Best Restaurants at Santa Barbara (SBA)
SBA has dining options throughout its terminal — from local institutions to reliable chains. Below is a terminal-by-terminal guide to the highlights, plus the best quick bites, sit-down spots, and what to expect on pricing before your flight.
Airport Dining · SBA
What restaurants are at Santa Barbara (SBA)?
SBA operates a single terminal, so all dining is accessible once you clear security. Here are the standout options:
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Terraza Restaurant & Tapas Bar | Full-service restaurant & tapas bar | $$ |
| Santa Barbara Roasting Company | Coffee & light snacks | $ |
| Santa Barbara News & Gifts | Newsstand & grab-and-go | $ |
| Silvergreens Smart Fridge | Grab-and-go healthy food & drinks (automated kiosk) | $ |
What's the best quick bite at Santa Barbara?
Silvergreens Smart Fridge — a 24/7 automated grab-and-go kiosk with healthy meals and drinks at both baggage claim and near Gate 2, useful whenever the sit-down spots are closed.
Quick-service counters at SBA typically get you through the line in 5–10 minutes at off-peak times, and up to 20 minutes during the morning rush. Budget an extra 15 minutes at minimum if you plan to eat before your flight — and check your Leave-By Time before you sit down so you know exactly how much runway you have.
Where can I get a sit-down meal at Santa Barbara?
Costa Terraza Restaurant & Tapas Bar — SBA's only full-service sit-down option, open daily 9am-7pm post-security with local beer, wine, and ocean/runway views.
Full-service restaurants at SBA typically require 45–75 minutes from being seated to paying the check. If you want a relaxed dining experience, plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before boarding — factor in security wait, the walk to your gate, and a buffer for the unexpected. The Leave-By calculator can fold your meal time into your total airport plan.
How much does food cost at Santa Barbara?
SBA's food and drink pricing runs moderate-to-premium for a small regional airport, roughly tracking Santa Barbara's own restaurant prices — expect about $6-12 for coffee and grab-and-go items and $18-30+ per person at Costa Terraza with a drink.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At SBA, use this rough guide:
| Price Symbol | Per Person | Typical Options |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Under $12 | Fast food, coffee, grab-and-go snacks |
| $$ | $12–25 | Fast-casual, sandwiches, pub fare |
| $$$ | Over $25 | Full-service restaurants, steakhouses, seafood |
Prices as of 2026. Tip (18–20%) is additional at full-service restaurants.
Can I bring outside food into Santa Barbara?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at SBA. You can pack a sandwich, snacks, fruit, homemade food, or even a full restaurant meal in your carry-on bag and bring it through the checkpoint without any issue.
The restriction applies to liquids and gels over 3.4 oz (100 mL): soups, dips, nut butters in large containers, juice boxes, and similar items must follow the 3-1-1 rule or be placed in checked baggage. Solid food — including wrapped sandwiches, chips, candy, produce, and baked goods — passes through freely.
This means you can save significantly on airport food prices by packing your own meal or picking something up before you enter the terminal. See the full TSA food policy and tips in our guide: Can you bring food through airport security?
Arrive early enough for a relaxed meal
The Leave-By calculator folds your real-time SBA security wait, drive time with traffic, and gate walk into one exact time to leave home — so you arrive with time to eat, not just sprint.
Calculate your Leave-By Time →See also: SBA TSA wait times · SBA security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at SBA
What are the best restaurants at SBA?
SBA has one terminal with several dining options airside. Highlights include Costa Terraza Restaurant & Tapas Bar, Santa Barbara Roasting Company, Santa Barbara News & Gifts, and more. Most options are available after clearing security.
What is the best quick bite at SBA?
Silvergreens Smart Fridge — a 24/7 automated grab-and-go kiosk with healthy meals and drinks at both baggage claim and near Gate 2, useful whenever the sit-down spots are closed.
Is there a sit-down restaurant at SBA?
Costa Terraza Restaurant & Tapas Bar — SBA's only full-service sit-down option, open daily 9am-7pm post-security with local beer, wine, and ocean/runway views.
How much does food cost at SBA?
SBA's food and drink pricing runs moderate-to-premium for a small regional airport, roughly tracking Santa Barbara's own restaurant prices — expect about $6-12 for coffee and grab-and-go items and $18-30+ per person at Costa Terraza with a drink. Airport restaurants typically charge 20–40% above street prices. As a rough guide: $ = under $12, $$ = $12–25, and $$$ = over $25 per person.
Can I bring food through SBA security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at SBA. You can bring a sandwich, snacks, fruit, or even a full meal from outside the airport in your carry-on. Liquids and gels over 3.4 oz are still restricted; soups, dips, and similar items must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. See the full policy in our guide.