Zaytoon

Had a wonderful dinner at Zaytoon in Santa Barbara. The place is cozy with beautiful open-air seating around a central fountain, creating a relaxing and inviting ambiance. We started with a variety of appetizers—cheese sambosak, batata harra, watermelon salad, pistachio spread, and hummus—all flavorful and fresh. For mains, we had the lamb kebab and shawarma, both cooked to perfection. A great spot for delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in a charming setting. Highly recommended!

When in the mood for Lebanese food Zaytoon is the place to dine at. Serving up fresh and high quality dishes that are bursting with flavor! For starters, try the Vegetarian choice. It includes hummus, baba ghannouj, falafel, cheese and Tabbouli. I love everything on this plate! I wish I could buy the hummus and Baba Ghannouj (charbroiled eggplant spread), both are delicious with the pita. I also love the cheese sambosik, chicken & beef kebab, salmon with basil cream and cocktails of course. Trust me you won’t be disappointed when dining here! The atmosphere is beautiful. Try to get a table with the fire pit! You must have a party of 4, but it’s such a vibe. Customer service has always been friendly and attentive. The food is served in a timely manner, so you won’t be waiting too long. Overall, this place is a must visit if you love Lebanese food!

Awesome. Service and food are great. We were fasting and the waiters were accommodating and brought food exactly at Iftar time. The mashawi are all delicious, sides (hummus, fattoush) taste authentic. Might be the best arab food I've had in California so far. Thanks!

Enjoyed our Saturday night dinner here. The courtyard looks beautiful at night. The food was really good. We had the kababs combo and patatas dish which were flavourful. Although, the dessert menu was lacking.

Zaytoon is so beautiful, staff is attentive. I had the watermelon juice and it was super refreshing. I had the hummus with pomegranates and that was beyond enjoyable. I wish my company would stop talking so I could enjoy my food more haha. Good vegan options for my daughter. Can’t wait to go back.

The food was amazing and so was our service. I would definitely recommend this lace to family and friends.

Loved their mashawi combo and pistachio spread! The beef kebab was tasty, too. I was a little worried it might get too cold out on the patio, but the fire on the table kept us warm enough. Some said it took forever for their food to come out, but our dishes were served in 5-10 minutes.

Mouthwatering food, a charming atmosphere, and outdoor dining with sustainably sourced ingredients (organic and wild-caught). A heaven for those seeking dairy-free and gluten-free options. Exceptional service.

I love this place. Super cute ambiance and seating area on patio. Some of the tables even have fire pits! Food is really good. My favorite meal is mixed shawarma. The hummus and babaganoush is also some of the best I've had

Zaytoon in Santa Barbara is basically the best restaurant in town. The most fresh Mediterranean style food will leave your table overflowing. The most delicious lamb, chicken and beef head with delicious vegetables will leave you stuffed and satisfied. The dessert was so good. It was a little bit heavy on the sugar in the paklava, the ice cream was good, but the pistachios complicated the pallet a little bit too much. I feel like it would be better if regular pistachio ice cream was used instead and the berries were yummy and sweet. I was seated outdoors on the patio. The weather was cool and temperate, then when the time came for dessert, my server turned on fireplace, which added some warm and comfort to the dining experience. The service is very nice and attentive. Despite the restaurant being busy my meal was enjoyable and my food was absolutely delicious... so good I over ate.

HANDS DOWN THE BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD I HAVE EVER HAD!!!! We booked dinner for a large group (30) they were accommodating, welcoming, professional. EVERY SINGLE thing we ordered was DELICIOUS. Every single person who joined us for dinner agreed the food was amazing. The alcoholic drinks were also very well made. Kudos to the bartender! I am not local to the area and that makes me very sad. I wish I could eat here on a weekly basis. IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU STOP BY. 100/10 THANK U SO MUCH FOR HAVING US.

