We had a fantastic brunch here while scoping out potential wedding venues/receptions. Our server Eric was unbelievably helpful not only with his normal serving capacity but also showing us the area and where welcome dinners/receptions are held. Will definitely keep this in mind for our future plans and cannot express how fantastic the food/service/atmosphere is here.

Omg this was increíble food. Very innovative and delightful to the senses. Best meal of the year so far. Margarita as well. Give it a go, if you can get a spot. Also very sweet servers working there. (One small thing - the entrees came before we finished the appetizers so a bit quick — food this amazing should be given time to be savored. Ask them to hold your mains if you feel the same ;)

ever since chef john took over the menu this place rules!!! best food best people best vibes. if you get olivia as your server you're gonna be EXTRA stoked :-)

Every dish we were served was exquisite. Brussel sprouts, they were roasted crispy and very tasty, the dessert was spectacular. We will definitely be dining here again.

Im here solely because of the PHENOMENAL service we had tonight from our server Haliyah. She was attentive, polite and just a delightful spirit. One of the best service experiences I’ve had in Santa Barbara. Had the most delicious Brussels sprouts too! We will be back.

The service level was beyond expectations and the menu is mind-blowing. Food was delicious and cocktail menu is irresistible. The atmosphere is wholly unique, authentic, and charming. We can’t wait to come back!

We had the oak-charred portobello mushroom slices with charred lentils, and that was a fun new choice! On a very positive recommendation from a friend, both our parties also ordered a fabulous side discharged Golden Hominy Cheese casserole-- a new take on Mac n cheese, maybe? We loved it. Pricy, when you consider the vegetarian ingredients, but their spin was creative and new to us. Also, perfect location before an evening concert at the nearby Lobero Theater. Very SB!

THIS HIDDEN GEM WAS WONDERFULL.THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS(UNDERSTATEMENT)THE STAFF is HELLA Kool VERRY ATTENTUVE AND FRIENDLLY,THE GENTLEMEN WHO ATTENDED TO US WAS A GENTLEMEN & A SCHOLAR THANKX FOR THE GOOD VIVES FOLKS

Eric was so friendly to us and they have a pretty amazing chilaquiles!

A gorgeous spot with outdoor seating, located on a quiet street near downtown SB. We were not that impressed with the food. For the price, it didn’t hit either fine dining in terms of taste, or Mexican in terms of authenticity. Staff was friendly and efficient, and our starter arrived quickly. Go for the ambience but temper your taste bud expectations.

Such a special place! Their customer service is phenomenal, the ambiance is lovely, and the food was so delicious. We ordered a salad, the steak, cocktails, and the bread pudding. Everything was great and cooked perfectly! They also had plenty of heaters for their outdoor seating that kept us warm and cozy. It was a wonderful evening and I'd happily return.

My wife and I had a day outing planned for us and our two young guest, so they can experience life a bit out of their norms. This place offered them a great experience thanks to the staff, but most of all our host. He attended to us with superb customer service. I would definitely visit Santa Barbara again just to eat here again. The food was delicious! The Oaxaca old fashion didn’t last very long unfortunately. If you’re looking for a cool and hip ambient with the perks of a classy service, this is a must while in Santa Barbara or SB as I overheard someone call it.

We had an incredible dining experience at La Paloma Café before heading to a show, and I'm so glad we made reservations--this place gets busy! Thankfully, we were seated on the top patio, tucked into a cozy, secluded corner with a perfect view of Santa Barbara's bustling nightlife. It was such a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Patio is dog friendly. Our server, Bobby, was outstanding--attentive, accommodating, and genuinely friendly. Great service can make or break an experience, and Bobby made sure everything was seamless. 10/10 Now, let's talk about the food! Instead of standard chips, they serve Churritos--light, crispy, already spiced, and absolutely addictive (pro tip: ask for a side of lime!). Then came the Crispy Brussels Sprouts--charred to perfection with oak soy porcini sauce, pickled red onion, and cotija cheese. Hands down, the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had. 10/10. For the main course, we had the Pork Shoulder Carnitas, served with comal roasted tomatillo salsa, peanut macha, black beans, and warm flour tortillas. The pork was melt-in-your-mouth tender, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. 10/10. If we lived in Santa Barbara, we'd be regulars! Everything--from the ambiance to the service to the food--was top-notch. Highly recommend making a reservation and treating yourself to an unforgettable meal here.

Yum! We had a fun evening at La Paloma! The interior is nice and cozy, food was delish, service was top notch! The Carnitas was the table fav. Loved the Christmas decoration.

Probably one of the best restaurants I have eaten at in SB. Amazing patio and bar. Chief Jeremy has made a perfect balance of Santa Barbaras cuisine with incredible ambience.

+1

A downtown popular cafe that we finally tried out one evening ... met all our expectations with exception of the staff that were across the board all exceeding my expectations in attentive, helpfull services including the kitchen staff answering questions with fun diet-issue solutions.

Such a wonderful spot in Santa Barbara. I love that it’s away from the Funk Zone. The food is delicious and the outsource the sourdough bread from a local bakery and its delicious.

We had a lovely dinner here. Everything was very good and several dishes were exceptional. The ribbed corn was awesome and we especially loved the smashed potatoes they serve with their top notch tri-tip. The panna cotta and chocolate tort were fabulous. The service was friendly and we enjoyed the leisurely European pace of the dinner. One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara.

