Flor De Maiz
Experience authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a California twist in a cozy waterfront setting, complemented by signature cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Flor De Maiz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a California twist in a cozy waterfront setting, complemented by signature cocktails.
"The food is so good, definitely would go back next time!"
Make Reservations
Book your table in advance to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.
Try Signature Cocktails
Explore the talented mixologists' creations, including specialty margaritas and unique flavor combinations.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican (Oaxacan)
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Oaxacan Flavors
Indulge in authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a California twist, featuring vibrant flavors of mole, memalitas, and octopus.
Cozy Waterfront Setting
Experience exceptional service in a cozy waterfront setting with great ambiance and ocean views.
Signature Cocktails & Margaritas
Savor unique cocktails and margaritas, including creative riffs and spicy variations, perfect for pairing with flavorful dishes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Book your table in advance to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.
Try Signature Cocktails
Explore the talented mixologists' creations, including specialty margaritas and unique flavor combinations.
Pair Drinks with Entrees
Complement your beverage with Oaxaca-inspired sauces and salsas for a truly authentic taste.
Visit During Off-Peak
For a more relaxed experience, consider dining during less busy times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Book your table in advance to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.
Try Signature Cocktails
Explore the talented mixologists' creations, including specialty margaritas and unique flavor combinations.
Pair Drinks with Entrees
Complement your beverage with Oaxaca-inspired sauces and salsas for a truly authentic taste.
Visit During Off-Peak
For a more relaxed experience, consider dining during less busy times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Flor De Maiz is highly praised for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a California twist, especially its incredible mole and vibrant flavors. Diners also rave about the cozy waterfront setting and exceptional service, making it a favorite for many. While most experiences are positive, occasional critiques mention inconsistent dish timing and slow service.
"This was the best food I have had in a LONG time! The mole was incredible. Do yourself a favor and get the enchiladas and savor the amazing flavors. So fresh and so delicious! The service was also wonderful. The patio was cozy with great ambiance as well."
Carlee Neumann
"We had an excellent experience eating a late lunch/early dinner at an outdoor table right on the waterfront. The unique drinks (specialty margaritas) were perfectly mixed. The food quality was great, the taste of fresh ingredients was just right. The service was excellent as well. We had a small glitch as we arrived during a staff shift change. Our original waiter did not arrive for work, but another waiter quickly noticed and took care of us. The other employees were all alert and attentive and obviously well& trained to complete tasks effectively. (The best service shines through when you see how a small problem is handled. )"
Brian Skruch
"1st time here and would definitely come here again. The food is very well made and delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive. There is indoor seating on 2 levels,plus outdoor seating as well. Parking is on the street, and paid public parking across the street. Good views as well. Definitely worth a try!!!"
Philip Welch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Flor De Maiz offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a California twist.
Signature dishes include various moles, octopus dishes, memalitas, and green chicken enchiladas.
Yes, it's recommended to make reservations in advance to avoid long wait times.
Yes, while not explicitly detailed, they have options like salads and the popular mention of cauliflower.
The restaurant offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, often praised for its great ambiance and waterfront views.
Yes, they are known for their signature cocktails and margaritas, with a variety of creative options.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara: Hottest Places to Eat Right Now
The chef from Los Agaves brings you Flor de Maiz, which literally means corn flower, and is a pretty good indication that you can expect lots of taco options on the menu. Found along the waterfront, this Oaxacan restaurant specializes in mole, which even makes its way to the cocktail menu in drinks like The Oaxaca. Enjoy beautiful views of Stearns Wharf from the patio as you daydream about your next Mexico vacation.How to book: Make reservations by calling 805-770-2963.
Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Located along Santa Barbara’s waterfront, Flor de Maíz offers traditional Oaxacan cuisine with a California twist. Choose from the restaurant’s large selection of avant-garde dishes, like the Pulpo al Pesto, grilled octopus marinated in santa leaf pesto served atop creamy huitlacoche rice, and the Burrata Azteca, burrata cheese wrapped in a fried tortilla and surrounded by black mole and sesame seeds. Each of these dishes are served best alongside its signature cocktails and margaritas.
Must-Try Margaritas in Santa Barbara
A variety of Margaritas—fruity riffs, spicy variations, and even a $120 “VIP” take (made with a premium añejo tequila)—fuels the festivities at this popular beachside eatery by local restaurateur Carlos Luna (Santo Mezcal, Taqueria La Unica). For those who can’t get a seat at the bar, servers wheel a Margarita cart around the restaurant, ensuring that everyone is treated to a tableside show. Can’t decide which drink to order?
Best Patio Dining in Santa Barbara
Savor tantalizing Mexican food paired with a mouth-watering selection of margaritas and a robust choice of tequilas. Flor de Mais modern Oaxacan cuisine is fresh, colorful and delicious. Located across the street from the Waterfront, restaurant goers can drink and dine on the outdoor patio with the warmth of the sun by day and heat lamps in the evening.
COASTAL CHARM MEETS CULINARY EXCELLENCE: 12 CASUAL CHIC REHEARSAL DINNER SPOTS IN SANTA BARBARA — Gatherings for Good
Contemporary Oaxacan cuisine + craft mixology, overlooking the Santa Barbara waterfront From the creators of Los Agaves & Santo Mezcal!. For an experience unlike any other, come celebrate with Flor De Maiz restaurant. Our in-house event managers will do all the work for you, and can customize a celebration for all tastes, styles, and budgets.
Five Reasons Santa Barbara Is Happy for Happy Hour Again
Flor de Maiz: “There are very few restaurants that offer Oaxcan cuisine,” said Hector Arellano, the general manager of Flor de Maiz. The East Beach spot is also one of the few restaurants to offer a happy hour backed by ocean views. If you can make it there before 5 p.m., the rewards are well worth any afternoon scrambling.
The 20 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Nothing beats sitting on the patio at Flor de Maiz with a mezcal margarita in hand. Flor de Maiz sits right across the ocean and specializes in modern Mexican cuisine. The octopus is tender and cooked to perfection every time, but ceviches and raw bar items make for the best appetizers.
These are the 10 best restaurants in Santa Barbara, ranked by local expert
If you're looking for fresh Mexican food with a view of the sea, this is the place!. Think of Flor De Maiz as the fancier, more sophisticated sister of local favorite Los Agaves. Sure, she has tacos, but hers are stuffed with lobster and Angus steak.
Nearby Santa Barbara Restaurants
Enjoy a specialty cocktail crafted by their talented mixologists. Pair your beverage with an entree inspired by the region of Oaxaca which is known for their delicious sauces and salsa.
Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Flor de Maiz (quality Mexican and Latin American food with craft cocktails, coastal setting and a fun Happy Hour menu)
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit