It might be obvious what some of my favorite restaurants and food shops are, based on the frequency that I go there, but just in case, here’s a running list. And why.

Top 5 in no order

Kobachi Izakaya Dining - this is not your standard Japanese restaurant of sushi and teriyaki bowls. The izakaya selection is unique in Santa Barbara and extensive. This is a locally owned restaurant, related to Ahi sushi. It is off the beaten path. It is a special place for me.

Square One - I consider this one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. The owners grew up here, they source locally where they can, and they strive to serve the best quality ingredients, or won’t serve it at all. They’ve evolved with the market, and while the menu has a more stable line of well-known items available in place of the more innovative emulsions, reductions and foams of their earlier years, it is still possible to dabble in their creative (and more expensive) options, provided they have a good lead time for them to prepare.

Romanti-Ezer - again, not your standard fare, for a Mexican restaurant. This is Oaxacan and south American style food, with spiceful sauces and fresh Oaxacan cheese.  Best birria in town! Their tortillas are made fresh. This is also moderately inexpensive, with meals in the $10 or less range.  Great “hole-in-the-wall” type of place, if you can figure out when they’re open.

Petit Valentien - this is a great place that’s at the peak of the bell curve between gourmet food and affordability. The chef has some unique items for this town - like frog legs, French style. Or truffle oil and pea risotto, a small serving for $7. Small plates are a big deal to me, and Petit Valentien is great at providing them, and at great prices. The cheese plate is good for budding cheese enthusiasts, and won’t break the bank.

La Chapala Market - this is not a dedicated eatery, it’s just one portion of a large food market. Order at the cashier, and collect food at a separate pick-up window. Best carnitas tacos in town - they are juicy and not over fried. Tacos come in a limited number of meat options, and cost about $1.39 each. They also have a freezer case of Mexican fruit juice popcicles and I love this for lunch. Two tacos and a 99c popcicle is about $5.  It’s not a gut-buster meal, but it’s very good and quite inexpensive. Try the carnitas and the lengua. yes, that’s tongue. A most soft, tender and juicy tongue.