Came here for an event with a set menu. I was slightly concerned when the menu didn't look an house Mexican, but fear not - it was some of the best upscale American-Mexican fusion food I've had. We had fish, chicken, and steak. The prior two lighter meats were good, but the steak was outstanding. I would definitely return to see what the normal menu is like.

All food and drinks were excellent! Great service. The pan cornbread is very decadent. Sweet, rich and spicy

Had the tri-tip, and she had the vegetarian tacos. Nice presentation and well balanced dishes. They are definitely on the smaller side but we were satisfied and had enough room for the lovely fruit cobbler.

I need 6-stars for La Paloma Cafe, or I need to knock-off a star from all other restaurants. The tri-tip was an amazing explosion of flavor. My wife had the fish entree, and loved it. All the appetizers were excellent. The server was friendly and efficient. He forgot our potato side dish, but that's okay. I eat at all the great restaurants in Santa Barbara, but now they all seem just good in the shadow of La Paloma.

La Paloma is one of those rare gems that make a town feel like home. They truly love and support our community, and it shows in everything they do. Whether it’s partnering with local events, showing up for causes that matter, or just serving up incredible meals with a smile, La Paloma is more than a restaurant. They are part of the heartbeat of this community. Their kindness, consistency, and flavor are unmatched. And let’s be honest, their margaritas are so good that one sip and you might start planning all your meetings there.

Let me start off by saying this place is impeccable! I love everything about this place. There dishes were amazing and the ambiance was inviting. The servers are perfection! I came here with my partner to celebrate our 2 year anniversary 🤍♥️ they made the night so special for us with sweet champagne and an exquisite dessert ! We left in awe! The posible was delicious and the steak was *chefs kiss*. Highly recommend!

We’re relatively new to Santa Barbara and have started checking out many bars and restaurants across town. One of our absolute favorites has been La Paloma. It’s a welcoming environment with very friendly staff (shout out to Bobby and chef Jeremy!) and incredible food. Highly recommend the mission chicken, their delicious paloma (or any of the cocktails really), and flan for dessert! Already looking forward to going back.

The golden hominy casserolle is an absolute MUST. Everything was tasty, but especially the casserole. We ordered the tri tip and the grilled daily fish apart from casserole, but the hominy casserole was the star of the show.

Beautiful restaurant with excellent service and great food. 100% nailed the up scale Santa Maria style bbq flavors with unique offerings. Highly recommend the blue fin chorizo, the tri tip, and best of all was the carnitas. 10/10 dining experience!

We hosted our son and daughter-in-law's rehearsal dinner at La Paloma Cafe and it was perfection! The food was amazing (the best we had all weekend), the servers were wonderful (helpful and personable) and the atmosphere was just what I was hoping for. We do not live in CA so I had to pick a place off the Internet which made me a little nervous; however, I could not have asked for a more perfect evening. Thanks to everyone at La Paloma!

Hidden gem - this is the spot you’re looking for. It’s off the main street, and for all the better. The service, the food, the drinks and the ambiance leave nothing to be desired. Beautiful and delicious are understatements - epic meal. Bobby’s service and recommendations were wonderful and make you feel at home. Highly recommend this lovely place for brunch, dinner, a date or a low key lunch. You will be happy you came.

La Paloma Cafe was the perfect venue for our private cocktail hour and dinner for our wedding day. We had a beautiful 3.5-hour event on their stunning two-tiered patio, which offered an intimate and breathtaking setting for our guests. The food was absolutely amazing – each dish was delicious and beautifully presented. The service was top-notch, and we received so many compliments from our guests on how great everything was. A special shout-out to the bartender outside, who was incredibly friendly and made everyone feel welcomed while serving up fantastic drinks. We even had our first dance on the patio, which made for such a magical moment. I highly recommend La Paloma Cafe for anyone looking for a beautiful, welcoming venue with amazing food and exceptional service!

Pure California on a plate and in a glass. Each dish prepared carefully with expertise and command of each component. Service was warm and welcoming. Environment was a perfect backdrop to our farm fresh meal. Because of the great experience, we visited two other Acme properties - The Lark & St. Helena Bakery. Go. To all of them. They know what they’re doing.

Amazing food and a limited menu that emphasizes quality over quantity. Patio also had a great vibe. Solid as it gets.

I've been wanting to try this place for a while and I'm so glad we finally got the chance. I'd definitely say this is the kind of place you can do tapas style sharing of plates. We came on a very very busy day, we had made a reservation but there was still a backup on the kitchens end. I wish all restaurants could take note from this staff because we were checked in on heartily while we waited for our food, giving us updates on our order, making sure we had water/drinks and were content at our table in the mean time. The food was also very much worth the wait, we got the tomato tartine, zucchini & burrata, tri tip, and fries. For the two of us it was plenty of food. The couple of cocktails we tried were also very good, especially the coffee cocktail i had. I really love that they have a seasonal menu so you could come here and try something different every time. Overall stellar service, food and drinks. We look forward to coming back to try the bunch menu!

Best meal I’ve honestly had in years! This was a serious culinary experience. We had a burrata zucchini appetizer served with fresh hot baked bread. My daughter had the cauliflower pine nut vegetarian meal and it was an explosion of flavor! Lastly the halibut with fennel was insane. Our server Haliyah was delightful and the string lights on the patio and great music created the perfect vibe.

