CHEERS! OUR TOP PICKS FOR YOUR REHEARSAL DINNER IN SANTA BARBARA
Photo: Morgan Stoddard
While the wedding day is no doubt the most anticipated event of your wedding weekend, the rehearsal dinner can set the tone for what lies ahead and is an opportunity to create even more memories with the special people in your life.
Whether you want something relaxed and casual or charming and elegant - you can’t go wrong with our top picks in Santa Barbara, known for its array of dining options to suit every taste and style. Whether you're craving farm-to-table fare or fresh seafood with a view, these local favorites promise to add a touch of coastal charm to your pre-wedding festivities.
(From the website)
The Lark, named for the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 -1968, is situated in the heart of the Funk Zone, a vibrant arts and entertainment district near the Waterfront in downtown Santa Barbara. Our menus are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using the highest quality seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty of the Central Coast. Our food is beautifully plated featuring bold flavors designed to delight the senses while staying rooted in the climate, geography and inspiration of Santa Barbara, the American Riviera. Our space was designed with an urban style that integrates vintage and repurposed materials for a sophisticated yet casual sensibility with a nod to our neighborhood’s industrial past. Original lighting, handmade furniture and a 24-seat live-edge communal table stacked on vintage radiators create a space that is warm and inviting. The Lark’s full bar features classic and modern craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our wine list highlights small Santa Barbara County producers as well as artisan winemakers from afar.
To make a large party reservation for parties of 9 to 15 guests, please email host@thelarksb.com.
If you are interested in a private event booking, please contact the events team at events@thelarksb.com | 805-456-6804
(From the website)
La Paloma Cafe’s menu celebrates the cuisine of the Californios, early Californian settlers who incorporated Spanish and Mexican influences into indigenous ingredients cooked over fire. Paying tribute to the age of the ranchero, our thoughtfully crafted California barbecue reflects both the past and present of our region and local community. Our food focuses on the traditions of Santa Maria and influences from Baja, Mexico.
To make a large party reservation for parties of 9 to 15 guests, please email info@lapalomasb.com or call 805-966-7029.
If you are interested in a private event for 16 or more guests, please contact the events team at events@lapalomasb.com
(From the website)
Loquita showcases authentic Spanish food including hot and cold tapas, wood-fired grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella. The Mediterranean climate and terroir of Santa Barbara County mirror that of Spain, making the translation of locally sourced produce, meats and seafood an ideal match. The wine list is comprised almost entirely of Spanish wines with exceptional local wines that pair well with the cuisine.Loquita’s cocktail list showcases Spanish vermouths, farmers’ market Sangria, hand-crafted cocktails and a rotating selection of Spain’s king of cocktails, the Gin Tonic.
To make a large party reservation for parties of 6 to 12 guests, please email host@loquitasb.com.
If you are interested in a private event booking, please contact the events team at events@loquitasb.com or call 805-456-6804.
(From the website)
Gala exudes a European meets Santa Barbara charm, where you feel like you’re transported to a beautiful bistro in the Mediterranean. Enjoy shared tapas, seasonal favorites, oysters and a great steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Or cozy up with a pulled pork sandwich or our fan-favorite duck confit. Experience craft cocktails with seasonal juices & house-infused liquors as well as local and Spanish wine & beer. Right down the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse, enjoy an evening at Gala.
If you are interested in a private event booking, please call 805-869-2813 or email tara@galasb.com.
Blackbird at the Hotel Californian
(From the website)
Located at the front door of the Funk Zone, Blackbird in Santa Barbara offers an iconoclastic, refined take on your favorite flavors that pays homage to the culinary bounty of the Central Coast. Our coastal location allows Executive Chef Travis Watson to bring you the best of both land and sea. Whether you're headed out with a group of friends, celebrating a special occasion, or looking for your next weekly go-to, Blackbird offers a seasonal snapshot of the Santa Barbara culinary scene.
To inquire about a group reservation call 805-882-0135.
(From the website)
Stella Mare’s focuses on French Country Bistro cuisine, emphasizing on classic and seasonal dishes paired with French and American wines. We also offer a wide selection of beers as well as handcrafted cocktails from our Full Bar. French Country Bistro design meets casual Santa Barbara in our historic landmark house on the Bird Refuge… for close to 24 years, Stella Mare’s has been known and recognized for hosting Private Dining Events and offers an excellent selection of private dining rooms. Stella Mare’s has been the number one destination for private Events in Montecito and Santa Barbara. From intimate events of 10 to fully customized events of 70 to 130, Stella mare’s is the ultimate destination for social events such as Wedding receptions, Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, after wedding brunch, baby showers and more as well as Corporate Events.
For reservations call 805 969-6705 or for large group reservations please visit their website to complete an inquiry form.
(From the website)
Debuting the latest concept from restaurateur Carlos Luna and the talented team behind the Los Agaves Restaurants. Our Executive Chef Ricardo Garcia presents a modern contemporary Mexican cuisine, rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions that also celebrate local and seasonal ingredients from the Santa Barbara and surrounding regions.
