How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Santa Barbara

How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Santa Barbara: Key Takeaways

Santa Barbara County has three Michelin-starred restaurants as of August 2025.
There are 21 total Michelin-recognized restaurants in Santa Barbara County, including stars, Bib Gourmand, and listed restaurants.
Sustainability is highlighted with Caruso's earning both a Michelin star and a Green Star.

Santa Barbara County's culinary scene shines with three Michelin-starred restaurants offering exquisite dining experiences. The county also features numerous other Michelin-recognized eateries that highlight its diverse food culture.

This article explores Santa Barbara’s Michelin star restaurants and the broader recognition of its dining establishments within the 2025 Michelin Guide. For restaurant owners, understanding Michelin stars statistics can help in positioning and marketing their establishments.

1. Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Santa Barbara County

As of August 2025, Santa Barbara County proudly hosts three restaurants awarded Michelin stars, marking the region’s prominence on the global dining stage.

Bell's in Los Alamos

Bell's first earned a Michelin star in 2021, gaining acclaim for its refined menu and welcoming atmosphere in the charming town of Los Alamos. It is celebrated for its creative cuisine and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts traveling through Santa Barbara County.

For restaurateurs, learning about how to hire a restaurant manager can ensure that establishments like Bell's maintain their high standards.

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Montecito

Also awarded its inaugural Michelin star in 2021, Sushi by Scratch offers an intimate sushi experience in the upscale community of Montecito. This restaurant emphasizes technical excellence and freshness, appealing to aficionados of Japanese cuisine and sushi artistry.

Hiring skilled roles such as the Sushi Chef is crucial to uphold the quality and reputation of such high-caliber sushi spots.

Caruso's at the Rosewood Miramar Resort

Caruso's secured its Michelin star in 2022 and was additionally honored with the prestigious Michelin Green Star for its sustainable and environmentally conscientious practices. Located at the luxurious Rosewood Miramar Resort in Montecito, Caruso's blends high-end dining with a dedication to sustainability, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly gastronomy.

Restaurants aiming to follow Caruso's example can benefit from insights on sustainability in hospitality and how it intersects with restaurant operations.

2. Bib Gourmand and Listed Restaurants in Santa Barbara County

Beyond the starred restaurants, Santa Barbara County offers a range of Michelin-recognized eateries acknowledged either with the Bib Gourmand designation or as recommended listed restaurants.

Bib Gourmand Restaurants

The Bib Gourmand award highlights establishments providing excellent food at moderate prices. Santa Barbara County’s Bib Gourmand restaurants include:

Bettina
Corazon Cocina
Loquita
Sama Sama Kitchen
peasants FEAST in Solvang

Operators of such establishments often focus on strategies around reducing employee turnover to maintain a consistent service level.

Listed Restaurants Within the Michelin Guide

Listed restaurants are recommended for their quality and culinary excellence. This group in Santa Barbara County includes:

AMA Sushi at Rosewood Miramar Resort, Montecito
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants, Montecito
Barbareño, Santa Barbara
Bibi Ji, Santa Barbara
Blackbird at Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara
The Lark, Santa Barbara
Los Agaves, Santa Barbara
Stonehouse at the San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara
Yoichi’s, Santa Barbara
Silvers Omakase, Santa Barbara
Bar Le Côte in Los Olivos
Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos
Coast Range in Solvang
First & Oak in Solvang

3. Cultural Impact of Michelin Recognition in Santa Barbara

The recognition by the Michelin Guide has elevated Santa Barbara’s status as a foodie destination, drawing tourists and culinary enthusiasts. It promotes a wider appreciation of the local ingredients, sustainable practices, and innovative culinary techniques prevalent in the area.

Restaurants like Caruso’s lead by example in integrating sustainability without compromising quality, aligning with global trends in responsible dining.

The diversity among the Michelin-recognized establishments—ranging from casual Bib Gourmand spots to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants—reflects the rich culinary fabric of Santa Barbara County.

Restaurant owners who want to thrive in this environment can explore expert insights on how to become a successful restaurant owner.

4. Why Visit Santa Barbara for Food Lovers

Santa Barbara County offers a unique blend of coastal charm and refined dining. Visitors can experience Michelin-starred excellence while also enjoying approachable, yet outstanding Bib Gourmand selections.

The variety satisfies different budgets and tastes, from intimate sushi bars to upscale resorts, making it a remarkable destination for food tourism.

Coupled with the beautiful landscape and vibrant wine country, the Michelin Guide restaurants enhance the overall appeal of Santa Barbara.

For those interested in hospitality careers or restaurants looking to staff efficiently, understanding restaurant staff hiring best practices can be highly beneficial.

5. Planning a Michelin Dining Tour in Santa Barbara

When planning a Michelin dining tour in Santa Barbara County, consider splitting your visits between star-holding restaurants and Bib Gourmand spots to get a comprehensive taste of what the region offers.

Reservations are recommended at Michelin-starred locations like Bell's, Sushi by Scratch, and Caruso's due to their popularity.

Additionally, exploring listed Michelin Guide restaurants in Santa Barbara and nearby towns like Solvang can enrich the culinary experience with diverse flavors and settings.

Job Opportunities in Santa Barbara's Hospitality Scene

Given the prominence of Santa Barbara’s Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants, numerous hospitality career opportunities exist. Roles ranging from prep cook to executive chef are in demand to maintain the high standards of these establishments.

Restaurant owners looking to optimize their hiring can learn about how to hire a kitchen manager and how to hire a cook effectively, ensuring skilled personnel are in place.

Additional Resources for Exploring Santa Barbara Michelin Restaurants

How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Santa Barbara: Conclusion

Santa Barbara County’s three Michelin-starred restaurants—Bell's, Sushi by Scratch, and Caruso's—showcase the area's culinary sophistication. Alongside numerous Bib Gourmand and listed establishments, the county offers a rich and varied dining scene recognized for quality and innovation.

The blend of upscale and approachable dining options highlights Santa Barbara as an essential destination for food lovers seeking exceptional experiences in California.

Hospitality professionals aiming to excel within such competitive environments may find guidance in restaurant management styles and career development resources on OysterLink.

01. How many Michelin-starred restaurants are there in Santa Barbara County?

As of August 2025, Santa Barbara County has three restaurants awarded Michelin stars, highlighting its prominence in the culinary world.

02. What is the Bib Gourmand designation?

The Bib Gourmand designation highlights restaurants that provide excellent food at moderate prices, offering great value to diners.

03. Which restaurant received a Michelin Green Star?

Caruso's at the Rosewood Miramar Resort received a Michelin Green Star in addition to its Michelin star for sustainable and environmentally conscientious practices.

04. Why is Santa Barbara considered a foodie destination?

The Michelin Guide’s recognition has elevated Santa Barbara’s status as a foodie destination, thanks to its diverse restaurants, local ingredients, and innovative culinary techniques.

05. What should I consider when planning a Michelin dining tour in Santa Barbara?

Consider visiting a combination of Michelin-starred restaurants, Bib Gourmand spots, and listed restaurants to experience the full range of Santa Barbara’s culinary offerings. Reservations are highly recommended.