Lunch in Santa Barbara

When it comes to enjoying lunch in Santa Barbara, few places combine coastal beauty, fresh flavors, and refined comfort quite like The Ellwood at Goleta Beach. Nestled along the shoreline, this destination invites both locals and visitors to pause their day, take in the ocean air, and savor a mid-day meal that feels more like an escape than an ordinary lunch.

Whether you’re planning a vacation in town or just need a new place for lunch, The Ellwood has something for everyone. Discover more about what makes this midday meal so special at The Ellwood.

Open Daily

No Reservations Needed

Monday - Friday

11am - 2:00pm

Starters

Sogno Toscano Burrata

18

Salt-Roasted Beets, Heirloom Carrot, Espelette Honey

Oysters

24

Half Dozen, East & West Coast with Mignonette

Java Blue Crabcake

27

Hand-Picked Blue Swimming Crab, Aioli, Frisée, Lemon

Shrimp Cocktail

10

Colossal Gulf Shrimp, Cocktail Sauce, Lemon. Two Per Order

Salt and Pepper Calamari

19

Green Garlic Aioli, Spicy Thai Chili

Crudité and Dip

18

House Potato Chips, Petite Veggies, French Onion Dip

Warm Sourdough & Butter

Sourdough Boule from Röckenwagner Bakery, with Vermont Creamery Butter & Maldon Salt

10

Soup & Salad

Add Protein to Any Salad – Shrimp $10, Ora King Salmon $18, Grilled Chicken $10

Little Gem Caesar

17

Parmigiano Reggiano, Buttered Brioche Croutons, White Anchovy, Classic Caesar Dressing

Baby Kale & Apple Salad

16

Fiscalini Farmhouse Cheddar, Apple Chips, Pickled Shallots, Champagne Vinaigrette

Iceberg Wedge Salad

21

Daily’s Bacon, Point Reyes Blue, Egg, Tomato, Everything Seasoning, Buttermilk Dressing

Chinese Chicken Salad

27

Mandarin, Cashew, Crispy Noodles & Wontons, Poached Chicken Breast, Sesame Ginger Dressing

Soup of the Day

Seasonally Inspired MKT

The Ellwood’s Famous Clam Chowder

Santa Barbara Style, Cheddar Gratin

17

Sandwiches & Plates

The Goleta Burger

18

Make it a Double $5, Bacon $2, Egg $2
Signature Blend Patty, New School American Cheese, Iceberg, Tomato, Ellwood Sauce, Pickle

Tuna Melt

22

Pole & Line Caught Albacore Tuna Salad, New School American Cheese, Griddled Marble Rye

Chicken Club

18

Grilled Chicken Breast, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Mayo, Toasted Sourdough

GRILLED ROCKFISH TACOS or AL PASTOR PORK TACOS

17

Two Tacos with Shredded Cabbage, Radish, And Grilled or Pineapple Salsa, on Grilled Masienda Corn Tortillas. Served with Warm Tortilla Chips and Salsa Roja

Classic B.L.T.

18

Crispy Daily’s Bacon, Iceberg, Sliced Tomato, Best Foods Mayo

Santa Barbara-Caught Fish of the Day

MKT

Locally Caught Simply Prepared

Steak Frites

27

6oz Prime Creekstone Farms Hanger Steak, Peppercorn Sauce, Fries

For groups of 6 or more, 20% gratuity will be added to the bill

VG = Vegetarian
V = Vegan
N = Contains Nuts
GF = Gluten Free
* = House Favorite

Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

The Perfect Lunch Spot: Oceanfront Dining at its Finest

Lunch at The Ellwood is more than a quick break. It’s a full-on immersive experience that will take your day from ordinary to extraordinary. With its prime location overlooking the Pacific, guests enjoy oceanfront dining with unobstructed views of the sparkling water and the Santa Barbara coastline. The natural beauty sets the stage for a relaxing mid-day retreat, whether you’re meeting friends, hosting a business lunch, or simply taking time out of your day to unwind.

The atmosphere at The Ellwood is both elevated and inviting. Sunlight streams through open spaces, the soft rhythm of waves creates a calming soundtrack, and the gentle ocean breeze enhances every bite. It’s a setting where coastal charm meets relaxed elegance, making The Ellwood the perfect spot to recharge and relax.

The Ellwood Lunch Menu: Fresh Flavors and Refined Options

The Ellwood’s lunch menu celebrates Santa Barbara’s culinary heritage with a focus on seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and locally inspired flavors. Every dish is prepared with care, striking a balance between sophistication and a sense of coastal comfort.

Guests can begin with comforting starters, such as Clam Chowder Au Gratin, elevated with a golden crust, or a tasty bowl of vegan Tomato Soup. For lighter fare, try a classic Caesar or a tasty Chopped Salad, topped with dates, almonds, citrus, cauliflower, and ginger turmeric dressing.

Heartier choices include the Prime Hanger Steak Sandwich, topped with Chimichurri, or Local Grilled Fish Tacos, featuring locally caught white fish. For those who prefer the classics, our Burger is sure to please, as is our classic BLT. 

No meal is complete without a little treat at the end. Indulgent desserts such as the Pistachio Butter Cake or lemon and raspberry sorbet provide the perfect sweet note to complete the experience. Whether you’re craving something light, filling, or decadent, the menu ensures every guest finds the perfect mid-day match.

More Than a Meal: Your Mid-Day Recharge

As you can tell, lunch is more than just another meal at The Ellwood. We turn it into a memorable experience that you can share with friends, family, and coworkers. Exceptional service, stunning ocean views, and a thoughtfully curated menu create an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

The location itself adds to the appeal. Situated right at Goleta Beach, The Ellwood makes it easy to pair your meal with a seaside stroll. Arrive a little early for a walk on the sand, or linger after lunch to enjoy the coastal scenery. This effortless connection between dining and the natural beauty of Santa Barbara is what makes The Ellwood truly stand out.

Plan Your Next Lunch in Santa Barbara

The Ellwood at Goleta Beach combines breathtaking views, locally inspired flavors, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere for lunch. Whether you’re a local looking for a favorite new spot or a traveler eager to taste the best of the coast, The Ellwood offers an experience designed to satisfy and inspire.

Stop in today, or make a reservation for your next lunch date at The Ellwood. Discover why so many guests consider it the premier choice for oceanfront dining in Santa Barbara.

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