Aegean

Open

Closed

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$$$

🥙 Mediterranean

Santa Barbara

casual-dining

5
Vibrant Mediterranean with authentic Turkish flavors by Chef Efe, family-style dining with fresh small plates and a cozy, casual atmosphere in Santa Barbara.

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$$$

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Aegean

Santa Barbara

$

Experience fresh Mediterranean flavors and family-style sharing with Chef Efe’s inspired menu. Cozy patio seating awaits in Santa Barbara.

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About
5
(
25
)

Aegean offers an inventive Mediterranean dining experience focusing on daring flavor combinations and fresh ingredients crafted by Chef Efe. Guests can expect attentive, charming service, casual ambiance, outdoor seating, and a menu ideal for sharing small plates and savoring wine and cocktails.

What to Expect:

    🌿 Authentic Mediterranean and Turkish flavors
    🍽 Family-style small plates to share
    🍷 Wine, beer, and coffee offerings
    🌞 Cozy indoor and spacious outdoor patio seating

Important Information:

    Open Fri–Sun evenings only, kitchen opens 30 minutes after opening
    No reservations accepted; counter-based seating with limited tables
    Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating

Plan for a relaxed multi-course meal lasting about 2 hours; prime for dinner with friends or small groups.

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry
🔊
🔊
🔊

📍 Local Insights

⏰ Early Arrival Recommended: The kitchen opens 30 minutes after the restaurant; arriving right at opening means less wait and quick seating.

🍽 Family-Style Sharing: The menu is crafted for shared plates; order multiple dishes to fully experience diverse flavors.

🌿 Vegetarian Friendly: Large vegetarian selections and standout dishes like hummus and cauliflower delight meat-free diners.

☀️ Patio Dining Vibe: The spacious outdoor patio offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, ideal for relaxed dinners or solo dining.

⏰ Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Saturday: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM

Sunday: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM

👉 Best For

Dinner, small groups, Mediterranean cuisine lovers

Aegean

731 A De La Guerra Pl
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Aegean delights diners with authentic, inventive Mediterranean dishes and smooth, flavorful preparations. Guests praise the warm, attentive service and cozy outdoor patio. It's celebrated for fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a relaxed, family-style dining pace. Limited seating and no reservations make early arrival advisable. No consistent negatives appear in reviews.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Go For

The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Hummus, Tabbouleh, Chicken Kebab, Meatballs, Cauliflower with Lemon Tahini, Brussels Sprouts, Sea Bass, Turkish Coffee, Falafel, Crudo, Tomato Salad, Salgam Crudo, Chocolate Dessert

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit Fridays after 5 PM for early seating and less wait; weekend evenings get busy, so arriving right at opening is advised for prompt seating.
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