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    Alcazar Tapas Bar

    4.2 (195 reviews)
    ModerateTapas Bars
    Closed 4:30 pm - 9:00 PM

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    Lamburgini Sliders
    Robin W.

    If you enjoy Milk & Honey, you're going to love Alcazar as well! It's tucked into a non-assuming strip mall so don't pass it up. The interior is fantastic with dark dramatic details and funky art and the menu items all have whimsical names like "Date with a Pig". The signature pig sculpture in the center of the dining room serves as the unofficial greeter. We came for happy hour and they offer several specials on cocktails and menu items. I Highly recommended the Holy Crop cocktail with Elderflower- I ordered something different and had to order a second drink because I had to have my own Holy Crop. Service is 5/5 with a warm welcoming greeting and attentive service. Food is 5/5 for Spanish-fusion tapas. Don't expect Madrid-style tapas but Alcazar puts a flavorful spin on all their dishes. I recommend the Date with the Pig, the Lamburgini Sliders and the Gritz and Glamb. I was a little disappointed in the Papas Bravos. I'd like to see the potatoes a little more crispy and the spice level on the sauce raised a bit. I'm giving the overall experience a 5/5 because I appreciate the creativity in all the elements and the unique flavor profiles will keep me coming back.

    Amazing food, service, and atmosphere! The inside is beautiful too. This is one of my favorite places in SB area.

    Summer Slush
    Angela R.

    It's the hidden gems in the 805, such as Alcazar Tapas Bar that provide a dark, yet intimate and cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating is available in a parklet with limited seating. They also have a few tables with fireplaces in the middle to set the mood. On my visit I decided to park myself at the bar, because I was a party of one and didn't want to take up a table. I prefer sitting at the bar anyways, so I can ask the bartender for recommendations on cocktails and make good conversation in between. I decided to order the classic margarita since it was still happy hour; which is daily from 4 - 5:30pm. Hannah hooked me up with a nice tall marg and I also decided to try the summer slush. It's made with blanco tequila, chareau aloe liqueur, blood orange, pomegranate, and passionfruit. This mix was created by Hannah and I loved it! I could tell it had a hint of mint, and asked if that was one of the ingredients. She introduced me to a new plant based spirit crafted locally (chareau), which was included in the summer slush. This is why I love sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartender! There's always a new discovery in the mixologist world. For food, I had a date with a pig and pollo con crema tacos. Both on the HH menu for $10 each. Not a bad deal for the amount of food you get! I really enjoyed the dates wrapped in bacon and drizzled with wildflower honey. They melt in your mouth, but you still get that crunch from the bacon. If you love salty, sweet then try these out! The pollo con crema tacos were just as good! I was actually surprised how flavorful the chicken was. Sometimes chicken tacos can lack flavor, but not these ones. The chicken is oven roasted and stewed in a white truffle and habanero cream sauce. The truffle was very light in taste, but definitely elevated this taco. Overall, if you're looking for a nice intimate dining place away from the main touristy areas, then come here. Parking is easy as they have curb street parking in front, or you can drive around to the back parking lot.

    Zsanae K.

    I'm obsessed with the mezcal margarita! It has a Tajin rim. The truffle ahi is amazing. I absolutely LOVE the presentation! Marisol and the hostess working Friday were so sweet! My BF and I were really taken by there amazing service. Curious to see if they're menu changes for the winter. Make sure to ask for Marisol if you dine here. :)

    Came in for dinner and had the best time. Ray was amazing, so nice, so knowledgeable of the menu. Was the best help in making our experience as perfect as possible. If you come ask for Ray he will get you right. Food was great, drinks superb definitely coming back again!

    Basque cheesecake. Obsessed.

    On a stormy night, what a pleasure it was to spend our anniversary in Alcazar's warmth. Food and hospitality were off the charts. Lamb sliders hit every time. What a gem.

    Gambas Alcazar (my favorite)
    Jeff B.

    Feels like Spain. Smaller, intimate, and friendly service. Tapas was exceptionally tasty (see photos) my favorite being the garlic butter prawns served over saffron and chorizo flavored rice. Three of us. Amazing cocktails (clever names). Douro Valley Port (don't mock me, Portugal is just next door). Our waitress was knowledgeable about the entire menu. Never felt rushed. Great experience.

