Villa Azul Guidebook / Tips & Advice
Outdoor eats
Many of the outdoor parklets for eating have been removed.
Call ahead if you want to be sure of outdoor seating!
You can walk to all but the last four listings!
Our favorite upscale spot for “special occasion” dinners. Italian specialties, specialty drinks and delicious desserts. Reservations are a must for dinner. Toma is a easy stroll from Villa Azul.
805-962-0777 or use "open Table" for a online reservation
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Toma Restaurant & Bar
324 W Cabrillo BlvdOur favorite upscale spot for “special occasion” dinners. Italian specialties, specialty drinks and delicious desserts. Reservations are a must for dinner. Toma is a easy stroll from Villa Azul.
805-962-0777 or use "open Table" for a online reservation
For morning Coffee and danish, breakfast, brunch, or lunch, just
a short walk from Villa Azul. Jeannine’s at the Shore has a full bar, which includes brunch favorites like a Bloody Mary, Margarita, and Corkscrew. Outdoor patio overlooking the beach or take out items available. The restaurant is open daily from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
Jeannine’s at the Shore
1 State StFor morning Coffee and danish, breakfast, brunch, or lunch, just
a short walk from Villa Azul. Jeannine’s at the Shore has a full bar, which includes brunch favorites like a Bloody Mary, Margarita, and Corkscrew. Outdoor patio overlooking the beach or take out items available. The restaurant is open daily from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
SANTO MEZCAL $$ is a hip and lively restaurant on lower State street, easy to walk from Villa Azul.
Go early or make a reservation for outdoor and indoor dining
call ahead
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Santo Mezcal
119 State StSANTO MEZCAL $$ is a hip and lively restaurant on lower State street, easy to walk from Villa Azul.
Go early or make a reservation for outdoor and indoor dining
call ahead
On the Wharf, great ocean view and local shellfish in a casual environment. A great lunch spot or early dinner for Clam Chowder or local shellfish with a view. Easy walk to the end of the wharf from Villa Azul.
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Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
230 Stearns WharfOn the Wharf, great ocean view and local shellfish in a casual environment. A great lunch spot or early dinner for Clam Chowder or local shellfish with a view. Easy walk to the end of the wharf from Villa Azul.
Vegan, Organic, healthy and earthy options.
Flatbreads, salads, tofu and all things healthy and good for you.
Very Near Lazy Acres Market if you want to shop organic too!
Mesa Verde is in a neighborhood called “The Mesa” and we have plenty of other good dining options all within a block of Cliff Drive.
We live on the Mesa and regularly visit these casual eateries on the Mesa:
Thai Menu, Alcazar, Corner Tap, Mesa Burger, Mesa Cafe, Mesa Pizza, or Super Cucas.
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Mesa Verde Restaurant
1919 Cliff DrVegan, Organic, healthy and earthy options.
Flatbreads, salads, tofu and all things healthy and good for you.
Very Near Lazy Acres Market if you want to shop organic too!
Mesa Verde is in a neighborhood called “The Mesa” and we have plenty of other good dining options all within a block of Cliff Drive.
We live on the Mesa and regularly visit these casual eateries on the Mesa:
Thai Menu, Alcazar, Corner Tap, Mesa Burger, Mesa Cafe, Mesa Pizza, or Super Cucas.
Shoreline is a casual Breakfast/lunch spot on the beach, one of the only restaurants you actually sit on the sand to eat. This is a fun spot to sit in the sand and watch the kite surfers and enjoy a cocktail but closes at dark.
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Shoreline Beach Cafe
801 Shoreline DrShoreline is a casual Breakfast/lunch spot on the beach, one of the only restaurants you actually sit on the sand to eat. This is a fun spot to sit in the sand and watch the kite surfers and enjoy a cocktail but closes at dark.
Lunch or Dinner overlooking the Harbor. This is an easy walk from Villa Azul. Brophys gets crowded, so grab a pager and walk out to the end of the breakwater.
You can also opt to order food to go from nearby
"On the Alley" or "Sushi GoGo" ( get the daily special) and find a picnic table to sit and eat.
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Brophy Bros.
119 Harbor WayLunch or Dinner overlooking the Harbor. This is an easy walk from Villa Azul. Brophys gets crowded, so grab a pager and walk out to the end of the breakwater.
You can also opt to order food to go from nearby
"On the Alley" or "Sushi GoGo" ( get the daily special) and find a picnic table to sit and eat.
