Toma Restaurant - Santa Barbara Italian Restaurant
1 / 10

Toma Restaurant & Bar

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A romantic Italian-Mediterranean gem with harbor views, known for its Tuscan ambiance and exquisite dishes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Toma Restaurant - Santa Barbara Italian Restaurant

Toma Restaurant & Bar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A romantic Italian-Mediterranean gem with harbor views, known for its Tuscan ambiance and exquisite dishes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Consistently rated #1, Toma offers a unique array of classic dishes with a fresh modern twist."

TIP

Reservations Recommended

This small restaurant has limited capacity, so making a reservation is advised.

Signature Cocktails

Try specialty cocktails like the fresh strawberry cocktail or a classic Manhattan.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Italian, Mediterranean

Price

$$$

Phone

(805) 962-0777

Address

324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tuna Cones

Tuna Cones

Ahi tuna sashimi served in a crispy sesame cone - a popular and unique appetizer.

Restaurants in Santa BarbaraRomantic Restaurants for Valentine's Week
Truffle Gnocchi with Argentinian Shrimp

Truffle Gnocchi with Argentinian Shrimp

Highly recommended pasta dish with subtle fresh truffle and succulent shrimp.

Google Review
Romantic Harbor Views

Romantic Harbor Views

Experience Tuscan and Mediterranean flavors with romantic ambiance and harbor vistas.

Top 10 restaurants in Santa Barbara9 Best Santa Barbara Restaurants7 of the Best Santa Barbara Restaurants
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Santa Barbara’s Cutest Italian Spot 🇮🇹✨ | Toma by the Harbor Sunset views, lamb chops, Channel Island cioppino, summer salad & garlic bread… 100% worth the $100 per person. Strongly recommended. #SantaBarbara #ItalianFood #CaliforniaEats #Foodie #MasterBroEats #lambchop #seafood #salad #bread
@la37110
110 likes • 9.1K views

Reservations Recommended

This small restaurant has limited capacity, so making a reservation is advised.

Signature Cocktails

Try specialty cocktails like the fresh strawberry cocktail or a classic Manhattan.

This is a Santa Barbara restaurant is one you shouldn’t miss! The food was beautiful and there was a great atmosphere in there with perfect service 👏🏼 #santabarbara #tomarestaurant #santabarbararestaurants
@emmahaswanderlust
22 likes • 1.4K views
One of our favorite resto 😘🥙 #tomosbarandrestaurant
@cruzgeraldin20
10 likes • 174 views

Pasta Perfection

Pasta dishes are a must-try, with many reviewers highly recommending them.

Don't Skip Dessert

Save room for dessert, with tiramisu and chocolate torte being standout options.

Toma’s Beef Empanadas with Salsa Roja are absolute perfection. #toma #buschgardens #buschgardenstampabay #walruscarp #empanadas
@walruscarp
291 likes • 5.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

This small restaurant has limited capacity, so making a reservation is advised.

Signature Cocktails

Try specialty cocktails like the fresh strawberry cocktail or a classic Manhattan.

Pasta Perfection

Pasta dishes are a must-try, with many reviewers highly recommending them.

Don't Skip Dessert

Save room for dessert, with tiramisu and chocolate torte being standout options.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Toma Restaurant & Bar is praised for its romantic ambiance, excellent service, and Italian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine. Diners rave about signature dishes like the tuna cones and truffle gnocchi, as well as specialty cocktails. While some find it pricey, many consider the food to be well worth the cost and offer a memorable dining experience, especially for special occasions.

"We recently dined at this place. It is a bit pricey, but the food is so worth it. Our server was really attentive and had great suggestions. We did not have a reservation, but since we went early we managed to find a table. We started with some garlic bread. We had the seafood (scallops and prawn) risotto and the lamb chops. For dessert, we had the warm chocolate torte. From start to finish, all the food was amazing. I had the risotto and each bite was so flavorful. Initially, I thought the quantity was less, but found it hard to finish at the end :)"

tanuja bhowmik

"Amazing!! Came here on our very short trip to SB and SO glad we did! It was amazing, I got the ravioli, and my partner the lasagna. It was incredible, the garlic bread was amazing. And we just had room for pudding and so glad we did! The tiramisu was the best, the chocolate torte too!! The cocktails we spot on. We didn’t book but got super lucky and were so glad we did as in our three week road trip this is the best food we ate on our whole trip to the USA. I hope one day we will be able to come back. It was great, amazing value too, three courses each and cocktails for such a good price"

emily barr

"I'd been to Toma before but it was my partner's first time. So while I already knew going in I was getting the pasta di mare, my partner went with Walter's suggestions to try the scallops, a nightly special that he insisted belong on the menu.

