Zaytoon

Loved their mashawi combo and pistachio spread! The beef kebab was tasty, too. I was a little worried it might get too cold out on the patio, but the fire on the table kept us warm enough. Some said it took forever for their food to come out, but our dishes were served in 5-10 minutes.

Zaytoon is so beautiful, staff is attentive. I had the watermelon juice and it was super refreshing. I had the hummus with pomegranates and that was beyond enjoyable. I wish my company would stop talking so I could enjoy my food more haha. Good vegan options for my daughter. Can’t wait to go back.

Mouthwatering food, a charming atmosphere, and outdoor dining with sustainably sourced ingredients (organic and wild-caught). A heaven for those seeking dairy-free and gluten-free options. Exceptional service.

Everything was top notch. From the ambiance, to the shareable sides, the entrees, and dessert/ after dinner drinks. We were both pleasantly surprised that it exceeded our expectations. Highly suggest the potatoes, the hummus, the salmon and lamb kebobs 🤤

We love Mediterranean food, and this did not disappoint. We had multiple mezza and a few entrees to share between 3 of us, and there wasn’t a bad dish. We ordered too much, but weren’t unhappy, because we got to try a taste of quite a selection. We ate outside on a slightly chilly day, but we were shown to a protected area with heaters, and were offered blankets if we wanted (which we didn’t). Overall, a great meal!

Delicious food in a delightful outdoor patio atmosphere. While it would have been nice to have one or two menu offerings (especially dessert!) for those of us with dairy and/or gluten allergies, that is really the only quibble.

Our server was great, it was my first time here & I’m also kind of new to this type of food. It wasn’t my type though which isn’t the fault of the restaurant or cooks or anything, I just didn’t enjoy it personally. I felt like for the price, it wasn’t really worth it. Great atmosphere though and nice staff.

This is the perfect spot for a get-together with friends and family, or a date night. The yard with fire pits is so romantic and inviting. The service is attentive, but not intrusive. The food is perfect for sharing and very tasty. Top choice for atmosphere 💗🤩

**Must order: halloumi, tzaziki This restaurant is so charming! The outdoor patio is a dream at night. The fire table was cool but a little scary with the Santa Ana winds going crazy the staff offered to turn down the flame intensity for us. Food: All of the food was remarkably simple but amazing. I was very impressed with how delicious everything was without going over the top. Portions are massive. Between four of us we ordered two kebab combos and three appetizers - it was the perfect amount of food Tzaziki (10/5): you have to order an extra side of tzaziki with the pita bread. It is incredible flavorful we finished the whole bowl! Your breath will definitely smell like garlic after though Halloumi (5/5): A simple dish with slices of fresh watermelon, basil, and grilled halloumi sandwiched together. The halloumi was NOT chewy at all and SO tasty!! Pistachio yogurt dip (5/5): the yogurt they use is insane. So thick and creamy and flavorful. The mint and pomegranate went together so well Mashawi combo (5/5): all of the meat was cooked so perfectly. Chicken was especially juicy, and the side salads are wonderful. Cheese sambostik (4/5): felt like an elevated mozzarella stick. If you're familiar with Turkish food, very similar to sigara börek but with mozzarella cheese and a much thicker pastry

This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants not only in Santa Barbara, but in the world. When I first went to this establishment years ago, it was possible to get a table with a fire pit even if it was just for a couple. Nowadays, you need to have a group to request a table with a fire pit, but, it's still quite an experience. It feels very elegant--giving the entire experience quite an enhancement. You know what is just as impressive as the fire pit tables? The service you get at Zaytoon. These people are just so classy so helpful so friendly and they do it all so elegantly. I'm not talking about corn ball cheesy whatever the customer wants stuff. I'm talking about a real interest in helpfulness and service. The staff is beautiful inside and out And then the quality of the food is really as impressive as the environment and the service. Admittedly, I've only had their vegetarian feast entrée and I always get full off of it because I don't need much to get full. I've always enjoyed it and I feel bad that I haven't tried anything else on their menu, but don't feel bad that I look forward to ordering the vegetarian feast at this establishment again in the future. I don't know how I'm going to solve that conundrum. Five solid stars. This place is as good as it gets. And it's worth the money. It's a great place for a date or for a special occasion.

