Best Restaurants in Carpinteria, California

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. They even have a firepit table outside. Brass Bird is a local favorite, mentioned to me by each local I asked!

Carp Moon Cafe – Breakfast & Lunch

_{4991 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria}

I have never been to a place where the employees were so happy and friendly! I’m not sure what was up with that, though it is a charming spot with delicious food and drinks!

The decor was charming, with cozy spots to sit and cute umbrellas hung from the ceiling. The food was excellent, and I was talked into ordering a Roasted Marshmallow hot chocolate. It was so good I was floored! 😀

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)

Little Dom’s Seafood – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

_{686 Linden Ave, Carpinteria}

Little Dom’s is a cute place with an inviting atmosphere on a corner of Linden Avenue. It features outdoor and indoor seating with a full bar. There’s a good variety of menu items, not just seafood, but pizza, pasta, chicken, steak, sandwiches and salads. I enjoyed a burger there, but forgot to take any pictures! 🤦🏼‍♀️

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!

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. The food lived up to the reputation! Perfect homemade tortilla chips, authentic Mexican dishes, and margaritas!

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, though: if you are going for the “deli,” beware of the limited hours they serve sandwiches! Sandwiches and wraps are only available until 4 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.

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. There is a front and back patio, as well as indoor seating and a bar. Be sure to stop here when you’re in Carpinteria!

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.

Siam Elephant Thai Restaurant – Lunch & Dinner

_{509 Linden Ave., Carpinteria}

Truly delicious Thai food! Cute wooden elephant figures out front make it easy to find!

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.