The Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"Loquita, a deeply chic Spanish restaurant converging at the corner of State Street and East Yanonali, makes for an ideal dinner night out in Santa Barbara. Expect a memorable first bite from its olives a la El Bulli, a riff on the famous El Bulli liquid olive that bursts in the mouth like an overfilled water balloon. Diners should also try the croquetas de jamon, a shaggy fritter encasing bubbling melted cheese and Ibérico ham; the tortilla Española, a potato, leek, and egg omelet that is much more than meets the eye; and, most importantly, one of its paellas — the mariscos paella comes stained with squid ink and pocked with bay scallops, grilled prawns, and mussels." - Mona Holmes