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Dining Out for New Year's Eve
SANTA BARBARA

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Besides attending one of the world's Top 10 Hot Spots for New Year's Eve, what could be better than celebrating the end of the year with a memorable meal? Whether you're looking for a party scene full of revelers or a more romantic space to share a midnight Champagne toast with someone special, we've compiled a list of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara to ring in the New Year.

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Alcazar Tapas Bar Tapas
13/20
1812 Cliff Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
805-962-0337 | Menu
Authenticity takes a back seat to international flavors at this small-plates restaurant with a Spanish theme. More...

Arch Rock Fish Seafood
12/20
Dining Room at Arch Rock Fish, Santa Barbara, CA 608 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-845-2800 | Menu
A contemporary approach to seafood dining in Santa Barbara. More...

Bella Vista Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Bella Vista , Montecito, CA Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore Santa Barbara
1260 Channel Dr.
Montecito, CA 93108
805-969-2261 | Menu
Chef Alessandro Cartumini brings fine Italian cuisine to an idyllic coastal California setting. More...

Blue Agave Eclectic
13/20
20 E. Cota St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-899-4694 | Menu
Stylish Old Town boîte for eclectic specialties. More...

Blush Restaurant & Lounge Eclectic
12/20
630 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-957-1300 | Menu
Nightlife and fine dining collide at this hot-spot in downtown Santa Barbara. More...

The Brewhouse American
13/20
229 W. Montecito St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-884-4664 | Menu
A lively hub of local energy, where the mixed crowd enjoys international comfort food and a full bar. More...

Brophy Bros. Seafood
12/20
119 Harbor Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
805-966-4418 | Menu
Harbor-view casual dining with a menu featuring fried shrimp, baked clams, oysters on the half-shell and fresh-fish specials. More...

Cava Restaurant & Bar Mexican
13/20
1212 Coast Village Rd.
Montecito, CA 93108
805-969-8500 | Menu
Latin cuisine from Spain, Mexico and South America served in a cozy Montecito setting. More...

Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant Irish
11/20
18 E. Ortega St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-568-0702 | Menu
The pub is better than the grub at this popular Irish-themed eatery in downtown Santa Barbara. More...

Downey's Contemporary
15/20
Dining Room at Downey 1305 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-966-5006 | Menu
A quiet place for diners who appreciate good, innovative cooking. More...

Harry's Plaza Cafe American
11/20
3313 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-687-2800
Fierce cocktails and local color make up for the lackluster food at this Santa Barbara classic. More...

Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood Steakhouse
13/20
512 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-965-3363 | Menu
A classic steakhouse for downtown. More...

The Hungry Cat Seafood
14/20
Dining Room at The Hungry Cat, Santa Barbara, CA 1134 Chapala St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-884-4701 | Menu
A small seafood and raw bar menu with East Coast influences served in an intimate urban atmosphere. More...

Joe's Cafe American
10/20
536 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-966-4638 | Menu
Come for a beer, the stiffest drinks in town, to gobble spaghetti, and see and be seen. More...

Lucky's Steakhouse
14/20
1279 Coast Village Rd.
Montecito, CA 93108
805-565-7540 | Menu
Lucky's is a sophisticated steakhouse with an impressive wine and spirits list. More...

Milk & Honey Tapas Tapas
12/20
30 W. Anapamu St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-275-4232 | Menu
Small plates, specialty cocktails and a cool ambience attract hipsters to this downtown lounge. More...

Miro Contemporary
16/20
Dining Room at Miro, Goleta, CA Bacara Resort & Spa
8301 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
805-571-4204 | Menu
The fine dining room of an exclusive resort, with Contemporary Basque cuisine featuring high-quality ingredients including produce from its own ranch. More...

The Palace Grill Cajun
13/20
8 E. Cota St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-966-3133 | Menu
A local stronghold of traditional New Orleans cooking, featuring gumbos, Cajun crayfish popcorn and blackened redfish. More...

The Palms Steakhouse
12/20
701 Linden Ave.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
805-684-3811 | Menu
Local character and a unique cook-it-yourself concept distinguish this Carpinteria institution. More...

Root 246 New American
No Rating
Dining Room at Root 246, Solvang, CA Hotel Corque
420 Alisal Rd.
Solvang, CA 93463
805-686-8681 | Menu
A delightfully simple approach to cooking takes full advantage of the region's bountiful ingredients. More...

Roy American
13/20
7 W. Carillo St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-966-5636 | Menu
An artfully styled neighborhood restaurant known for its hip vibe and late-night dinners. More...

Santa Barbara Brewing Company Brewpub
12/20
501 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-730-1040 | Menu
Microbrewery with a menu that’s better than you might expect in a sports bar. More...

Soho California
13/20
1221 State St., Ste. 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-962-7776 | Menu
A hopping nightlife and wonderful California cuisine are the selling points for this Santa Barbara hotspot, tucked away off one of downtown's charming alleys. More...

The Willows American
14/20
The Chumash Casino Resort Hotel
3400 E. Hwy. 246
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
805-686-0855 | Menu
An unexpectedly elegant dining experience away from the bells and whistles of the Chumash Casino. More...

Wine Cask California
15/20
Dining Room at Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, CA El Paseo
813 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-966-9463 | Menu
Santa Barbara County’s most comprehensive wine and dine experience. More...

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RESTAURANT AWARDS 2013

Check out the 2013 edition of GAYOT's Annual Restaurant Issue, which features the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S., Rising Chefs and more.