Come celebrate with us at Santo Mezcal restaurant for an unforgettable experience! Our on-site event coordinators are here to take care of all the details - from decorations and catering to entertainment. Whether you're planning a family gathering, corporate function, social occasion, or holiday celebration, we can accommodate your needs and customize a plan tailored to your taste, style and budget.
For reservations call 805-883-3593. For groups over 20 please visit their website to complete an inquiry form.
(From the website)
With a seating capacity of 275, El Paseo offers a perfect venue for your wedding reception, quienceañera, or any celebration, with options of buffet or plated dinner! At an average price of $65.00 per person, our buffet provides four appetizers, two salads, starch, vegetable, and four entrees. Plated events include four appetizers, one salad, and three entrées. A dessert bar requires an additional $10 per person (choice of four desserts).
Our bar is customized to what you would like to host; all beverages are charged on consumption. Included are choice of linens, dance floor, exclusive use of restaurant for six hours or up to 11pm (Start time after 4pm on Sunday). Clients are responsible for entertainment, DJ, or band. Clients provide center pieces, flowers, candles, escort cards, table assignments and table numbers for guests, wedding cake, and photographer.
For reservations call 805-962-6050 or email manager@elpaseosb.com.
(From the website)
Contemporary Oaxacan cuisine + craft mixology, overlooking the Santa Barbara waterfront From the creators of Los Agaves & Santo Mezcal! For an experience unlike any other, come celebrate with Flor De Maiz restaurant. Our in-house event managers will do all the work for you, and can customize a celebration for all tastes, styles, and budgets. Family gathering? Corporate event? Social affair? Holiday celebration? No matter what your needs may be, we can help.
For reservations call 805-770-2963 or for groups over 12, please visit their website to complete an inquiry form.
(From the website)
Located directly overlooking the historic harbor with 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown Santa Barbara, Anchor Rose is the perfect place to share a cocktail, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, people watch or catch one of the American Riviera’s signature sunsets.
For reservations call 805-770-5069 or email info@theanchorrose.com.
(From the website)
The Harbor Restaurant is an iconic Santa Barbara restaurant, bar, and event venue, comprised of The Harbor Restaurant downstairs which offers ocean views from every table for an elegant dining experience daily, a fun and gorgeous bar, a private dining room, and an unequalled event space, as well as Longboard’s Grill upstairs offering more casual dining with an outdoor ocean-top patio and stunning views. Whether local or a visitor, this is the place to make your memories!
For reservations call 805-963-3311 or email events@harborsb.com.
The Ellwood at Goleta Beach
(From the website)
Welcome to The Ellwood at Goleta Beach, Santa Barbara County’s premier oceanfront dining destination. We are proud to offer a world-class culinary experience that perfectly pairs breathtaking ocean views with ingredient-driven cuisine. Located just one minute from UCSB and the Santa Barbara Airport, The Ellwood is the ideal setting for celebrations, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand event. Our menu showcases the finest local ingredients, while our exceptional beverage program features handcrafted cocktails and a world-class wine list, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest.
For reservations call 805-335-2878 or visit their website.
Convivo Restaurant at the Santa Barbara Inn
(From the website)
Just off the lobby, pool and pool area, Convivo Restaurant offers a captivating oceanfront setting for enjoying classic Italian fare ranging from wood-fired oven pizzas to fresh seafood and grilled meats and homemade pastas. On the outdoor terrace, gas lanterns and an outdoor fireplace offer the perfect romantic complement to the dramatic Pacific Ocean views.
For reservations call 805-845-6789 or email reservations@convivorestaurant.com.
(From the website)
Inspired by the fresh coastal flavours of Santa Barbara, CAYA restaurant welcomes everyone to Come As You Are for a modern culinary adventure paired with a mood as relaxed and inviting as a California sunset. Embark on a delectable journey through the West Coast with Chef Elisabetta Penso seasonal menus influenced by sustainably sourced local ingredients and global cuisine inspirations.
To inquire, email info@cayarestaurant.com.
(From the website)
At opal restaurant and bar, the entire dining room staff is available to take care of each table. The goal is to not only to give you exceptional service, but also to serve you in a manner that is warm and engaging, and properly nuanced to your mood and situation. To that end, we hire people with a heart who genuinely care about giving you the best possible experience. We are always evolving and will continue to do so in order to create a place you can continue to enjoy for many years to come: a restaurant that is the kind of place we’d like to eat at: elegant, sophisticated, yet comfortable and friendly with a genuinely caring hospitality.
To inquire call 805-966-9676 or email info@opalrestaurantandbar.com.
(From the website)
From a custom curated 3 course dinner here at our venue, a dinner in your home or a working luncheon delivered to your office. State & Fig's catering team will work with you to personalize your special occasion, delivering a memorable experience for you and your guests. The elegant setting within the La Arcada courtyard is truly a quintessential Santa Barbara experience.
For reservations call 805-965-1730 or email through their website to inquire.
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