The Lark Santa Barbara

Super cute spot. Food was delicious. That popcorn - chef’s kiss. Would definitely recommend the Parpadelle pasta and crispy Brussels sprouts. Old fashioned was delicious as well.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, made even better by our server, Danae, who was incredibly attentive throughout the evening. It was our first visit to The Lark, and it turned out to be the perfect cozy and delicious way to end our day. The fried chicken was bursting with flavor—easily some of the best I’ve ever had. The Fisherman’s Catch featured beautifully seared salmon that paired perfectly with the risotto and Ojai pixies. Also don't be shy get the desserts too, specifically the New School Banana split. Without a doubt, we’ll be returning whenever we’re in the Santa Barbara area—this place has quickly become a new favorite!

The atmosphere at The Lark is fantastic and we had good service here. For food, we started off with the pimento cheese. We then got the ribs and shrimp toast. All of the food was great but the shrimp toast was the real star of the show. Both the pimento cheese and ribs were good but I felt that I have had better in Texas for much cheaper prices. That being said, I still had a great time here and would recommend it to people coming to Santa Barbara.

The Lark was outstanding from the start and easily one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in Santa Barbara. The complimentary chili-lime pickled popcorn was surprisingly addictive, even for someone who doesn’t usually like pickled flavors. The skillet cornbread was rich, decadent, and one of the best I’ve ever had. We also tried the fried chicken, seasonal pappardelle, and coconut sorbet for dessert. The chicken dish had incredible flavor and texture, while the sorbet was a refreshing and unexpected standout at the end of the meal. The pasta was good, very tomato-forward, though I’d probably try a different option next time. Drinks were solid. My mocktail was refreshing but small in size, and the wine pairing was well chosen with help from the staff. The service was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, which made the experience even better. The restaurant itself has a lively, welcoming vibe in a shared dining district, making it perfect for a date night or a special stop on a day trip. Prices reflect the shareable, elevated plates, but the quality and creativity of the food make it worth it. If you’re visiting Santa Barbara, The Lark is a must-stop for a memorable dining experience.

Chef Jason and his amazing team always delivers a unique gourmet dining experience that must be enjoyed to truly understand it. This may seem like hyperbole, but take it from us, world travelers to over 70 international destinations at least once who have sampled some great cuisine worldwide, including some with those coveted “stars”, there is absolutely no place like The Lark. We’ve been dining here almost since they opened, and this time actually flew to California from
Florida with having a celebratory meal here top of mind. As we have written before in previous reviews, if you live in L.A. or somewhere within even a few hours away, it would be worth the drive to sample the cuisine at The Lark.

WOW, just WOW This place is a whole vibe! The moment you walk in, you’re hit with that chill-but-romantic atmosphere—whether you’re inside or outside, it just feels like the perfect escape. The wine bar? Absolutely irresistible. Sitting there with a glass in hand, chatting away and nibbling on some small plates = pure happiness. Honestly, it’s the kind of spot where time just slips away. And let me tell you about the pre-meal BBQ popcorn… IT. IS. EVERYTHING. Totally addictive—I couldn’t stop eating it! Even the neighborhood kitty wandered over, sniffing around like, “hey, share some with me!” The oysters were on the “fun-size” side —like, blink and they’re gone—but everything else was fresh, tasty, and totally worth it . Already plotting my next visit!

Loved it. Seating was fast. The atmosphere was fantastic. Service was friendly and great. All 3 dishes we had were fantastic. Fresh was fresh, chicken was divine, pasta was perfect. We didn't finish our dishes and took some home. All we still delicious the next day. This place is definitely worth a visit. Great for couples or a small group of friends.

I'd been meaning to come here, and I finally did. Loved the atmosphere and the service. The weather was nice and it didn't feel cold even with all the doors fully open. Unfortunately, the food wasn't on par with our expectations. The fried chicken was very good, and the garnish went very well with it. The pasta and the shrimp toast, however, could be improved. For example, it was difficult to understand what they were going for with the shrimp toast, and each component wasn't extraordinary to make up for the loss. As for the hand-pulled pasta, the pasta was well cooked, but the acidity didn't really elevate the dish. Maybe others like this tarty acidity, but it didn't work for me.