Tamar

Restaurant · Lower State

Tamar

Restaurant · Lower State

3

121 E Yanonali St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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Highlights

Tamar offers fresh, juicy Mediterranean delights like chicken shawarma and lamb kofta tucked inside warm, house-made pita in a breezy Funk Zone spot.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

121 E Yanonali St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Get directions

tamarsb.com
@tamarsantabarbara

$20–30 · Menu

Information

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121 E Yanonali St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Get directions

+1 805 242 3894
tamarsb.com
@tamarsantabarbara

$20–30 · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@infatuation

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

"Tamar is a breezy counter-service Mediterranean spot in the old Tyger Tyger space that makes a particularly juicy, lamb kofta packed with fresh herbs. You can order your lamb patties in a warm pita sandwich or on a plate with their sumac-dusted hummus and a dollop of zhoug that delivers some eyebrow-raising heat—both are good ideas. We also like the big pita croutons that soak up the zippy dressing in the fattoush salad and their not-too-sweet tahini ice cream. A scoop is the perfect way to end a leisurely lunch in the Funk Zone." - Sylvio Martins

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/tamar
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@eater

The 14 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

"A Middle Eastern specialty is a rare sight for Downtown Santa Barbara: shawarma served with house-made pita bread. Logan Jones, the former chef de cuisine at the Lark, started Tamar as a pop-up before transitioning into a permanent daytime operation for flavorful chicken shawarma tucked into warm bread with a lightly dressed cabbage salad. The delightful and casual room is attached to Dart Coffee Co." - Mona Holmes

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-santa-barbara-restaurants-california
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@josh__farrell
Santa Barbara
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Jake

Google
Amazing vibes to the place. The salad had some issues though, the greens were not prepped at all, not cut into edible size nor washed properly, I kept getting a sandy crunch of something every time I went for the lettuce and I know it wasn't the croutons. Side of chicken tasted nice and had great texture and moisture but $7 for that portion was a bit small in my opinion.

Maggie Hohle

Google
This was such a treat for our party of five. Every dish was fresh and perfectly prepared. The service was direct and we got clear and friendly answers to the few questions we had. The little gem salad with falafel as well as the trip-dip plate with pita were so fresh we couldn’t believe it. Care was taken with every dish. Five stars!!!

Adam Lowenstein

Google
Fantastic dinner for my family of four! The chicken shawarma was amazing- perfectly cooked and juicy. The dips were authentic, the falafel was great, and all of the produce was crisp and fresh- my wife's salad was amazing. The pita is soft and fluffy- really wonderful. This was a truly unexpected treat, and the best Mediterranean food I have had in Santa Barbara without a doubt. Will be back for more!

Yasmin Adams

Google
I came to Dart coffee a while back and noticed this place. It was closed that time but I knew I wanted to come back to try it. Finally got a chance to! I ordered a chicken shawarma pita. The pita bread was nice a fluffy and the pita sandwich was a good size! It had great flavor. We were trying to figure out what spices were used that tasted unique and came up with cloves, cardamom and turmeric. Not sure if that was it but the sauce tasted very flavorful. It's a nicely decorated co-space and the staff was friendly. Would recommend for a nice bite to eat! It's also located in a nice part of SB off the main State St.

rfvandali

Google
My wife and I ordered a lamb kofta plate and a chicken shawarma plate. Both dishes were perfection. Every element on the plate was tasty. For example, I was literally scooping hummus in my mouth with a spoon. The pita, salad and pickled veggies were also really good and the small servings of additional dips were great. Then the meats: both the lamb and chicken were succulent (not dry) and packed with tonnes of flavor. If we come back to Santa Barbara we will definitely go out of our way to eat here again. If I lived locally this would be a 'regular' for us. I also thought, aside from being incredibly tasty, the servings were really generous and the place had a great chilled vibe for a dinner setting.

Aysegul Acar

Google
We love the falafel sandwich. Each ingredient was fresh, and the sauces were delicious.

Pia Beck

Google
Incredible food! Super fresh, very flavorful, hits every time! The hummus is to die for, and the falafel is likely to be some of the best you've ever had in the states. The lamb kofta is incredibly moist. A must-visit!

Nick Leachman

Google
Ordered the special beef shawarma and little gem fatoush salad - both were excellent! Order at the counter and open seating with Dart coffee. All tables were full midday on a Saturday.
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Elimelech R.

Yelp
A gem in a city that needs more gems! The food is mouthwatering and on point. The dips are fantastic, especially the Hummus and Shallot Labneh. Go ahead and treat yoself before or after your voracious funk zone activities!
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M A.