The chicken and hummus was exceptional--perfectly seasoned, tender, and flavorful. The creamy hummus paired beautifully with the chicken, creating a dish that was both hearty and satisfying. If you're in Santa Barbara and craving authentic Mediterranean flavors, this spot is a must-visit. Whether you're dining with friends or just enjoying a peaceful meal outdoors, you'll leave happy and full. Highly recommended!

Very nice outdoor area with lots of trees, heaters, and the right amount of light. Service was great. They checked in often, but not too frequently. The food was good, but did not match the price. I would go again for the vibe and outdoor area.

We came to Santa Barbara For a time of rest and had dinner at Zaytoon! We sat in the patio and started with the pistachio spread with pita bread it was outstanding! Yogurt with pistachio and pomegranate and it's crazy good! Our server was very nice and gave us plenty of time to be alone and enjoy before the dinner came! The fire pits and music and cool breeze gives a nice romantic dinner for us! The mashawi combo was fantastic!

Good place to go if you're looking to celebrate an occasion. Will say the place is super pretty and the food is really good but it is on the expensive side.

My in laws, husband, and I really enjoyed the food here! My husband and I wanted to have my in laws try lebanese food and were looking for a good place near them. Zaytoon definitely fit the bill. They are an outdoor only restaurant, so if it's raining it is unlikely you'd be able to dine here. The decor is so pretty, lots of lights and the tables with the fire pits are so cozy. The food was all very well cooked. My MIL and husband were so impressed with the chicken kabobs; they expected them to be dry but they kept talking about how moist the kabobs were. I ordered the shawarma plate and it was delicious! I also got to try some of the beef kabob and that was also cooked to perfection. Service was slightly slow, however, where we were left waiting quite a while to order and to grab the check. Food came pretty quickly. Overall, highly recommend! My in laws enjoyed it as well :)

Zaytoon is a beautiful outdoor garden restaurant. The watermelon crush was delicious. The hummus and potatoes were great appetizers and we got a chicken meat plate to share. Very fresh flavors and plenty of food.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara. I always bring my out of town guest here. Great cocktails, atmosphere, and food. The watermelon salad is delicious! I always go for the Kebab Combo - love that it comes with rice and salad. I've heard the lemon chicken is delicious but haven't tried it yet. I recommend going with a party of 6 and hoping for the circle table with the fire pit in the middle. It's cozy! Order a bunch of spreads to share - they are all delicious!

Had dinner at Zaytoon for the second time. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor setting with fire pit tables and hanging lights over the patio. We took our chances and were fortunate to get a table without a reservation. I ordered a watermelon crush drink made with vodka, elderberry, lime, mint and of course watermelon. It was very tasty and refreshing. For dinner we ordered a pistachio spread for the table. It was made with yogurt, za'atar, olive oil, crushed pistachios and pomegranate. The dip was very creamy and smooth. The pomegranate added a nice refreshing burst of sweetness to the dish. Pita was also brought to the table to dip into the yogurt. For dinner I ordered a Greek salad. The dressing was very light flavor so I asked for an extra side of dressing. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend Zaytoon.

God damn it, those Mashawi brought me back to Beirut and Damascus. The whole vibe of the restaurant, and even the smell wow. I really was transported back to the middle east. The baba qannosh was beyond beyond phenomenal tooo. I honestly cried a little as i ate. And the BREAD, dont get me started on that. Lots of white folks as staff, this girl asks, if i ever had arabic coffee before. She doesn't know our moms mix there tit milk with that shit and feed it to us as newborns. (That's just my arabic ego) the woman was nice im just sensitive, cause i look white without the actual entitlement/privilege. Anyways, really wonderful spot, i will absolutely come back. Genuinely better than many spots in NYC, which is a big deal. Thanks zaytoon, thx for bringing a slice of home to the US.

