About
Did you know you can dine in a Spanish restaurant without boarding a plane or needing a passport? Welcome to Loquita Santa Barbara!
This vibrant eatery is in a Spanish-style building and has a patio with terracotta tiled flooring and vine-covered trellises, adding to its authenticity.
Loquita Santa Barbara crafts each Spanish-inspired dish with local produce, meats, and seafood, combining California's bountiful harvest with old-world charm.
But the secret to Loquita's stellar menu is the talented culinary team. The current Executive Chef graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and has over twelve years of experience. Most importantly, the chef is passionate about Spanish cuisine.
Located near Stearns Wharf, combining a meal at Loquita is easy after exploring the beach area and downtown Santa Barbara.
With its eye-catching facade, enchanting garden patio, stellar Spanish cuisine, and wine, dining at Loquita Santa Barbara will make you feel like you're in Barcelona!
Vibe
Even before you meet the hostess, the facade confirms you're in for a fantastic dining experience. Loquita Santa Barbara looks like it was plucked from the streets of Madrid and dropped on the Central Coast. The two-story structure has classic Mediterranean-inspired white walls and a Spanish-tiled roof. Picture windows reveal an inviting interior, while the patio offers charming al fresco dining.
The interior blends California chic with Spanish influences, creating a contemporary, laid-back atmosphere. The walls are off-white, with wooden accents here and there, adding warmth to the restaurant. Wood tables dot the area, and booth-style seating is available along the walls. Seating is ideal for a romantic dinner or with friends after exploring the various gardens at Lotusland.
The patio transports you to Spain, with terracotta tiles, flower-adorned archways, umbrella-covered tables, torches, and garden lights for dining under the stars.
The vibe of Loquita Santa Barbara is one of celebration and community, making it ideal to unwind and enjoy a memorable meal on your Santa Barbara vacation.
Loquita Santa Barbara: Menu & Drinks
If you're unfamiliar with Spanish cuisine, you're in for a treat at Loquita Santa Barbara. The culinary team replicates classics from the region that will have you talking long after your getaway.
One staple that's a must-try is any of the seasonal paellas! Like pizza, this dish has many variations and ingredients, but the core is the saffron-infused rice with additional spices.
Case in point is the Chorizo y Pollo and the Mariscos paella. As the name implies, the Chorizo y Pollo showcases slices of chorizo and rocky free-range chicken. Add gigante beans, hen of the woods, salmorra, padrón pepper, and lemon aioli; you can't go wrong with this classic.
The Mariscos is a seafood lover's dream with grilled bay scallops, Prince Edward Island mussels, jumbo prawns, black garlic sofrito, shiso, and saffron aioli.
Another Spanish-style offering to try is the tapas. These small plate servings are ideal for sharing, enabling patrons to sample a variety of flavors and textures. The Pera showcases whipped Spanish goat cheese, sangria poached pear, pistachio salsa verde, cara cara, and smoked sea salt.
Another popular pick is the Carpaccio de Carne, which showcases grass-fed beef, Manzanilla olive, pickled mustard seed, 12-year sherry vinegar, truffle manchego, and parsley aioli.
The full bar at Loquita Santa Barbara offers an array of specialty cocktails and an impressive wine list featuring Spanish vineyards, all of which complement the menu listings.
Visiting Loquita Santa Barbara will make you feel like you've been whisked away to the Mediterranean Coast to savor authentic Spanish cuisine in a villa-like setting.
Local Tips
- Tapas are ideal for sharing and experiencing a variety of flavors.
- Check for happy hour specials to save on drinks and appetizers.
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Gift cards make great stocking stuffers and presents.
- Join their email list for updates and specials.
