Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: experience (18) good (18) Lark (18) great (17) service (12) restaurant (10) menu (9) time (9) table (9) chicken (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Daniel A. 2 years ago on Google
    Very high class American restaurant! Things here are a little pricey but you will get a high quality meal. The chicken and Pappardelle were wonderful! Also the popcorn and brussel sprouts are a must try. Our waitress was so kind and generous too. Overall we had a great experience.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kyle L. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty fancy place I went for valentines day. Was a great experience with some food I've never had. Personally everything was top notch and was a little saddened to find out they change their menu often so there won't always be the same options next time you go. The popcorn they served for snacking was insanely good and they sell to go bags of it for like 5$ Overall a little pricey but you definitely get what you pay for. Service was great and was able to work with a dietary restriction of lactose intolerance for my date. See pictures of everything if your curious 😎 Was about 170$ out the door with tip and no desert so keep that in mind before going.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rob N. 1 year ago on Google
    Had dinner at The Lark. The ambiance and service is great. The menu rotates and changes monthly. I'm giving 4 stars because I believe for the cost, the taste of the food isn't quite there. The food is good, but not great or memorable. Expect to spend about $50 or more per person. I think it's a good place to eat, but I wouldn't be disappointed if I couldn't get an RSVP in the future.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chiara G. 9 months ago on Google
    Finally made it after 2 years and we were not disappointed. The food is delicious with big proportions! The service is perfect! We will find time to come back faster to taste the other plates!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike M. 5 months ago on Google
    This place was packed, 3 1/2 hour wait however, open seating at the bar and we got four barstools in a row they opened up right when we got there that’s a solid option. All the food was excellent. We got the wedge salad which was amazing, best wedge salad I’ve ever had. We got the fried chicken (super good), we got the cornbread, and we got the pasta dish. Most of the plates were shareable Regrettably we ate everything before we could take pictures of it. Out bar tender Guy was super cool, made good food suggestions and nice conversation.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tyler M. 9 months ago on Google
    During our recent visit to Lark, we were greeted by an ambiance that exuded sophistication and warmth. The attentive and amiable demeanor of our waiter set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. It was evident that the staff at Lark takes great pride in delivering impeccable service. The food at Lark surpassed our expectations in both presentation and flavor. Each dish was a work of art, meticulously crafted to be both aesthetically pleasing and a delight to the taste buds. The attention to detail was evident in every bite, showcasing the culinary expertise of the chefs. One standout dish that deserves special mention is the cornbread. It truly redefined our perception of this classic staple. The cornbread at Lark is an absolute sensation, exuding an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Its harmonious blend of rosemary and honey creates a symphony on the palate, leaving a lingering impression that is nothing short of extraordinary. In addition to the exceptional food, Lark boasts an ambiance that complements the dining experience perfectly. The tasteful decor and well-appointed seating create an inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation and relaxation. It is a testament to the thoughtfulness put into every aspect of the restaurant’s design. Overall, our visit to Lark was a culinary journey that left us thoroughly satisfied and appreciative of the artistry behind the dishes. The combination of the polite and friendly service, stunning presentation, and remarkable flavors made our dining experience truly unforgettable. We highly recommend Lark to anyone seeking a refined and memorable dining experience that will tantalize their senses.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael W. 2 years ago on Google
    Dined here recently during our trip to Santa Barbara. Lark came very strongly recommended so we had sky high expectations. Lark has some pretty inventive and unique dishes. It's a family style oriented restaurant so you order plates to share. Every dish was unique and composed with a variety of textures, flavors, colors, and tastes. Whoever is making their sauces deserves a pay raise - they were crazy good. Service was great as well. Overall wonderful experience
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Priyanka l. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place! Ambience is classy and vibrant. Waitress are very sweet and when they bring food on the table they provide details on our ordered meal. Although they dint had house wine. What on the menu was great. Must try for best ambience. Love to have dinner date here again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leesa Y. 2 years ago on Google
    We had 4 food items all excellent, mushroom toast, mussels, cauliflower, and steak, all prepared with uniq flavors and delicious sauces and accompaniments. My least favor was dessert, sweet corn ice cream, the ice cream itself was good, I could actually taste the sweet corn, but the accompaniments that came with the ice cream didn't really enhance the dessert. Overall, attentive staff (even during the covid time), delicious food, drinks/wine. Will recommend if you are visiting SB.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kevin H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of those places that you go to because it is the best and you hear all about it.. We get there and it's really cool. The server is really nice, the food is really good and so is the wine. You are surrounded by other people eating....like 18 inches away from you. You hear everything they are saying..you hear everything that the other table next to them is saying...its tight. Sardine tight. For me that just took away from rhe amazing experience that everyone talks about. Just my opinion.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 360 M. 1 year ago on Google
