La Cocina - Santa Barbara

I moved to Santa Barbara nearly a year ago and have spent much of that time exploring the local food and culture. While there’s still much to discover, for me, La Cocina has become one of my favorite “go-to” spots. Located a half block off State St., La Cocina is a hidden gem that strikes a rare trifecta of food, drink and atmosphere. Theirs is a wonderful spin on traditional Mexican cuisine, introducing unique flavors and delicious interpretations of dishes that somehow manage to elevate the idea of tacos, enchilada and ceviche to an entirely new level. The yellowtail tostadas are a wonderful take on ceviche; the Blistered Padron Chile’s are an incredible rendition of roasted shishito peppers (don’t miss the incredible chipotle salsa hiding underneath); and the Turkey Tacos, which sound like a bland dish fit for the unwary huero, are actually an incredible mix of shredded turkey immersed in an amazing cebolla habanero sauce that has a distinct mole flavor. Served with homemade tortillas an pickle chunks (YES, PICKLES), this is a can’t miss dish. And the drinks... it’s hard to know where to begin, though you know you’re in good hands when tasting their take on an Old Fashioned (made with tequila aged in bourbon barrels). Sit out back in the courtyard fireside under beautiful trees and patio lights to complete the experience at this, one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara.

Food amazing, drinks divine, atmosphere is incredible.

We've been there three times since they opened. Absolutely love their contemporary spin on Mexican food. The feel of the place is nice but casual and people working there seem very nice. Let's hope they will eventually open for lunch and add some good beers to their menu (their margaritas are very tasty though...so not too big of a problem).

Beautiful place, especially the patio with the olive trees. Some excellent dishes worthy of five stars, but also a few 2-3 star plates — unfortunately service was so so and the same spice profile was part of 3/4th of what we tried, plus the cocktails were weak. Lamb tacos and Ceviche tasted great, guacamole and chips were way too salty. Fried olives are worth trying, but best shared. Server and host were distracted despite it being an early dinner and the restaurant was still almost empty, except for the bar. Maybe still growing pains?

Nice looking restaurant. Nice staff. Loved sitting outside. Music was louder then I wanted, made it hard some times talking to those at my table. I had the chicken enchilada. They were good, not great and it was $18 for two not large ones, with no beans or rice. Guess you are paying for the atmosphere.