There’s a clutch of new—or newsy—places to eat well in this food-loving city, starting with the three latest additions to the California Michelin guide: Loquita (a Spanish restaurant with stellar tapas, which got a Bib Gourmand designation), Caruso’s (California-style dining at the Rosewood in Montecito, just north of the city), and Bibi Ji. At the outdoor patio at Bibi Ji, I had the best Indian food—paired with glasses of natural wine—I’ve had in years, including a butter chicken I still think about, fiery fried cauliflower, and a dreamy, paneer-stuffed kulcha, a type of flatbread. Don’t skip the sauce section of the menu—the okra raita was out of this world (and I never like okra).

Bibi Ji isn’t just our favorite Indian restaurant in Santa Barbara, it’s one of our favorites in all of Southern California. And now, they’ve taken advantage of their shaded back patio to assure safe, socially distant outdoor dining. Their current menu is slightly pared down, but whether you order the butter chicken, crispy cauliflower, or fish of the day, know you’re still in for an unforgettable meal.

734 State St, Santa Barbara805-560-6845Category: IndianWith an electrifying atmosphere, Bibi Ji offers residents and visitors alike, an approachable and modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. Located on Santa Barbara's State Street Promenade, surrounded by fine wine tasting rooms, handcrafted artisanal shops, and contemporary art galleries, the critically-acclaimed restaurant opened its doors in February 2018 and has quickly become a community staple. A short stroll from Stearns Wharf and the pristine beaches along the Santa Barbara waterfront, the extensive list of natural, sustainably and organically farmed wines, is the perfect way to settle into any night while on the private back patio enjoying the fresh ocean air or inside the spacious restaurant designed with a vibrant, eclectic décor.

Bibi Ji, a top rated Asian restaurant in Santa Barbara, is the perfect place to enjoy fresh, local seafood and traditional Indian cuisine. With a menu that highlights the abundance of local seafood and produce, Bibi Ji offers a unique dining experience that is sure to please any palate. Whether you are enjoying the private back patio or inside the spacious restaurant, you will be sure to find the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger.

Ian’s one major Santa Barbara request was dinner at Bibi Ji, a modern and fun twist on typical Indian fare. At first glance, I didn’t expect it to be dog friendly, but they were more than thrilled to seat us on the patio with our four legged friend. I love that in Santa Barbara, we could have a really similar trip to the one we’d have anyway, but with Tucker along — which just makes anything better.

Last, but definitely not least, are the Michelin-recommended eateries—restaurants known for simple “good cooking.” Among the Santa Barbara County Michelin-recommended restaurants who made the cut in the California guide are Yoichi’s for standout Japanese kaiseki; Los Agaves, a counter-service Mexican restaurant on Milpas Street; and Bibi Ji, a modern Indian restaurant with a natural wine list.

A colorful contemporary Indian restaurant with a strong natural wine list, Bibi Ji is one of the most exciting Indian restaurants not just in Santa Barbara but in California. Dining at Bibi Ji is an experience for all the senses with a lively, neon-lit dining room and spice-forward food. The menu offers approachable options like chicken tikka or exciting occasional specials like uni biryani.

The globally renowned Michelin Guide — considered the go-to publication for quality dining across Europe, Asia, Brazil, and North America listed Bibi Ji. This trendy Indian from co-owners Alejandro Medina and noted sommelier Rajat Parr is incredible. Inside, the space is small but well appointed, with vaulted ceilings and chandeliers; the patio outside is a verdant, summertime delight.

Billing itself as "unauthentic Indian," Bibi Ji is home to some of the brightest flavors in Santa Barbara. Helmed by chef Jessi Singh, known for his Babu Ji restaurants in San Francisco and New York, and opened in collaboration with celebrated sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr, this restaurant and bottle shop is a hip destination for hungry people. Menu items change with the season.

