The Harbor Restaurant in Santa Barbara is a renowned dining establishment located on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the marina and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The restaurant’s menu is a culinary reflection of the region’s fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and award-winning wines. Here’s an overview of their menu and some of the best dishes to try:
Menu Overview
The Harbor Restaurant’s menu is divided into several sections, including Appetizers, Soups and Salads, Entrees, and Desserts. They also offer a daily lunch menu, a dinner menu, and a weekend brunch menu. The cuisine is primarily focused on seafood, steak, and pasta dishes, with a emphasis on using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Appetizers
Some of the standout appetizers on the menu include:
- Grilled Octopus: Char-grilled octopus served with a lemon-herb quinoa, roasted garlic aioli, and micro greens.
- Steamed Mussels: Freshly steamed mussels in a white wine, garlic, and lemon broth, served with crusty bread for dipping.
- Crab and Avocado Salad: A refreshing mix of jumbo lump crab, diced avocado, red onion, and cilantro, tossed in a light lemon-tahini dressing.
Entrees
The entrees at The Harbor Restaurant are equally impressive, with options like:
- Grilled Swordfish: A fresh swordfish steak grilled to perfection, served with a tropical fruit salsa and coconut rice.
- Pan-Seared Scallops: Scallops seared to a golden brown, served with a garlic butter sauce, micro greens, and truffle mashed potatoes.
- Filet Mignon: A tender filet mignon grilled to desired doneness, served with a cabernet reduction and roasted vegetables.
Seafood Specialties
As a seafood-focused restaurant, The Harbor Restaurant offers an array of seafood specialties, including:
- Seafood Paella: A traditional Spanish paella dish loaded with shrimp, mussels, clams, and chorizo, cooked to perfection in a saffron-infused rice.
- Fish and Chips: A classic dish featuring beer-battered cod, served with crispy fries and a side of tangy coleslaw.
- Lobster Roll: A decadent lobster roll filled with chunks of fresh lobster meat, served on a toasted brioche bun with lemon aioli and fries.
Desserts
Save room for dessert, as The Harbor Restaurant offers an array of sweet treats, including:
- Cheesecake: A classic cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with a mixed berry compote and whipped cream.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: A rich, gooey chocolate cake oozing with warm chocolate sauce, served with vanilla ice cream.
- Fresh Fruit Tart: A seasonal fruit tart featuring a mix of fresh berries, melon, and citrus, atop a buttery pastry crust.
Drinks and Cocktails
The Harbor Restaurant has an extensive drink menu, featuring craft cocktails, wine, and beer. Some popular drinks include:
- Santa Barbara Sunset: A refreshing cocktail made with gin, grapefruit juice, and a splash of grenadine, served over ice with a float of lemon-lime soda.
- Mermaid’s Kiss: A fruity cocktail featuring rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of coconut cream, served in a hollowed-out pineapple.
- Local Wine: The restaurant offers an extensive list of local wines from the Santa Barbara County region, featuring varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
In conclusion, The Harbor Restaurant in Santa Barbara offers an exceptional dining experience, with a menu that showcases the region’s fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and award-winning wines. Be sure to try some of the standout dishes, like the grilled octopus, seafood paella, and lobster roll, and don’t forget to leave room for dessert!
What is the best time to visit The Harbor Restaurant in Santa Barbara?
+The best time to visit The Harbor Restaurant in Santa Barbara is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the outdoor patio seating area is open. However, the restaurant is open year-round, and the indoor seating area offers a cozy atmosphere during the winter months.
Does The Harbor Restaurant offer any vegetarian or vegan options?
+Yes, The Harbor Restaurant offers several vegetarian and vegan options, including a vegetarian quinoa bowl, a vegan black bean burger, and a variety of salads and soups. The restaurant is happy to accommodate special dietary requests, so be sure to ask your server for options.
Can I make a reservation at The Harbor Restaurant?
+Yes, reservations are recommended at The Harbor Restaurant, especially during peak season. You can make a reservation by calling the restaurant directly or by using an online reservation platform like OpenTable.