Petra Cafe

Open

Closed

$

$$

๐Ÿฅ™ Mediterranean

โ€ข

Santa Barbara

โ€ข

casual-dining

4.3
Cozy, trendy Middle Eastern spot with authentic vegan options, lively hookah lounge, and savory Mediterranean dishes in Santa Barbara.

$

$$

โ€ข

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โ€ข

casual-dining

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๐Ÿ“

Petra Cafe

Santa Barbara

$

Cozy Santa Barbara spot for shawarma wraps, vegan delights, and lively hookah with great service. Reserve your spot for flavorful dinners and fun vibes.

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About
4.3
(
276
)

Petra Cafe serves well-crafted Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare with an emphasis on halal and vegan options, complemented by a vibrant hookah bar and live music. The atmosphere blends cozy patios with trendy, casual vibes; reservations accepted for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, ensuring guest convenience.

What to Expect:

    ๐Ÿฝ Authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine
    ๐Ÿ’จ Popular hookah lounge with fire pits
    ๐ŸŽถ Live music adding to cozy atmosphere
    ๐ŸŒฟ Vegan and halal food options

Important Information:

    Outdoor seating available
    Accepts credit, debit, and NFC payments
    Free street parking nearby

Enjoy community vibe and generous portions in a local favorite.

Haley's Pick ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

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

Itโ€™s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isnโ€™t just a meal, itโ€™s a moment worth lining up for.

โ€“ Haley @milehighandhungry
๐Ÿ”Š
๐Ÿ”Š
๐Ÿ”Š

๐Ÿ“ Local Insights

๐Ÿ”ฅ Hookah Lounge Experience: The outdoor backyard with fire pits offers a popular and atmospheric spot for authentic Alfakhir shisha and Arabic music.

๐Ÿฅ— Vegan-Friendly Options: The falafel plate and hummus appetizers are recommended for vegan diners seeking generous portions.

๐Ÿ•” Evening Operating Hours: Open from Thursday to Sunday evenings starting 4โ€“5 PM, great for dinner or a late casual outing.

๐ŸŽฒ Entertainment and Atmosphere: Board games and peaceful back seating provide a relaxed vibe not just for dining, but socializing.

โฐ Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Friday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Saturday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Sunday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

๐Ÿ‘‰ Best For

Dinner, hookah lovers, vegan and halal diners, casual gatherings

Petra Cafe

14 E Cota St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Petra Cafe garners praise for its friendly staff, cozy ambiance, and authentic Middle Eastern flavors with standout shawarma and vegan-friendly dishes. The hookah lounge and lively music receive constant applause. Some guests express concerns about inconsistent food freshness and occasional service lapses, but these are outnumbered by positive experiences.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Go For

The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Anglerโ€™s Offerings

What You'll Find

Shawarma Wrap, Falafel Burger, Hummus, Couscous Salad, Baba Ganoush, Kebab, Shawarma Bowl, Falafel Wrap, French Fries, Mezza Sampler

๐Ÿ“† Best Times to Visit

Visit Thursday through Sunday evenings from 5 PM to 10 PM for the freshest food and lively hookah atmosphere. Reservations recommended on weekends.
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