The Lark Santa Barbara

"The Lark’s been holding down Santa Barbara’s fine dining scene since 2013. Before sitting down, explore the restaurant to appreciate the built-in booths, patios, and custom outdoor fire pits. Chef Jason Paluska’s menu features locally sourced oysters and Channel Islands crudo with avocado mousse. The smoky Texas-style barbecue pork spare ribs with bourbon pickled jalapeno, fennel & red cabbage slaw, chives will also do nicely." - Mona Holmes

"The Lark is well deserving of its reputation as one of Santa Barbara’s most popular restaurants. The name comes from the train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 - 1968, and the restaurant is located in the old Santa Barbara Fish Market building. Their menus are locally sourced and responsibly grown, offering seasonal and staple items. Served family-style, their dished are intended for sharing. With a full bar you can get any drink you like, though I definitely suggest trying out one of the many fun cocktails they serve! What makes The Lark special beyond the incredible food and drink, is the aesthetic of the restaurant itself. They’ve got a great balance of indoor and outdoor seating, and visually impressive decor throughout. You can make reservations (highly recommended as this place fills up quick!) and they open for dinner at 5pm. Pictured are the crispy Brussel Sprouts, made with medjool dates, garum, sesame, and lime, which should definitely be the first thing you order once you're seated!" - Amanda Proudfit

"The Lark is a massive, modern restaurant in a former fish market that would fit in around DTLA's Arts District. This is a place where fun comes in the form of endless rounds of West Coast oysters, giant ribeye steaks, and eavesdropping on young couples who still seem to be in the honeymoon phase. It's fancy without being too stuffy—a dinner here will make you feel like a chic, sophisticated version of your former self. " - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"This former fish market is located in the Funk Zone arts district, just a stone’s throw from the oceanfront. The vibrant dining room has become one of the trendiest places in town, largely thanks to the urban scene it fashions through an edgy décor and vintage lighting. Service remains cool and laid-back as ever, while also taking very good care of each guest.Meals are served as large, family-style portions that are meant to be shared and spotlight the central coast’s finest ingredients. Well-mastered original creations may unveil blistered shishito peppers and roasted eggplant with cilantro yogurt, sweet and sour pickles as well as duck-fat breadcrumbs.The wine selection is a smart representation of the best of Santa Barbara’s producers." - Michelin Inspector

"At The Lark, Stephanie Perkins brings the bounty of the Central Coast to diners with a wine list highlighting small Santa Barbara County producers as well as artisan winemakers from afar." - Ali Wunderman