Outstanding food and service. Relaxing/fun atmosphere. Tri-tip and tuna inferno app were amazing. Delicious wine selections and rec’s. A must in Santa Barbara!!

La Paloma made our wedding dinner absolutely unforgettable! After a rocky start, the owner went above and beyond in ways that were far beyond what anyone could expect. They showed such kindness, flexibility, and genuine care to make our night perfect. The food was phenomenal, the staff was warm and attentive, and every detail felt thoughtful and personal. It truly was an extraordinary act of kindness! It’s rare to find a restaurant that puts so much heart into what they do and that prioritizes customer service. I’ll forever be grateful for how special they made our evening and will definitely be coming back. If you’re looking for incredible food, beautiful ambiance, and people who truly care about their guests, La Paloma is the place to go!

Such an amazing experience. If you know Santa Maria style BBQ, it will take it to a whole new level. Also, the pork shoulder you did not know it could be so tender! Try the Cowboy cocktail and hibiscus margarita with a Tempernillo for dinner🤘🏼. Also, do corn bread, oriechetta, and Ranch salad...

A very laid back and delicious place to eat. Beautiful patio. Unfortunately, on the day we were there, a smoker trailer was stranded right beside the patio, so we moved inside to avoid the smell. Food was delicious and I was able to have an amazing gluten free salad. Service was chill but helpful.

Took a bit of convincing despite our early suppertime arrival, but we managed to grab an outdoor table while the place was fairly empty (despite being fully booked). Despite the negotiations, service, cuisine and vibes were phenomenal. Highly recommend.

Top notch restaurant with style and class. A fine place for special occasions or taste appreciation. The large potato wedges meet all the requirements for the ideal French fries-crispy, chewy, hot, lightly salted. Food has sustenance and oomph that only a great chef can create and put pull together. The desserts are a must, as well as are the oysters. Santa Barbara has style and beauty and so does this restaurant. Even without reservations you can get seated.

+6

Olivia was such an attentive and thoughtful waitress. She asked if we were celebrating anything and I told her it was my birthday. She treated us to 2 complimentary sparkling cocktails and a birthday cake! We enjoyed the best vegetarian green pazole & ordered the chicken and tri tip. Both to die for perfectly BBQ.

We stumbled across this place by accident, and we are so glad we did! The food was great, the atmosphere/ambiance was perfect! Chef Jeremy made us some amazing food, and Jorge is fantastic!! 10/10 would come here again!! Thank you ~

+6

We decided to have our rehearsal dinner here in May and could not be happier with the experience! Lynee was great and responsive during the booking process. The servers took great care of us as well. The location was perfect and walking distance to where many people were staying. The food was out of this world good! Loved the brussel sprouts, cheesy hominy, tri-tip and the chicken. The drinks were delicious, especially the Paloma! Everyone said great things about the food and service. Can't wait to come back!!

So good they get a review while I’m at the restaurant. The service was great. The staff was very friendly and found a place for us to sit even without a reservation. The ambiance is great and the building the restaurant is really cool. There is plenty of heaters for the outdoor dining. They also have blankets if you need one. There is a cool mural that sits over the bar. It is conveniently located near the walking streets. Now the important things the food. The menu is small but the food is a grand slam. The entrees were so good and we ended the meal with their pot de crème and bread pudding. They were amazing. Be sure to make a reservation. You can’t go wrong eating here.

+3

We spent Mother’s Day at La Paloma Cafe for brunch. It was absolutely delicious. Great food choices with super fresh salads and vegetables, lovely service and excellent desserts. The churros were everyone’s favorite. So scrumptious!

We just hosted our wedding reception at La Paloma Cafe over Labor Day Weekend and it was simply amazing. We had a reception for 54 people out on the back patio and it was perfect. It was such a beautiful space and fit our needs exactly. Working with Megan was a great experience and she made everything very easy for us. She was very accommodating and informative and was willing to work with us on our various needs and requests. On the event day, the space was set up perfectly - exactly according to our specs. The food was AMAZING - we got so many compliments on everything, especially the brussel sprouts and hominy. The drinks were superb - especially the margaritas - and the wait staff was so patient, kind and responsive. I'm so so glad we went with La Paloma. It was perfect for our wedding. We can't wait to come back and visit again so we can have another meal here and relive our special night.

We held our wedding reception at La Paloma in May 2024 and it was absolutely amazing. Our wedding was on the smaller side -- 55 people -- so we needed a space that was intimate and the La Paloma patio was perfect. First off, the service is incredible! The manger Christy, who is a gem of a human, made sure we were taken care of all night long. Not only was she extremely attentive on our wedding night, but we had dined at La Paloma multiple times prior and she was always making sure we were taken care. The food and drinks are 10/10. Our guests and vendors were telling us it was the best wedding food they've ever had. The entire night was flawless and the staff was so attentive and kind. I definitely recommend holding your event here, or just stopping by for a meal if you're in Santa Barbara. Thank you to the La Paloma team, Christy, and Megan at ACME who helped us coordinate the event.

We had such a great experience here! Only in town for one night and wow what a fun time! Erick, our server, got us everything we wanted and needed from start to finish. He even recommended the BEST side dishes for each of our entrees! Cannot recommend enough, great food and stellar service!