After the first bite of perfectly prepared scallop my partner declared they should be a staple of the menu. He graciously let me have a bite; I wholeheartedly agree. We shared our effusive praise with the manager when he asked our opinion.

As much as I can rave about the scallops, I'd like to emphasize that I was absolutely content with my pasta. It's a generous portion with a good seafood-to-noodle ratio. The fried scallions felt somewhat unnecessary, especially texturally.

My partner and I had squash blossoms on our first date, so whenever we see them on a menu they're a must-have. I wish I'd had bread to sop up the sauce remaining on the plate.

Our other starter, the hamachi crudo, was more straightforward yet just as delicious, garnished with delicate edible flowers.

By the time we come back, I hope those scallops have made the menu. Ironically they're the one dish I didn't capture a photo of, so you'll just have to order them for yourself!"

Ashley Zeldin

What People Like

Romantic ambiance
Attentive service
Standout pasta dishes

What People Dislike

Can be pricey
Occasional under-seasoned dishes
Soggy bread offered initially

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's small capacity and popularity. They do save a few tables for walk-ins.

What to See, Do, Eat, & DrinkGoogle Review

Diners frequently recommend the Tuna Cones, truffle gnocchi with Argentinian shrimp, lasagna, and various pasta dishes. The cioppino is also a popular choice.

TikTokRestaurants in Santa BarbaraRomantic Restaurants for Valentine's Week+1

While not explicitly listed, many pasta dishes and salads can be adapted. It's best to inquire with your server about vegetarian modifications.

Toma is considered an upscale dining experience, with entrees generally ranging from $30 to $50. Some reviewers note it can be pricey but worth it.

Google Review+1

Toma offers a romantic and cozy ambiance, evoking Tuscan and Mediterranean flavors with soft lighting and harbor views.

Top 10 restaurants in Santa Barbara9 Best Santa Barbara RestaurantsGoogle Review

Yes, Toma has an outstanding selection of wines and is known for its handcrafted cocktails, including specialty options.

TikTokDINING – Beachside Inn Hotel in Santa Barbara CA

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and softly lit muted-yellow walls evoke the flavors and charms of Tuscany and the Mediterranean at this rustic-romantic restaurant across from the harbor and West Beach. Ahi sashimi tucked in a crisp sesame cone is a popular appetizer, after which you can proceed, perhaps, to rock-shrimp gnocchi.

Visit Source →
American Sky

Top 10 restaurants in Santa Barbara

The scene: Santa Barbara’s ultimate destination for Italian-influenced Mediterranean cuisine, Toma Restaurant and Bar is a romantic dining venue with moody atmospheric lighting, perfectly pressed linen napkins and exemplary service that makes is perfect for an extra-special date night. The extensive menu starts light with classics such as wedge salad with blue cheese dressing and steamed clams with chorizo before moving onto delightfully crispy flatbreads and homemade pastas smothered in all kinds of exciting sauces. The main courses take the gourmet level up a notch with the likes of roasted rack of lamb with sweet peppers and traditional cioppino with fish, prawns, scallops, crab meat, calamari and mussels gracing the menu.

Visit Source →
Beachside Inn Hotel in Santa Barbara CA

DINING – Beachside Inn Hotel in Santa Barbara CA

Santa Barbara’s premier destination for Italian-inspired Mediterranean handcrafted cuisine, Toma has consistently been rated the #1 restaurant in the area, offering a unique array of classic dishes with a fresh modern twist. Open daily for dinner from 5-10pm the restaurant has an outstanding selection of wines, as well as fun inducing cocktails created locally by their master bartender. And of course, finish your meal with a selection of desserts that could put a smile on anyone’s face.

Visit Source →

What to See, Do, Eat, & Drink

Our 2 days in Santa Barbara came to an end with a tasty meal at Toma, TripAdvisor’s #1 rated restaurant – conveniently located a block away from the Coast West Beach Inn. We once again ran into our friendly dinner companions from the night before and got last-minute recommendations for our next stop, Burbank California. The meal was great as is its quaint location and intimate setting.

Visit Source →
vrconcierge.com

Locations Santa Barbara, California, United States

Toma Restaurant & Bar is proud to be consistently rated as Santa Barbara’s #1 restaurant, dedicated to offering a unique menu characterized by locally-sourced ingredients and outstanding service for all of our guests. Located on the waterfront on West Cabrillo Boulevard, Toma Restaurant & Bar has been serving a unique array of classic dishes with a contemporary twist since 2013.