This was my first time coming here (highly recommend reservations). I loved the outdoor lights (outdoor seating only so wear warm clothes). You can only request a fire pit if you have a party of 4 or more people which was kind of a bummer. The service was excellent and the drinks were probably the highlight. I also really liked the chicken plate and tatziki sauce. The bread was homemade and warm however I wasn't too impressed with the hummus. Aside from that everything was exceptional.

We had a wonderful night. Everything we ordered exceeded our expectations. Great service and an amazing ambiance.

i went here on a saturday night (with a reservation) and it was packed but the servers were still very attentive. the food was way better than i expected and the portions were huge!!! the meat was extremely tender and well seasoned. definitely worth the money, but the drinks do add up throughout the night so be careful. i would definitely recommend this place for a date night and i would definitely come here again :)

This restaurant is so delicious. All of the items are beautifully made. The service was fast and the server was attentive. The drinks were so good. I came here for my birthday and they treated me really well. My server made my night special. The ambiance is classy and elegant. Definitely start with some appetizers.

Zaytoon was really delicious Lebanese food. The place is tucked away near Mission Santa Barbara, up a small staircase, and in a small, White House. They have limited seating inside but it was enough to sit for an early Saturday dinner. There is also a patio area outside where you could eat but it was rainy. We ordered the: - Combo kebabs- comes with 1 lamb, 1 chicken and 1 beef kebab along with a small fatoosh salad and rice pilaf. We substituted for 2 chicken and 1 beef. All meats were super juicy, although my companion preferred more spices on the chicken. Salad was excellent. - Pistachio spread - must order. It was so creamy. Love the pomegranates on top. - Side of pita- which costs extra, 2 full, warm pitas cut in half. Total bill came up to $60 not including tip. Service was attentive and pleasant. Parking is available on the street for 90 minute parking except Sundays which is unlimited. I'd come back again if I were in the area.

We had a fantastic date night at Zaytoon, a hidden gem by the Santa Barbara Presidio. The ambiance was magical, with fire pits and string lights on the garden patio. Our Mediterranean dishes were fresh, flavorful, and paired perfectly with refreshing cocktails. Highly recommend for a romantic night out! @sosalicious805 Check out my visit here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB-lDOWxR4o/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Probably my favorite dinner restaurant in SB! Always high quality kebabs and a lovely outdoor ambiance that's perfect for both summer and winter a like as each table has a fire pit. Service is average but the food and environment makes up for it!

Everything was absolutely delicious! To start off we didn't have a reservation but got so lucky since we arrived right when they opened and were able to snag a table for two. We ordered the watermelon dish, the pistachio yogurt, home made pita bread, mixed kebab plate, and fries. Everything was absolutely delicious and fresh! Reminded me of my mom's cooking. The atmosphere was everything, pixie lights all outside, lemon tree, Lebanese music. Overall 10/10. We cannot wait to be back!! Ps food portions are big, we split the entree and still had leftovers.

We got there kinda late I believe like the last 1hr and 30min, so as we sat down they were doing last call for food and drinks, but they were patient and still answering our questions without any annoyance, make jokes and conversation, really enjoyed there staff. The food was astonishing, so our apps were HUMMUS, which was creamy and rich in flavor, CHEESE SAMBOSIK, which is a good shareable and delicious. I think we got like 3-4 orders of the PITA BREAD, so fluffy and went with everything. Main courses we got BEEF KABOB, LEMON CHICKEN RICE, and MIXED SHAWARMA, each plate was very delicious packed with flavor. Drinks wise we got a regular Arnold Palmer, and special drinks we got WATERMELON CRUSH and SUNSHINE, both strong but both really good. This place is very beautiful, good for pictures and big groups. Some places if you're in a big group, you can't talk to everyone cause it's a square, well they have round fire pit tables, good with the aesthetic. Nice lights and water fountain in the middle, good music to.