Zaytoon is Husband & my FAVE! We go at least twice a week. We LOVE the Halloumi & Watermelon app! Especially in the summer! SO REFRESHING! We order their Batata Harra (spicy potatoes) + Tzatziki to start too. SO. F'ING. DELISH! All their apps are off of the charts! Vegetarian feast is a MUST to taste everything! We LOVE their salmon & lemon chicken entrees. Outside magical ambiance w/ gorgeous blue fire pits at the center of the table. Perfect for romantic dinner or group celebration. Service is good. We always recommend to anyone visiting Montecito that Zaytoon is a MUST!! LOVE YOU!

I highly recommend Zaytoon! We always get it to go and it is so delicious, portions are generous, so fresh, and the service is fast.

Came here around 5:30 for a party of 10 without reservation. Got seated in 5-10 minutes. All the seating is outside. It was a bit windy so the fire pit warmed us up. They also provided blankets to keep us warm. The food came out in 10-20 minutes. My mixed shawarma plate was super delicious. The salad was delicious as well along with the rice. I also tried some meat from the mashawi combo and it was super tender. The pita bread was good with the spicy tzatziki. Overall it was a delicious place with a cozy fireside ambience. Service was also great.

This is a very nice, classy outdoor restaurant in Santa Barbara. It was a little hard to find since there wasn't a sign for the restaurant. The food is very good and tasted very fresh. The small table fire for ambience is nice as well. Staff and service was good and quick. A lot of people came here for celebrations of special occasions (graduation, bridal party, etc). Definitely a great place for Mediterranean food in the Santa Barbara area. Prices are a little more but very nice if you want a classy evening out.

Our tasting room, Loubud, recently partnered with Saud at Zaytoon for catering our 10th anniversary celebration and it was fabulous!! Saud is so kind and everyone raved about the lunch. Thank you! PS This is also my husband's and my first date spot and we highly recommend it for date night.

What a perfect dinner with a group of friends or family. Watermelon salad was superb! Lentil soup was almost perfect but a bit too much cumin for my taste. Salmon had a tender smoked flavor, which was divine. Rest of family had the lamb that they said was the best they have had in a Mediterranean restaurant. That's just the food. Let's talk about the service the minute you walk in the two hostesses on Saturday were just delightful. Anyone who approached you in the restaurant asked if you needed something or which way they would be able to direct you. And best of all our Server- Luis! What respectful , well mannered young man who was delightful and was attentive through our whole dinner. Will be back again, oh, and one more thing the atmosphere was just charming as all the fire pits were lit up, and they would offer your warm blanket if you had wanted to be extra cozy!

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with such warmth and genuine hospitality by the hostess, it instantly set the tone for the night. She was attentive, gracious, and made us feel like we were truly being welcomed into someone's home. The ambiance at Zaytoon is magical super cozy fire pits, lush greenery, and that laid-back Santa Barbara charm. The food? Beyond delicious. Every dish was bursting with flavor, beautifully plated, and clearly made with care. Service throughout the evening was top-notch, but I have to give a special shoutout to the hostess for her kindness and professionalism. She was the unsung hero of the night, keeping everything running smoothly with a smile. If you're in SB and want the perfect mix of ambiance, great food, and unforgettable service, Zaytoon is it.

Delicious Mediterranean food. And the atmosphere is welcoming. Make sure you get up to two items. The plates are huge. Also, get the Battata. You won't regret it!

**Must order: halloumi, tzaziki This restaurant is so charming! The outdoor patio is a dream at night. The fire table was cool but a little scary with the Santa Ana winds going crazy the staff offered to turn down the flame intensity for us. Food: All of the food was remarkably simple but amazing. I was very impressed with how delicious everything was without going over the top. Portions are massive. Between four of us we ordered two kebab combos and three appetizers - it was the perfect amount of food Tzaziki (10/5): you have to order an extra side of tzaziki with the pita bread. It is incredible flavorful we finished the whole bowl! Your breath will definitely smell like garlic after though Halloumi (5/5): A simple dish with slices of fresh watermelon, basil, and grilled halloumi sandwiched together. The halloumi was NOT chewy at all and SO tasty!! Pistachio yogurt dip (5/5): the yogurt they use is insane. So thick and creamy and flavorful. The mint and pomegranate went together so well Mashawi combo (5/5): all of the meat was cooked so perfectly. Chicken was especially juicy, and the side salads are wonderful. Cheese sambostik (4/5): felt like an elevated mozzarella stick. If you're familiar with Turkish food, very similar to sigara börek but with mozzarella cheese and a much thicker pastry

