6 Best Spots for Brunch in Santa Barbara

Want to know a little secret? Breakfast used to be my least favorite meal of the day. I didn’t mind it so much as a kid, but throughout college and my 20s, brunch was more about the experience of being with friends — one I hoped would take place after 11am so I had a better chance of ordering lunch food (and maybe sleeping in). Fast forward several years and I have learned to appreciate (and really enjoy!) a good brunch. I often get asked for recommendations for brunch in Santa Barbara and can confidently say I do have some suggestions. So, in no particular order, here are my top spots for brunch in Santa Barbara (plus a few honorable mentions). 

Credit: The Boathouse at Hendry’s

The Boathouse at Hendry’s 

What’s better than breakfast with a view? Especially if it’s an ocean view. Add in giant mimosas, Bloody Marys with all the right accoutrements, satisfying plates like crab cake benedict and pork chilaquiles, and it’s no wonder The Boathouse draws crowds. If it’s a weekend, you likely won’t be seated right away unless you go early, but with unobstructed ocean views and incredible people watching, you won’t mind the wait.

Tip: The bar area has several high top tables available first come, first serve, offering the same views but with potentially less of a wait. You can also order the full menu from the bar. 

Credit: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore

Bella Vista at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore

Be sure to bring your appetite to Sunday Brunch at The Biltmore, where bottomless mimosas, indulgent buffet offerings (seafood, caviar, cheese, charcuterie, sushi, desserts…) and made-to-order eggs await. True to most fancy buffets, there’s a carving station featuring prime rib or rack of lamb. Not expected, though, is the Asian station offering a rotating selection of dim sum and spring rolls. The buffet ($85 per adult, $43 for kids) is offered from 9am – 1:30pm on Sundays (there’s a smaller a la carte menu is available on Saturdays). 

Tip: Opt for a table on the oceanview terrace for a true “I’m having brunch in Santa Barbara” experience. 

Credit: Scarlett Begonia / Ashley Gove

Scarlett Begonia

Tucked off State Street in the Victoria Court, Scarlett Begonia is one of my favorite places for brunch. The outdoor courtyard patio is quaint and charming, and the creative brunch menu highlighting local, organic and house-made ingredients never ceases to impress. The menu changes to reflect what’s in season, and there are always weekly specials, but you can’t go wrong with one of the regular standbys: shrimp and grits (my husband’s favorite) or soft-scrambled eggs. I’m a fan of the eggs with creamed spinach and aged Gouda. 

Tip: The Yukon Gold Cinnamon Roll may get all the attention (and rightly so), but Scarlett Begonia has one of the better breakfast-appropriate beverage lists in town. In addition to fresh-squeezed OJ, house-made sodas and lattes, the cocktail selection is on point. So if you’re looking to add some booze to your morning, this is a good spot.

Credit: Renaud’s

Renaud’s

Jonesing for a flaky almond croissant and a cappuccino? Or how about a perfectly cooked french omelet or hearty Croque Monsieur? Renaud’s is your place, with a simple yet satisfying bistro menu of French favorites and pastries for dine-in or to-go. There are several locations around town, but I’m partial to the Arlington Plaza spot. It has a peaceful patio and the right amount of people watching. 

Tip: Pick up a few French macarons or an elaborate cake to enjoy later. You won’t regret it. 

Credit: Lilac / Vanessa Weber Photography

Lilac Patisserie

Lilac Patisserie is the only dedicated gluten-free bakery and café in town, but the food is diverse and tasty enough for even die-hard fans of gluten. From quiche to breakfast sandwiches and scrambled eggs, the menu is fresh and simple, while the cute Parisian café ambiance adds charm. 

Tip: Lilac specializes in cakes, which you can watch being decorated right in front of you. Some are available to purchase there, but you can also place custom orders for parties.  

Credit: Belmond El Encanto

Belmond El Encanto

The Bellini Brunch at El Encanto is a great choice for special occasions, offered on Sundays on the serene terrace overlooking the city. It all starts with family-style seafood appetizers, followed by something from the a la carte list and ends with a dessert buffet. What really makes this brunch special — besides the views and the bottomless bellinis, of course — is the live jazz to accompany your meal. It really elevates the experience. The Bellini Brunch is $95 per person, $45 per child.

Tip: While there are a couple slightly more traditional breakfast items on the menu (eggs benedict and huevos rancheros), the offerings tend to be more lunch-focused, such as pasta, swordfish and steak, for example. If you’re looking for eggs and a side of bacon, you may want to go somewhere else. 

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There you have it: my top picks for where to have brunch in Santa Barbara. Of course, there are plenty of other great places to get your brunch on, so you can’t go wrong. Here are a few others worth noting:

Honorable Mentions:

Best for a Classic American Breakfast: Farmer Boy

Classic American fare and a casual diner atmosphere. Enough said.

Best for Casual California Fare: Dawn Patrol

This easygoing restaurant has a California casual setting that fits in with its surroundings. Enjoy a house-made muffin, huevos rancheros or a build-your-own hash.

Best for Coffee & a Light Bite: Handlebar De La Vina

Handlebar has mastered the California cool coffee culture. A strong latte with an almond croissant or loaded avocado toast is sure to hit the spot anytime of day.

Best Locals’ Spot: The Shop Kitchen

Order from the window, then snag a spot on the sun-drenched patio for hearty, homemade offerings.

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Cover image credit: Four Seasons Resorts