About
Jane is an iconic, family-owned eatery in the Theater Art District of Santa Barbara. Inspiration for the restaurant's name comes from the matriarch of the Huston family, Jane. Growing up in the farmlands of Indiana, she watched passengers whizz by in trains dining and dreamed of adventures around the world. Not only did she fulfill this aspiration, but photographs of her travels grace the restaurant's walls.
Jane has earned a solid reputation for crafting fresh, homemade cuisine. The menu showcases entrees inspired by classically trained French chefs combined with California's seasonal ingredients. Think American bistro meets European panache.
Along with stellar cuisine, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience in Santa Barbara. Diners may enjoy the al fresco view from the second-story balcony overlooking the Theater District. Yet others may choose to dine at a communal table ala "family-style." The floor-to-ceiling fireplace makes the room cozy, adding to the vibe of dining in a home rather than a restaurant. Moreover, with its proximity to landmarks like the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Jane is your go-to for delicious cuisine for the entire family.
Hospitable service complements the exceptional food at Jane. This creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, whether celebrating a special occasion or dining with friends.
Add Jane to your travel itinerary and discover a world filled with the love of family and exceptional fare.
Vibe
Jane is in a historic Spanish building steps away from The Arlington Theater. The restaurant exudes elegance yet has the earmarks of a warm, inviting California atmosphere.
The long interior boasts vaulted ceilings with a balcony seating area overlooking the lower level. Additionally, a large picture window on the ground level, and balcony seating directly above, offer views of the Theater District.
What makes dining at Jane unique is the atmosphere, which will appeal to various patrons. The wooden farm-style tables downstairs whisper of Jane's childhood in Indiana. This contrasts with the vintage Paris cafe-style seating on the balcony. For special occasions, the indoor loft area can be transformed into dining tables resembling something from Downton Abbey. The bottom line is that Jane is suitable for families with children or special black-tie affairs.
Jane: Menu & Drinks
Mark and Mary Huston met at culinary school. Aside from falling in love and getting married, they are the creative duo behind Jane's menu.
They are dedicated to using only fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch. The result is authentic cuisine that is delicious and void of pretentiousness. This is something matriarch Jane would surely smile about!
Begin your dining adventure at Jane with a shareable, like the Mediterranean Spinach Salad. This healthy starter features fresh spinach, tomato, shaved red onion, mixed olives, and eggplant pate on toast with a balsamic vinaigrette.
For the adventurous, try the Grilled Maple Leaf Farm Duck Breast. The duck is grilled perfectly in a blackberry orange sauce and dusted with candied orange zest. The duck is tender and flavorful and comes with seasonal vegetables and scalloped potatoes.
Similarly, customers praise the Chicken Piccata. This dish is juicy and paired with a zesty lemon-caper sauce, which elevates the dining experience. This showcases Jane's commitment to a farm-to-table philosophy and sourcing locally.
Like the dining room's various vibes, the menu has some twists. The burgers and sandwiches are an excellent addition to the menu, perfect for those craving comfort food. The burgers come on a homemade sesame bun with mayonnaise and house-made sauces. For an additional cost, any burger or sandwich can be made gluten-free in a lettuce wrap.
Furthermore, the wine and beer list offers impressive choices that pair with all shareables and entrees. The full bar can craft any libation you crave, while non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, tea, and coffee are available.
When your Santa Barbara vacation requires homemade goodness in an inviting atmosphere, you can't go wrong dining at Jane.
Local Tips
- Save room for the homemade coconut cake! It was Jane's favorite!
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- The kid's menu makes dining at Jane family-friendly.
- Don't hesitate to ask your server for drink pairings with your meal.