I was hearer as part of a reception after a wedding. The food was absolutely amazing. Best “wedding” food ive ever had. I couldn’t imagine how good it must be off the regular menu. Really good spot, come here.

The duros(?) were amazing. Fun spot, wish it were a bit warmer, as we would've sat outside. Forgot to take images of my main entree (Chicken with white sauce) ... delicious!

+1

Food was excellent, derive was great! Highlights were the cornbread, arancini, and trout.

Service was sadly very slow/ inattentive. Food was delicious: cornbread, tri-tip, half chicken. The sweet potato appetizer was just ok. Love the atmosphere which depends on where you sit. #1 preference Ask to be seated on the patio near heat lamps. Avoid inside which is strangely too dark. And definitely avoid sitting near the restrooms (which is brightly lit) otherwise you get a constant flow of people traffic (and an eyesore).

We were in town for a wedding that happened to fall on Mother’s Day weekend. Thankfully, my son and husband had the foresight to make reservations in advance (with a little nudging… wink, wink). They picked the spot, and it was perfect. We sat outside—beautiful weather, stunning bougainvillea, and gorgeous landscaping all around. The staff were warm, attentive, and incredibly accommodating. The food was exceptionally fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Truly unique spices and combinations. Having moved from the West Coast to the East Coast (native Californians!), it was such a treat to experience the unmatched quality of California produce again—though we’re beyond grateful and happy with our East Coast life. Life is GOOD! Highly recommended. If we’re back in the area, we’ll absolutely be returning!

Great brunch spot to stop at on the way to San Diego. Highly recommend the breakfast sando. Delicious and filling! They also had the cutest Christmas decorations. It felt like stepping into a winter wonderland 🎄

The pork chop was amazing. Juicy and tender. The Paloma salad was on point. The Tri Tip was also great. Ask for veggies if your kids get the chicken tenders. The broccolini the chef grilled instead of fries was amazing. The drinks were also great. The Paloma and the Christmas drink complemented the meal. The folks working here are friendly and attentive. Kids eat free Sundays.

Loved Paloma Cafe! It was our first time there & it did not disappoint. Both our dinner dishes were delicious including fresh herbs & seasonal vegetable. We opted out of the dessert menu & swung back to the cornbread replacing the spicy topping with honey & a pat of butter. So good!! The (decaf) coffee was delish too! The staff were kind, friendly & accommodating. Love the outdoor atmosphere, a sentimental throwback to the Paradise Café!

Had an outstanding dinner here on the patio. One of the best cornbreads I’ve ever had. The broccolini with whipped tahini was super flavorful. The baby back ribs with side of potato salad was chefs kiss. Nice local wine selection, and the service was wonderful!

A must-visit in Santa Barbara if you love Spanish cuisine or are a foodie. The Burnt Ends Bowl is just a perfect mix with tender yet chewable brisket, rice, beans and special sauce. Add an egg to boost the flavour and smoothness. Bloody Maria is another must try cocktail. It looks pleasant and elegant. The celery salt on the glass lifts your taste buds and your mood. The restaurant offers several beautiful seating areas, including a spacious lush outdoor patio, a charming bar. The professional and friendly staff team make your dining experience unforgettable. Highly recommended.

We stopped in but nothing on the menu really spoke to us so we left without eating. But the servers were incredibly friendly and accommodating. The festive decorations inside were amazing and the patio, where we were seated, was very comfortable. I have no doubt the food will be excellent. We’ll find out when we return.

The dishes we as a family of four were delicious. The wagyu tri-tip deserves its top billing on the menu here. The taste is deep and complex, and the salsa in the dish is an exquisite combination. My son loved how a more standard dish like chicken was seasoned. The cerviche was delectably tangy and spicy. And the roasted tomato soup -- among the best I've had, with what tastes like garlic granules sprinkled throughout. Oh and the duro starters they provide as complimentary is not your ordinary chip. Highly recommended.

We arranged a welcome reception at La Paloma the night before my daughter's wedding. It was fantastic. The staff was so helpful picking the menu and arranging things. The food was fabulous. They also were very accommodating with the children and kids meals. We highly recommend them!!!

A friend recommended La Paloma and it was a great suggestion. The staff was very friendly, prompt and attentive. Food was excellent all around in terms of flavor, presentation and portions. Atmosphere is great (lots of patio seating) and I’m a sucker for a place with an interesting history, Will make a point to visit again 🔥😀 and if they have the berry Cobler…yes!

My now husband and I held our wedding reception on the semi-covered patio (we did a patio buyout) at La Paloma Cafe (wedding of 52 people). It literally could not have been a better experience. The staff were friendly, thoughtful, attentive, and overall incredible. The food was INSANELY delicious (guests, as well as my husband and I, are still raving about how incredible the food was). The ambiance was romantic, beach-y, and intimate. Additionally, we had some very individuals present with VERY serious allergies, and the staff/kitchen went above and beyond to ensure everyone with allergies were safe, felt safe, and had delicious food options available to them. Although La Paloma Cafe doesn't have a traditional dance floor, they bent over backwards accommodating us, creating a mini dance floor for the first dance/father-daughter dance/mother-son dance. It was beyond beautiful. Our only regret was not purchasing 2 more hours because we had the best time of our lives (ANOTHER REVIEW TO BE POSTED ONCE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS ARE RECEIVED).

