Where To Find Fresh, Local Food in Santa Barbara

Zack Garhart
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Check out our list of the best places to find fresh, local food in Santa Barbara.

Are you a lover of fresh, wholesome food? We’ve got you covered!

Farmers Markets

Santa Barbara is home to a robust selection of Farmer’s Markets. These markets are held six days a week, in various locations near the town of Santa Barbara. Our favorite of the farmer’s markets in town is the one that is held every Saturday in downtown Santa Barbara. This market takes place every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 119 E. Cota St.

With everything from raw, local honey to wild-caught seafood, you’re bound to something that makes you salivate. We suggest hitting up Dune Coffee Roasters around the corner for a cup of coffee and pastry and then taking a stroll through the market. Shop for dinner, or simply go to take a gander at what the local farmers in the area have to offer!

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Tri-County Produce

A small, breezy market that is just blocks from the beach, Tri-County Produce is a gem in Santa Barbara. With reasonable prices and a robust selection of fruits, vegetables, and meat, this local grocer has it all. You can also find local, artisanal loaves of bread, imported cheeses, and even beer and wine here. With plenty of big-box chains and outlet stores to choose from, next time you’re out, try Tri-County Produce for something different. They’ve been serving Santa Barbara for more than 30 years. You’ll be supporting a local grocer, and feel like a true local while you’re doing it!

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Santa Cruz Market

Lover of Mexican food? While you’re staying at our Santa Barbara Beach Hostel, walk on over to Santa Cruz Market. This local grocer is a gem, especially for those who love to cook and appreciate authentic Mexican fare. Here, you have access to an array of meats, vegetables, spices, and other cooking supplies that you won’t find everywhere! This means you can impress your friends by whipping up some spicy enchiladas, fresh salsa, or ceviche. To cap off your shopping, check out their selection of sweets and locally-made pastries that sit in a case next to the registers. With affordable prices and a robust selection of options, we suggest checking out Santa Cruz Market as one of the places to find fresh, local food in Santa Barbara.

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Kanaloa Seafood Market

Last but not least, Kanaloa Seafood Market is one of our favorite places to find fresh, local food in Santa Barbara. Straight from the sea, you’ll find a wide selection of fish and delicious seafood. From octopus and oysters to caviar and cod, Kanaloa has a little bit of everything. This market doubles as a restaurant, so if you’re not in the mood to cook, leave it up to the chefs at Kanaloa. Their prices range, so be mindful of this when you are selecting your fish. But, there are few things better than preparing fresh fish, especially while you’re in a town like Santa Barbara. Try their different cuts of swordfish for your next grill session!

Want a better look at those Santa Barbara Farmer’s Markets? Check out this video!

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  • […] If you’re looking for fresh, local food, the Farmer’s Markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays are the perfect place to score huge hauls. Santa Barbara’s weekly farmer’s markets are some of the most popular events in town. The Tuesday markets are located on State Street, while the Saturday morning markets take place on nearby Cota St. Saturday morning strolls through the Farmer’s Markets are a perfect way to start the weekend. We recommend checking out one of the local coffee roasters, like Dune or Caje, which are both nearby and offer great selections of coffee and pastries. […]

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