The Lark Santa Barbara

The Lark was outstanding from the start and easily one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in Santa Barbara. The complimentary chili-lime pickled popcorn was surprisingly addictive, even for someone who doesn’t usually like pickled flavors. The skillet cornbread was rich, decadent, and one of the best I’ve ever had. We also tried the fried chicken, seasonal pappardelle, and coconut sorbet for dessert. The chicken dish had incredible flavor and texture, while the sorbet was a refreshing and unexpected standout at the end of the meal. The pasta was good, very tomato-forward, though I’d probably try a different option next time. Drinks were solid. My mocktail was refreshing but small in size, and the wine pairing was well chosen with help from the staff. The service was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, which made the experience even better. The restaurant itself has a lively, welcoming vibe in a shared dining district, making it perfect for a date night or a special stop on a day trip. Prices reflect the shareable, elevated plates, but the quality and creativity of the food make it worth it. If you’re visiting Santa Barbara, The Lark is a must-stop for a memorable dining experience.

- GregxPerez -

The perfect start to the New Year! ​The Lark continues to be one of our absolute favorite spots in Santa Barbara, and our visit on New Year's Day reminded us exactly why. ​We brought our dog along this time, and the staff were incredibly accommodating, setting us up comfortably in the covered outdoor area. It was such a relief to have a great meal without worrying about our pup. ​As always, the food was outstanding. We started with the Tutti Frutti Farms salad, which was fresh and perfectly balanced. The Superior Farms lamb ribs were a standout—tender and flavorful—and we finished the meal with the date cake (a must-order!). We paired everything with a local Pinot Noir that complemented the meal perfectly. ​Great service, amazing food, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend!

- Benny -

Chef Jason and his amazing team always delivers a unique gourmet dining experience that must be enjoyed to truly understand it. This may seem like hyperbole, but take it from us, world travelers to over 70 international destinations at least once who have sampled some great cuisine worldwide, including some with those coveted “stars”, there is absolutely no place like The Lark. We’ve been dining here almost since they opened, and this time actually flew to California from
Florida with having a celebratory meal here top of mind. As we have written before in previous reviews, if you live in L.A. or somewhere within even a few hours away, it would be worth the drive to sample the cuisine at The Lark.

- Ira “Professor Ira” Lovitch -

Our first time here and we had a nice experience with this place for food tasting. Pricey but you get what you pay for. Service and waitress were superb. For four person and we all shared a taste of each dish and appetizers. We parked on the stree parking for free or you can park with a fee on a parking lot.

- Jeff Hung -

Everthing was delicious and the flavor was refinded. JJ was attentive and friendly! I highly recommend fishermen catch, the pan grilled fish was perfectly sizzled. Among everything I tried, the okra pickle was unforgettable :)

- Soomin Choi -

We had a delightful experience here. We were exhausted from our road trip but wanted to celebrate a new purchase. We got a seat on the lovely patio by the outdoor fireplace. Everything on the menu looked delicious, but we were both so captivated by the side dishes that we strategized so we could order as many as possible! Parmesan potato cake? Yum! Asparagus, yes, please. Almond pesto cauliflower? EVERYTHING tastes great with pesto! The salmon was delicious, with a buttery texture and crispy skin. A great dining experience. My only quibble is that the food came out too quickly, but we DID tell our waiter we were hungry, so perhaps that was just his responsiveness.

- Heidi Miller -

I really like this restaurant. The food was great and so was the ambiance. We ate outside and enjoyed our dinner tremendously. Started with the sashimi and worked our way through five or so dishes. While I liked this place a lot, you should note that the place is a lot more expensive than the menu indicates. In a way it is a tapas place. The dishes are small. Even the “main” courses are not a meal. So two people probably need four or five dishes. It adds up quickly. If you can handle the price, the place is great (and romantic).

- Alan -

The Lark - Santa Barbara The first time I've truly enjoyed a meal in Santa Barbara. Easily one of my top 10 meals ever! Unforgettable! We sat in the Confessional area -- cozy, modern, and full of character -- surrounded by the restaurant's warm, wood-and-industrial vibe. The staff was excellent: attentive, friendly, and clearly proud of the food they serve. The portions are generous. Hubby and I shared everything except drinks and were satiated. The Browned Butter Rosemary Cornbread (served in a tiny cast-iron skillet) MIND BLOWING! Rich, honeyed, and perfect with my Saged and Confused bourbon cocktail. The apple and gouda salad was crisp, bright, and refreshing after that decadent start. Hubby and I were gushing at how delicious and refreshing this salad was. We aren't even big salad eaters! It's that good! Finally, and the fried chicken (3boneless pieces) over peppery grits and a sweet, somewhat honeyed sauce, was very tasty. The grits were a little too peppery IMO, but it was still a wonderful dish. Everything felt fresh, intentional, and beautifully executed. The Lark is reason enough to come back to Santa Barbara.

- Love Von -