Amazing brunch!! Everything was fantastic. Service was great, food was amazing (the burger is out of this world), and the patio atmosphere is exactly what we were looking for.

bridget

We were in town for a wedding that happened to fall on Mother’s Day weekend. Thankfully, my son and husband had the foresight to make reservations in advance (with a little nudging… wink, wink). They picked the spot, and it was perfect. We sat outside—beautiful weather, stunning bougainvillea, and gorgeous landscaping all around. The staff were warm, attentive, and incredibly accommodating. The food was exceptionally fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Truly unique spices and combinations. Having moved from the West Coast to the East Coast (native Californians!), it was such a treat to experience the unmatched quality of California produce again—though we’re beyond grateful and happy with our East Coast life. Life is GOOD! Highly recommended. If we’re back in the area, we’ll absolutely be returning!

Cece

Great brunch spot to stop at on the way to San Diego. Highly recommend the breakfast sando. Delicious and filling! They also had the cutest Christmas decorations. It felt like stepping into a winter wonderland 🎄

Cesar Medina

The pork chop was amazing. Juicy and tender. The Paloma salad was on point. The Tri Tip was also great. Ask for veggies if your kids get the chicken tenders. The broccolini the chef grilled instead of fries was amazing. The drinks were also great. The Paloma and the Christmas drink complemented the meal. The folks working here are friendly and attentive. Kids eat free Sundays.

Jean Reardon

Loved Paloma Cafe! It was our first time there & it did not disappoint. Both our dinner dishes were delicious including fresh herbs & seasonal vegetable. We opted out of the dessert menu & swung back to the cornbread replacing the spicy topping with honey & a pat of butter. So good!! The (decaf) coffee was delish too! The staff were kind, friendly & accommodating. Love the outdoor atmosphere, a sentimental throwback to the Paradise Café!

Steven Samrock

Had an outstanding dinner here on the patio. One of the best cornbreads I’ve ever had. The broccolini with whipped tahini was super flavorful. The baby back ribs with side of potato salad was chefs kiss. Nice local wine selection, and the service was wonderful!

Maggie Chen

A must-visit in Santa Barbara if you love Spanish cuisine or are a foodie. The Burnt Ends Bowl is just a perfect mix with tender yet chewable brisket, rice, beans and special sauce. Add an egg to boost the flavour and smoothness. Bloody Maria is another must try cocktail. It looks pleasant and elegant. The celery salt on the glass lifts your taste buds and your mood. The restaurant offers several beautiful seating areas, including a spacious lush outdoor patio, a charming bar. The professional and friendly staff team make your dining experience unforgettable. Highly recommended.

Grant Johnson

Amazing brunch!! Everything was fantastic. Service was great, food was amazing (the burger is out of this world), and the patio atmosphere is exactly what we were looking for.

Grish240

We stopped in but nothing on the menu really spoke to us so we left without eating. But the servers were incredibly friendly and accommodating. The festive decorations inside were amazing and the patio, where we were seated, was very comfortable. I have no doubt the food will be excellent. We’ll find out when we return.

Kien Lam

The dishes we as a family of four were delicious. The wagyu tri-tip deserves its top billing on the menu here. The taste is deep and complex, and the salsa in the dish is an exquisite combination. My son loved how a more standard dish like chicken was seasoned. The cerviche was delectably tangy and spicy. And the roasted tomato soup -- among the best I've had, with what tastes like garlic granules sprinkled throughout. Oh and the duro starters they provide as complimentary is not your ordinary chip. Highly recommended.

Ann Orel

We arranged a welcome reception at La Paloma the night before my daughter's wedding. It was fantastic. The staff was so helpful picking the menu and arranging things. The food was fabulous. They also were very accommodating with the children and kids meals. We highly recommend them!!!

Chris Dornfeld

A friend recommended La Paloma and it was a great suggestion. The staff was very friendly, prompt and attentive. Food was excellent all around in terms of flavor, presentation and portions. Atmosphere is great (lots of patio seating) and I’m a sucker for a place with an interesting history, Will make a point to visit again 🔥😀 and if they have the berry Cobler…yes!

Shannon Ng

My now husband and I held our wedding reception on the semi-covered patio (we did a patio buyout) at La Paloma Cafe (wedding of 52 people). It literally could not have been a better experience. The staff were friendly, thoughtful, attentive, and overall incredible. The food was INSANELY delicious (guests, as well as my husband and I, are still raving about how incredible the food was). The ambiance was romantic, beach-y, and intimate. Additionally, we had some very individuals present with VERY serious allergies, and the staff/kitchen went above and beyond to ensure everyone with allergies were safe, felt safe, and had delicious food options available to them. Although La Paloma Cafe doesn't have a traditional dance floor, they bent over backwards accommodating us, creating a mini dance floor for the first dance/father-daughter dance/mother-son dance. It was beyond beautiful. Our only regret was not purchasing 2 more hours because we had the best time of our lives (ANOTHER REVIEW TO BE POSTED ONCE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS ARE RECEIVED).

Lovely atmosphere. I'm a connoisseur of tortilla soup and have tried all kinds of varieties from all over and the soup at La Paloma was outstanding! More than that, Linda, our server could not have nicer! She helped make the experience a good one.

La Paloma Cafe is a gem of a restaurant. A lovely dinner all around-- the beautiful, fresh Paloma Salad and hamachi crudo with a unique sauce. We loved it all and I highly recommend the chicken Milanese served with the crisp apple slaw salad. Attentive, professional, and welcoming service from Linda and the whole team.