Best for: contemporary Indian cuisine paired with orange wine. Acclaimed Indian restaurant Bibi Ji (from Alejandro Medina and James Beard award-winning sommelier Rajat Parr) has moved to the buzzy ARTS District downtown into a fun pink-hued space with a natural wine bar. Dive into creamy curries, from butter chicken tikka masala to tandoori eggplant.

Between the Indian-fusion fare and the amazing wine list, Bibi Ji has risen in the ranks to become one of the best Santa Barbara restaurants. The vintage portraits that line the wall set the scene for a relaxed yet inviting space, but the back patio offers a more quiet and intimate dining experience. Address: 734 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Bibi Ji is a famous Indian restaurant in Santa Barbara with lively music and great vibes. If the colorful storefront and bright pink bubble font signage on State Street aren’t enough to get you curious, maybe the music blasting into the street will. No, this is not a bar— it’s one of the best restaurants offering Indian cuisine in Santa Barbara!

If you are in search of a hip and vibrant Indian-focused restaurant, Bibi Ji has the answer. The food libations are both spicy and amazing. A wide selection of vegan options include Baingan Bharta, a spicy tandoori-cooked eggplant seasoned with ginger and cumin is perfect when accompanied by Turmeric Basmati Rice with cumin and lemon.

Self-proclaimed edgy Indian restaurant, Bibi ji, serves sea-to-table dishes enhanced by authentic eastern spices. We’re convinced there’s nowhere else you can eat Uni Biryani with a side of okra raita. The neon-covered space makes it perfect for any dining adventure and perfect for anyone looking to mix up their usual cuisine routine.

Located in the Arts District of State Street, Bibi Ji is the only Santa Barbara Indian restaurant to be recommended by the Michelin Guide. Bibi Ji prepares modern versions of traditional Indian foods such as tandoori, tikka, curries, and naan. Try the uni biryani if it’s available the day you go.

While Bibi Ji may not look particularly eye-catching from the streetfront facade on State Street, don’t let looks deceive you. Once you step inside, you’re met with dark woods, an impressive wall of wine, and gloriously good Indian food. It is a bit pricey, but the quality is fantastic.

Participating restaurants in Santa Barbara include Bar 29, Bettina, Benchmark Eatery, Bibi Ji, The Boathouse, Ca’ Dario, Dargan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, Finch & Fork, Khao Kaeng, Los Arroyos, Mesa Burger, Satellite, Soul Cal Smokehouse, Three Pickles, and Toma.

The food is delicious and if you like natural wine you’ll love the selections from sommelier Rajat Parr. We love Indian food, so when we saw the menu it was hard to choose. Everything was delicious but if you go (and you like uni) you must order the Uni Biryani.

Indian flavors are on delicious display at Bibi Ji, a colorful entry in the registry of Santa Barbara restaurants. This vibrant eatery shakes up the usual offerings from the Asian sub-continent and gives international dining a coastal makeover.

The globally renowned Michelin Guide — considered the go-to publication for quality dining across Europe, Asia, Brazil, and North America — just listed three more Santa Barbara restaurants on its website: Bibi Ji, Caruso’s, and Loquita.

This Indian restaurant is located in a nondescript part of town with an easy-to-miss entryway. Inside is a long dark bar, large family portraits and a stuffed peacock. There is interior seating as well as on front and back patios.

Bibi Ji is an Indian restaurant headed by Alejandro Medina and the wine sommelier Rajat Parr. Michelin commended the space its efficient setup and beautiful outdoor patio. Plates are small, and great for a tapas-esk meal.

Bold, playful, and unlike anything else in town, Bibi Ji delivers Indian cuisine with a modern twist. A Scouted favorite for its fresh seafood, inventive curries, and unexpected wine list.

Patio is open for lunch from 11.30am & dinner from 5pm this weekend Santa Barbara. Book your table @resy or ... Bibi Ji offers some of the best and the tastiest Indian dishes in the city.

It was announced last Wednesday on the Michelin Guide website that Santa Barbara’s Bibi Ji and Loquita as well as Montecito’s Caruso’s have been added to the Michelin Guide California.