We came to Santa Barbara For a time of rest and had dinner at Zaytoon! We sat in the patio and started with the pistachio spread with pita bread it was outstanding! Yogurt with pistachio and pomegranate and it's crazy good! Our server was very nice and gave us plenty of time to be alone and enjoy before the dinner came! The fire pits and music and cool breeze gives a nice romantic dinner for us! The mashawi combo was fantastic!

We came to Zaytoon for a nicer dinner during our Santa Barbara trip and were all super pleased with our experience. The seating is all outdoors and is intimate with round tables with a fire going in the middle, which made for some great ambiance. The servers were all very attentive and helpful, offering us all blankets for the cold. The food was alright, I got the lemon chicken ($27) which I found to be a bit one-dimensional for my liking but the salad that cane with it was delightful. Overall not bad for a nicer dinner that wasn't too expensive. You can snap a good pic and cozy up by the fire... sounds like a great time to me!

We visited on a Thursday afternoon of out Santa Barbara trip and we we're disappointed. We started with cocktails which were super delicious. We liked the cheese sambosik and it was perfectly crispy and delicious. We also had the Greek salad but we were a bit underwhelmed by it. The tomato's tasted like Roma tomato's so they were juicy they felt a bit grainy The mashawi combo was enough for two people to share if you get an entre. It does not come with rice so we got an extra side of pita bread. We also got a side of Tzatziki it was delicious but a bit pricey for the quantity . Staff was amazing and the location looks really nice at night . I would definitely visit again

We saw this restaurant on yelps photos and we thought it was a cool vibe so we decided to come here. We arrived at 6 PM, they were pretty busy. They said the wait time would be 30 minutes, however, we ended up waiting for over an hour before we got seated. Because we were a party of two they shoved us into a corner. Based on the wait time & the crowd coming in we had high expectations of the food. However, we were disappointed in all the items except for the chicken. The place has great vibes especially at night. Also if you have a big party, you'll get a nice table with a bonfire in the middle. Otherwise don't bother coming here.

We've been here a few times before so we have a better baseline - and we love this place...so maybe because they were cranking out the meals for Valentines Day, or maybe because the wind was blowing and it was chilly, but the food didn't make it to the table hot. The flavors were delicious as usual though, and the blankets provided on every chair were a very nice touch. The service was excellent and their patio is one of the best places to eat in town with the flames and twinkling lights, it is pretty magical. Just maybe save it for a regular night when the winds are calm (though I have to say, we still had a great time and were very glad to be there). And a halloumi sandwich on watermelon??? Whoever thought of that is a genius! We'll see you next time we're in town Zaytoon. Actual ranking: 5.0

Zaytoon is a beautiful outdoor garden restaurant. The watermelon crush was delicious. The hummus and potatoes were great appetizers and we got a chicken meat plate to share. Very fresh flavors and plenty of food.

This was our favorite restaurant all Memorial Weekend in SB!! We did not have a reservation, but the hostess was still able to accommodate us. My husband and I shared the Mushowie Combo and Pistachio yogurt dip. The passion fruit mocktail was a highlight as well as the twinkly lights and green plants. Can't wait to come back on our next visit!

Very nice outdoor area with lots of trees, heaters, and the right amount of light. Service was great. They checked in often, but not too frequently. The food was good, but did not match the price. I would go again for the vibe and outdoor area.