    The Lark is nicely nestled in the center of Santa Barbara. It is an opportunity for a gastronomy fan to stimulate their taste buds while embracing a rustic and modern environment. The chef concocts a family menu: tuna, steak, fried chicken and Brussels. The eclectic illumination warm amber lamps are nostalgic. Reminiscent of a time when a southern kinsman cooked - the flavors are bold. The cornbread tastes like an upside-down cake. Finally, clean your palette with handcrafted cocktails that have been done to perfection - all ingredients are carefully measured. Consider this property only if you are a foodie.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt P. 2 years ago on Google
    We came here for dinner and had a phenomenal culinary experience! We reserved a table outside on their spacious patio and once we sat down our sever brought over the most delicious tasting popcorn. It had a wonderful spice to it and was very hard not to devour the entire thing in two seconds. We did have to ask to be moved to a different table outside as the one we were originally seated at was surrounded by these little birds that kept flying by our head and trying to get close to our popcorn. It was just a little annoying and I wanted to make sure we enjoyed our dinner, which we ended up doing. They like to serve everything family style so you order all items at once and they come out all together. We ended up ordering three items for the two of us to share…we went with the Whipped Sheep's Feta & Pistachio Dip, Crispy Halloumi & Butternut Squash, and the Grilled Prime Hanger Steak. Everything had phenomenal flavor and the hanger steak came with these blistered shishitos peppers which were prepared to perfection! The three courses were a perfect amount of food for the two of us. The service started out really good as the restaurant wasn’t too crowded but once the place started to fill in, the attentiveness faded off a little. Wasn’t too big of a deal but was just something we noticed. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience and cannot wait to come back again!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Efrain Cazares State Farm A. 6 months ago on Google
    Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, The Lark is a culinary gem that takes your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of rustic charm and warm hospitality. To begin our culinary adventure, we indulged in the Brown Butter Cornbread, a delightful starter that set the tone for the evening. Its perfectly golden crust and rich, buttery flavor were simply divine. The Pimento Cheese on Texas Toast was a comforting classic elevated to perfection, while the Crispy Brussels Sprouts provided a crispy, flavorful contrast. For our mains, we opted for the Wayne Farm Buttermilk Fried Chicken and the Sage Smoked Pork Chop. The fried chicken was a crispy, juicy masterpiece, its flavors reminiscent of a home-cooked meal with a gourmet twist. The Sage Smoked Pork Chop was a triumph of smokiness and tenderness, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The culinary journey reached the end with the desserts. The Apple Crisp, with its warm, cinnamon-kissed apples and crispy topping, was a comforting hug on a plate. The Olive Oil Cake was a revelation, its moist texture and subtle olive oil flavor paired wonderfully with the accompanying elements, creating a dessert that was both sophisticated and indulgent. What sets The Lark apart is not only the exceptional quality of the cuisine but also the impeccable service. The staff's knowledge and passion for the menu were evident, enhancing our dining experience. The ambiance, with its blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance, added to the overall allure of the evening. In summary, dining at The Lark Santa Barbara is not just a meal; it's a gastronomic adventure that tantalizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Each dish is a testament to the chef's creativity and dedication to delivering an exceptional culinary experience. If you're looking for a place to indulge in exquisite flavors and impeccable service, The Lark Santa Barbara is an absolute must-visit. Prepare your taste buds for a journey they won't soon forget.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ryan K. 1 year ago on Google
    The experience was good here. The service was good. The food was good. Ambience was good. The big crowd no to that. The food is suggested as sharable but we found the portions to be too big. For the 2 of us - the 4 things we had gotten (suggested 3-4) left us stuffed. If a little smaller we would have been left feeling good. Nothing was a wow factor or mine blowing. The Duck Liver was good - just wished had more strawberry pieces to go with each bite. The pork chop was well cooked but had something missing. The mussels needed something to help soak up all the broth besides 2 pieces of toast.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Carol P. 10 months ago on Google
    Atmospheric restaurant with great farm to table menu that was well executed. Very friendly staff and knowledge wait staff that perfectly described all the dishes and wines. Fantastic flavors! We had the roasted asparagus which was not only beautiful but roasted with a tasty Jalapeno Bearnaise sauce that was flavorful but not spicy. The brown butter cornbread was sweet and savory with a wonderful rosemary aroma. The California Catch was a lightly seared big eye tuna .. Very fresh and perfectly donel! The outdoor area where we were seated was cozy, next to the roaring fireplace which felt wonderful on this chilly evening. My only complaint was that after out appetizers when it plates were cheated we were asked to hold on to our cutlery...i think for the prices we paid we could have been given clean cutlery..i was left holding my cutlery in the air because i didn't want to place it on a table without a tablecloth... (Outside table near plants .. Birds etc ..yuk). A clean fork l and knife would not have broken the bank .. other than that... Great evening!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely incredible restaurant. The food is outstanding. We ordered the steak, the peppers, the brussel sprouts and cornbread - one of the best meals we’ve had. The service was also top notch- always attentive and kind. The restaurant itself is really well put together. The decor and lighting is relaxing and intimate. Great for a date night or group outing. The cocktails were delicious and well made. they have open bar seating. I do suggest a reservation on weekend nights

