Local Restaurants > Find a Local Restaurant > Santa Barbara, CA > Goleta

Local Restaurants in Goleta, CA

When you're in Goleta, chances are good you'll still think you're in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara and Goleta connect, so while you're in town on business or pleasure, you may just stumble across one of the great, independent, local restaurants below. All the same great seafood, Mexican food, wines, produce, sushi, Italian food - it's all here in Goleta just like it is in Santa Barbara. Take your pick - the only difference is, thanks to Local Saute, now you'll know when you're in Goleta!

independent, Local Restaurants in Goleta, CA

Backyard Bowls
5668 Calle Real Goleta, CA 93117
P: (805) 770-2730
Open Daily til 5pm
Health food; exotic fruits; local, organic, natural


Beachside Bar Cafe
5905 Sandspit Rd. Goleta, CA 93117
P: (805) 964-7881
Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner
Fresh Seafood; American Cuisine


Cal Taco Fresh Grill
7320 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
P: (805) 685-7122
Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner
Mexican, "Charburgers," Sandwiches & Fries


Caribbean Coffee Company
495 Pine Ave. Ste. A Goleta, CA 93117
P: (800) 932-5282; F: (805) 692-2600
Open Daily
Exotic Coffee and Tea


Fresco Cafe North
5940 Calle Real Goleta, CA 93117
P: (805) 692-8999
Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner, 10:30am-9pm
Organic; pizza, sandwiches, burgers, desserts


Goodland Kitchen & Market
231 South Magnolia Ave. Goleta, CA 93117
P: (805) 845-4300
Open Mon-Sat 8am-2:30pm
Salads & Sandwiches, Local ingredients, classes


Hollister Brewing Company
6980 Marketplace Dr. Goleta, CA 93117
P: (805) 968-2810
Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner
Microbrewery; Gourmet Bar fare; Local Seafood


Sushi Teri
5746 Calle Real Goleta, CA 93117
P: (805) 964-9909
Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner
Sushi, also in Santa Barbara, Lompoc & Carpinteria

Goleta Has a Tremendous Variety of Restaurants

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By Justin Moreau

Goleta is about as land-locked as you can get around Santa Barbara, but you're still just minutes from the beach. What the independent restaurants in Goleta lack in spectacular views (although there are some spectacular views to be had at a handful of restaurants in Goleta), they certainly make up for it in terms of variety.

Goleta is home to some pretty big companies in the Santa Barbara area, so there's plenty of excellent dining to be had. If you're looking for traditional Mexican food or authentic Spanish cuisine, Goleta has it. If you're looking for some of the best Chinese and Thai food in the region, Goleta has that, too. If you're looking for an organic restaurant or cafe, again, Goleta has you covered.

When you think about it, the reason Goleta has such a wide variety of great, independent restaurants, is because if you go just a bit inland, the rents go down a bit when compared to, say, an oceanside restaurant. This means that the aspiring restaurateurs in the area have settled just a few minutes inland to open their restaurants. Meanwhile, we Foodies know we can grab something great to eat in Goleta, then get to the beach within minutes.

While there's something to be said for a great, romantic view of the ocean, there's also something to be said for a place that focuses strictly on great food. That's what the independent restaurants in Goleta bring to the table... no pun intended.
Click to return to our Guide to Independent restaurants in Santa Barbara.