Hidden gems: Cafes in Santa Barbara

Discover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in Santa Barbara. This list contains 15 places from Cafe category.

Sort results by

Best  
🔥
Top rated  
🏆
Most reviewed  
🤩
Hidden gems  
💎
Worst rated  
🤬
Recently discovered  
🆕

Search radius

Categories



Considered | Curbside Coffee image
1
Considered | Curbside Coffee
Coffee stand
👍👍 Awesome gents, great cup o’ joe.
5.00 (17 reviews)
Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara image
2
Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara
Coffee shop
👍👍 I had an iced matcha latte with oat milk and honey and a traditional croissant. Both were super tasty. If you’re tired of poor quality matcha, please try this place! The croissant was light and flaky and really hit the spot. The seating area is really comfy and cute, and spacious enough for small gr...
4.90 (27 reviews)
Wild Tea Leaf Organic Teahouse image
3
Wild Tea Leaf Organic Teahouse
Tea house
4.90 (13 reviews)
Old Town Coffee Santa Barbara image
4
Old Town Coffee Santa Barbara
Coffee shop
👍👍 This is a great place to chill and get the best service on State St. As a former baker I can only praise the best cinnamon bun I ever had was served here. Light & fluffy and surprisingly; the right amount of sweet and cinnamon; pair a gentle hot chocolate…. Yummy for my Tummy!
4.80 (66 reviews)
Little Heart Cafecito image
5
Little Heart Cafecito
Mexican restaurant
👍👍 First time trying this place. Will definitely be back. Might be my new favorite breakfast spot. We ordered the chilaquiles and the Los Alamos Breakfast Burrito. Both were delicious but the burrito was my favorite. All the ingredients were super fresh and flavorful and the eggs were cooked perfectly...
$ $$$
4.70 (48 reviews)
Pura Vida Coffee Society image
6
Pura Vida Coffee Society
Coffee shop
🫤 Coffees | 3/5 | Viennese Coffee - 4/5 | No complaints. Matcha latte - 0/5 | This was an undrinkably sweet. In their menu they claim to use "AA matcha" but the drink seemed like their matcha powder was a dull, yellowish/brown and not a bright green like ceremonial grade (or high quality) matcha shou...
$ $$$
4.70 (44 reviews)
Lighthouse Coffee image
7
Lighthouse Coffee
Coffee shop
👍👍 We were greeted right away and giving some very good, friendly service and coffee. Highly recommend this place to everyone visiting Santa Barbara.
4.70 (25 reviews)
Louie's California Bistro image
8
Louie's California Bistro
Californian restaurant
Relaxed eatery serving Californian comfort cuisine & local wines in the Victorian-age Upham Hotel.
$$$ $
4.60 (142 reviews)
Bree'Osh Bakery Café Santa Barbara image
9
Bree'Osh Bakery Café Santa Barbara
Cafe
👍👍 2023: OMG! I am revisiting as, at least for me, this place is a “must” visit! I am so happy to update that they have expanded and did it wonderfully. There is easier access, lots of cozy indoor seating, more outdoor seating, cute little niche gifts, great atmosphere. I can’t see anyone not enjoying...
4.60 (123 reviews)
Recipes Bakery image
10
Recipes Bakery
Bakery
Small, cozy bakery & cafe serving sweet treats, breakfast fare & Australian-style coffee drinks.
$$ $$
4.60 (75 reviews)
Caribbean Coffee Company image
11
Caribbean Coffee Company
Coffee roasters
👍👍 Great coffee!
4.60 (11 reviews)
Mosaic Locale image
12
Mosaic Locale
Cafe
👍👍 Three local businesses in one store. You can study, chat, work, eat, or chill - they have coffee, food, beer, and dessert!
4.60 (10 reviews)
Lighthouse Coffee image
13
Lighthouse Coffee
Coffee shop
👍👍 Don't like avocado toast? Try the cucumber toast. I hate avocados, yeah, this. Awesome! Staff was friendly and the service was quick. I'll definitely be back.
4.50 (141 reviews)
Renaud's Patisserie and Bistro image
14
Renaud's Patisserie and Bistro
Restaurant
👍 This popular Montecito stop has an ultra upscale coffee house vibe, a polite staff, and their coffee prices are surprisingly good for the neighborhood. My Santa Barbara omelet on a recent visit was very good, and she declared that her croissant sandwich was delicious. I also had The Bomb Latte. Do...
$$ $$
4.50 (96 reviews)
US of E image
15
US of E
Coffee shop
👍 nice but expensive
4.50 (8 reviews)
Tip: Click on the rating to open it on Google Maps




Categories


Last updated:
( )