Ocean Bounty
Prime oceanfront views from The Ellwood
Written by Caitlin White
Photograph Courtesy of Rosewood Miramar Beach
Ever since the landmark Beachside Bar-Café at Goleta Beach closed its doors after 36 years back in 2021, locals have been waiting with bated breath for a new concept to claim the prime county-owned oceanfront restaurant. Now Omar Khashen’s passion project, THE ELLWOOD AT GOLETA BEACH, is finally open, and it’s quite a transformation from the relaxed homey vibes of the old venue. Bright wallpaper, marble tabletops, navy banquettes, and lots of sunlight define the new style, while seafood appetizers like ultrafresh snow-crab claws and refreshingly light calamari tie back into the panoramic ocean views. “The Ellwood is more than another restaurant project to me,” Khashen says. “It was about creating something lasting in Goleta that the community can be proud of. This project represents years of vision, sacrifice, and the deep desire to build a place that truly belongs to Santa Barbara County.” Khashen tapped local chef Craig Riker to bring fine-dining expertise to the dinner service, which features a colorful array of seasonal Californian ingredients with Italian and Asian influences. At dinner, order the calamari as a steak, making it the base of a chicken parmesan-style plate with red sauce and mozzarella. Or go a little lighter with salmon poke punctuated by miso tahini. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays, which tend to be the busiest days at the beach. 5905 Sandspit Rd., Goleta, theellwood.com
Tables in the Sand
Chef Massimo Falsini’s background in fine dining long preceded his time at CARUSO’S, Montecito’s premier oceanfront restaurant, and he has now infused Santa Barbara’s essence into the upper culinary echelon, earning both a Michelin star and a green Michelin star for sustainability. At Caruso’s the effortless service and delicate presentation create a dining experience that’s unparalleled in the region. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, rosewoodhotels.com
For more than 20 years, SHORELINE BEACH CAFE, under the ownership of Oliver Pihlar since February, has been offering grilled and fried classics like fish and chips, salmon, and seared ahi tuna, and steaming hot clam chowder for the gray days. The delicious secrets on the menu are the seafood tacos and burritos, rotating with the fish of the day and served with cabbage, salsa fresca, and tomatillo salsa. 801 Shoreline Dr., Santa Barbara, shorelinebeachcafe.com
Spectacular ocean views are the defining factor for tucked-away brunch spot BOATHOUSE AT HENDRY’S BEACH that’s a step up from dive-y beachside cafes or barefoot bars. Benedicts, Mexican classics like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, and crab cakes and lobster mac and cheese are just a few favorites from this oceanside venue where breakfast begins before 8 a.m. every day. 2981 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara, boathousesb.com
In Carpinteria, the beachfront PADARO BEACH GRILL is the perfect laid-back stop on the way in or out of town. A mix of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and freshly caught seafood ensures that the classic menu here has something for every mood and hunger level. Splurge on the shakes, floats, and sundaes for a sweet treat before getting back on the road. 3765 Santa Claus Ln., Carpinteria, padarobeachgrill.com