Funky, inexpensive and authentic Mexican food takeout.
This taco shop is very near Villa Azul.
Rudy's is good for a quick taco or take out but not for a sit down meal!
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Rudy's Mexican Restaurant
305 W Montecito StFunky, inexpensive and authentic Mexican food takeout.
This taco shop is very near Villa Azul.
Rudy's is good for a quick taco or take out but not for a sit down meal!
The 10 min drive north is worth the views and food. On the beac, nice dining, busy with tourists and locals at sunset. Put your name down grab a drink to go and go for a beach walk!
We love the Lobster Mac n Cheese and the Seafood Pasta dish.
Parking and wait times can be a nightmare, so allow plenty of time and take a walk on the beach while waiting for your table, or go for an early dinner to avoid the crowds. No reservations accepted.
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Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
2981 Cliff DrThe 10 min drive north is worth the views and food. On the beac, nice dining, busy with tourists and locals at sunset. Put your name down grab a drink to go and go for a beach walk!
We love the Lobster Mac n Cheese and the Seafood Pasta dish.
Parking and wait times can be a nightmare, so allow plenty of time and take a walk on the beach while waiting for your table, or go for an early dinner to avoid the crowds. No reservations accepted.
Classic red vinyl booths and great drinks. Try the fried rice with an egg on top or pastrami roll w/ fried pickles. A local watering hole located 2 blocks off State Street, outside patio next to the historic Presidio Adobe buildings. This is a favorite locals hangout and less crowded than State Street venues.
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The Pickle Room
122 East Canon Perdido StreetClassic red vinyl booths and great drinks. Try the fried rice with an egg on top or pastrami roll w/ fried pickles. A local watering hole located 2 blocks off State Street, outside patio next to the historic Presidio Adobe buildings. This is a favorite locals hangout and less crowded than State Street venues.
A fresh take on Middle Eastern food served in a hidden oasis downtown. Ask for a fire pit table when you call for a reservation 805-963-1293
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Zaytoon
209 E Canon Perdido StA fresh take on Middle Eastern food served in a hidden oasis downtown. Ask for a fire pit table when you call for a reservation 805-963-1293
Neighborhoods
The Funk Zone neighborhood has dozens of dining, drinking, and shopping options all within a few blocks. This is a fun destination and it’s an easy walk from Villa Azul. We like:
The Project, The Biergarten, Loquita and Rincon brewery for casual eats, For a nicer meal make a reservation at The Lark, The Fish House, Santo Mezcal or Finneys. Be aware there is Limited parking in The Funk Zone and its walkable from Villa Azul.
All over town you will see “parklets” and patios for outdoor dining, bring a jacket as it gets cold at night!
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Funk Zone Patio
220 Gray AveThe Funk Zone neighborhood has dozens of dining, drinking, and shopping options all within a few blocks. This is a fun destination and it’s an easy walk from Villa Azul. We like:
The Project, The Biergarten, Loquita and Rincon brewery for casual eats, For a nicer meal make a reservation at The Lark, The Fish House, Santo Mezcal or Finneys. Be aware there is Limited parking in The Funk Zone and its walkable from Villa Azul.
All over town you will see “parklets” and patios for outdoor dining, bring a jacket as it gets cold at night!
Take the Downtown hop on/off Trolley as it travels up and down State Street. Visit the Courthouse and take the tour to the bell tower for a panoramic view of SB.
UPDATE: not sure if the Trolley cars are running during the Pandemic. STATE STREET is now closed to vehicle traffic and it has been transformed into an outdoor walking promenade, with plenty of dining and drinking. You can ride bikes or walk up State Street but keep your bikes in sight and locked at ALL times. ** Bike theft is rampant in SB at the moment**
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Santa Barbara Downtown
Take the Downtown hop on/off Trolley as it travels up and down State Street. Visit the Courthouse and take the tour to the bell tower for a panoramic view of SB.
UPDATE: not sure if the Trolley cars are running during the Pandemic. STATE STREET is now closed to vehicle traffic and it has been transformed into an outdoor walking promenade, with plenty of dining and drinking. You can ride bikes or walk up State Street but keep your bikes in sight and locked at ALL times. ** Bike theft is rampant in SB at the moment**
Coast Village Drive has a wonderful Friday Farmers Market for the rich and famous.
For eating in Montecito we enjoy :
Lucky Steakhouse, Oliver’s for vegan dining, Honor Bar for a yummy chicken sandwich, burger or salad.
