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
Shrimp Cocktail
10
Salt and Pepper Calamari
19
Crudité and Dip
18
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
Iceberg Wedge Salad
21
Chinese Chicken Salad
27
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
Tuna Melt
22
Pole & Line Caught Albacore Tuna Salad, New School American Cheese, Griddled Marble Rye
Chicken Club
18
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
Santa Barbara-Caught Fish of the Day
MKT
Steak Frites
27
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.