    Brie
    Lindsay W.

    Stopped in on a Friday evening and this place was packed. Easy parking is available in the back lot of you can't find it in front. We were able to sit inside and there is a little bar and outside area with heaters. All of our tapas were fantastic. My favorite was the papas bravas and the date with a pig (bacon wrapped dates). Yet, I will be coming back for the passion mango cheesecake with a scoop of ice-cream! The service was great, full of smiles and quick to refill drinks and take orders. Plus, their tech made it easy to split bills and quickly pay!

    Pollo con crema tacos
    Patrick H.

    Phenomenal in every way! We tried a pretty decent portion of the menu over a couple hours at the bar, enjoying amazing drinks and fun conversation with Tori the bartender, who was down to earth, chill, and knew her stuff. My favorite remains the pollo con crema tacos, all the ingredients work together perfectly, but, really, it was all amazing. The lighting and decor add a ton to the ambiance, it's an ideal spot for a date or just drinks and tapas with friends. Highly recommend, a rare gem in Santa Barbara.

    The heat of passion
    Vanessa R.

    Alcazar is the most intimately unique date spot on the Mesa in Santa Barbara. Alcazar is under the same ownership as the iconic Milk and Honey tapas bar on Anapamu in downtown Santa Barbara. Alcazar brings the same cocktail list, a few of the same tapas and similar sultry sensual Spanish vibes. Alcazar features very tasty cocktails, sangria and beers with small bites done tapas style and a cozy dimly lit atmosphere perfect for a first date. This place IS expensive- but don't let that deter you from enjoying the ambiance and supporting a small local business that really does add culture and value to the mainly homogeneous, boring upper Mesa neighborhood. Plus-+ they are open late! They have a reverse happy hour from 5-8pm and plenty of entertainment with live music on the weekends and a running projector featuring old cartoons like Betty boop and Popeye rolling. I definitely recommend.

    Kale Chips, delish
    Mark F.

    A Mesa gem Always with a smile, Vedta greets us at the door and Johanna welcomes us to the bar. We're regulars with our usual spots, food and drinks. There's good reason for that. The smaller, neighborhood sister of Milk and Honey, Alcazar has a great location with easy parking, although usually not out front, and offers a fun and delicious dining experience when you don't want to leave the safe bubble of the Mesa. The tapas portions are what you would expect and even the larger dishes, like Paella $19, could be devoured by one hungry human. Don't let that stop you from ordering. But let's start with drinks. Sangria! I've been drinking the ever evolving wine and fruit concoction here for over a decade. It's still my go to but I don't stop there. Joanna will whip up a fancy cocktail and you'll be hypnotized by her rhythmic martini shaking. Bubbles and fun wine list is m also available and I recommend the Gerard Bertrand Corbieres (French GSM) to open up the flavor of the Cassoulet $11. You'll never be single here with an order of Date with a Pig $9. A well enjoyed classic and fun plate to share. These come out hot so give a sec before diving in. Add the Brussels Sprouts with bacon $10 (and why not), Pulled Pork Tacos $8, and Shrimp & Grits $16 and you're in your way. Recently enjoyed the Enchuladas $12 for the first time and will certainly return to this deceptively filling and creamy dish. Many of the menu items are Gluten Free and the kitchen is well versed in Dairy Free options too. Good times had by all! Alcazar will get packed and loud at the dinner rush but is relatively quiet, or even almost empty of you get there early or come late. That's when you'll usually find me at the bar, visiting with the team and glancing up at the projected movie on the wall to see if it's some Japanese anime, classic French film, a childhood cartoon,or something with animals. If it's too much to take inside, enjoy dining al fresco at one of two tables on the sidewalk. Tip: these are dog friendly. Come and enjoy sharing a night at Alcazar. It's worth crossing town for. And if you make on a Monday, Happy Hour all night long. Cheers

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    10 days ago

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    4 days ago

    Bomb, and really good selections of protein! Best kimchi I've had. Really good service.

