About
When your Santa Barbara getaway requires fine dining with stunning views of the Pacific, make a reservation at Toma Restaurant & Bar.
Third-generation Santa Barbaran Julian Sanders and San Diego native Sam Grant own this premiere waterfront eatery. Julian brings his expertise as a certified sommelier and Culinary Institute of America's Accelerated Wine and Beverage program graduate. Similarly, Sam Grant relies on his years as a front-of-house veteran and San Diego restaurateur.
The cuisine features Italian-inspired dishes paired with an exceptional wine list. In addition, consider that Toma is located within an old-world, historic building with waterfront views, and it's a top choice for romantic or special dinners.
The restaurant's name, "to take" in Italian, symbolizes its philosophy of serving the region's best and freshest ingredients. The menu boasts a fantastic variety, and the chef's knack for innovation ensures that every visit feels new and exciting.
Its proximity to Santa Barbara Landing and The Funk Zone makes adding a delicious meal after a day on the water or shopping easy to plan.
Toma Restaurant & Bar is revered for superb food and is the go-to for memorable gatherings, celebrations, and intimate dinners. Be sure to add this eatery to your vacation itinerary.
Vibe
The curb appeal of Toma Restaurant & Bar is top-notch, with a manicured vine along the facade and a contemporary sign setting the mood.
Inside, the cozy atmosphere coexists with elegance and California charm. The lighting is dimmed to add to the romantic vibe, while white linen tables dot the room, perfect for romantic dinners or intimate groups. Large wood beams crisscross the ceiling, and sconces add additional light and warmth to the room.
Tasteful artwork adorns the walls, but it doesn't overpower the atmosphere or add pretentiousness; it enhances the laid-back vibe. The combination of all of these makes Toma Restaurant & Bar the perfect place to unwind and savor exquisite food after a day at Stearns Wharf.
Toma Restaurant & Bar: Menu & Drinks
Creativity abounds at Toma Restaurant & Bar, where Italian and Mediterranean cuisine are prepared with a twist. Chef Gregorio Bonilla is leading the way in this renaissance of flavor, personally shopping weekly at the Santa Barbara farmers market and supporting local fishermen.
An example of his finesse, passion, and dedication is the Tuna Cones. This appetizer features four crisp sesame seed cones brimming with ahi sashimi, ginger, sesame, soy sauce, chile, and chives. It's a creative twist—sushi meets the ice cream parlor!
There are plenty of pasta dishes, like lasagna and gnocchi, but a unique offering is Black Spaghetti. The spaghetti gets its ebony color from squid ink and is cooked in a wine, butter, and garlic mix before clams, pork calabrese, and salami are added. The combination of flavors makes this dark dish a hit!
The entree choices range from roasted chicken to crispy skin salmon and braised beef short ribs. A standout is the New Zealand Rack of Lamb, which is seasoned with herbs and fennel and roasted until golden brown. Borettane onions, crispy chickpeas, harissa, and pomegranate molasses sauce make this hearty meal flavorful.
Regarding cocktails, Toma once more flexes its muscles with a staple like The Western. This signature libation features Redemption High Rye Bourbon, Rabarbero liqueur, prickly pear puree, lemon juice, and lemongrass syrup. There are also mocktails, while the wine list will impress the most demanding palate.
With its inviting ambiance, exceptional fare and drinks, and commitment to local ingredients, Toma Restaurant & Bar is a must when visiting Santa Barbara.
Local Tips
- The kid's menu makes the restaurant family-friendly.
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Order a few dishes to share for a fuller tasting experience.
- Gift cards make for perfect presents or stocking stuffers.