For casual Eats try Mesa Burger.
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Montecito
Coast Village Drive has a wonderful Friday Farmers Market for the rich and famous.
For eating in Montecito we enjoy :
Lucky Steakhouse, Oliver’s for vegan dining, Honor Bar for a yummy chicken sandwich, burger or salad.
For casual Eats try Mesa Burger.
Sightseeing
An easy walk from Villa Azul, you'll find a candy shop, souvenir shops, restaurants, and Ty Warner Sea Center museum.
For eats on the Wharf try Char West (our favorite Banana Wheat germ pancakes), SB Shellfish Co or for nice dinner, TheHarbor Restaurant.
Be sure and ride the "LIL TOOT" water taxi to the harbor and walk back home to Villa Azul.
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Stearns Wharf Pier
144-152 Stearns WharfAn easy walk from Villa Azul, you'll find a candy shop, souvenir shops, restaurants, and Ty Warner Sea Center museum.
For eats on the Wharf try Char West (our favorite Banana Wheat germ pancakes), SB Shellfish Co or for nice dinner, TheHarbor Restaurant.
Be sure and ride the "LIL TOOT" water taxi to the harbor and walk back home to Villa Azul.
Visit our working Harbor to buy fresh fish at the fish market or catch a ride on the "LIL TOOT" water taxi.
For $5. You can take a short harbor tour or catch a ride one way to the SB Wharf and then walk back to Villa Azul or visa versa.
In the harbor eats: Brophys, Sushi Go Go, On the Alley. I love the small but cute Maritime Museum Store for souvenirs or gifts. Also check out the shop, (Santa Barbara Resort wear) located beneath Brophys for a beach wrap or Hawaiian shirt at reasonable prices.
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Santa Barbara Harbor
132-A Harbor WayVisit our working Harbor to buy fresh fish at the fish market or catch a ride on the "LIL TOOT" water taxi.
For $5. You can take a short harbor tour or catch a ride one way to the SB Wharf and then walk back to Villa Azul or visa versa.
In the harbor eats: Brophys, Sushi Go Go, On the Alley. I love the small but cute Maritime Museum Store for souvenirs or gifts. Also check out the shop, (Santa Barbara Resort wear) located beneath Brophys for a beach wrap or Hawaiian shirt at reasonable prices.
City/town information
Captain Jacks Wine Tasting and tours to Santa Ynez or kayak adventures are lead by our friends Meredith. Talk to Mark to make your booking call 1-805-564-1819 and tell him Kathryn sent you.
They also have local Kayaking and horseback riding options in Santa Barbara and the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. This is a full day trip up and over the mountains, to a valley full of vineyards, beautiful tasting rooms and miles of beautiful open space and ranches.
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Santa Ynez
Captain Jacks Wine Tasting and tours to Santa Ynez or kayak adventures are lead by our friends Meredith. Talk to Mark to make your booking call 1-805-564-1819 and tell him Kathryn sent you.
They also have local Kayaking and horseback riding options in Santa Barbara and the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. This is a full day trip up and over the mountains, to a valley full of vineyards, beautiful tasting rooms and miles of beautiful open space and ranches.
Antique shops, Bikini Factory and a quiet beach scene. Try Fort & Fort for a delicious breakfast/lunch then walk next door to The Sacred Space to see if you can get a Tea Time in the secret gardens or find Finney street for a quiet beach day.
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Summerland
Antique shops, Bikini Factory and a quiet beach scene. Try Fort & Fort for a delicious breakfast/lunch then walk next door to The Sacred Space to see if you can get a Tea Time in the secret gardens or find Finney street for a quiet beach day.
Attractions: zoo, missions,museums
Located in the Harbor, a fun indoor historical maritime museum. We love this spot in the harbor and its an easy walk from Villa Azul.
Be sure you catch a ride on the Lil Toot for a tour of the harbor or get to take outfood and watch the boats go by.
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Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
113 Harbor WayLocated in the Harbor, a fun indoor historical maritime museum. We love this spot in the harbor and its an easy walk from Villa Azul.
Be sure you catch a ride on the Lil Toot for a tour of the harbor or get to take outfood and watch the boats go by.
You can walk to this new museum on your way to the Funk Zone. The Moxi is located just down the street from Villa Azul on State Street. Grab a bite at The Goat Tree or Finneys both casual dining and are an easy walk from Villa Azul.