My wife pre reserved a table for 12 adults and 2 toddlers for brunch this month on a Sunday after my infant son’s baptism. The staff was courteous and accommodating. Coral helped us with the reservation communications and seating. Keygan (sp?) was our server that day. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly with our guests. The food was delicious, brunch menu had variety, but not too much, which was nice and the drinks were great. It was especially a nice surprise to see that young children (toddlers) had an item they could order (complimentary) when the parents ordered an item. That’s a nice add and hopefully stays on the menu! I liked the atmosphere and outdoor seating. I also liked that the bill didn’t have auto gratuity for this larger group reservation. It made me want to tip more. The service was exceptional and the people were great.

We came here to celebrate my wife’s birthday; it was our first time and we will definitely be repeat customers. Our server keynan was really attentive and gave great recommendations. The manager checked in on us occasionally and was very kind, which really added to the experience. Lastly, the food was one of the best we’ve had, including Michelin restaurants. We had the salad with chicken, and chilaquiles with tri tip. The best item we had was the sausage on the side; it was the best sausage we’ve had in our life.

Thomas H.

My wife pre reserved a table for 12 adults and 2 toddlers for brunch this month on a Sunday after my infant son’s baptism. The staff was courteous and accommodating. Coral helped us with the reservation communications and seating. Keygan (sp?) was our server that day. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly with our guests. The food was delicious, brunch menu had variety, but not too much, which was nice and the drinks were great. It was especially a nice surprise to see that young children (toddlers) had an item they could order (complimentary) when the parents ordered an item. That’s a nice add and hopefully stays on the menu! I liked the atmosphere and outdoor seating. I also liked that the bill didn’t have auto gratuity for this larger group reservation. It made me want to tip more. The service was exceptional and the people were great.

Santa Barbara Gina

La Paloma Cafe is a gem of a restaurant. A lovely dinner all around-- the beautiful, fresh Paloma Salad and hamachi crudo with a unique sauce. We loved it all and I highly recommend the chicken Milanese served with the crisp apple slaw salad. Attentive, professional, and welcoming service from Linda and the whole team.

Dr David Ruttenberg

Took a bit of convincing despite our early suppertime arrival, but we managed to grab an outdoor table while the place was fairly empty (despite being fully booked). Despite the negotiations, service, cuisine and vibes were phenomenal. Highly recommend.

Rishell O'Brien

A very laid back and delicious place to eat. Beautiful patio. Unfortunately, on the day we were there, a smoker trailer was stranded right beside the patio, so we moved inside to avoid the smell. Food was delicious and I was able to have an amazing gluten free salad. Service was chill but helpful.

Great little place, got a little backed up the weekend I was there so the food took a while, chilaquiles are pretty good but also get a little boring halfway through.

La Paloma offers good food, a comfortable atmosphere and friendly service, but at a price. La Paloma has indoor as well as ample outdoor seating. I think it will be a tough reservation in the warmer months. Our service was friendly and went the extra mile. We all enjoyed our entree (carnitas, fish and chicken). Good stuff all around. I have read a few comments to the effect that the drinks are small and a bit icy for the price. My margarita was good, if not a touch skimpy. And the prices are what you'd expect for an up-market restaurant in a tourist town like SB. At the higher end, but not offensive, especially given the quality. We will return.

Updated: Maxine, the GM, called and profusely apologized for the situation. I really appreciated the phone call and her offer to make the situation right. Original Review: I booked a table for 6 over a month ago for the Tinsel Town room they have decorated for Christmas. Two weeks ago, management called me and said they had booked the room for a private party and asked if we could shift our reservation to the night before. I took two days to ask everyone in our party if that was okay and then called them back to change the reservation. I left a voicemail to change it and that day it was rebooked on Open Table by whoever received my message. Come the night of our reservation, my party all decked out in our Christmas best, show up and they’ve reserved 6 bar seats for us. Why would anyone with a party of 6, want to sit at the bar???!! No one was going to be able to talk to each other except for the person sitting next to them. We were beyond frustrated and expressed this to the hostess. While she was very kind, the solution was to sit us outside next to a small fire pit where we sat with our food plates in our lap. To say the least, pretty disappointed in that we wanted to be inside where it was all decorated and had a reservation. Nothing was offered either (dessert, a free drink, etc) for the fact that they screwed it up. It’s the holidays, in the grand scheme of things, I get it isn’t that big of a deal, but we were left feeling a bit sad we didn’t get to sit where we made the reservation to enjoy the atmosphere.

There were 6 of us, the check came we shared it equally 1/3 each, added the tip and left. What we found out later, is that there was a 20% tip already included, the server never told us that, which we thought that was weird. If there had been 8 or more of us, I feel that normally a tip is included, but not for 6. So, we ended up tipping the server 40%. We would have never done that if we knew there was a tip already included. The service and food was great, just not 40% great.

The cafe is a really lovely place in Santa Barbara. We have the Burnt End Bowl and Tri Tip Breakfast Tacos, both are really good.

