There’s no better way to fuel the day’s adventures than with a trip to one of Santa Barbara’s well-loved breakfast spots. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before setting out on one of the area’s picturesque hiking trails or a leisurely brunch before basking on the beach, Santa Barbara has a diverse array of options to kickstart your day with flavor. From diners serving up hearty classics to trendy eateries offering a creative twist on your favorite dishes, here are our picks for the best breakfast in Santa Barbara.
Feature Photo: Courtesy of D’Angelo Bakery
Upper State
Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery
With locations in Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Goleta, Jeannine’s is a go-to choice for locals and tourists alike. For three decades, his family-owned gem has served up favorites like the banana Kahlua French toast and Gordy’s Breakfast Club Sandwich. Enjoy a meal on their outdoor patio or stop for a quick coffee and take home one of their renowned cakes, cookies, pastries, and pies. jeannines.com
Handlebar Coffee
Opened by former pro cyclists Aaron Olson and Kim Anderson, Handlebar Coffee is a hub for local riding groups and coffee-lovers alike. From rich and silky lattes to freshly-roasted brews, their coffee pairs perfectly with light bites like their cheddar chive scone, buttery croissants, and breakfast sandwiches. Locals and visitors agree that the line is worth the wait. handlebarcoffee.com
Eastside
The Shop Kitchen
This trendy American eatery promises a gourmet experience with a twist, offering an inventive menu paired with a lively and hip atmosphere. On the charming outdoor patio, sip a cup of Handlebar Coffee as you peruse creatively-named dishes like the Yolo, the Tugboat, or the Like-a-Tiger — but be quick — their popular chilaquiles often sell out. Feel free to bring your dog! shopbrunch.com
Waterfront
Chad's Café
Family-owned for five decades, Chad’s radiates nostalgic charm through its cozy atmosphere and classic American diner dishes. Indulge in large portions of homecooked staples like their chicken-fried steak and eggs, breakfast quesadilla, or pancake stacks. With a beachside location offering ocean views, it’s the perfect spot for a casual breakfast — served all day. chadscafe.com
Downtown / FunkZone
Cajun Kitchen
Cajun Kitchen serves up Cajun-Creole fare in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy Southern classics like chicken and waffles, jambalaya and eggs, or their irresistible breakfast beignets that practically melt in your mouth — and ask to swap your toast for cornbread or a blueberry muffin! Breakfast is served all day at locations throughout the Santa Barbara area, including two in Goleta and one in Ventura. cajunkitchencafe.com
Finch & Fork
Stylish, upscale ambience and sophisticated cuisine combine at Finch & Fork, located inside the Kimpton Canary Hotel. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, this chic eatery brings Santa Barbara fishing and farming to your table. Don’t miss the Short Rib & Sweet Potato Hash — the seasonal breakfast bread with Vermont butter is also a popular choice. finchandforkrestaurant.com
D'Angelo Bakery
For an on-the-go breakfast, stop by D’Angelo Bakery for coffee, pastries, and bread to take for the road. Their freshly-baked, European-style bread – with more than a dozen varieties served each day — is a popular choice. Or take a seat on their charming outdoor patio, where you can enjoy traditional breakfast fare including a variety of dishes featuring their renowned poached eggs, such as the Egg “Rose”: poached eggs with artichoke paste on their house-made kalamata olive bread. dangelobakery.com
Scarlett Begonia
Scarlett Begonia embraces a commitment to locally-sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients, serving modern cuisine in a rustic-chic setting. Their regularly-shifting menu reflects their dedication to freshness and seasonality. Take a seat on the dog-friendly outdoor patio and indulge in favorites like the shrimp and grits, lemon ricotta pancakes, and Yukon cinnamon roll. Scarlett Begonia also offers Bubbly Brunch: a three-course fixed menu with 90 minutes of bottomless beverages. scarlettbegonia.net
Lilac Patisserie
When Gillian Murales was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2002, she and her husband Alam set out to redefine gluten-free baking. The result was Lilac Patisserie: opened in 2015, the bakery is dedicated to serving gluten-free desserts and pastries without compromising taste. Enjoy their waffles and cinnamon buns, or opt for something more savory in their egg dishes and avocado toast, each pairing effortlessly with a coffee or matcha in this elegantly-decorated café. lilacpatisserie.com
Cajé
Take a seat in this laid-back, modern café, where in-house roasted, single-origin coffee beans create the perfect cup. Using fresh, local ingredients, Cajé offers morning staples like refreshing acai bowls and avocado toast with tomato and balsamic glaze. Their signature coffee drinks, garnished with seasonal flowers, fresh fruit, and fragrant herbs, will please the eye as much as the taste buds. Beyond its three Santa Barbara locations, its Isla Vista location is a popular spot for UCSB students. caje.coffee
Crushcakes & Café
At Crushcakes & Café, everything is made from scratch with a focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients. Try the red velvet pancakes, the breakfast tacos, or the Happy Pig breakfast sandwich featuring maple-roasted ham. And it’s never too early for dessert — cupcakes and cakes are available all day in the display case. You can also check out their second location in Goleta. crushcakes.com
Mesa
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
If you’re looking to pair breakfast with a stunning ocean view, Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach is the place to go. Known for its seafood, this classic brunch spot offers the signature Crab Cake Benedict — a flavorful combination of snow and rock crab cakes, poached eggs, and hash browns. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary garnished with bacon and shrimp. You’ll be tempted to take a dip in the waves after your meal for the perfect coastal morning. boathousesb.com
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