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    7 months ago

    Super yummy! Great vibes, food was delicious, Ray was awesome! Service from Ray was a 10/10. will come again!!!

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    6 months ago

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    10 months ago

    One of our favorite neighborhood date night spots! Yummy food and yummy drinks with a funky indoor atmosphere!

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Cocktails are still delightful with lots of fresh ingredients. Food was mediocre, but service is warm and friendly.

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    2 years ago

    Food was great. Small portions but its a tapas place. 1 star knock cause of the price $$$.

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    4 years ago

    Amazing food and great atmosphere! Love it here .. went for new years eve and we had a blast !

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    Ask the Community - Alcazar Tapas Bar

    What is on the happy hour menu?

    Here you go: https://alcazartapasbar.com/menu

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    Loquita

    4.4
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    1.9 mi
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    My boss and fellow foodie listed Loquita as one of his recommendations and I've been meaning to…read moretry it. I only go to Santa Barbara once a year for Fiesta and I finally was able to try them. Everything I ate was delicious! I started out with the Bengala de Granada, which was a mocktail of pentire coastal spritz, pomegranate, ginger, lime, cinnamon, and clove. It was so refreshing on a hot Fiesta day. Under the Bocaditos menu, we ordered the denia (confit tomato, cured bluefin tuna) and the croquetas de seta (porcini and truffle with a saffron aioli). The denia set the tone for dinner with the bright acidity of the tomato with the salty tuna. The croquetas were rich of umami flavor with an undertone of truffle that paired well with the brightness of the saffron. Under the charcuterie menu, we got the jamón tasting that included pan con tomate. The tomatoes were bright and paired well with the different salty hams, which were serrano, ibérico, and iberico chorizo. For the tapas, we got the tortilla española, patatas bravas, broccolini, and the ensalada mediterránea. It was a good balance of light and heavy dishes. The broccolini and salad were the light dishes. The broccolini was nicely seared and the romesco sauce added a nutty flavor. The Mediterranean salad was herbaceous with pops of richness from the manchego cheese. The rest were on the heavier side. Though, the eggs of the tortilla española were incredibly fluffy. It was like biting into a cloud. The potatoes were also soft. It was a comforting dish. And then there were the patatas bravas, my favorite tapa! They were slightly crisp with a bit of heat from their house sauce and garlic aioli. Each bite was as satisfying as the next. And then the star of the show came right when we finished most of the tapas - the chorizo and chicken paella. The rice was pressed against the pan so every bite had that prized soccarat. The char of the soccarat harmonized with the depthness of the tomato and other aromatics in the rice. It was luxurious. And the chicken was juicy and had a wonderful smoky flavor. The portions of chicken, chorizo, and mushrooms were generous! It can definitely feed a family of six, so we were able to have leftovers as we were a family of three. And it was even better the next day! No matter how full we are, we always have dessert to share. We ordered the crema catalana, and it was the perfect way to end the meal. It was silky smooth and the caramel flavor went so well with the sweet and slightly tart Santa Barbara strawberries. I imagine this restaurant is always busy, but it was even more so during Fiesta. It's loud inside and out, but it's adds to the festive vibes. Service was excellent! I very much appreciated that our waiter confirmed our allergies. He even put the romesco sauce on the side just in case since it had almonds. Luckily, my nut allergy is contained to only pine nuts because I enjoyed the sauce very much. I recommend eating outside to enjoy their patio space. Since they only open for dinner, the heat isn't as bad since it gets cooler around the time they open. Loquita is at the start of the Funk Zone. So parking is extremely limited. Best to walk or ride-share there. I don't think I can wait for the next Fiesta to dine here again. I hope to be back sooner.