+5

Service was outstanding 👏 and atmosphere awesome on a warm Santa Barbara evening. The menu choice was solid and inventive 💪🏽. One issue is that in most dishes one element overpowered the rest of the taste. The vinegar in the arugula salad 😳the sweetness of the sauce on the chicken 😠and the heavy mushroom reduction on the Brussel sprouts😒. Worth going for sure but you could taste the missing love ❤️in the kitchen that night.

first time here , delicious oak charred foods were supreme , tri tip, carnitas and we also had charred tuna, crispy Brussels sprouts and side of burnt ends bbq beans Waitstaff were phenomenal and our server was so nice and accommodating he made our experience all the more , Definitely will be recommending This place to friends if they are visiting in the area , special place 🥰

+3

Very nice place, the atmosphere is really chill goog vibes. The food was good, perfect flavor , very good breakfast i had here. The drink was refreshing and really good. The service was great, everyone has this good mood that make you feel comfortable

Good spot to grab some brunch. They have a good selection. I got the chilaquiles and pozole. The pozole isn't your traditional one, it's more like a tortilla soup. They're aqua frescas are good and refreshing. I also tried the avocado tostada, real good. Coffee is good aa well. Servers were great. Very nice and courteous. Give it a try.

+2

Visited Paloma cafe after a graduation ceremony at UCSB. We ran about 45 mins late and they kept our table. Their menu was limited but all the items sounded so delicious. I wanted to try the breakfast tacos but they were out. So decided to go for the burnt ends bowl topped with an egg ($22+3). The bowl wasn’t huge and maybe I expected something bigger however it was tasty and was a great combination of flavors. The burnt ends were nice and meaty. My son got the eggs and bacon which was four strips of bacon and two eggs with fingerling potatoes. We sat outside which on a sunny day it is a nice treat. Highly recommended and will stop by next time we are in SB.

+3

We got off on the wrong foot, as we wanted to sit outside, but every table on the deck was rented out by a private event (I do not understand why so many places allow this). But the food and atmosphere that took a minute to liven up, was great! Drinks were even better. Only odd thing was that we were asked 5 times by different bus-boys and servers if they could take our plates, as we were still eating and had food on the plates. Overall, great place with good vibes!

walk into the restaurant around 1:20 PM on a Thursday. They were very slow. Interior was completely empty. We sat outside. They’ll accommodate your seating if you’d like. Halfway during our meal, it did get very warm. So just voice your concern if needed. Brussels sprouts - HIGHLY recommend. The flavor and char is there. The bottom with all the sauce was a bit salty for me. 9.5/10 Brisket burnt end bowl - the brisket burnt end was a bit tough. Not the tenderness I was hoping for. Flavor is there though! The salad was a good pairing with the bowl. The rice is at the very bottom which wasn’t as much as beans in the bowl. I’d give it a 7/10.

J Redmond

We got off on the wrong foot, as we wanted to sit outside, but every table on the deck was rented out by a private event (I do not understand why so many places allow this). But the food and atmosphere that took a minute to liven up, was great! Drinks were even better. Only odd thing was that we were asked 5 times by different bus-boys and servers if they could take our plates, as we were still eating and had food on the plates. Overall, great place with good vibes!

Sherns Wang

walk into the restaurant around 1:20 PM on a Thursday. They were very slow. Interior was completely empty. We sat outside. They’ll accommodate your seating if you’d like. Halfway during our meal, it did get very warm. So just voice your concern if needed. Brussels sprouts - HIGHLY recommend. The flavor and char is there. The bottom with all the sauce was a bit salty for me. 9.5/10 Brisket burnt end bowl - the brisket burnt end was a bit tough. Not the tenderness I was hoping for. Flavor is there though! The salad was a good pairing with the bowl. The rice is at the very bottom which wasn’t as much as beans in the bowl. I’d give it a 7/10.

Bethany Wood

Updated: Maxine, the GM, called and profusely apologized for the situation. I really appreciated the phone call and her offer to make the situation right. Original Review: I booked a table for 6 over a month ago for the Tinsel Town room they have decorated for Christmas. Two weeks ago, management called me and said they had booked the room for a private party and asked if we could shift our reservation to the night before. I took two days to ask everyone in our party if that was okay and then called them back to change the reservation. I left a voicemail to change it and that day it was rebooked on Open Table by whoever received my message. Come the night of our reservation, my party all decked out in our Christmas best, show up and they’ve reserved 6 bar seats for us. Why would anyone with a party of 6, want to sit at the bar???!! No one was going to be able to talk to each other except for the person sitting next to them. We were beyond frustrated and expressed this to the hostess. While she was very kind, the solution was to sit us outside next to a small fire pit where we sat with our food plates in our lap. To say the least, pretty disappointed in that we wanted to be inside where it was all decorated and had a reservation. Nothing was offered either (dessert, a free drink, etc) for the fact that they screwed it up. It’s the holidays, in the grand scheme of things, I get it isn’t that big of a deal, but we were left feeling a bit sad we didn’t get to sit where we made the reservation to enjoy the atmosphere.

My husband and I have been here several times for dinner dates and really enjoyed it. We went for brunch with our family and were truly disappointed. The kids menu is a joke. The food portion and prices are outrageous. The “scrambled eggs with cheese” is literally just 1 scrambled egg without any sides for $7. It came out and we chuckled in disbelief as we were expecting at least some fruit on the side. We asked for toast and the waitress said they don’t serve toast but gave us 3 mini tortillas (which we didn’t know we would get charged $4 for). The kids french toast is just one small piece of toast cut in half. Again you would think a side a fruit would come with it. We shared our displeasure with the waitress and she just looked at us with a smile as if she knew it was ridiculous too. Since the kids (3 and 4) were still hungry we ended up ordering an adults meal for them to share. Whoever is in charge of the kids menu really needs to do better unless the restaurant is trying to purposely deter kids from going there for brunch. On the plus side, the adult entrees were pretty tasty.