Yelp
Fresh ingredients with a lot of tang. Food: I appreciated the option for a fresh, healthy meal at Tamar. I had the salad with falafel. It was fresh and high quality, although there was a bit too much tang for me. Would have used a bit more balance with maybe less intense dressing. I felt the same when trying my friend's shawarma plate. Vibe: Very (very) cute almost cafeteria style place shared with Dash coffee. Great decor, good sound (good acoustics not clangy or loud) which made a nice place to chat with friends.
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Dana M.

Yelp
Came in for lunch on a Monday and they were out of a lot items that we really were looking forward to trying since we are from out of town. However, the biggest issue I had was the host's attitude problem/lack of hospitality and care for us as the customer just to simply order I felt like he didn't not only want to be there but hated it or just had an issue with my race or nationality idk I really felt that way. That in itself makes me never want to go back even tho the food was good it's extremely overpriced for no reason. I really wish they had some rice or some in my opinion. But It's mainly the service and attitude problem that really turned me off. Just plain rude for no reason. Don't work at a personable place if you have no personality. Major turn off. The food again was decent not bad I liked the flavors in everything we got. Unique. The chicken platter, side of Japanese sweet potatoes and side of lamb, but I personally don't think it's worth over 45 bucks for all that & with no drink too.
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Jon D.

Yelp
1 star is for the hummus (super creamy and delicious), falafel (crispy and nutty, love it), and pita (homemade and fluffy). Another for the service (very nice workers with smiling faces), and the third is for the vibe. It's a quaint little counter style place with an open kitchen and is shared with a coffee shop. Unfortunately, I can only give 3 stars because it's overpriced and their shawarma is SO BLAND. Chicken shawarma is hands down my favorite food, and this spot charged me twice as much as my favorite place (Falafel Stop in Sunnyvale) and gave me a quarter of the spice in the chicken. The only reason I checked the place out and sucked it up when they told me my total ($45 for two entrees) was because I had heard great things about their shawarma. And to spend so much and get chicken that tasted so bland and slightly dry was such a HUGE disappointment. I think I'll hold my shawarma craving until I'm back in the Bay Area or LA.
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Sylvia K.

Yelp
Loved it. A little cold at night there with big open windows. Great setiing, nice servers . Flavors of food was excellent. Cheese dip, pita and sweet potatoes my favorite. Casual setting.
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Kateryna A.

Yelp
We finally decided to try this Mediterranean spot after walking by it so many times, and it didn't disappoint! I had the chicken shawarma sandwich, which was incredibly flavorful and juicy. The place has a nice, inviting vibe, making it perfect for a casual meal. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area!
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Kristine H.

Yelp
This place is a must-visit! The food is absolutely delicious--freshly baked pita, the Dip Trip, and the chicken shawarma plate were all incredible. Though it seemed like a lot of food for two, we savored every last bite. The service is quick, indoor and outdoor seating available. Conveniently, parking is available in the nearby back lot.
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Mikala C.

Yelp
This place is a hidden gem! For a fast, casual restaurant, the food was incredible. We ordered the chicken schwarma and the falafel salad. I was so impressed by the quality and freshness of ingredients in both dishes. I also loved being able to try the chicken with different sauces and the unique hummus flavor. Highly recommend if you're looking for healthy, quick food on a budget.

Brooke W.

Yelp
No gluten free options and the chef implied that I was a hassle for asking him to try to make a clean plate, even though he told me he was "a really good chef." Vegetables were aggressively flavored, super-pickled. Lamb kofka plate: A plate of cabbage and carrots, basically, with a tiny bit of lamb, a paltry, sad amount. The hummus was good. Next time I'd get a side of hummus and a side of lamb. Cabbage ain't worth $26, neither is begging for a plate of food that won't make me sick for a month.
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Giena L.

Yelp
Located in the Funk Zone. Super colorful and open space. My bf had the chicken sandwich (gyro) and I had the lamb kofta sandwich, and we shared their special-- which was japanese sweet potatoes. OMG, so delicious. A definite must try. The pita was divine, the sauce, the side of pickles it came with, the flavors-- chef's kiss.
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Maya K.

Yelp
INSANE middle eastern food! I felt like I was back home while eating this meal, the flavors were on point and everything was absolutely delicious. The pita was so warm and fluffy, I would have eaten 10 of them if I could. I love how the restaurant is so open and there is lots of outdoor seating available. The food came out relatively quickly and everything was seasoned perfectly. I wish I lived in SB so I can eat this every single week. Please open a location in SD!!
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Chuck F.

Yelp
When I think Santa Barbara, I rarely think Middle Eastern food. Well, if you do, then stop in here. Nestled into a fun and (funk zone) location hosted by Dart Coffee, this start up is delicious, inventive, and exciting. Don't leave without the cookie! I had the chicken shawarma sandwich and my wife had the falafel sandwich. The bread is very fresh pita, and the pickled vegetables that come with are crunchy and delectable. The guys behind the counter (cook and cashier) are very friendly and helpful. Go check this place out!
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Carlos C.

