The Best Restaurants in Carpinteria according to my stomach

Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen – Breakfast & Lunch

_{4835 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria}

Brass Bird is an airy cafe featuring a full coffee bar, breakfast pastries, sandwiches, burritos & toasts, and lunch salads & paninis. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, including a cozy firepit table that practically begs you to linger longer.

It quickly became my morning go-to. I was told by every local I asked that this was “the place” for coffee, and they were not wrong. 

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: Good selection for vegetarians (vegetarian quiche, a vegetarian breakfast burrito, a roasted mushroom & kale panini); limited but solid vegan baked goods and pastries(vegan scones and vegan muffins).

Carp Moon Cafe – Breakfast & Lunch

_{4991 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria}

I have never been to a place where the employees were so happy and friendly! Carp Moon Cafe feels like someone combined a cozy living room with a whimsical art project: think comfy seating nooks, umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, and the kind of warmth that makes you think, “Maybe I should live in Carpinteria?!”

The food? Excellent. The drinks? A revelation. Though I'm not typically a sweet-drink-person, I caved and ordered a Roasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate because the barista raved about it, and I now believe in alcohol-free beverage peer pressure. It was like drinking dessert by a campfire without the smoke in your eyes. Add this one to your list for a chill breakfast or mid-day pick-me-up.

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: Primarily a café with coffee, pastries, smoothie bowls, toasts and burritos. No explicit vegetarian or vegan menu labeling found.

Esau's Cafe – Breakfast & Lunch

_{507 Linden Avenue, Carpinteria}

“World Famous” Esaus Cafe has been around since 1939. It remains a very popular breakfast spot, often with a short wait for a table on the weekend. It's got an old-school vibe, with booths, counter, and outdoor seating. Delicious, basic down-home breakfasts! (Probably great lunches, too, though I always got breakfast when I went because it always looked so good)

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: Not specifically called out but includes egg dishes, tofu tacos or burritos.

Little Dom's Seafood – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

_{686 Linden Ave, Carpinteria}

Little Dom’s is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you accidentally wandered into LA, until you remember there’s free street parking. With both indoor and outdoor seating (and a full bar), it’s stylish without being pretentious. Think beach-town cool with real cutlery.

Despite the name, this isn’t just a seafood spot. The menu’s got range: pasta, pizza, steak, even a solid burger…which I inhaled before remembering to take a photo (you’ll just have to trust me, it was worthy of a second visit). The staff was friendly, the portions generous, and it’s open for all three meals, making it a reliable choice no matter when your cravings hit.

Note to self: next time, pace yourself and maybe document the meal like a responsible blogger.

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: Primarily seafood‑based, but they serve Fried Oyster Mushroom Po’Boy with vegan aioli, and vegetarian sides like cauliflower risotto, sautéed greens, arugula salad, etc.

Corktree Cellars – Lunch & Dinner

_{910 Linden Ave., Carpinteria}

I visited Corktree Cellars twice while staying in Carpinteria for a month, including for my birthday dinner! It's such a cool spot. They have both indoor and outdoor seating (with heat lamps). Live music is featured regularly. I had so much fun both times, I forgot to take pictures of the food, but it was great! The Lobster Bisque was my favorite!

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: Good for vegetarians; vegan ability depends on omissions like cheese, ask staff for modifications.

Delgado's Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails – Lunch & Dinner

_{4401 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria}

50+ year old Delgado's was another place that was constantly mentioned when I asked locals for their restaurant recommendations. It was mentioned to me so often I started to wonder if it had a PR team. Spoiler: it doesn’t need one.

The food lived up to the reputation! The homemade tortilla chips are dangerously addictive, the enchiladas were the kind of comforting I didn’t know I needed, and the margaritas were strong enough to make me think I could salsa dance (I could not). The atmosphere is relaxed and colorful, with a menu full of solid, traditional Mexican dishes that hit the spot after a beach day.

In a moment that still makes me laugh, thinking of it in the middle of the night, my brother found himself accidentally replying “Si” to the waitress's questions! He really got into the authentic Mexican spirit!

If you’re only going to one Mexican place in Carp, make it this one, and don’t skip the salsa. Or the margarita. Or anything, honestly.

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: Veggie burritos, tostadas, albondigas soup.

Nutbelly Pizzeria & Deli – Lunch & Dinner

915 Linden Ave, Carpinteria

I tried this place because I liked the squirrel holding a beer logo. (I am also prone to rating coffee shops by their chandeliers.) It ended up being a good choice! There are great pizzas, calzones, and a cute atmosphere inside.

One word of caution: if you’re coming for the deli part, check the hours. Sandwiches are only served until 4 PM on weekends, and if you miss that window, you’ll be stuck eating pizza. Which honestly… isn’t a bad problem to have.

Teddy's By The Sea – Lunch & Dinner

_{5096 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA}

Teddy's was recommended to me by 2 locals, and it was delicious! My pals and I were all very impressed with the food. I am generally not a big Mojito fan, but the Pineapple Coconut Mojito was something to write a blog post about! Great atmosphere and service.

It’s got coastal charm without the cliché, plus both front and back patios, indoor seating, and a full bar that doesn’t skimp on the good stuff.

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: Menu includes a veggie burger and a Kale & Quinoa Salad that’s vegan without the cheese option

The Spot – Lunch & Dinner

_{389 Linden Ave, Carpinteria}

The Spot is an old-fashioned burger stand a short walk from the beach. It was established in 1955 and remains a local favorite. Rumor has it that Julia Child used to visit The Spot and said it was her favorite hamburger! There's no indoor seating, but they do have covered outdoor tables, or better yet, you can take your burger to the beach.

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: Nope.

Siam Elephant Thai Restaurant – Lunch & Dinner

_{509 Linden Ave., Carpinteria}

If you’re in Carpinteria and suddenly get hit with a craving for Thai food, head straight to the building with the carved wooden elephants out front, no GPS needed. 

The Pad Thai? Spot on. The curry? Comforting and just the right level of spicy. It’s one of those places where everything feels freshly made and thoughtfully plated, without the price tag or fuss of a “modern Thai bistro.” The interior has a relaxed, casual feel, making it perfect for an easy dinner after a beach day or a cozy lunch when you need a break from seafood.

Local tip: the portions are generous, so bring a friend or come hungry. Bonus points if you spot the elephant statues before your second Singha.

Vegetarian/ Vegan Options: tofu-based curries & veggie options.

Island Brewing Company – Beer!

_{5049 6th Street, Carpinteria}

I found this place because I was walking down Linden Ave and heard live music. I followed the sounds along the train tracks (!) and came to Island Brewing Company, packed with people enjoying live music, bar-b-q and beer! Though they don't regularly serve food, they do frequently have food trucks/ bar-b-q onsite. If you're a live music and/or beer fan be sure to check it out.