The Harbor Restaurant

4.0 ( 725 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
210 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
+1 805-963-3311

The Harbor Restaurant, perched on the picturesque Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, is not just a dining spot; it’s an experience. This seafood haven blends stunning ocean views with exceptional cuisine, and patrons have consistently praised its romantic atmosphere and warm service. As noted by customers like Tetiana Uhim, the restaurant captivates with modern dishes that delight the palate. Michael Kohn highlighted the halibut and Harbor Crispy Rice appetizer, stating they are not to be missed, while Kathleen Salvucci raved about the rich and creamy Risotto Milanese and Oysters Rockefeller, which set the culinary standard high.

The recent renovations have truly redefined The Harbor Restaurant, offering an elegant interior and live jazz that enhances any dining experience. With Roth Ironsides at the helm, the commitment to culinary excellence is palpable, and dishes like seared scallops and short ribs exemplify the innovative menu. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, The Harbor Restaurant promises a memorable outing, blending great food with an enchanting ambiance. It’s clear why this establishment is highly recommended by visitors and locals alike.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • From the business
    • Identifies as Latino-owned
    • Identifies as women-owned
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Has great wine list
    • Has rooftop seating
    • Good for watching sport
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Serves organic dishes
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Romantic
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Brunch reservations recommended
    • Dinner reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • On-site parking
    • Paid parking lot
    • Plenty of parking
    • Valet parking

Reviews For The Harbor Restaurant

Tetiana Uhim
Jun 9,2025
It was a really great experience! The restaurant is wonderful with amazing views and romantic atmosphere! The dish was made modern and delicious, the staff were friendly and professional!
Chanel Shakur
Apr 29,2025
Our waiter Ricardo was a kind hearted man, he gave excellent service on our first visit.
Michael Kohn
Apr 6,2025
I’ve dined at The Harbor Restaurant in Santa Barbara several times, and the service has been outstanding every visit. Today I had the halibut with mashed parsnips—absolutely delicious! You should also try the Harbor Crispy Rice appetizer. Actually, you must try it, so delicious! The view here is the best in Santa Barbara. Watching birds fly by and spotting the occasional sea lion or dolphin makes every meal feel special. Whether you’re here for a family dinner, date night, or a casual lunch, it’s the perfect spot. The management is super friendly and welcoming, and they host great events throughout the year. If you get the chance to attend one—especially around New Year’s Eve—don’t miss it! Highly recommend The Harbor Restaurant! 5 stars
Kathleen Salvucci
Apr 2,2025
Whether you're a local or just visiting, this waterfront restaurant is a must-visit destination. The food was absolutely incredidble. From start (Oysters Rockefeller!) to finish (The Berry Cheesecake), this restaurant delivered a remarkable meal that left us thoroughly impressed. My main course - the Risotto Milanese was rich and creamy, with the perfect balance of texture. I will forever be left dreaming of their Mussels and its sauce. As the sun set over the water, the restaurant’s large windows and cozy lighting created an intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with loved ones. The food, the views, and the ambiance come together to make this a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Tom Burgher
Mar 29,2025
Our family of 6 celebrated my wife’s Birthday at the reimagined Harbor Restaurant. Reopened in Feb 2025, the interior is elegant and modern. It includes a separate bar area and a nice wine list. On Wednesday evening, a jazz trio plays during the early dinner hours. The best news is they have brought Roth Ironsides onboard as Chief of Operations for Harbor Restaurant and LongBoards. Roth was the Chef/Owner at Stella Mare’s Bistro in Montecito before closing due to sale of the property. Many of his staff transitioned with him. Our server was attentive and outgoing adding to the pleasantry of the evening. Our food was excellent last night including the daily special of seared scallops on a bed of diced veggies; the fresh halibut, and the short ribs. This refresh puts Harbor Restaurant back at the top of the list for a first class downtown dining experience.
Lauren Withers
Mar 24,2025
My husband and I had dinner here while on our honeymoon. The staff were so cheery and delightful to have us. The manager David was genuinely excited to have us and made us feel so special. The atmosphere was wonderful and the food was incredible. We enjoyed every bite while watching the sunset. Also the cheesecake is to die for! It was the perfect experience.
Steve Dato
Mar 22,2025
I recently planned and held an annual reunion dinner in the Santa Barbara room at the Harbor Restaurant. Yoko, the event planner, was great to work with and very flexible with my changes. The service and food were excellent and the views of the harbor were stunning. I had several comments from the group that it was the best food and venue that we've ever had in my 15 years of planning the dinner.
Angi Cervantes
Mar 20,2025
We came here for a birthday celebration. We had a view overlooking the ocean. The food was amazing as was the service! I highly recommend eating here!

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Oriental Sushi
(267 review)
Oriental Sushi
  • 600 Portion Rd, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, United States
sushi restaurant
+1 631-738-7887
Cheryl's Beau Bees
(113 review)
Cheryl's Beau Bees
  • 108 W Walnut St, Smithville, TN 37166, United States
restaurant
+1 615-215-2328
MUSE Brasserie
(627 review)
MUSE Brasserie
  • 60 St George's Pl, Cheltenham GL50 3PN, United Kingdom
Restaurant
+44 1242 239447
Roy's Restaurant
(1389 review)
Roy's Restaurant
  • 333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Restaurant
+1 619-239-7697
Viva Mexico - Mexican Restaurant
(1123 review)
Viva Mexico - Mexican Restaurant
  • 6063 Mount Moriah Rd Extended, Memphis, TN 38115, United States
Mexican restaurant
+1 901-795-0302
Aux 2 Tomates
(206 review)
Aux 2 Tomates
  • 2273 Chem. du Parc, Orford, QC J1X 7A2, Canada
Restaurant
+1 819-843-4781
The Devine Cast
(1406 review)
The Devine Cast
  • Calle 59 #513 x 62, Calle 59, Centro, 97000 Merida, Yuc., Mexico
restaurant
+52 999 928 4715
Mezza Luna Pizza
(291 review)
Mezza Luna Pizza
  • 633 Milford Warren Glen Rd, Milford, NJ 08848, United States
pizza restaurant
+1 908-995-4111
Mithai Indian Cafe
(468 review)
Mithai Indian Cafe
  • 744-F E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, United States
Indian restaurant
+1 919-469-9651
Chilli Chicken House (CCH)
(883 review)
Chilli Chicken House (CCH)
  • 7700 Hurontario St Unit 108a, Brampton, ON L6Y 4M3, Canada
hakka restaurant
+1 905-454-8999