heartwarming to hear. For appetizers we had: Hummus with Zhoug - the freshness and flavor of the herbs in the Zhoug mixed with the hummus and olive oil was incredible! Karnabahar - the cauliflower was perfect with the sauce. The raisins gave it the perfect amount of sweetness while the lemon tahini added the perfect amount of tang. Incredible flavors! Halloumi - the different textures and flavors were perfect! For main courses both recommended by our amazing waiter: Sac Kavurma - the perfect amount of spice and sauciness with the tender brisket and vegetables was so great with pita bread! Levrek- hands down the best sea bass I have ever had! It was like melt in your mouth delicious! Sides: Vegetarian Rice Pilaf - again the flavor! Aegean Fries - delicious and went so well with the garlic yogurt! Dessert: Flourless Varlhona Chocolate Cake - decadent cake with all the other flavors added was amazing. I am so happy to have found this restaurant! I highly suggest it!!! I can't wait to go back! read more

Aegean - From left to right: Levrek, Aegean Fries, Vegetarian Pilaf Rice, and Sac Kavurma - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Visiting family in town and we loved it here so much we had to come back twice! The levrek was my favorite and I had it both nights! Though I did pick off my families plates as well; they all chose wonderful dishes like the wagyu meatballs, chicken kebab, and the crudo! I was able to try other options the next day as well, like the hummus, goddess salad, tzatziki, falafel, and marinated olives. I could only wish for a location to come down to San Diego! For dessert of course, I had the flourless chocolate cake both nights and it is to die for! I wish I could've taken a tray of it home with me! The atmosphere is very nice as well, it feels like you're eating at home with family and the service was fantastic as well. You won't find another place like this and I can't wait to come back. read more

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What a great place! The food is incredible and service is top notch! Loved every bite

Go to Aegean; you will be glad you did. The first thing you'll notice is that all the waitstaff is happy to be there and loves the food. Efe himself is a chef with a CV, vision, and incredible skills. All he touches becomes delectable. The atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale. The food delicate yet flavorful. The portions reasonable, and the prices as well. read more

The menu selection was one page and a list of specials. It's focused on complimentary dishes that can all be mixed and matched with one another. The restaurant was nearly fully when we arrived- we wanted a bit of a sampling so we ordered mostly appetizers to split. The falafels were a classic choice, tender inside and crunchy outside- with good fresh flavor - we could taste the different fresh herbs used! Nice. The hummus was a favorite and we ended up getting extra bread - loved the zhoug in the center and again, fresh ingredients and able to taste all the herbs and spices. We then had the prawn special.. oMG.. that radish salsa that the prawns rest on was divine and the prawns were perfectly cooked. A tiny bit messy but using your hands was sort of the point of most of the food we had ordered- and they brought wet cloths to wash up! Wine was delicious and brands were not familiar with.. and are now searching where we can buy locally because it was sooo good. The service was good- they were packed and only had 2 service staff, but they navigated the room well and brought us everything. They were exceptionally welcoming and took extra time to chat and share their favorites with us. And the chef stopped in to check on his each of guests as well. His care and passion for food are articulated in his communications well as his cooking and you can tell he loves what he does- and to cook for people. The location was in De La Guerra Circle, it was quiet from the noise of State street, well located for parking. The seats at the table are comfortable and we were not rushed out of the restaurant -highly recommended and I didn't get but one photo because we are everything too fast. read more

Aegean - Hummus. Really healthy size portion. - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Chef Efe and his team from Aegean catered a special dinner for us, and everyone unanimously said it was one of the best dining experiences they've ever experienced! Makes sense since Chef was an Executive Chef for both Jose Andres and the Four Seasons Hotel. You can tell the chef and his kitchen team take pride in what they do, only using the freshest, in-season ingredients and cooking each dish to perfection. The service and presentation were perfect, and I highly recommend trying Chef's food whether it's at Aegean, through a private dinner experience, or through one of his Chef's table experiences. read more

The hummus and the meatballs were amazing. The yellow fish was also good but not very filling.i really enjoyed the freshness of the taziki that came with the meatballs and how warm the pita bread was. The meatballs were seasoned very well. I would definitely come back and order the meatballs and the hummus. The Kombucha was refreshing and had a great taste as it wasn't too sweet. read more

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Lovely little Turkish place in downtown. We went in thinking wow, the menu is small -- which it is -- but we came out thinking wow, there is so much we didn't try! It's clear that we would want everything in due course. The Mezze is all nice. The sea bass was excellent but we didn't try any other entrées. The wine list is tiny but they're not going to serve a bad wine -- or a bottle that's been opened yesterday. Or bring in a bottle. Weather permitting, the patio is much nicer than the dining room. Locals really should support this rare gem that is NOT "Cali-Itali" or "Cali-Med." It's the real deal. read more

Now one of my favorite spots in SB, that was a kick ass dinner yummy yummy yummy, Isabella was the best! whatever she recommends you should get. read more

Aegean - Brussels sprouts - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Ok the best hummus I've had in my life. Even internationally! And the sea bass in a broth with large white beans. Not to mention the humble chef and outstanding server. Open only for dinners Wednesday thru Sunday. Oh my gosh. 5 star plus. read more

Aegen is so delicious and such a great addition to Santa Barbara! Highly recommend the meatballs and all the dips and sauces. Everyone working there was so nice. Cannot recommend enough!!! read more

Food was amazing, met the rave reviews we've been hearing from friends. Staff were enthusiastic and helpful, matched the vibe. You're here to stay I hope.... read more

This restaurant is amazing. I love the delicious Turkish cuisine and I come back every week for their weekly specials and the Sunday brunch is my fav. read more

Staff was friendly, food was done well. Portions are a little small so it's good to buy different plates to share with friends. Only wish they had a little ambience music playing as it was a little awkward to sit near people in a more so quaint place. read more

We went early to beat the line and glad we did! We had an excellent waitress/hostess love the outdoor seating and lighting as it got dark. It was all delicious, we ordered family style. The cauliflower, brussels sprouts, hummus, and the halloumi special. Ended with the flourless chocolate cake and a Turkish coffee. They were all delicious, my favorite were the brussels sprouts, Seabass and Turkish coffee and cake read more