Best Brunch in Santa Barbara
2024
Santa Barbara is known for its lively culinary scene, and its brunch options are genuinely exceptional. From beachfront cafes that offer fresh seafood-infused dishes, to cozy bakeries serving up delectable pastries, there's something to satisfy every palate. Join us as we explore the best brunch spots in Santa Barbara, where you can indulge in locally sourced ingredients, creative menu items, and a delightful ambiance that captures the essence of this beautiful coastal city. Whether you're a local looking for new brunch spots or a visitor seeking culinary adventures, Santa Barbara's brunch scene promises to impress.
Our Top 10 Favorite Brunch Spots in Santa Barbara
Scarlett Begonia
Treat yourself to a delightful meal made from locally sourced, organic ingredients at this charming café located in the Victoria Courtyard in downtown Santa Barbara. Whether you prefer gluten-free or traditional brunch options, you will find a variety of creative and delicious dishes to indulge in. While they serve breakfast and lunch all week long, brunch happens on the weekend.
Why You Should Go:
- Organic, seasonal dishes with gluten-free options
- Weekend-only brunch with two options: 3-course prix-fixe with bottomless drinks, or the a la carte menu!
Reservations are highly recommended here!
Don’t Miss: Try the house scones or lemon ricotta pancakes!
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is a fantastic beachfront restaurant located on Hendry's Beach (Arroyo Burro Beach). The restaurant offers an extensive breakfast menu every day, and you can't beat the ocean views! It's worth the wait for a window table or a patio seat outside so you can see the water. Plus, if you bring your pup along, they can sit with you outside and then enjoy dog-friendly Arroyo Burro Beach!
Why You Should Go:
A true beachfront brunch experience with views of the Pacific, strong coffee, and great seafood.
Top Menu Picks:
- Crab Cake Benedict (Boathouse Signature Breakfast)
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Classic Omelets
Pro Tip: Go early and grab a patio seat—it’s one of the only Santa Barbara brunch spots right on the sand.
La Paloma Café
La Paloma Café isn't your typical eggs and bacon spot. They draw culinary inspiration from classic Mexican and Indigenous dishes, offering delights like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. Their sweeter dishes for brunch include vanilla-dipped French toast with date syrup and crème fraiche and sourdough banana pancakes with blueberry syrup.
Why You Should Go:
Brunch with bold, authentic Mexican and Indigeneous flavors and a sunny outdoor patio.
Top Menu Picks:
- Chilaquiles with Mole
- Huevos Rancheros
- Vanilla-Dipped French Toast with Date Syrup
Pro Tip: Reservations are recommended, especially if you’re coming with a group. It's a popular spot!
The Lark
The Lark restaurant follows a farm-to-table philosophy for weekend brunch! Their brunch menu includes a variety of delicious options like the savory Cast Iron Baked Shakshuka and the sweet Black Sesame Granola & Whipped Greek Yogurt. If you're dining with a group, you can enjoy their house-baked pastries and order a pitcher of mimosas or bellinis to share at the table.
Why You Should Go:
Trendy and social, this upscale brunch spot serves shareable dishes and craft drinks using local ingredients.
Top Menu Picks:
- Shakshuka with Farm Eggs
- House-Made Granola with Whipped Yogurt
- Pastry Board + Pitcher of Mimosas
Pro Tip: Best for group brunch—great ambiance and larger table options.
Lilac Patisserie
If you' have dieatary restrictions, or are just in the mood for a gluten-free brunch, Lilac Pâtisserie is the place to be. This café and bakery is completely gluten-free, so you can enjoy simple yet delicious dishes without worrying about gluten. Their menu includes berry bowls, oatmeal, and avocado toast. You can choose from a variety of egg options, such as quiche, breakfast sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and customizable omelets. And if you're feeling adventurous, they also offer a range of mimosa flavors to try out.
Why You Should Go:
A completely gluten-free café and bakery with fresh, flavorful options for everyone.
Top Menu Picks:
- Avocado Toast on Gluten-Free Bread
- Customizable Omelets
- Mimosa Flight
Pro Tip: Don't skip the dessert case! You'll be shocked that none of these dishes contain gluten.
