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Santa Barbara's Design Darling Restaurants: A Blend of Culinary Excellence and Architectural Beauty

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/31 .. ulinary-excellence-and-architectural-beauty.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 31st 2025 at 22:10 GMT by Forbes
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Santa Barbara’s Design Darling Restaurants: Where Culinary Excellence Meets Architectural Beauty

Santa Barbara, California has long been celebrated for its stunning architecture – a unique blend of Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean influences that create a visually captivating coastal landscape. But beyond the historic missions and charming downtown streets, a new wave of appreciation is emerging: recognizing how thoughtful design elevates the dining experience. Forbes recently spotlighted two restaurants in Santa Barbara – Bell’s and Onda – as prime examples of this burgeoning trend, highlighting their exceptional culinary offerings and their meticulously crafted aesthetics that make them must-visit destinations for design enthusiasts and discerning diners alike.

The article emphasizes that these aren't just places to eat; they are immersive experiences where architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and food converge to create a holistic sensory encounter. The rise of this "design-forward dining" reflects a broader cultural shift – consumers increasingly seek out not only delicious meals but also aesthetically pleasing environments that contribute to the overall feeling of luxury and well-being.

Bell’s: A Modern Take on California Coastal Charm

Bell's, helmed by Chef James Avery (previously of The Lark), is presented as a sophisticated embodiment of modern Californian cuisine housed within a beautifully renovated historic building. Originally a Buster Keaton movie theater in the 1920s, the restaurant retains echoes of its cinematic past while embracing a contemporary aesthetic. The Forbes piece details how architect Paula Mayr and interior designer Steven Wolverton (of The Architecture Studio) were instrumental in preserving key architectural elements – like the original ornate plasterwork and the building's grand facade – while introducing modern updates that create an atmosphere of understated elegance.

The design choices are carefully considered to enhance both the dining space and the connection to Santa Barbara’s natural beauty. Exposed brick walls, warm wood tones, and strategically placed lighting contribute to a cozy yet refined ambiance. Large windows frame views of State Street, blurring the lines between indoors and out. The landscaping, featuring drought-tolerant native plants, extends this connection to the surrounding environment. As noted in The Architecture Studio’s portfolio (linked within the Forbes article), they prioritize sustainable design practices, a value reflected in Bell's use of reclaimed materials and energy-efficient systems.

Beyond the visual appeal, the layout is designed for flow and intimacy. The dining room is divided into distinct zones – a lively bar area, more formal tables, and cozy nooks – catering to various moods and group sizes. The open kitchen allows diners to witness Chef Avery and his team at work, adding another layer of engagement and transparency to the experience. Bell’s menu itself reflects this commitment to quality and craftsmanship, focusing on seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers.

Onda: Coastal Chic & Ocean Views

Just a few blocks away, Onda offers a dramatically different but equally compelling design narrative. Located at the Rosewood Miramar Beach resort (a destination in its own right, known for its luxurious accommodations and stunning beachfront location), Onda is described as embodying "coastal chic" with a breezy, relaxed vibe that perfectly complements its oceanfront setting. The design team, led by Minnie Edwards of EDENS Design, drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape – the turquoise waters, the sun-drenched sands, and the vibrant flora.

Unlike Bell's historic preservation approach, Onda’s design is largely new construction, allowing for a greater degree of creative freedom. The restaurant features an abundance of natural materials – rattan furniture, woven textiles, bleached wood accents, and abundant greenery – creating a sense of effortless sophistication. The color palette mirrors the coastal environment: soft blues, sandy beiges, and pops of coral create a calming and inviting atmosphere.

A key element of Onda’s design is its seamless integration with the outdoors. Large terraces extend directly onto the beach, offering unparalleled ocean views. The landscaping incorporates native plants and grasses, further blurring the boundaries between the restaurant and the natural environment. The Forbes piece highlights how EDENS Design focused on creating a sense of fluidity and openness, encouraging guests to linger and soak in the beauty of their surroundings. As seen within EDENS Design’s website (linked), their philosophy centers around creating environments that feel both luxurious and approachable, a principle perfectly realized at Onda.

The culinary experience at Onda is equally impressive, focusing on fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The menu emphasizes simplicity and seasonality, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through. Like Bell's, the open kitchen fosters transparency and engagement with diners.

A Growing Trend & Santa Barbara’s Design Identity

The Forbes article concludes by suggesting that Bell's and Onda represent a larger trend in hospitality – a move towards creating dining experiences that are as visually compelling as they are gastronomically satisfying. Santa Barbara, with its rich architectural heritage and commitment to sustainable design, is proving itself to be a fertile ground for this movement. These two restaurants not only offer exceptional meals but also contribute significantly to the city’s evolving identity as a destination for design lovers and those seeking truly memorable experiences. They demonstrate that thoughtful design can elevate any dining experience, transforming it from a simple meal into an unforgettable occasion. The success of these establishments signals a shift in consumer expectations, demanding not just great food but also beautiful spaces that nourish the soul.