I love everything about this restaurant, the beautiful garden, the food, the fresh ingredients, the music, the baklava icecream and service is always exceptional. Tessa is always a very warm & lovely first host and now server. She always welcomes us with warmth as if we have come home. thank you

God damn it, those Mashawi brought me back to Beirut and Damascus. The whole vibe of the restaurant, and even the smell wow. I really was transported back to the middle east. The baba qannosh was beyond beyond phenomenal tooo. I honestly cried a little as i ate. And the BREAD, dont get me started on that. Lots of white folks as staff, this girl asks, if i ever had arabic coffee before. She doesn't know our moms mix there tit milk with that shit and feed it to us as newborns. (That's just my arabic ego) the woman was nice im just sensitive, cause i look white without the actual entitlement/privilege. Anyways, really wonderful spot, i will absolutely come back. Genuinely better than many spots in NYC, which is a big deal. Thanks zaytoon, thx for bringing a slice of home to the US.

The restaurant had such a nice ambiance with trees and lights all around the patio. The food was good! I got the vegan options which are all clearly labeled on the menu. The Vegetarian feast came with all the vegan options and I added the potato side which was amazing! They also have a nice wine list. Parking is available in a paid lot right across the street.

some insanely good lebanese food. the meat is extremely flavorful, tender, and juicy. all the food is great, but the meat really stands out because of its quality. the portions are also insane and will definitely fill you up. you have to finish off your meal with the baklava and some hot tea! it's a requirement (or at least it should be).

My go-to spot for a nice dinner in Santa Barbara! Everyone you take will love it, everything from the drinks to the food is amazing. I love the vegan options and we never skip on the potatoes. Yum!

My in laws, husband, and I really enjoyed the food here! My husband and I wanted to have my in laws try lebanese food and were looking for a good place near them. Zaytoon definitely fit the bill. They are an outdoor only restaurant, so if it's raining it is unlikely you'd be able to dine here. The decor is so pretty, lots of lights and the tables with the fire pits are so cozy. The food was all very well cooked. My MIL and husband were so impressed with the chicken kabobs; they expected them to be dry but they kept talking about how moist the kabobs were. I ordered the shawarma plate and it was delicious! I also got to try some of the beef kabob and that was also cooked to perfection. Service was slightly slow, however, where we were left waiting quite a while to order and to grab the check. Food came pretty quickly. Overall, highly recommend! My in laws enjoyed it as well :)

This was my first time coming here (highly recommend reservations). I loved the outdoor lights (outdoor seating only so wear warm clothes). You can only request a fire pit if you have a party of 4 or more people which was kind of a bummer. The service was excellent and the drinks were probably the highlight. I also really liked the chicken plate and tatziki sauce. The bread was homemade and warm however I wasn't too impressed with the hummus. Aside from that everything was exceptional.

Zaytoon was really delicious Lebanese food. The place is tucked away near Mission Santa Barbara, up a small staircase, and in a small, White House. They have limited seating inside but it was enough to sit for an early Saturday dinner. There is also a patio area outside where you could eat but it was rainy. We ordered the: - Combo kebabs- comes with 1 lamb, 1 chicken and 1 beef kebab along with a small fatoosh salad and rice pilaf. We substituted for 2 chicken and 1 beef. All meats were super juicy, although my companion preferred more spices on the chicken. Salad was excellent. - Pistachio spread - must order. It was so creamy. Love the pomegranates on top. - Side of pita- which costs extra, 2 full, warm pitas cut in half. Total bill came up to $60 not including tip. Service was attentive and pleasant. Parking is available on the street for 90 minute parking except Sundays which is unlimited. I'd come back again if I were in the area.

This restaurant is so delicious. All of the items are beautifully made. The service was fast and the server was attentive. The drinks were so good. I came here for my birthday and they treated me really well. My server made my night special. The ambiance is classy and elegant. Definitely start with some appetizers.

Had dinner at Zaytoon for the second time. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor setting with fire pit tables and hanging lights over the patio. We took our chances and were fortunate to get a table without a reservation. I ordered a watermelon crush drink made with vodka, elderberry, lime, mint and of course watermelon. It was very tasty and refreshing. For dinner we ordered a pistachio spread for the table. It was made with yogurt, za'atar, olive oil, crushed pistachios and pomegranate. The dip was very creamy and smooth. The pomegranate added a nice refreshing burst of sweetness to the dish. Pita was also brought to the table to dip into the yogurt. For dinner I ordered a Greek salad. The dressing was very light flavor so I asked for an extra side of dressing. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend Zaytoon.