Alessia Patisserie & Café
Experience a taste of Europe right here in Santa Barbara when you indulge in the decadent pastries here, made by pastry chef Alessia Guehr.
You can try the rich Lemon Ricotta Cheese Blintz and an assortment of inventive toasts and gourmet breakfast sandwiches made with fresh, house-made bread. We can't think of a better way to spend a vacation morning!
Why You Should Go:
Elegant brunch with a European vibe and standout coffee in a quiet downtown nook.
Top Menu Picks:
- Lemon Ricotta Blintz
- Heirloom Tomato Toast
- Cortado or Café au Lait
Pro Tip: Ideal for a quiet weekday brunch or a slow-paced solo outing.
Merci Montecito
This cafe also has some European-inspired roots! . Start your day with a delectable selection of artisanal pastries and breakfast sandwiches at this popular brunch spot. The only thing that rivals their tasty dishes is their customer service!
Why You Should Go:
A refined Montecito café offering French-inspired brunch fare with California ingredients.
Top Menu Picks:
- Ham & Gruyère Croissant
- Breakfast Tartines
- Vanilla Bean Cold Brew
Pro Tip: This is a great post-beach brunch spot—parking is easy and the vibe is relaxed.
Jeannine’s Bakery & Restaurant
Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a delightful brunch? Head over to this bakery and café-style restaurant, and choose between uptown, downtown, or Montecito locations.
You'll be greeted by an array of baked goods and cakes displayed in glass cases, making it difficult to decide what to order for breakfast. You really can't go wrong no matter what you pick! Beyond the food options, they also have smoothies, freshly squeezed orange juice, matcha, and coffee to quench your thirst.
Why You Should Go:
A Santa Barbara brunch classic with generous portions and an unbeatable pastry case.
Top Menu Picks:
- Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise
- Banana Nut Pancakes
- Fresh-Pressed Orange Juice or Matcha Latte
Pro Tip: Try to grab a patio seat, and don’t leave without a muffin or scone!
Helena Avenue Bakery
Helena Avenue Bakery is a popular breakfast spot located in the Funk Zone. They have communal indoor seating and outdoor options if you want to get some fresh air. From delicious breakfast sandwiches to hearty breakfast bowls and other breakfast staples, you certainly won't leave here hungry. The coffee is strong too, so it's perfect for a morning pick-me-up!
Why You Should Go:
Casual, counter-style brunch spot with hearty dishes and great baked goods.
Top Menu Picks:
- Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches
- Huevos Rancheros
- Seasonal Toasts
Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a seat—this is a popular pre-wine-tasting stop in the Funk Zone.
The Daisy
The Daisy is traditionally more of a lunch spot, but we still had to add it to the brunch list; it's just that good! Plus, it's great for a later brunch option, and usually has fewer crowds than the other options on our list. Their meals are made using only the finest farmers market-sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients, so you can feel good when you eat here. It's a beautiful setting, too, with a lovely, airy space featuring a charming covered patio and street seating.
Why You Should Go:
A lunch-leaning café that’s still a solid pick for late-morning eats using sustainable, farmers market ingredients.
Top Menu Picks:
- Smoked Brisket Banh Mi
- Niman Ranch Ham Sandwich
- Iced Lavender Tea
Pro Tip: Ideal for a casual meet-up or if you’re looking for a lighter brunch without the crowd.
Book your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental
Yum! Now that you know all the best brunch spots in Santa Barbara, you'll be eating well on your vacation! Planning where you'll eat on a trip is always fun, but you can't forget the most important part of vacation planning: booking your accommodations.
Luckily, you're already in the right place. For luxury Santa Barbara vacation rentals in the middle of all the action here in town, Wanderlust Vacation Rentals is the top choice. Whether you're looking to stay in a Santa Barbara home with a private pool, an oceanfront property, or want somewhere pet-friendly so you can take your furry friends along, we're confident you'll find a great fit in our extensive catalog of vacation rentals.
Browse our available Santa Barbara vacation rentals today and book your trip directly with Wanderlust Vacation Rentals!