Santa Barbara is one of the most popular California destinations for romantic travel.  It’s easy to see why; the Central California coastline is just as beautiful, but calmer and more accessible than that of Northern California. There are a handful of 5-star luxury resorts in the Santa Barbara area that count among the best in North America, and for a medium sized town, there is a remarkable amount of cultural activities. Anyone planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or another romantic occasion) in Santa Barbara will want to make reservations at one of its best upscale romantic restaurants. Here are Uptake’s Top 5 recommendations.

Top 5 Most Romantic Restaurants in Santa Barbara, California

Bouchon – Full disclosure: We like this restaurant so much, we reserved a room in Bouchon for my husband’s 40th birthday party.  The menu varies with the season, and the wine list is extensive and well-rounded. In fact, the wine list here is among the best of any restaurant along California’s Central Coast. Santa Barbara and Napa Valley wines are especially well respresented. This is a very popular, “hip” restaurant, so ask for the quieter, more dimly lit side of the restaurant for a romantic meal.

Downey’s - Hands down the best restaurant on State Street, Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare, Downey’s menu changes with the seasons — guaranteeing fresh, delicious appetizers and entrees. Give the artisinal cheeses a try with some merlot or a California Syrah. Also recommended are the seafood dishes; the shellfish is outstanding, and the wild caught salmon (only seasonally available) is special, too. Downey’s is a truly upscale restaurant, and it would be a real treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner here.

Miro at Bacara Resort & Spa – Bacara is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, and Miro is the best of its on-site restaurants. If you’re not a guest of the resort, advance reservations are more than recommended; they are a necessity.  Bacara is a popular resort, especially during the spring and summer, and the wait list will be long without a reservation. Miro has a romantic ocean view – request seating during sunset, and a special, memorable vista will be yours.  Try standard favorites such as the steak or lobster, they are both very well-prepared. And it goes without saying that a bottle of champagne will complement the romantic meal.

Olio e Limone - I’ve found that Olio e Limone caters to an older crowd than Bouchon, though it’s on the same block as top-rated Bouchon. The atmosphere is that much more quiet and sedate, perhaps lending itself more to a romantic dinner than Bouchon. The wine list is solid but can’t compare to Bouchon or the Stonehouse. Olio e Limone really specializes in fantastic Italian food; in particular, more Northern Italian specialties and less red sauce. The pasta is made to order, and outstanding. In short, it is a small, intimate restaurant, very well-suited for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.

Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch - An actual citrus packing factory from the 1800s has been transformed into a truly luxurious, romantic restaurant at The San Ysidro Ranch. Now, this top-rated restaurant and resort are actually in Montecito, but Santa Barbara is less than 10 minutes away. Stonehouse Restaurant has attentive service and fresh entrees made, in part, with herbs and fruits grown right on the resort property.  Even the bread basket, filled with just-made lavosh, is a treat. The dining is romantic inside by the fireplace, or outside, with the ocean in the distance and the scents from the property’s fruit tress in the air. People travel miles to come to The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, and its is most highly recommend for romantic meals.

Valentine’s Day is just one of many opportunities given to us to go have a lovely, romantic meal. Anyone traveling to Santa Barbara for their anniversary or honeymoon will be more than pleased with the dining experiences at these top 5 romantic restaurants.