Yelp
The lamb sandwich was amazing so much flavor packed in to a pita Would definitely recommend service and ambiance was also really good!!
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Molly L.

Yelp
GOATED food. I crave it at least once every two weeks. The chicken shawarma plate is insane-- the yellow sauce that comes with it is crack. Love their food and highly recommend. I think even those that aren't into Mediterranean food normally will enjoy-- it's just THAT top tier.
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Ann D.

Yelp
I enjoy the chicken and hummus but the salad was nothing special. I have had better Greek salad from Trader Joe's. The service was very good. The ambiance was very clean and nicely decorated. If I go back I will only buy the hummus. Maybe the sandwich is better than the chicken plate. I liked the picked veggies that are yellow on the chicken plate.

Joshua I.

Yelp
Chicken shawarma was delicious!! They really hooked it up with the chicken. Pretty cool atmosphere.

Alex N.

Yelp
Horrible service and overpriced. For a $20 sandwich, couldn't even give our extra hot sauce. Customer service is nonexistent here
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Lajaune W.

Yelp
It was ok. The hummus didn't have a chickpea taste. Tasted like it was blended with something else which made it very mild in the flavor. The lamb I had hoped would be a sliced leg of lamb (especially for the price tag )but was ground lamb in patties. The sauces were average but tasted commercial brand. The meal did have flavor, a bit over salted. I was hoping for something more complex to the palate.

Kate L.

Yelp
Amazing food! We were delighted with how fragrant and savory everything was. Fluffiest warmest pita too. If I can suggest anything it is try all the sauces. Seriously get a new one each time because they are delicious. And a big shout out to the staff and Logan. thank you from the SBHS teachers!
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Sara W.

Yelp
The hummus was so good! Also it was right next to Dart Coffee (they're in the same location), so really convenient! The ambiance is also rly cute!

Adel M.

Yelp
It was my first time trying this place and it was super crowded parking not easy to find, However the Food was very delicious. I had the Shawarma Chicken it was delicious but a little bit salty. Other than that the experience was really good , I will definitely come back again. Highly recommend. Service was fast . I forgot to take pictures
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Brittany B.

Yelp
Food was good. Loved their mango sauce and green sauce. Service was meh, they were out of water for like 15 minutes, and out of glasses for the water even longer.
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Aalia S.

Yelp
I got the salad with chicken and everything was delicious! The cucumber salad dressing was light and so tasty! The zhoug sauce and yogurt sauce were great additions too!

Kenneth K.

Yelp
Great chicken and falafel pita sandwiches. Loved them both. Each was more than I could eat, too. Yum!!

Courtney N.

Yelp
Way over priced for what you get. We ordered the lamb plate and one of the dips. not much lamb for $26.

Iley J.

Yelp
The falafel hits every time. Highly recommend! Service is fast and restaurant area is super cute
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Nathanael C.

Yelp
10 out of 10! Super high quality middle eastern food. Fresh pita, falafel, and the best shawarma I've ever had.
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Paul S.

Yelp
Best new shawarma in town! I've tried their chicken, beef, and lamb shawarmas and I think the chicken is definitely the best here. It's juicy and has a nice crispy fatty char on the outside. The lamb is flavorful and juicy, but not gamey. The beef was decent, but nothing special. Their hummus is the best I've had anywhere in a while. It's very light, creamy, and smooth with a nice nutty flavor. And then how can you not try their shroom hummus when it has caramelized onions and oyster mushrooms?! In the end it was good and everything I wanted, but I think going forward I will stick to the regular hummus because that's the real star. Recommend their chicken shawarma plate so you can really taste just the chicken vs in the sandwich where the veggies can be much.
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Garrett L.

Yelp
Great they expanded hours and have settled into that location. Love the food and service is usually very quick - cannot beat it. Can also sit across the street in the outdoor garden area which has a great vibe
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R And R.

Yelp
Fresh and delicious! Ordered and split the chicken shawarma pita. I completely forgot to take a photo as we dug right in.

Lisa B.

Yelp
The three stars is for the atmosphere. The food was pretty bland. Chicken Schwarma was dry and so we're the falafels. This sides and dips were okay, but if you hold yourself out as specializing in Schwarma it should be delicious. Won't be going back!
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Shoshana C.

Yelp
Love this place. Great shawarma in town. Highly recommend getting the chicken shawarma plate. Can't go wrong. Hummus is so creamy! Grab it to go and sit in the garden across the street!
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Wally N.

