For lunch—or dinner—you can’t go wrong with Secret Bao, a casual restaurant that opened in March 2021 and traffics in seriously good bao buns: spicy Korean Fried Chicken, tender octopus, or even PB&J folded, taco-style, into pillowy bao. (Cap things off with the donut bao, a fried concoction topped with vanilla ice cream.) Korean fried chicken is also on the menu at Bossie’s Kitchen—named for the sculpted cow that once sat atop the Art Deco building, formerly a dairy—this time sandwiched between a bun and topped with sesame slaw and gochujang sauce. The hearty dishes, homemade brioche donuts, and quiet outdoor patio draw people from all corners of the city.

Secret Bao, led by husband and wife duo Peter Lee and Felicia Medina, captures the essence of his culinary journey from traditional Korean cooking with his mother in San Jose to prestigious kitchens like the three-Michelin star Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas. With a combined portfolio that includes working as the executive chef at Loquita and expertise in Mexican, Cuban and Chinese cuisine, Lee and Medina channel their passion for innovative cooking into Secret Bao—which is a secret no more. Try the flavorful K.F.C. Bao (with a bit of a kick!) and Avocado and Korean Pear Salad for a meal unlike any you’ve tried before (probably).

Calling Secret Bao a fast-casual spot that serves Chinese dishes is like calling Ferdinand Magellan a boating enthusiast. This downtown favorite isn't just a lunchtime alternative to Sweetgreen: the shrimp-stuffed baos and katsu curries are a reason enough to make a quick stop before your beach trip or grab dinner during peak commute hours. From the hamachi poke bowl to chili noodles, Secret Bao has a dish for every appetite, and they all hover around $20 or so.

Secret Bao is a new Asian west-inspired restaurant in Southern California, run by experienced chefs Peter Lee and Felicia Medina. The restaurant serves modern Asian American cuisine, with influences from Joel Robuchon, Jaleo, Osteria Mozza & Scarpetta to name a few. What started as a pop-up in a local coffee shop has grown into a full-blown (and quite chic) restaurant, and Santa Barbara couldn't be more excited.

The secret is out about amazing Asian delights at Secret Bao. This family-owned restaurant is one of the best casual spots for great food of the Asian persuasion. The name comes from the fact that owners Peter Lee and his wife Felicia Medina ran a secret pop-up out of their apartment during the dark days of COVID before bursting out onto the local food scene with their brick and mortar in 2021.

Former head chef of Loquita–one of our favorite restaurants in the Funk Zone!. –ventured out this past year with his partner/wife to create an incredible Chinese pop-up turned full restaurant. Traditional and creative bao buns like thier KFC or PB&J, fried rice, and comforting noodle dishes are what’s on the menu at this hip corner eatery adjacent to the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse.

What started as a pop-up in a local coffee shop has grown into a full-blown (and quite chic) restaurant, and Santa Barbara couldn't be more excited. This Korean-inspired lunch and dinner spot divides its menu into bao and not-bao. Bao being those cushiony, taco-esque steamed buns that hug your mouth as you eat them (with fillings ranging from pork belly to fried mushrooms).

Peter Lee and Felicia Medina have transformed a pandemic pop-up into SECRET BAO, one of the best restaunts in Santa Barbara and one of the community's most inventive Asian-fusion concepts. The name reflects their early days of secretly cooking from their apartment. Today, their fluffy mini sandwiches have become a favorite among Santa Barbara foodies.

A flavor-forward favorite that blends pan-Asian comfort food with playful, unexpected twists. From bao buns to crispy rice bowls, every dish feels like a discovery. Grab a seat, order something spicy, and don’t skip the cocktails—they’re as creative as the kitchen.

‍Secret Bao may have started as a pop-up, but in a few short years it’s become a Santa Barbara food scene essential. The extensive Chinese menu includes everything from shrimp-stuffed baos to hamachi poke bowls, all for $20 or less.

1201 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CAhttps://www.secretbaosb.com. The bao is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, there’s a bao for you.

With options like PB&J, Spanish Octopus and Donut baos there is a fun flavor for everyone. They also serve other asian favorites from Kalbi to Ahi Poke. The garlic noodles and the cauliflower are amazing!

The dumplings and bao are what they’re built around but they also do great noodle dishes at night. Any of their rotating specials are fantastic.

Olio e Limone Ristorante Secret Bao