Service- 10/10- staff was very nice and sweet. But we were very disappointed from their drinks. We ordered 2 specialty margaritas and both very bitter, terrible flavor. So we asked if we can do a classic margarita thinking it can't go wrong. Again-VERY very bitter, my husband refused to drink it. Food was good.

Great atmosphere right next to state street with a kind staff. We got a salad which was solid and the tacos which were really, really average for $24. Beers were $9 and cocktails $20… Come here if you’re bored and want to act fancy

Food was very good - enjoyed everything after they finally got around to taking our order. Service was so slow someone had to go ask if anyone was working the patio. Sat outside on a cool night and although they had heaters, only one work, and it was not near us or majority of patrons outside. Service ruined dinner.

I had a party of 12 come here for brunch recently. Food and ambience were great, but the service from the "front of the house" was subpar. I called at 10AM on Sun AM and let the restaurant know that I was coming in at opening time with a party of 12. I got a quick "sounds good, see you then!" so figured we would be all set. Upon arriving we were greeted by an unpleasant front desk host, who asked why we didn't just call before showing up with our group. It took 15+ minutes for them to push 3 nearby tables together, and they then offered us different menus than the standard brunch for our group. These different menus had very few vegetarian options, and even asking for alternatives from the "original" menu seemed to be a hassle for their team. Moreover, when it appeared we didn't have enough place settings for our group, I reached out to the host, who again had a negative attitude about the situation. Luckily our server, Diego, was the saving grace of the staff. He was great, and tried to help where he could. Overall, while we enjoyed the food, the service was both slow and unpleasant.

Lomo Saltado was hugely over salted and one of the trout dishes was still raw in the middle (not a little undercooked as it could/should be, raw). First visit for a while and no plans to return. Shame as a nice spot. P.S. the restaurant's private response to the this input was to apologise and hope we give them another try. Another expensive roll of the dice for average food (at best) so why they think that's likely is confusing to me when there are so many alternatives in SB.

I truly don't understand the reviews. It took us 15 minutes to be seated, 45 minutes to get our first glass of water after several reminders. The drinks were a little watery. The menu is small, so there isn't a huge amount of choice, and the plates are really not that good. I had the bluefin tuna, which was overcooked. The chicken was soft and flavorless. The tri-tip was stringy. Do yourself a favour and go somewhere else.

5 de mayo and they had a big advertising about "brunch and live music" so we decided to make a reservation. The brunch was a joke! A table station with 2 types of tacos and 2 saladas, tortillas and rice, that's all, the other table, with 2 guys making eggs. The worst part and we were very disappointed when we ordered 2 micheladas, that were water with tomatoes juice nd pepper! We asked the waitress to send it back to the bar. The waitress came back with a new one that was a bloody Mary! So we aked the waitress what's going on? Doesn't the bartender know how to prepare a "michelada"? So he said "is the way we prepared like bloody Mary! Wowow 2 complete and different drinks! Bloody Mary is made with tequila or vodka as the menu says, michelada is made with beer!!! At the end they didn't charge me with a can beer I ordered. The live music ended when we arrived at 2:00 pm. We spent $100 for 3 tacos, and 2 glasses of water!! We should it go to a truck food and for sure the food would it be much better! $45 per person for a brunch where the only 2 tacos options it was chicken or carnitas! Change the bartender who obviously he doesn't know how to prepare a drink! What kind of mexican restaurant doesn't have guacamole!! Shameful!! Never again, please go to somewhere else, Santa Barbara has great restaurants, but not this one for sure!

I’m still mourning the old menu. La Paloma isn’t the same restaurant that it used to be. I tried to like the menu but my tri tip was way too dry for me to even fake it. Bring back the carnitas I beg of you. I feel like I can’t recommend this restaurant to people anymore. Service rocked though, loved our waitress.

This place needs to revisit their entire indoor SEATING arrangement. Last night, the room was COLD & awkward seating overall, along with hard wood bumper to bumper chairs. No comfort level. Why would you sit a party of 6, smack dab center! 2 doors for outdoor patios, with 1 table in the way of the door. The party of 6 could easily have been sat on the right, towards the top of the stairs. The staff brings hot food, to your freezing cold plate. Eliminate high chairs! Additionally, way too long of dish explaining, shaving of prosciutto over, overpriced deviled eggs! Watching staff go around a light a tiny candle, ugh! + cover the kitchen door entrance, please.

Parisdoesrock

This place needs to revisit their entire indoor SEATING arrangement. Last night, the room was COLD & awkward seating overall, along with hard wood bumper to bumper chairs. No comfort level. Why would you sit a party of 6, smack dab center! 2 doors for outdoor patios, with 1 table in the way of the door. The party of 6 could easily have been sat on the right, towards the top of the stairs. The staff brings hot food, to your freezing cold plate. Eliminate high chairs! Additionally, way too long of dish explaining, shaving of prosciutto over, overpriced deviled eggs! Watching staff go around a light a tiny candle, ugh! + cover the kitchen door entrance, please.