Overview

Travel is about immersing yourself in the local culture. One way to do that is through food. Your tour will be led by a gifted storyteller who is passionate about living "La Dolce Vita". Learn about the history of each tasting venue without walking away feeling stuffed. You will also learn how to successfully navigate the Santa Barbara foodie scene like a seasoned local.

The intent of this tour is to provide a "skip the line" experience where a visitor would taste food from 3 locally owned small businesses while learning more about each restaurant and the easily walkable 1 block area of Arlington Plaza. The portion size of each of the 3 tastings are designed to allow room for lunch at the end of the tour at either of those 3 restaurants or at any of the recommended restaurants discussed on the tour.

Enjoy the "skip the line" benefit of a private table where reservations are not accepted and lines are extremely long. Groups are kept small to allow more personal time with your guide.

Description

Stop At: Petros Santa Barbara, 1316 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

First stop is the breakfast tasting of authentic Hellenic cuisine. The menu is a combination of the best ingredients that Greece and California have to offer. Choose either a sweet or savory phyllo. We will spend approximately 30 minutes taking in the calming lounge vibes in the beautiful courtyard sitting among manicured trees and floral foliage set in garden planters. Long drapes create a sense of warmth and welcome. The ambiance is light, airy and relaxing.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Crushcakes & Cafe, 1315 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

Second stop is the lunch tasting. It is in a great location, one block away from the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse, one block away from State Street and two blocks away from the crown jewel of the Santa Barbara city park system: Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. We will spend approximately 30 minutes enjoying a local's favorite hangout. Choose either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian half sandwich.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro, 1324 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

Third stop is the treat tasting... and what a treat it is! You don't need to go to France to taste the best French desserts in Santa Barbara. We will spend approximately 15 minutes tasting something très élégant. Choose a total of 2 Parisian Macarons from an assortment of flavors.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St, Santa Barbara, California 93101

Fourth and final stop, we will end the tasting experience by talking about the history of Arlington Plaza for approximately 15 minutes. This area features a curated collection of the very best locally owned dining, retail and service establishments in Santa Barbara. The plaza is located across the street from the iconic Arlington Theatre on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara’s historic cultural arts district. With signature Santa Barbara red tile roofs, patio dining that beckons, and a truly unique retail experience, Arlington Plaza offers something for everyone.

Duration: 15 minutes