Yelp
OMG this place is the bomb. We found this because of yielp so I figured it deserved a praise. I chose this because it was on our way out of Santa Barbara and it had great reviews. I wasn't sure what I wanted to eat so I tried their lamb sharwama and my wife had the chicken sharwama dish. These are served with two types of veggie salads, homemade pita bread and hummus lots of it! They also have their own spice and every dish has its signature sauce. It is a very casual ambiance so you can jog there or just walk. It is located inside the coffee shop. So you pay before you eat, which might scare some people but for us was worth a try. Service was five stars!

Mary M.

Yelp
Tamar has moved from a pop up at Third Window Brewery to its own place in Dart coffee. Yeah, I was confused too! This place is outstanding and I'm so thrilled to have it in Santa Barbara! Excellent Mediterranean food. The pita is freshly baked, the shawarma is juicy, the veggies in the pitas are fresh and flavorful. I had the lamb and it was fantastic. Even the pickles that come with it are wonderful. We will be returning soon. Thank you Tamar!

Madhumitha R.

Yelp
The lamb kofta and the ice cream was some of the best flavors I had in a long time. Loved the food!

Vincent G.

Yelp
Worst service ever. A don't be rude to your customers. B if someone orders a platter to go maybe throw some utensils in the bag so they don't have to eat cabbage by hand. So damn over priced for what you get.
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Wendy B.

Yelp
Wow! Just had the chicken shawarma sandwich and the lamb kofta plate. So amazing. Spices were PERFECT. Pickled veggies and salad were great complement to the meal. We will be back very soon and have plans to be regulars!

Jason V.

Yelp
This place is outstanding! Super stoked to have it in Santa Barbara! Great vibes. Excellent Mediterranean food. Consistent quality. The pita is freshly baked, the shawarma is juicy, the veggies in the pitas are fresh, and the sides are all excellent.

Lois C.

Yelp
Great food. My 5 year old devoured the chicken shawarma. Service was okay. Ambiance was nice as it's a shared space with one of my favorite coffee spots, Dart. Like that they have a take-out option as parking is always a challenge in the funk zone. Definitely a spot I'll be frequenting.
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Jema H.

Yelp
I loved it! The hummus, the sauces (aïoli and zhoug), and the wood fired pita were excellent. The chicken Shawarma was super moist and not like most of the Shawarma I've had in the past but it was delicious! I got the Shawarma plate which with the extra Peter was probably enough for two people but nonetheless I made short work of more than half of it myself this time. There's tons of space this time a day in the shared Third window Brewing and courtyard areas. My wait was 16 minutes from order to plate arriving at the table which is not bad considering the caliber of food. The Monday through Wednesday 12-4p lunch schedule is not as broad as I would like to see, but I highly recommend making time to get there then and pretty sure I will find a way to do it again. There are specials too!

Alyssa L.

Yelp
The food here is otherworldly. Flavors are incredible and the presentation is always on point. We love coming to eat here and are never disappointed. Looking forward to coming back.

Sara B.

Yelp
Amazing! I had the chicken shawarma plate and it was mouth watering delicious. I would eat here 3x a week if I could! Great service and ambiance. I highly recommend!
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Jake R.

Yelp
Great flavor, great variety on the plate dishes. But far too expensive for what you get. Honestly, if the dishes weren't served on paper disposable plates I would say the price could MAYBE be justified. But getting a 27 dollar shawarma plate with 4oz of meat on a paper plate is just unjustifiable in my opinion.

Beena D.

Yelp
The flavors were pretty one-note and the menu items did not differ much. The tables were dirty and there didn't seem to be enough staff to maintain the area.
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Shesh G.

Yelp
What a delicious array of fabulous Mediterranean items! The flavors are incredible! The chicken Shawarma was so juicy and perfectly spiced, adored the crispy lamb, ribs, and whipped farm cheese with honey and crunchy black rice was just divine. Can't wait to go back! We certainly are grateful to have this in the neighborhood!

Magic M.

Yelp
Had the chicken sandwich and it was okay, mostly lettuce but the pita was warm and soft. Also had the chicken salad, and it was pretty bad. Briny, salty barely edible. The chicken on the salad was a tepid room temperature which. Service was non exsistent, but they prompy for tip.

Craig B.

Yelp
Fab food. Great choices, nice space, great service. Reasonably priced. Food does well takeout.

Christina K.

Yelp
The food is so good! Everything is very fresh. We came here twice during our weekend stay in SB, and the chicken, lamb and falafel dishes were all excellent. All the sides and veggies were delicious. I highly recommend it!

Clara C.

Yelp
Best falafel in Santa Barbara!!! I LOVE a good falafel but they are truly hard to find. Normally I choose shawarma meat over falafels because of a tendency to be disappointed in the latter being dry... not in this case! Perfect texture! Perfect sauces! Pickled farmers market vegetables (my favorite part)! A place where I can take both my ravenous teenage son and meet with my vegetarian friends and everyone leaves full and happy! Highly recommend