Food: excellent menu variety. Easily accommodated vegans in our party. I've dined there several times and everything was excellent! Great quality, flavor and variety. Service: Friendly, attentive and accommodating! Ambiance: Beautifully decorated, accommodates large and small parties. Definitely a favorite!

Great ambiance for girls night! Dinner was so filling and the fire was nice and warm! The hostess was great and brought us blankets because we were a little cold! Our waiter was so sweet and helpful! And service was very fast! MAKE A RESERVATION!! It saved us!

Upon arriving, the host told us that our table was a bit of a tight spot and asked if we wanted to wait longer for a fire pit. It was the best decision ever. The ambiance of the place is what brings it out the most compared to other restaurants in SB. Nice lighting and the music is not too loud. The place also wasn't loud despite that it seemed like a busy night Service could be friendlier but they're quick and fast! 10/10 Food: Mixed Shawarma: 10/10 I can see why people think that it lacks flavor but when mixed with other dishes like pita bread and hummus, it works. Also got Fries with it Mashawi Combo: 10/10 Shareable between two people I recommend getting extra pita bread if you're sharing otherwise, it's a decent size We got a Passionfruit kind of a cocktail but we found that it was too sour so 3/5 on that Overall, price can be too expensive for what you're getting especially when Pita bread isn't free or at least comes with Hummus(you have to get it separately) but hey you're in SB Great experience will go again for desserts! 4/5

I have been dining several times a month at my favorite outdoor restaurant in all the Central Coast. It is named Zaytoon. It's gorgeous. With fire pits and occasional live music. The fire pits are fantastic for groups of six or more. But they have a cozy dining area with heaters for couples or small groups. The food is Mediterranean. Grilled squires of succulent meat, chicken and lamb. Wonderful salads and desserts. It's perfect for family as well as an intimate date. The service is attentive and friendly. The manager is first rate. It is a must for any one visiting Santa Barabara. Located centrally with plenty of parking.

The restaurant had such a nice ambiance with trees and lights all around the patio. The food was good! I got the vegan options which are all clearly labeled on the menu. The Vegetarian feast came with all the vegan options and I added the potato side which was amazing! They also have a nice wine list. Parking is available in a paid lot right across the street.

Excellent service and food. We squeezed 10 people around a fire pit table outside. Everything was delicious! * I would just like to add their's uneven outside paver stone patio and steep, small, dark staircase to navigate to get into patio area. Sidewalks along street are also dark and uneven. To avoid falls, make sure somebody is holding onto vision impaired and / or balance challenged friends / family.

Zaytoon was highly recommended by my SIL while visiting Santa Barbara. Over the past long weekend, my party and I were able to do a walk-in right when they opened. They accommodated us with the fire pit table out on the patio. Zaytoon has a very nice outdoor ambiance and the food was delicious. My bf ordered the kebab combo plate and I had the lentils soup. We both shared our meals to try a little but of everything. It was yummy. For the table we ordered bread and hummus, falafel, and watermelon salad. All shareable were tasty and the watermelon salad was refreshing too. Cocktails were pretty and strong. It went well with the fire pit ambiance and waterfall trickling in the background. I would highly recommend Zaytoon for dinner or a nice date night. Service was great!

This place is awesome! Great energy, awesome staff and service, tasty food and drinks! Def get the pistachio spread and the Mashawi Combo, but can't miss with this menu! We're totally nuts about pistachios! Pistachio Spread Mashawi Combo Watermelon Salad Falafel @ZaytoonSB A Lebanese restaurant serving fresh and high quality dishes. Our hidden oasis is situated on a large outdoor garden patio in downtown Santa Barbara. Established in 2005, we are proud to have hosted many special memories. Santa Barbara, CA

Wow. Really good. Cute outdoor seating. Great food. Great drinks. Perfect for a meal or apps or drinks before a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Only a 22 minute walk to the bowl...or take a Lyft. We walked.

