Where to Brunch in Santa Barbara: Your Guide to Some of the Best Brunch Spots in Santa Barbara

Whether you’re a Santa Barbara local or visiting California’s Central Coast for a dreamy weekend getaway, brunch in Santa Barbara is more than a meal — it’s a ritual. With stunning ocean views, fresh California flavors, and a laid-back coastal vibe, this town knows how to do brunch right.

I am gonna be honest with you, I am not a brunch person…

This girl developed an allergy to eggs (or maybe I was always allergic?) Yes, I do have chickens who produce eggs and yes I can eat them baked into something however if you give me a quiche, I might die. Brunch has always been a weird meal to me, although I do get the appeal. Especially when places cook up something other than eggs to choose from. And, I can have bites of eggs and be ok, usually.

Here is your official brunch guide, where we serve up some of the best brunch spots in Santa Barbara – from bougie to basic. Enjoy.

 


Top Brunch Spots in Santa Barbara

🥐 1. Helena Avenue Bakery (Funk Zone)

Why go: Locally loved for its fresh-baked pastries, avocado toast, and killer breakfast sandwich.
Vibe: Industrial chic meets cozy artisan
Must-try: Ham and cheese croissant, housemade granola, and their seasonal lattes.
Pro tip: Grab and go, then walk to the beach — it’s just two blocks away. Check out the website.

🍳 2. Scarlett Begonia (Downtown)

Why go: A hyper-local, chef-driven menu that changes weekly.
Vibe: Intimate patio dining tucked off State Street.
Must-try: Lemon ricotta pancakes or the chorizo scramble.
Pro tip: Ask for a seat under the market lights — brunch + ambiance = magic.

 

🥂 3. Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach

Why go: Oceanfront brunch with the sound of crashing waves.
Vibe: Classic SoCal coastal.
Must-try: Crab cake eggs Benedict and a signature Bloody Mary.
Pro tip: Arrive early or expect a wait — this one’s popular for a reason.

 

 

🌱 4. Dawn Patrol (Downtown)

Why go: Fully customizable hash and fresh-pressed juices.
Vibe: Casual, high-energy, and health-forward.
Must-try: Build-your-own breakfast hash or the breakfast burrito.
Pro tip: Order online ahead of time to skip the line on busy weekends.

🍞 5. Chad’s Cafe (Waterfront) – Formerly known as Sambos

Why go: Beachy, no-frills breakfast done right with generous portions & you get muffins.
Vibe: Chill local favorite just steps from the sand.
Must-try: French toast combo with eggs and bacon.
Pro tip: Sit outside for a front seat to people-watching on Cabrillo Blvd.


Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

  • Handlebar Coffee Roasters: Come for the espresso, stay for one of their baked goods.

  • Lilac Patisserie: 100% gluten-free, you won’t even know the gluten is missing.

  • Secret Bao (Sundays only): Their brunch specials include Korean chicken and waffles and scallion pancake wraps.


✨ Bonus Brunch Picks

🍳 Finch & Fork (Inside the Kimpton Canary Hotel)

Why go: Elevated brunch with serious flair and one of the best cocktails lists in town.
Vibe: Modern comfort with a touch of swank.
Must-try: Fried chicken & waffles or the Dungeness crab omelet.
Pro tip: Head to the rooftop afterward for coffee and a panoramic view of the city and mountains.

🥟 Dim Sum at China Pavilion (Downtown)

Why go: For a brunch that breaks the mold — think steamy dumplings and savory buns.
Vibe: Casual yet authentic dim sum experience. No carts, you order on a sheet like sushi.
Must-try: Shrimp har gow, BBQ pork buns, and egg custard tarts.
Pro tip: Go early — dim sum service gets busy.


Brunch + Tour? Yes Please.

Planning your Santa Barbara weekend? Pair your brunch adventure with a walking food tour for the full flavor experience. At Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours, we’ll take you where the food is at, some behind the scenes of downtown but mostly eats, bites, and sips — no restaurant reservations or Yelp battles needed, we’ve got that covered.


Final Thoughts: Brunch Your Way Through the American Riviera

Santa Barbara brunch isn’t just a meal — it’s become a lifestyle. With a lot of brunch options to choose from, you’ll find something that fits your vibe and works for you and your crew. So get on it and then tell us all about it.

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