Visit Source →
Visit Santa Barbara

Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Santa Barbara

If you’re seeking a fine-dining ambiance for the whole family, Toma Restaurant & Bar offers classic pasta dishes like tangy marinara or savory meatballs, along with others like braised short ribs. Kids are even treated to complimentary chocolate sundaes!. Previous guests have praised this restaurant for its friendly staff, saying they make everyone feel special and included.

Visit Source →
TravelAwaits

9 Best Santa Barbara Restaurants

A romantic dining atmosphere with classic Italian cuisine, Toma Restaurant and Bar interprets Italy’s traditional dishes and elevates them to culinary stardom. Located on the main thoroughfare, West Cabrillo Drive, experience outdoor dining on a gorgeous Santa Barbara evening with gorgeous sunsets in the background. You will be enchanted with Toma’s exciting creations.

Visit Source →
edhat

Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Week

Perhaps one of the most romantic restaurants in town, Toma has been providing classic Italian food at West Beach for decades. Longtime owners Tom & Vicki Dolan recently announced they were retiring after 20 years. New owners Sam Grant and Julian Sanders recently took over and have promised to respect the restaurant’s famous dishes such as the Tuna Cones and Rigatoni.

Visit Source →
cheshirecat.com

7 of the Best Santa Barbara Restaurants

Consistently rated the #1 restaurant in the area, Toma serves up classic Italian cuisine with a fresh, modern twist. The historic building is located on West Cabrillo Boulevard and boasts romantic waterfront views that are perfect for date night. On the menu, you’ll find handcrafted flatbreads, pasta, seafood, and more, all made using locally-sourced ingredients.

Visit Source →
Casago Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Places - Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do

Toma Restaurant and Bar ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a splash out dinner with impeccable service. Located between the wharf and the harbor on West Cabrillo Boulevard, this Santa Barbara waterfront restaurant racks up rave reviews for its 5-star food. The eclectic menu features Italian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist.

Visit Source →
Marina Beach Motel's Official Website

Best Santa Barbara Beachfront Restaurants

When you combine the flavors of Mediterranean and Italian food, you create a marriage of European coastal bliss. Add in the fact that Executive Chef Nat Ely creates this cuisine in partnership with local products and you have a recipe for success. Oh, and the beachfront location sets the tone for a romantic meal you’ll talk about for years.

Visit Source →
Noms Magazine

12 Best Santa Barbara Restaurants To Eat At In 2024 (+ What To Order)

A cute little restaurant tucked in by the Harbor, Toma Restaurant & Bar serves one of the best Italian cuisines in Santa Barbara. With elegant interiors, professional staff, and breathtaking water views, you won’t regret a single thing coming here. Raved by locals and tourists alike, the Tuna Cones in Toma are the show’s true stars.

Visit Source →
Restaurant Clicks

15 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Phone: 805-962-0777 Visit Website. A post shared by On The Hunt🍴 | SB, LA, & MI (@onthehuntfoodies). A picturesque waterfront experience is a perfect cure to any ailment, and Toma Restaurant & Bar offers just such an environment for anyone willing to have their minds blown by brilliance.

Visit Source →
Cozymeal

Santa Barbara Restaurants | 20 Best in 2025

You may not find a more enticing option among Santa Barbara restaurants than Toma Restaurant & Bar, a waterfront eatery that brings creative Italian cuisine to curious diners. Everything about Toma is infused with panache, from the warm lighting and contemporary cocktail bar to the pristine linens and precise table settings.

Visit Source →
thanksgiving-in.com

11 Best Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Santa barbara – 2024 – The Spirit of Thanksgiving: Celebrating Gratitude with Food, Family, and Friends

Toma is where you go when you want to be treated to an unforgettable dining experience. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, this restaurant is a local gem known for its top-rated food and inviting atmosphere. The menu is a culinary adventure, with standout dishes like the tender rack of lamb and the rich seafood pasta.

Visit Source →
RoverPass

Best 10 Santa Barbara County, CA RV Parks & Campgrounds

Some popular eateries include: Los Agaves Restaurant, Brophy Bros., Toma Restaurant & Bar and Zaytoon. You can also expect excellent flavors at places like Cadiz Restaurant & Lounge, Arigato Sushi and the Sandbar. And of course, no California city is complete without a long list of world-class breweries and wineries.

Visit Source →
USA TODAY 10Best

Santa Barbara Italian Food Restaurants: 10Best Restaurant Reviews

Enjoy Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a view of the ocean!. This romantic waterfront restaurant is located near some of the best hotels in the West Beach area of Santa Barbara. Enjoy fresh salads and delicious pastas, like gnocchi with rock shrimp, fava beans, roasted garlic, dried tomato and truffle butter.

