Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, The Lark restaurant Santa Barbara is a testament to the city’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Situated at 131 Anacapa Street, The Lark draws inspiration from its namesake, the historic Southern Pacific Railroad’s overnight Pullman train, which served the area from 1910 to 1968. This connection to history, combined with a commitment to locally sourced and responsibly grown ingredients, makes The Lark a unique dining destination.
Ambiance, Design and Dinning Experience
The Lark’s interior is a seamless blend of urban sophistication and casual elegance, reflecting the industrial heritage of the Funk Zone. The design features vintage and repurposed materials, including original lighting, handmade furniture, and a 24-seat live-edge communal table set atop vintage radiators. This thoughtful design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.
Recognized as one of the few MICHELIN Guide restaurants in Santa Barbara, The Lark serves both brunch and dinner, offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, including vegetarian options. With an average price range of $50-100 per person, diners can expect a premium culinary experience that typically lasts around two hours. Most seating is outdoors, featuring a cozy fireplace, making for a delightful al fresco dining experience. For those who prefer indoor seating, it is advisable to make reservations well in advance due to limited availability.
Photo credit: @thelarksb via Instagram
Culinary Excellence
Executive Chef Jason Paluska leads the culinary team at The Lark, bringing his expertise to three dynamic kitchens that serve five award-winning concepts within Acme Hospitality. The menu at The Lark is a celebration of the Central Coast’s abundant bounty, with dishes that highlight the finest seasonal ingredients. Meals at The Lark are served family-style, encouraging guests to share and savor each dish.
The restaurant’s full bar offers an impressive selection of classic and modern craft cocktails made with artisan spirits, mixers, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Additionally, The Lark’s wine list features small Santa Barbara County producers and notable artisan winemakers from around the world, making it one of the best places to experience Santa Barbara’s wines.
Celebrating a Decade of Excellence
The Lark recently celebrated its 10-year milestone, marking a decade of exceptional service and culinary innovation in the Funk Zone. Over the years, the restaurant has garnered numerous accolades. The Infatuation has named it as one of “The 25 Best Places To Eat & Drink In Santa Barbara”, Afar considers it as one of “California’s Best Wine Regions – Where to Stay and What to Drink” and Thrillist Highlighted The Lark as one of the “Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara“.
The Lark boasts more than 1,200 reviews on Google with a 4.5/5 rating and over 2,300 reviews on OpenTable with a 4.6/5 rating, underscoring its popularity and consistent quality.
Photo credit: @thelarksb via Instagram
Event Hosting
The Lark is also an ideal venue for hosting special events, offering a variety of spaces to accommodate different group sizes:
- Full Restaurant Buyout: Up to 130 seated guests or 200 standing guests
- The Lark Patio Buyout: Up to 50 seated guests or 70 standing guests
- The Pullman Room: Up to 50 seated guests
In addition to the award-winning menu, event guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, local craft beers, and a curated selection of local and Old World wines.
MICHELIN Guide Recognition
The Lark’s exceptional dining experience has also been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, which praises the restaurant for its edgy décor and vibrant dining room. The guide highlights The Lark’s innovative family-style dishes that showcase the finest ingredients of the Central Coast.
In MICHELIN Guide’s view, The Lark is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of Santa Barbara’s rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary excellence. Whether you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, a place to enjoy Santa Barbara’s finest wines, or a venue for a special event, The Lark is the perfect choice.
Popular Dishes and Menu
The Lark’s menu is a celebration of the Central Coast’s abundant bounty, with standout dishes that include:
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Brown Butter Cornbread
- Petaluma Free Range Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Carpinteria Avocado Tartine on Grilled Sourdough
- Chicken and Waffles
- Post Oak Smoked Duroc Pork Ribs
Location and Parking
The Lark’s prime location in the Funk Zone places it at the epicenter of Santa Barbara’s arts and entertainment district, near the picturesque Waterfront. For those driving to the restaurant, there are several convenient parking options:
- City Lot 13 (Amtrak Train Station): Located at the corner of State Street and W. Yanonali Street.
- Santa Barbara Visitors Center: Situated at the corner of Garden Street and E. Cabrillo Blvd.
- Helena Avenue: Between E. Yanonali and E. Montecito, adjacent to the Waterman parking lot.
- Hotel Californian: At 36 State Street, with the entrance to the parking lot on Mason Street.
Hours of Operation
The Lark offers a variety of dining experiences throughout the week:
- Dinner Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Brunch Hours:
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
For reservations or inquiries, guests can reach out via phone at +1 805-284-0370, email at [email protected], or visit their website.