    If I didn't love food enough, this place has made me fall in love all over again! Omg from the…read moredrinks to the service to the food. Chefs kiss! First off shout out to our bartender Claudia! She was putting in WORK! And she did such an amazing job with our drinks. I ordered the Costa Blanca and it was sooo refreshing and delicious, I had to have 2! My friend and I didn't have reservations but we got lucky sitting at the bar because we got there at 6 and there wasn't any available seating until 9pm. But I am so happy we didn't go elsewhere! Next up the FOOOOODDD! My friend and I decided to just order apps unfortunately and we ordered the Mejillones (hope ranch mussels) and LET. ME. TELL. YOU....ive never tasted smoked bread sooo good paired with the red sauce and mussels! It was like an explosion of flavors in my mouth. And I am so sad I can't have this everyday!! Another winner was the Pulpo (Spanish octopus)! The pulpo was sooo tender and paired soo well with the puree. I have to say that I NEEED to come back to taste more of their menu because it was soo good. The restaurant itself felt very intimate and inviting. Sitting at the bar you get to observe the flow of the staff and I have to say that although it was busy, nothing looked chaotic. Everyone had a specific job and it was done well. The kitchen was visible through glass windows and even in there seemed to be organized. I honestly give this place a 10/10. I hope to be back soon because I thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

    Photos
    Cake table set up by staffers.
    Cake table set up by staffers.
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    Milk & Honey Tapas

    Milk & Honey Tapas

    4.2
    (666 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    ONE OF MY FAVORITE SPOTS IN SB!!!…read more This place has been one of my favorites for years. My best friend and I come every time I'm in town & they are always on point from the service, to the amazing food & beautiful drinks! Monday night our server was very attentive, quick with water refills (which I love) and very pleasant. We also sat inside for the first time as we usually sit on the outdoor patio which is no longer in place, and I was happy with the indoor ambiance. We ordered a variety of our favorites - the some brie sauce, date with a pig, PB&J sliders as well as some new items - the shrimp tacos & veggie sliders (both were outstanding). I cannot recommend this place enough & I would eat here every night if I could!

    My family and I stopped in for dinner while visiting Santa Barbara, and this ended up being one of…read morethe pleasant surprises of our trip. Overall, the food was excellent, the ambiance was welcoming, and the service was outstanding. One thing we especially appreciated was how family-friendly the restaurant felt. They had old-school cartoons playing on the TVs above the bar, which was a fun touch that kept everyone entertained. One thing to know before you order: the "tapas" here are much larger than what we've experienced at traditional tapas restaurants. We ended up ordering far too much because we expected smaller, shareable portions. Fortunately, that's a good problem to have, as everything was delicious. Just keep the portion sizes in mind when ordering. The drinks were also solid. The sangria leaned a bit more toward fruit juice than wine for our taste, but the other cocktails we tried were well-balanced and enjoyable. Between the great food, generous portions, excellent service, and relaxed atmosphere, we'd definitely recommend this spot to anyone visiting Santa Barbara.

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    Inside and patio
    Inside and patio
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    Santo Mezcal

    Santo Mezcal

    4.3
    (2k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for a spot this summer with all the vibes, killer margaritas, and delicious food,…read morelook no further than Santo Mezcal in Santa Barbara. My bestie (and yelp elite) Imo brought me here for a girls day after raving about it for months, and now I completely understand the hype. We grabbed seats at the bar (which is honestly the place to be, especially since this spot gets busy on the weekends). Hint hint: make a reservation or get here early. But overall the bar was the perfect place to people watch and to catch up. When it comes to service, impeccable. Despite being busy everyone was attentive and the drinks/food were well placed despite it being a full house. And can we talk about the bartenders? They were so welcoming and even let us film while they worked their magic making cocktails. Watching them crank out cocktails with so much flair was half the entertainment and they couldn't have been nicer. Service was definitely a 10/10. We enjoyed a few margaritas but my favorite was definitely the Hibiscus Margarita. It wasn't overly sweet and was just refreshing. I also had the tamarind Marg which was good too. Extensive cocktail menu and mezcal if you like it. The food absolutely lived up to the drinks. Santo Mezcal takes classic Mexican flavors and gives them a slightly elevated twist while still keeping everything comforting and approachable. My friend couldn't stop talking about her Pork Belly Tacos and I fell in love with the Shrimp Enchiladas. They were loaded with fresh shrimp and covered in the most incredible creamy chipotle sauce (same as their sister restaurant Los agaves for reference). Definitely one of my favorite enchiladas around, 10/10 also. One thing I wasn't expecting is that their chips and salsa might be some of the best I've had. The tortilla chips were fresh, warm, perfectly salted, and paired with a salsa so good I probably ate two bowls before our food even arrived. Honestly, you could sit at the bar with a basket of chips, salsa, and margaritas for hours and be completely happy. Make sure you don't pass up on the chips and salsa. As noted, this is a more elevated Mexican restaurant so prices are slightly more $$$ but you get what you pay for. Just worth noting because if you equate good Mexican food being $2 tacos and a bucket of beer, this spot won't do it for you. But if you want something for more of a special occasion where the food, vibes and service are A+ then this spot is for you.