  • 4/5 Doug G. 6 months ago on Google
    The food here is excellent, make no mistake about it. Heavenly heirlooms, sumptuous cornbread, and wonderful bluefin tuna. As a first-timer, though, I couldn’t help but notice the almost frantic (but still responsive!) service - not just at my table, but all around me. Understaffed, under pressure, inexperienced, or just overwhelmed by a Saturday night crowd - I couldn’t tell. Quite different than my experience the night before at a similarly popular and fabulous restaurant. I felt like saying, “slow down, relax - so we can too!” And one nitpick. If you like a nice bottle of sparkling mineral water with your meal, call ahead. When I ordered one, the reply was “We’re all out!”

  • 5/5 Christian B. 7 months ago on Google
    Service, atmosphere and food were all phenomenal. We had a reservation at 8 and we were seated promptly. Drinks were delish, and our server was friendly, helpful and very attentive. Recommend Wayne's Fried chicken, heirloom melon, and crispy brussels, all were refreshing and delicious. Next time I am in Santa Barbara will be visiting again!

  • 5/5 John Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Good place for sharing food. The food itself is high quality and well cooked. Need to make reservation if you can. Black cod: 10/10. Tender and tasted. Lamb Kabob: 9/10 . A little overcooked. Otherwise, it’s perfect. Crab toast: 10/0. Crabs on two pieces of bread. Pistachio Dip: 10/10. I specifically like this type of chips they are using. Crudo: 11/10. Yes. You read it right. More than 10. Fish skin and raw trout. This is the best I got from them. Their draft beers were good too.

  • 4/5 Jenny C. 5 months ago on Google
    Easy to make a reservation, I enjoyed the environment it was modern yet simple. I enjoyed the experience with the French press coffee, I ordered it with oatmilk, very nice, simple. I ordered a Cast Iron Baked Shakshuka,(cheese on the side, take into consideration that I can’t have cheese, so the taste I experienced won’t be the same to those who can have cheese), and too spicy for my liking but a little bit enjoyable. You can order more toast if you want to finish the red sauce, I didn’t, I was done with the spicy. The service was great along with their water, I criticize the quality of water in the restaurants and this water tasted really good, like filtered great water. The fried chicken with waffle was very simple somewhat enjoyable for kids and some that like that kind of food. I wouldn’t order it personally, I like trying new things from time to time. This place is worth trying at least once. I wouldn’t go back, their quality of food could improve, again taking into consideration that I’m limited by my lactose allergy, so my experience won’t necessarily be the same as others. The surrounding seemed like they are either the same owners or the same community, since they are restaurants attached to each other. The rest. share the big space, but they are still separated from each other. It’s surrounded by beautiful plants which I enjoyed very much. I would go back just for the plants and sit outside in a warmer day and try another restaurant.

  • 5/5 Jordan D. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing through and through. Traveled from San Luis Obispo just to try the food. Dorian was an amazing server and was so helpful and knowledgeable about literally every detail in the whole menu. I had high expectations and they were far exceeded. Such a great night in the funk zone of Santa Barbara and the ambiance is great, a truly intimate experience with the locals! Food was impressive beyond belief, creative.. bold.. intensely flavorful and every dish was so unique and complimentary to the others. Thank you the Lark!

  • 4/5 Linda L. 1 year ago on Google
    The lark is a fantastic restaurant in the middle of the funk zone. The boyfriend and I stopped by right as they were opening for dinner. (This is what happens when you’re from the Central American and it’s past dinner time.) We snagged two seats at the bar and had a great time with a dry humored bartender who gave us a list of all the best cocktails in town. His drinks were well crafted. Food was solid and came out quickly. All in all, we had a great experience at the Lark.

  • 5/5 Rachel R. 2 years ago on Google
    Cute spot. Love the outdoor. People were extremely nice. Food was great, drinks were killer! Hot toddy’s were BOMB! Bathrooms were clean. Water was fresh. Cake was yum. Highly recommend. Even for just a drink.

  • 3/5 Bo R. 1 year ago on Google
    Good food, but slightly underwhelming for the price point. Paid 200$ for 3 small plates and 2 drinks each. Maybe 25%+ higher than I would have expected for the quantity+quality. It always comes down to value, the meal was good, but nothing drawing me back unfortunately. I think there are better experiences if you are looking to spend that much. Food 7.5 Service 8 Atmosphere 8.5 Value 6

  • 5/5 Stephen A. 2 years ago on Google
    There is a lovely atmosphere here at The Lark. Customer service was great from start to finish. The alcohol menu was comprehensive and included everything from wine, bourbon, beers, Japanese whiskey and more. Make sure to get a reservation for outdoor seating if desired. It's a perfect date spot for anyone trying to impress. Now for the most critical aspect, the food! Every single item we ordered was delicious. They start you off by bringing some tasty popcorn while you browse the menu. You must absolutely try the brussel sprouts and fried chicken, I'm craving it now just typing this out. Each dish had a careful balance of savory and sweet that made for a wonderful flavor. Whenever I'm in the area I know I'll be back here again!

  • 5/5 Amanda-Lynn E. 2 years ago on Google
    The best fried chicken have EVER had. Craft cocktails were delicious and the crowd at the community table was top notch.


Call (805) 284-0370 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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