This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants not only in Santa Barbara, but in the world. When I first went to this establishment years ago, it was possible to get a table with a fire pit even if it was just for a couple. Nowadays, you need to have a group to request a table with a fire pit, but, it's still quite an experience. It feels very elegant--giving the entire experience quite an enhancement. You know what is just as impressive as the fire pit tables? The service you get at Zaytoon. These people are just so classy so helpful so friendly and they do it all so elegantly. I'm not talking about corn ball cheesy whatever the customer wants stuff. I'm talking about a real interest in helpfulness and service. The staff is beautiful inside and out And then the quality of the food is really as impressive as the environment and the service. Admittedly, I've only had their vegetarian feast entrée and I always get full off of it because I don't need much to get full. I've always enjoyed it and I feel bad that I haven't tried anything else on their menu, but don't feel bad that I look forward to ordering the vegetarian feast at this establishment again in the future. I don't know how I'm going to solve that conundrum. Five solid stars. This place is as good as it gets. And it's worth the money. It's a great place for a date or for a special occasion.

Valentine's Day dinner at Zaytoon was the best decision. We're back in Santa Barbara for a long holiday weekend and revisiting favorites. Zaytoon definitely remains on our must go-to restaurants. We finally were able to dine (reservations are highly suggested) at one of the amazing fireplace tables, as it was a communal style dining for Valentine's Day. We sat with two other very nice couples. I ordered for the first time, the kabob combo which included lamb, steak and chicken. But knowing I would be taking leftovers, I opted for double rice as the sides. It was served with salad and rice. I'm glad I finally got to try all 3 kinds. Flavors were great, but I wish it was all hotter when served. It seemed like it had been sitting around before getting to the table. The 3 meats were a bit on the dry side, instead of my preference of them being freshly grilled and juicy. My hubby ordered the shawarma and he enjoyed it. We had stared with the watermelon and halloumi salad which is great that is served no where else. Great appetizer. Our server Luis was first class-kind, attentive and genuinely caring that we were taken care of. The entire staff is hard-working and focused on guests needs. I love this gorgeous outdoor restaurant and we will surely return.

I always come here for my birthday! Love this place sm and always have a positive experience. The staff is so friendly and on it and the food is always so delicious. I love their fire pit tables so come with a party of 4 + .

We got there kinda late I believe like the last 1hr and 30min, so as we sat down they were doing last call for food and drinks, but they were patient and still answering our questions without any annoyance, make jokes and conversation, really enjoyed there staff. The food was astonishing, so our apps were HUMMUS, which was creamy and rich in flavor, CHEESE SAMBOSIK, which is a good shareable and delicious. I think we got like 3-4 orders of the PITA BREAD, so fluffy and went with everything. Main courses we got BEEF KABOB, LEMON CHICKEN RICE, and MIXED SHAWARMA, each plate was very delicious packed with flavor. Drinks wise we got a regular Arnold Palmer, and special drinks we got WATERMELON CRUSH and SUNSHINE, both strong but both really good. This place is very beautiful, good for pictures and big groups. Some places if you're in a big group, you can't talk to everyone cause it's a square, well they have round fire pit tables, good with the aesthetic. Nice lights and water fountain in the middle, good music to.