    Found this place off Yelp and have to say, it did not disappoint. It's on the Main Street headed…read moreto the pier so great location. Great place to take a rest and people watch. You get free chips & salsa and they have a variety which is nice. We also asked for a hot one and boy was it hot-habanero. We ordered: -Ceviche de Mariscos- good, refreshing -Pulpo tacos- great flavor, small amount of octopus for the price. The salad with mango dressing is amazing! -tacos rib eye- she loved it -short rib tacos - also enjoyed Service was good. Delicious

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    Seating area
    Seating area
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    Aperitivo

    Aperitivo

    4.8
    (166 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    A warning: don't come here…read more If you come here, your expectations for any future plate of expertly and carefully prepared crudo will be extinguished forever in the aftermath--the afterlife--of a crudo so delicate, so beautifully presented that few plates could compare. There was life before this crudo plate, and there is life afterward. Burrata? You haven't *tasted* burrata. A plump burrata seeming to bloom amongst hefty slices of speck resting on a bed of some of the sweetest peaches I've ever eaten, grains of oil-kissed mustard seed divinely adorning its crown. I'm light-headed writing this. My queendom for burrata of this caliber. Now, the service. Exquisite, warm, intelligent. Lindsey (Lindsay? Please tell me how to spell thy name!) was incredible. From the moment we walked in, to the moment we left, we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout our dining experience. I was merely passing through on my way back home to Claremont from Monterey (on a research trip; you didn't ask, dear reader, but this context is essential as research takes its toll on one's nervous system and sometimes only a glass of wine and delightful aperitivos will do to calm thyself) and decided to stop here on a whim. Don't come here, lest you find some excuse to drive 2.5 hours out of your way from the Inland Empire to Santa Barbara to taste not only these delights again, but to feel welcomed so wholesomely into a space where it is clear (from service to food prep) that the art of the aperitivo is not lost, not shallowly puppeteered for an unknowing diner, but ALIVE, and vibrantly so. Thank you to everyone there for one of the best dining experiences of my life. I will be back. Don't come. Turn away. Do not embrace the internal shifting of one's sense of self. Like Stephen King warns his Constant Reader at the end of The Dark Tower: "Should you go on, you will surely be disappointed, perhaps even heartbroken...Endings are heartless. Ending is just another word for goodbye. Would you still? Very well, then, come. (Do you hear me sigh?) Here is the Dark Tower, at the end of End-World. See it, I beg. See it very well. Here is the Dark Tower at sunset." Here, at Aperitivo, is a materialized sunset that you can taste in every bite. Like many, I read beyond Stephen King's warning to see the truth of what lay at the culmination of his most famous series. I want the truth, however painful it may be. If you are strong enough to embrace a shift in what a truly special dining experience *can* be, then come, at your own peril. Oh, and they have txakoli. Long days and pleasant nights, dear reader.

    Not the first and definitely not the last we'll be here. Stumbled upon Aperitivo a few years ago,…read moreand it was some of the best and most authentic Italian food I'd ever had (even before knowing what real Italian food tasted like). Now that I've come back from Italy, I have a greater appreciation for Aperitivo and what it stands for. Definitely fell in love with the concept of aperitivo in Italy, and this restaurant really embodies that concept. Sat down and got myself a Negroni. It was pretty damn good and close to what a real negroni would taste like if it had Campari. Was pleasantly surprised that they gave us snacks on the side (in true spirit of aperitivo) and then proceeded to crush some crudo and mortadella sandwich. Afterwards, ended the night off with delicious affogato. Really brought me back to my time in Italy. The menu is always fresh and seasonal, so there's always something new to look forward to. Will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Inside view. Love the checkered floor
    Inside view. Love the checkered floor
    INSALATA DI RADICCHIO, PERE, NOCCIOLE, PARMIGIANO
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    Inside view - Get here early because they get busy!