Visit Source →
Pacaso

13 Santa Barbara Beach Restaurants in 2023

Start by sharing handcrafted flatbread before enjoying an incredible array of house-made pastas, risottos and main dishes like braised beef short ribs or seared scallops. There’s also an extensive wine list featuring selections from both California and Italy. Time for an after-dinner beach walk?

Visit Source →
Discover Walks Blog

15 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara With a View

Toma Restaurant and Bar is a popular dining destination located in the heart of Santa Barbara, California. Known for its contemporary Italian cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant’s interior exudes a modern and stylish ambiance, with sleek decor, warm lighting, and an open layout.

Visit Source →
Travel & Tourism

10 Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Barbara: A Guide for Food Lovers

Toma, overlooking the waterfront, combines Italian and Mediterranean influences in a stunning location. Their seasonal menu highlights fresh, local ingredients and pairs them with classic Italian recipes. Toma’s atmosphere is cozy and romantic, making it a popular choice for date nights.

Visit Source →
BarPx

[14] Best Bars in Santa Barbara (2021 Guide)

📍 Address: 324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 ( Google Maps) 📞 Phone: (805) 962-0777 🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 8:30 pm Sun-Thurs, 5 pm – 9 pm Fri & Sat. The place is loaded with an incredible selection of cocktails and wines. The Italian wine selection is splendid and perfect.

Visit Source →
Santa Ynez Valley Star

17 local restaurants helping Foodbank to end hunger

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.

Visit Source →
california.com

Top 11 Reasons to Visit Santa Barbara Now

Toma Restaurant and Bar is a great choice if you’re craving Italian, Mediterranean, and seafood. Try the out-of-this-world tuna cones and gnocchi with shrimp—it’ll blow your mind. Brophy Bros is another seafood restaurant that promises a one-of-a-kind experience.

Visit Source →
montecitoestates.com

The 13 Essential Santa Barbara Restaurants | Blog

It’s hard to say what’s most appealing about Toma — the cooking or the views. Both are superb and ought to be enjoyed in equal parts. While taking in the waterfront, dig into Mediterranean fare like grilled octopus, roasted lamb meatballs, and cioppino.

Visit Source →
Bon Traveler

The 20 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

When it comes to Italian food, Toma Restaurant is legendary in Santa Barbara. It has been a local staple since 2013 and continues to offer masterful pasta dishes and a huge selection of wine. Address: 324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Visit Source →
paradiseretreats.com

Check Out the Top 10 Santa Barbara Restaurants

It is not only the delicious amalgam of Italian and Mediterranean dishes that make this restaurant a must-visit. The beautiful views of the ocean afforded to guests in the dining room are another huge part of the allure of this restaurant.

Visit Source →
KristyWicks.com

My Favorite Santa Barbara Restaurants

I love this spot for a special occasion dinner or for visiting friends. They have amazing Italian food, a large wine list, and a spectacular waterfront location. It can be expensive but one of the the best restaurants in Santa Barbara.

Visit Source →
sbhotels.com

Santa Barbara Restaurants | Santa Barbara Hotel Collection

Draped with ivy and boasting unhindered views of the harbor, Toma offers a menu of Italian specialties and a staggering wine list, many from the surrounding wine region. Location:324 West Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Visit Source →
The Vacation Gals

Top Romantic Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Toma Restaurant & Bar: Billed as Santa Barbara’s Most Romantic Restaurant, Toma Restaurant is at heart an Italian restaurant, but with local seafood and other “100 mile”-sourced ingredients for a Central Californian flair.

Visit Source →
Jamie Slone Wines Santa Barbara

No Corkage Fee at Santa Barbara's Best Restaurants!

Santa Barbara, CA 93101(805) 962-0777 Corkage fee waived on 1 bottle from Jamie Slone WinesToma is a restaurant on the Santa Barbara waterfront specializing in rustic coastal cuisine.

Visit Source →
The Eagle Inn |

Best Italian Restaurants near Santa Barbara CA

Toma is a sophisticated Italian/Mediterranean restaurant with a killer ocean view in the West Beach area. They have consistently been rated one of Santa Barbara’s top restaurants.

Visit Source →
USA TODAY

Where to eat and drink in Santa Barbara, Calif.

One of the city's most romantic restaurants, Toma Restaurant serves dishes like gnocchi and a gluten-free rack of lamb along the waterfront.

Visit Source →
travel.usnews.com

What to Eat in Santa Barbara

Visit Source →
Little Steps

Guide To Family-Friendly Santa Barbara, California

Visit Source →
Sommvivant

Visiting Santa Barbara

Visit Source →