Last updated: 2025-04-07
Nestled between Santa Barbara and UCSB, Goleta’s brunch scene combines coastal California flavors with laid-back Santa Barbara County charm. From Jeannine’s beloved pastries to Terra’s ocean-view dining at The Steward, local spots serve up morning favorites with distinctly Goodland flair.
Whether craving Cody’s Café’s hearty portions or On the Alley’s fresh seafood benedicts, Goleta’s brunch destinations cater to both longtime locals and visitors exploring the Santa Barbara coast. The Bistro at Bacara adds an upscale touch to the area’s morning dining options.
Discover Goleta’s best morning bites in our guide!
Featured Brunch Spots in Goleta
- The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara (Santa Barbara)
- Finch & Fork (Santa Barbara)
- Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
- Anna's Marketplace Bakery
- Cody's Café
- On the Alley
- Backyard Bowls
- Terra at The Steward Hotel
Anna's Marketplace Bakery
What to Expect
Local Goleta bakery with three-decade community presence
Description
Anna's Marketplace Bakery serves up delectable breakfast classics in Goleta's cozy neighborhood spot. Specializing in freshly made doughnuts, scones, and breakfast burritos alongside Peet's coffee, this local bakery offers a warm, inviting morning experience. Their menu spans breakfast favorites, lunch sandwiches, and custom celebration cakes, making it a versatile community gathering place.
Where: Goleta | More Info: Anna's Marketplace Bakery
Backyard Bowls
What to Expect
First acai bowl restaurant in Santa Barbara
Description
A pioneering health-focused eatery specializing in acai bowls and smoothies, Backyard Bowls offers organic, nutrient-packed meals that celebrate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their signature Acai Bowl combines Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with California's farm-to-table ethos, featuring vibrant blends of organic fruits, nuts, and seeds that energize and nourish.
Where: Goleta | More Info: Backyard Bowls
Cody's Café
What to Expect
Dog-friendly patio with extensive American comfort food menu
Description
Classic Santa Barbara family restaurant serving hearty American comfort brunch with generous portions. Specializing in weekend breakfast favorites like ham steak with hash browns and berry pancakes, Cody's offers a welcoming dog-friendly patio and relaxed dining atmosphere. Local favorite since 1995, serving fresh breakfast and lunch daily from 7am to 3pm with friendly service and consistent quality.
Where: Goleta | More Info: Cody's Café
Finch & Fork (Santa Barbara)
What to Expect
Coastal California farm-to-table brunch with local ingredient focus
Description
Santa Barbara's Finch & Fork offers a coastal California brunch experience rooted in local ingredients. Specializing in regionally-inspired dishes like their signature Dungeness Crab Benedict, this restaurant delivers farm-to-table flavors in a sophisticated setting. Weekend brunch features fresh, seasonal menu items that showcase the bounty of Santa Barbara's farms and nearby coastline.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Finch & Fork
Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
What to Expect
Family-owned Santa Barbara bakery with three decades of culinary tradition
Description
Santa Barbara's beloved local bakery and brunch destination, Jeannine's offers a delightful California-inspired menu featuring fresh, wholesome dishes. Specializing in artisan pastries and hearty breakfast classics, they serve up signature items like decadent scones, custom cakes, and locally-sourced breakfast plates. With multiple locations across Santa Barbara County, Jeannine's provides a warm, family-owned dining experience that celebrates fresh, natural ingredients and community connection.
Where: Goleta | More Info: Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
On the Alley
What to Expect
Casual family dining with straightforward, real flavor
Description
On the Alley offers casual family-friendly dining in Goleta, serving hearty American comfort food with a relaxed neighborhood vibe. Located in Market Place, this local eatery provides all-day dining from breakfast through dinner, emphasizing straightforward, flavorful dishes for the whole family. Their menu focuses on unpretentious, satisfying meals that capture the essence of local California cuisine.
Where: Goleta | More Info: On the Alley
Terra at The Steward Hotel
What to Expect
Locally sourced West Coast breakfast with Mediterranean influences
Description
Terra offers a West Coast brunch experience rooted in local Central Coast ingredients. Showcasing Provençal and Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dishes, the restaurant features locally sourced fare like FRINJ Coffee and seasonal specialties. Chef Augusto Caudillo crafts beautifully plated morning selections that celebrate the region's agricultural bounty, delivering an intentionally simple yet sophisticated dining experience.
Where: Goleta | More Info: Terra at The Steward Hotel
The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara (Santa Barbara)
What to Expect
Ocean-front terrace with panoramic Pacific views
Description
The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers an elegant coastal California brunch experience with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. Specializing in locally sourced, sustainable seafood and fresh produce, the restaurant provides an al fresco terrace dining option. Guests can savor California-inspired brunch dishes while enjoying panoramic ocean vistas in a relaxed yet refined setting.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Your Ultimate Guide
Dive deeper with our comprehensive guide, packed with tips, insights, and everything you need to know.