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    Inside view - Get here early because they get busy!
    The Lark

    The Lark

    4.2
    (2.1k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$$

    Absolutely exceptional experience at The Lark! We had a party of 13 for brunch and opted for the…read morepreset menu, and it exceeded every expectation. The portions and quality were outstanding -- nothing felt like a typical "group menu" compromise. The standout dish was the salmon with pluot -- the freshness was incredible, easily one of the best preparations I've had. I could eat that dish for the rest of my life. Honestly, every single item on the brunch menu was excellent, no weak links. Service matched the food perfectly -- attentive, warm, and seamless even with a large group. Highly recommend The Lark for a special occasion or a group celebration. We'll definitely be back!

    Sad that this place has been around for over a decade and we just ate here, last night. Glad that…read morewe found it and will return. JJ was our server and he did a great job of moderating how much we ordered and bringing out the plates in good combinations. All the plates are to be shared and our party of 4 enjoyed them all. We were seated outside. It was a nice, the sun only hitting 1 person for a few minutes before it moved far enough for us all to be in the shade. The menu served as sun protection for that time. Cantaloupe was ripe and the tajin and lime gave it a delicious new flavor profile. We overheard the table next to us raving about the heirloom tomato panzanella, so, we ordered it too. The ricotta made this dish. Totally understood what the other table was talking about and we were thankful to overhear them. The Lark's Classic Wedge was the best wedge I have ever had. Sure, I don't eat as many salads as I should but I can appreciate the difference between bacon and the crispy pork belly served here. The line caught crude was ahi. This came out first and we devoured it. The picture will tell you all the words I can't put together right now. New Orleans Shrimp Toast was the only "hot dish" we had. The included sausage was a little too spicy hot for the table. Not me, though! The jus was incredible. If I had another piece of brioche, I would have left the plate clean. Had the narrator as my cocktail. Sweet and sensational!

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Handmade Rigatoni Pasta
    Handmade Rigatoni Pasta
    Tea Time (NA)

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    Sama Sama Kitchen

    Sama Sama Kitchen

    3.9
    (744 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    We visited Sama Sama while in Santa Barbara, and it was hands down the best restaurant we had the…read morepleasure of experiencing during our trip. We feel pretty fortunate to have so many great restaurants near home, so finding a place that genuinely surprised and impressed us was both refreshing and an absolute pleasure. Everything we tasted was amazing. The standouts were the ribs, crispy rice salad, wings, and short rib noodles, but there truly wasn't a single thing we didn't enjoy. The drinks were great, and the ambiance and service were equally impressive. Our only regret is that we have to wait until our next visit to Santa Barbara to eat here again.

    Sama Sama Kitchen is a Indonesian-inspired, Michelin Gourmand rated restaurant, was in the area so…read moremy family and I decided to go. We were greeted and seated right away, as for a Saturday afternoon, the restaurant wasn't so busy. Our server Izzy (on my receipt) was attentive and answered our questions, concerns well. I appreciate her service. My favorite dishes to the least favorite in order: Lamb gai (fresh and light), Braised pork noodles, Vietnamese wings, and lastly, the chicken satay (a bit dry, but sauce was flavorful), see my pics of each dish. It's not easy to judge from pics, one might think for the portion size for the price, is a bit smaller size. Indoor and outdoor seating. Cute, casual interior. Nearby paid parking structures, or good luck finding free street parking. Definitely a restaurant to check out when/if you're in the area.

    Photos
    Ig : @dawntc
    Ig : @dawntc
    Braised Pork Mie Goreng ($23)
    Braised Pork Mie Goreng ($23)
    Morning After ($24) Nasi Goreng Jawa w/ Chicken Satay

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    Morning After ($24) Nasi Goreng Jawa w/ Chicken Satay

    Alcazar Tapas Bar - tapas - Updated August 2026

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