Often referred to as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a unique city located on a south-facing portion of California‘s dramatic coastline. With the  Santa Ynez Mountains as a beautiful backdrop, you’ll find that restaurants in Santa Barbara often deliver stunning views on top of world-class food.
So, when you’re after some brunch in the city, it’s easy to find lots of great places serving strong mimosas and superb views. The city’s so full of great brunch spots, in fact, that it can be hard to know where to look first. It’s why we set out to find seven of the spots serving a truly superior brunch.
As home to lots of UC Santa Barbara students just looking to get a taste of Sunday brunch, there’s no denying that this best brunch in Santa Barbara is mouthwateringly good. But, see for yourself…
Best Brunch In Santa BarbaraHow do these rankings work?
1. Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
What do you get when you pair Santa Barbara’s most spectacular ocean views with a delicious extended breakfast? One of the best spots for brunch in the city, of course. It’s hard to beat the views at the legendary Boathouse. And, their flavourful breakfast dishes just take the experience to a whole new level. From their corned beef hash to a fantastic array of eggs benedict, you’ll find everything here to be absolutely mouthwatering.
2. Casa Blanca
Casa Blanca is one of the city’s top Mexican restaurants. And, on Sundays, they offer something called “Fiesta Sundays,” which feels like a true party indeed. Order from an authentic Mexican breakfast menu of dishes including chilaquiles, breakfast enchiladas and lots and lots of chorizo. Then, choose to add on bottomless mimosas, Bloody Mary’s or even margaritas. Tequila for brunch? It’s a thing in Santa Barbara.
3. Finch & Fork
Finch & Fork offers guests a truly elegant, laidback atmosphere in which to enjoy New American classic and some of the best brunch food in Santa Barbara. Dishes are all crafted with the bounty of the local area in mind which means that you can expect lots of local California flavour in everything you eat. Order eggs, toast or plates full of BBQ chicken and French toast. It’s all so simple yet so elevated and unique.
4. Scarlett Begonia
If you’re after the best brunch in Santa Barbara that is local and organic then you’ve gotta check out Scarlett Begonia. The chefs here work hard to craft thoughtful dishes using only fresh, organic ingredients. The result is a fantastic menu featuring innovative dishes such as Yukon Gold cinnamon rolls, smoked salmon and something called “dirty fries.” They take simple American classics and elevate them to new heights.
5. Paradise Cafe
Paradise Cafe has been a local staple on the breakfast and brunch scene since the 1980s. And, it’s in part due to their fantastic, sun-filled patio. However, the brunch food truly is a work of art as well. Everything from omelettes to fruit-topped waffles is on the menu here. And, when you throw in some of the best Bloody Marys in the city, it’s easy to see why people call ahead just to reserve a spot for brunch here.
6. Bree’osh
This artisanal bakery might be a little unassuming, but once you’re inside you’re greeted by the delectable aroma of their fresh, mouthwatering bread. They make it saily from sourdough, which is mixed in small batches and shaped by hand and baked on-site. It’s the basis of all of their incredible pastries, which you can enjoy every day from 7 am to 2 pm. Order it with a Croque Monsieur, open-face tart or even as part of their Eggs & Cheese brioche. Add on some well-prepared coffee and you’re in brunch heaven.
7. Jeannine’s Bakery & Restaurant
Walk into this bakery and cafe-style restaurant and you’re automatically greeted by a tantalising array of fresh cakes and pastries. Resist the urge to dive right into the goodness right there and take a seat to order from their weekend brunch menu. It features everything from Irish oatmeal and homemade granola to benedicts and griddle cakes. Not sure what to order? Their breakfast quesadillas are particularly drool-worthy.