If I can give this place more than 5 stars I would the food was amazing , the decor the lights , such perfect place to go have dinner , they made a perfect whiskey sour. Amazing food , amazing staff . Will definitely come back when I'm in town

Starting with Ambiance, what a wonderful experience. Tall plants, heated tables, outdoor seating and very cute layout. 10/10 for ambiance. Service was fantastic 10/10 Food: decent. I'd rate it 8 but it was a bit salty so I've knocked a point off for that. 7/10. Highly recommend but if your sensitive to salt let them know ahead of time

This restaurant is a small slice of heaven in Santa Barbara. Whenever we go to Zaytoon we make a reservation on their website for outdoor seating. It's like an enchanted garden! The service is always great but the food is always better. I always go with the beef kebab. My favorite thing on the menu is their baklava, make sure to ask for some vanilla ice cream to pair with it.

I was the dj here for a wedding. The venue is a bit small and has street parking only, but it had a lot of charm. The staff was great to work with and the food was really good. If you're in Santa Barbara and craving middle eastern food, Zaytoon is a great spot.

Wow! My dining experience at Zaytoon restaurant Lebanese cuisine, was truly an exceptional experience. The moment we arrived, we were enchanted by the romantic outdoor ambiance. Soft, soothing music played in the background, setting the perfect mood for the evening. The highlight was the fire table, which not only kept us warm but also added an extra layer of charm to our dining experience. Now, let's talk about the food. The kabobs at Zaytoon were a revelation! Cooked to perfection, they were juicy and bursting with flavor. Each bite was a delightful journey through Lebanese cuisine. There was one minor drawback, though--the $25 table reservation fee. While it's understandable for a restaurant of this caliber, it's worth noting for budget-conscious diners. Zaytoon is a fantastic choice for both friends and family. It's not only a romantic spot for couples but also kid-friendly, making it a versatile option for various occasions. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and scrumptious Lebanese dishes make it a must-visit. I highly recommend Zaytoon for anyone looking to savor delicious food in a beautiful setting.

Zaytoon was recommended to me and the place did not disappoint! It was a chilly evening and they offer blankets and either a fire pit table or heaters by the legs. Since it's all outdoor seating this was a nice comfort to be kept warm! Our server Isael was attentive and kind. The food was all so tasty! Their menu was simple but everything was outstanding. For two appetizers, two drinks, and two entrees our bill came to be about $130. So pretty pricey for Mediterranean food but worth a fancy dinner with nice aesthetics! 10/10 would recommend and come back.

If you can find Zaytoon, you should go. Unless it's raining. And get here early, as it fills up fast. First off, listen to your map service when it tells you where Zaytoon is. They don't really have streetside signs, just a set of stairs leading into a garden. The food here is delicious, if a bit pricey for my southeast US wallet. The lemon chicken is moist and tender, which is surprising for a chicken cutlet; I usually find them chewy. The side rice and salad are a nice touch, too. The setting is like a garden reception with fire pit tables and fairy lights strung overhead. It's cozy, but beware the trees dropping bits into your food.

What a delightful spot, serving up delicious food! I can't wait to come back over and over again.

WOW. What a great spot in Santa Barbara. My girlfriend brought me here for a early dinner on a Friday and we called to see if they had a table available at 5:45pm and to our suprise they did. When we got there, there was a large group of people waiting outside so we just very happy to get seated right away. They sat us outdoor under the patio and it was such a cute vibe! Our waiter was very kind and helpful and most importantly, attentive. We ordered our drinks and food and within 10 minutes our drinks were out and within another 10 minutes, our food was out. The sunrise cocktail was very good, defenitly would recommend that. The watermelon juice was very good and fresh. We ordered two plates, a vegetarian plate and the mixed shawarma plate. Honestly both plates were very good but the mixed shawarma plate was the star of the night. The rice on the shawarma plate is probably some of the best rice I've been had in general. Great seasoning/spices on everything and cooked to perfection. Also, please be sure to order the garlic sauce, taziki and the pita bread as it was all so good as well! Our bill had come out to about $90 bucks and in my opinion, I would pay every penny for VERY GOOD lebenesse food. If your in the mood food for some good food, please keep this place in mind! You will not regret coming here.