Zaytoon isn't just a restaurant--it's a tradition for us. From birthdays to promotions and everything in between, this place has become our go-to for every special occasion. The ambiance? Unmatched. The outdoor seating with glowing fire pits creates one of the most magical, serene dining experiences in Santa Barbara. It's romantic, cozy, and perfect for any celebration. We always start with a round of appetizers--the patata bravas, hummus, and halloumi with watermelon are absolute standouts. Honestly, we could come just for the apps alone. The kebab plates are generously portioned and perfect for sharing after a round of starters. Their drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are thoughtfully crafted and pair beautifully with the food. You really can't go wrong. Service here is consistently five-star. From the moment we walk in, we're greeted warmly, seated promptly, and never left needing anything--the staff always seems to be one step ahead. And to top it all off, they always bring out a sweet treat for the birthday person, which is such a lovely touch. Zaytoon is more than a meal--it's an experience we cherish every time

Came 16 years ago on a girls trip and haven't been back since but will always remember this restaurant. First place we visited upon arriving in SB. It's outdoor ambiance, warm fire pits, the middle eastern music playing is a vibe. The food was amazing, great service. Cannot wait to come back again but hopefully sooner than another 16 years!

Beautiful setting with the trees and flowers. Food is delicious and authentic. My spicy cocktail was fantastic too!

Excellent Lebanese cuisine that really hits the mark. The ambiance is upscale and classy--perfect for a special occasion or a nice Friday dinner. I had the kebab combo, and the portion size was just right. Everything was flavorful and well-prepared. A standout spot when you're looking for something a little elevated but still warm and welcoming.

We had a fantastic date night at Zaytoon, a hidden gem by the Santa Barbara Presidio. The ambiance was magical, with fire pits and string lights on the garden patio. Our Mediterranean dishes were fresh, flavorful, and paired perfectly with refreshing cocktails. Highly recommend for a romantic night out! @sosalicious805 Check out my visit here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB-lDOWxR4o/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Amazing Food! Excited to go back. Perfect place for a date or for a group of friends/ family.

Absolutely loved Zaytoon!! The drinks, the food, the vibe was all a 10/10! I came here on my bachelorette trip and it was the perfect way to start the night. We got to sit at the cute fire pit table and it was all just so dreamy and perfect.

We had a wonderful night. Everything we ordered exceeded our expectations. Great service and an amazing ambiance.

Excellent service and food. We squeezed 10 people around a fire pit table outside. Everything was delicious! * I would just like to add their's uneven outside paver stone patio and steep, small, dark staircase to navigate to get into patio area. Sidewalks along street are also dark and uneven. To avoid falls, make sure somebody is holding onto vision impaired and / or balance challenged friends / family.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara. I always bring my out of town guest here. Great cocktails, atmosphere, and food. The watermelon salad is delicious! I always go for the Kebab Combo - love that it comes with rice and salad. I've heard the lemon chicken is delicious but haven't tried it yet. I recommend going with a party of 6 and hoping for the circle table with the fire pit in the middle. It's cozy! Order a bunch of spreads to share - they are all delicious!

Probably my favorite dinner restaurant in SB! Always high quality kebabs and a lovely outdoor ambiance that's perfect for both summer and winter a like as each table has a fire pit. Service is average but the food and environment makes up for it!

Good place to go if you're looking to celebrate an occasion. Will say the place is super pretty and the food is really good but it is on the expensive side.

Zaytoon was highly recommended by my SIL while visiting Santa Barbara. Over the past long weekend, my party and I were able to do a walk-in right when they opened. They accommodated us with the fire pit table out on the patio. Zaytoon has a very nice outdoor ambiance and the food was delicious. My bf ordered the kebab combo plate and I had the lentils soup. We both shared our meals to try a little but of everything. It was yummy. For the table we ordered bread and hummus, falafel, and watermelon salad. All shareable were tasty and the watermelon salad was refreshing too. Cocktails were pretty and strong. It went well with the fire pit ambiance and waterfall trickling in the background. I would highly recommend Zaytoon for dinner or a nice date night. Service was great!

Food: excellent menu variety. Easily accommodated vegans in our party. I've dined there several times and everything was excellent! Great quality, flavor and variety. Service: Friendly, attentive and accommodating! Ambiance: Beautifully decorated, accommodates large and small parties. Definitely a favorite!

Great ambiance for girls night! Dinner was so filling and the fire was nice and warm! The hostess was great and brought us blankets because we were a little cold! Our waiter was so sweet and helpful! And service was very fast! MAKE A RESERVATION!! It saved us!