Tamar

Open

Closed

$

$$

🥙 Mediterranean

Santa Barbara

fast-casual

4.7
Casual Mediterranean eatery with fresh flavors, standout shawarma plates, vibrant hummus, and cozy indoor/outdoor seating in Santa Barbara’s Lower State.

$

$$

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fast-casual

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Tamar

Santa Barbara

$

Delicious Mediterranean flavors, standout chicken shawarma, fresh hummus, and cozy indoor/outdoor seating in Santa Barbara’s Lower State.

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About
4.7
(
151
)

Tamar offers a casual dining experience focused on fresh, flavorful Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine, known especially for moist chicken shawarma and exceptional hummus.

Guests enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating, quick counter service, and an inviting atmosphere enhanced by live music and a well-curated wine and beer selection.

What to Expect:

    🥙 Authentic shawarma sandwiches and plates
    🍽️ Generous servings with fresh, quality ingredients
    🍷 Full bar with wine and beer options
    🎶 Lively space with casual vibes and live music

Important Information:

    Casual dress code
    Vegetarian-friendly menu with clearly labeled options
    Free street and lot parking; wheelchair accessible facility

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

🌞 Lunch & Dinner Crowd: Both lunch and dinner popular; lunch tends to be quieter and quicker, dinner offers a relaxed vibe.

🥙 Shawarma Fan Favorite: The chicken shawarma plate is a must-try and often recommended by locals and guides alike.

🍃 Patio & Garden Seating: Enjoy meals outside on the quaint patio or the garden across the street for a charming experience.

🍷 Drinks Complement Meals: Pair your meal with their curated wine or beer selection to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 11:30 AM–8:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM–8:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM–8:00 PM

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 11:30 AM–8:00 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM–8:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM–8:00 PM

👉 Best For

Casual lunch, dinner, solo dining, locals and tourists seeking fresh Mediterranean food

Tamar

121 E Yanonali St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Tamar is widely praised for its fresh, authentic Mediterranean flavors, especially the chicken shawarma and creamy hummus. Reviewers highlight friendly service and a casual, vibrant atmosphere. A few rare criticisms mention occasional dry chicken or seasoning issues, but these are uncommon.

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

Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, Lamb Kofta Plate, Falafel Sandwich, Hummus & Pita, Fattoush Salad, Pickled Vegetables, Labneh Dips, Sumac Strawberry Lemonade, Chocolate Peanut Butter Crackle Cookies

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit for lunch or dinner weekdays and weekends except Thursday (closed). Evenings fill steadily; early lunch weekdays is quieter. Reservations not required.
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