I celebrated my birthday there, best Mediterranean food ever . Good portion I shared a mixed grill order with my husband, we also got 2 salads .The service was great and friendly . I recommend it

Chicken kabobs were delicious -- juicy and perfectly cooked. Everything else was good but not up to the level of hype this restaurant receives. Service was so so and we were rushed away from our table after the meal. Overall, overpriced and overhyped.

Wonderful atmosphere. Feels like you're in a garden. So well decorated and such great food. The hummus was very good, tho it lacked salt and some garlic. We enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend it. Loved it!

WOW! Wish we could rate this place 12/10 Absolutely wonderful, from the ambiance to the staff to the food! Very nice and open outdoor area, yet intimate and romantic. My boyfriend and I did a walk-in and sat outside- bonus points for the heaters everywhere on a chilly night! My first time trying Lebanese cuisine, my boyfriend is from Dubai and he was delightfully impressed. We ordered the Pistachio Spread, Pita, Watermelon Salad, Greek Salad and Falafel. We got two cocktails and a beer as well. Everything was filling and delicious. Would highly recommend for a date night, group dinner or truly any occasion. We will be back!

Had the most wonderful dinner experience here. We had a 515 reservation and the place was already packed, so obviously they are doing something right! It's a beautiful outdoor patio with blooming flowers, olive trees, and strawberry plants surrounding the tables. Our service was also prompt, attentive, but not overbearing. Greek salad - the sleeper hit. I have never had a Greek salad like this before. All the produce was incredibly fresh, and the onions were the lightest, most crispy onions I've ever had. The feta was also to die for. It is way creamier and less intense than most of the feta I've had from stores. Hummus was extremely smooth and delicious, baba ganouj was smoky, and the labneh was so creamy. I loved all the dips. Mixed kebab plate - they nailed all the meat. Chicken, beef, and lamb were all juicy and tender, and the fattoush salad it came with was again incredible. The dressing was so tasty!! Pita is $3 per basket which include just a few pieces, but it's seems homemade and is soft and perfect, so it's worth it! I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Good Lebanese food in Santa Barbara? I got you friend! Walking down the street. You can easily miss this restaurant as the entrance is up a small set of concrete stairs on the side of the street. The entrance takes you into their outdoor garden patio space which is very romantic and well lit. Parking is street parking, as you would expect in this part of town. Upon entry, there were many small tables near the vine wall but they also had several larger tables with fire pits in the center. There were a few tables indoors as well. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. The food came out at a reasonable rate given how busy they were. All the dips were tasty and the pita was well made. My entree was the star of the show for sure. The beef kebabs were so tender and had a beautiful char on them. I've never had beef kebabs that were this delicious before! The fries were crispy and seasoned well and the hummus was creamy and hearty. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and would deo come back. While it is on the pricier side, I would say it's in line with other restaurants in SB.

Absolutely loved Zaytoon!! The drinks, the food, the vibe was all a 10/10! I came here on my bachelorette trip and it was the perfect way to start the night. We got to sit at the cute fire pit table and it was all just so dreamy and perfect.

Amazing place with great food. Ambience is excellent. Weekends they have live music in the evening.

Delicious food. Good service. The garden is lovely and even more so at night with all the lights. We had the mixed kabob, vegetarian combo, cheese sambosik and it was all so so good. Nice portions, fresh ingredients. I also really enjoyed the cucumber cocktail I had. Very refreshing after a long day. This is a perfect spot for a Date night, enjoy a cocktail in the garden. They do have the tall 6ft heaters that have a fire glow to them so even for a pair it's still a very charming ambience even not around the fire pits.

A very lovely Lebanese dining experience when visiting Santa Barbara. This place is quite popular on a Friday night! Definitely get reservations and even so you might have to wait a bit (10-15 mins for us). The food was delicious, and the ambiance was lovely especially if you get a fire pit. They also had attentive service even throughout the busy night.

Great date night restaurant. I had the spicy mezcal drink. It was delish. Hummus was outstanding. The lentil soup was tasty. My bF had a meat dish that he liked.