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MOXI, Úlfur Rannsóknar- og Nýsköpunarmiðstöð
125 State StYou can walk to this new museum on your way to the Funk Zone. The Moxi is located just down the street from Villa Azul on State Street. Grab a bite at The Goat Tree or Finneys both casual dining and are an easy walk from Villa Azul.
Santa Barbara dýragarður
500 Ninos DrGo early to avoid the crowds and heat.
Located on Stearns Wharf, be sure and grab lunch at the Shellfish Co or an ice cream while you are out on the Wharf. This is a easy walk from Villa Azul with food and drink options and great views.
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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
211 Stearns WharfLocated on Stearns Wharf, be sure and grab lunch at the Shellfish Co or an ice cream while you are out on the Wharf. This is a easy walk from Villa Azul with food and drink options and great views.
Combine this with the Rose Garden and The Mission for a full day of fun. If you like hiking walk a bit further to explore Rocky Nook park, located in beautiful wooded canyon. While you are in the neighborhood you may as well google the Frog Shrine and see if you can find it!
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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta Del SolCombine this with the Rose Garden and The Mission for a full day of fun. If you like hiking walk a bit further to explore Rocky Nook park, located in beautiful wooded canyon. While you are in the neighborhood you may as well google the Frog Shrine and see if you can find it!
Take a picnic lunch or wine and cheese and stop and smell the Roses and enjoy the view of the Old Mission. You can also walk to nearby Rocky Nook Park to stroll through a Boulder field from a ancient debris flow.
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Mission Rose Garden
420 Plaza RubioTake a picnic lunch or wine and cheese and stop and smell the Roses and enjoy the view of the Old Mission. You can also walk to nearby Rocky Nook Park to stroll through a Boulder field from a ancient debris flow.
Supermarkets
Coming in from the south, stop in at Vons, fruit stand, juicers, ice cream shop, deli, gift shops, Bettinas pizza.
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Montecito Country Mart
1016 Coast Village RdComing in from the south, stop in at Vons, fruit stand, juicers, ice cream shop, deli, gift shops, Bettinas pizza.
Coming from the north :
Small, crowded but friendly supermarket, located on the Mesa. You can grab your Starbucks or bagel sandwiches to go next door to the market.
Or you can go the other direction to a larger Vons in the Montecito Country Market.
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Vons
2010 Cliff DrComing from the north :
Small, crowded but friendly supermarket, located on the Mesa. You can grab your Starbucks or bagel sandwiches to go next door to the market.
Or you can go the other direction to a larger Vons in the Montecito Country Market.
You can’t beat this market! A quick drive from Villa Azul, Lazy Acres market is a locals go to spot for organic foods, coffee shop, juice bar, smoothies, amazing cheeses, prepared foods, and holistic earthy choices.
You will NOT be disappointed!
They also have an excellent butchery, produce department and great gifts too!
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Lazy Acres Grocery
302 Meigs RdYou can’t beat this market! A quick drive from Villa Azul, Lazy Acres market is a locals go to spot for organic foods, coffee shop, juice bar, smoothies, amazing cheeses, prepared foods, and holistic earthy choices.
You will NOT be disappointed!
They also have an excellent butchery, produce department and great gifts too!
Tuesday afternoon Farmers Market on State street is lively and fun. Go for the sights and stay for a downtown meal or drinks.
Take the downtown shuttles and bring a sweater.
You can also find Friday morning Farmers market on Coast Village Road or Saturday morning Farmers Market is on Cota Street.
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Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market
232 Anacapa StTuesday afternoon Farmers Market on State street is lively and fun. Go for the sights and stay for a downtown meal or drinks.
Take the downtown shuttles and bring a sweater.
You can also find Friday morning Farmers market on Coast Village Road or Saturday morning Farmers Market is on Cota Street.
Peaceful walking tours - Reservations needed
Beautiful and historic botanic garden located in Montecito.
Requires prior reservations and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Reserve by calling 805-969-9990
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Lotusland
Cold Spring RoadBeautiful and historic botanic garden located in Montecito.
Requires prior reservations and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Reserve by calling 805-969-9990
A 1920's historic Spanish revival Architectural estate, designed by George Washington Smith. Must call for walking tour reservations 805-565-5653
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Casa del Herrero
1387 E Valley RdA 1920's historic Spanish revival Architectural estate, designed by George Washington Smith. Must call for walking tour reservations 805-565-5653