Loquita Santa Barbara

"Loquita is located just blocks from the beach and inside a cream-tinted building with a red-tiled roof. Small and stylish, the space oozes with creative flair—picture colorful tiles, a humming bar framed by soft pink stools, and starburst light fixtures. Find a perch at the beloved wood counter or outside in the inviting and attractive patio. Servers know the menu by heart, so follow their lead and start with tapas like crusty pan con tomate, before digging into hearty chorizo y pollo paella. An homage to the El Bullí olive is a contemporary signature, while carpaccio garnished with pickled mustard seeds and aged sherry vinegar is fittingly popular.A separate gin and tonic list, complete with iterations of the classic, makes a great kickoff (and sendoff)." - Michelin Inspector

The 25 Best Restaurants In Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"This upscale spot in the Funk Zone is the move for a buzzy night of cocktails and tapas, and it’s especially fun if you manage to snag a table on the twinkle-lit patio. The menu has a bunch of snacky plates, plus massive paellas that are portioned for two or four, but we like to double down on the small dishes, like the beautiful crudo layered with bright sauces and the beef carpaccio that’s practically wearing a salad. When the dessert menu makes it to the table, act like you’re looking it over before going for the churros." - brant cox, sylvio martins, cathy park

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

Loquita - Review - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"This upscale spot in the Funk Zone is the move for a buzzy night of cocktails and tapas, and it’s especially fun if you manage to snag a table on the twinkle-lit patio. The menu has a bunch of snacky plates, plus massive paellas that are portioned for two or four, but we like to double down on the small dishes, like the beautiful crudo layered with bright sauces and the beef carpaccio that’s practically wearing a salad. When the dessert menu makes it to the table, act like you’re looking it over before going for the churros. photo credit: Jakob Layman" - Cathy Park

Luke Tennie’s LA is Rooted in His Love for Cooking

"A restaurant in Santa Barbara known for having the best paella. It's a place where great food and great memories are made." - Michael He