Hi! I’m Zoe…

Santa Barbara local, forever food-lover, and the person behind @bitemesb.

I started Bitemesb in 2019 as a way to share the meals, moments, and magic that make this city so special. What began as a fun side project quickly became a full-blown love letter to Santa Barbara’s food scene… The local gems, the thoughtful chefs, the cocktails that deserve their own spotlight, and the tiny details that make a dining experience unforgettable.

I believe in long lunches with friends, supporting small and sustainable businesses, and ordering the thing you can’t stop thinking about.

Whether I’m raving about a wedge salad in Carpinteria, sipping summer cocktails downtown, or sharing the quiet beauty of a restaurant patio with my husband, my goal is always the same: to help you discover food that feels like an experience.

When I’m not out discovering the next great bite, I love to cook at home. Cooking is my creative outlet, my comfort zone, and one of my favorite ways to slow down. If you’re curious, here are a few of my go-to recipes… easy, flavorful, and always made with love.

Thanks for following along. I’m so glad you’re here.

Cheers, and see you at the next bite. 🥂

Dragonette Cellars, Happy Canyon Vineyard, Presqu’ile Winery, Riverbench Vineyard, Costa de Oro Winery, Lincourt Vineyards, Alisos Vineyards, Koehler Winery.

Brewer-Clifton, Foley Estates, Melville Winery, Sanford Winery, Zaca Mesa Winery, Sunstone Winery, Beckman Vineyards, Brander Vineyards, Fess Parker Winery, Firestone Vineyards, Jonata, Stolpman Vineyards, Blair Fox Cellars,

The Lark, Loquita, Mesa Verde, Lucky Penny, Scarlett Begonia, The Shop Kitchen, Lilly’s Taqueria, Los Agaves, Corazón Cocina, Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio, Finch & Fork, The Blue Owl, Zaytoon, Yellow Belly

My favorites...

Santa Barbara County offers a sweeping hospitality scene that includes iconic beachfront resorts like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort & Spa in Goleta, a sprawling Spanish-style luxury hotel with three restaurants, multiple bars, and a full spa

Coffee

It’s hard to pick a favorite coffee shop because I love so many… BUT Dune, Handlebar, & Daily Grind are my go-tos.

the historic Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito with its famed Caruso’s restaurant led by Chef Massimo Falsini
The Penny SLO
Wikipedia
; the charming Montecito Inn—a boutique hotel built in 1928 by Charlie Chaplin and friends, offering California-n

Brunch

Boathouse for the views of course, Scarlett Begonia for the biscuits (iykyk, if you don’t you have to try!!), and for a great grab & go: The Shop!

In downtown Santa Barbara, there’s the Santa Barbara Hotel Collection featuring Brisas del Mar Inn at the Beach, Inn by the Harbor, Lavender Inn by the Sea, and Best Western Plus Santa Barbara—all within walking distance of the waterfront, the Funk Z

Lunch

Secret Bao, Monys, or Buena Onda. (Honorable mention to Bar Lou for their Friday New Orleans lunches)

The broader county’s dining landscape spans beloved staples like Joe’s Cafe (est. 1928) and La Super Rica Taqueria in Santa Barbara, Michelin favorites like Silvers Omakase sushi spot and artisanal newcomers like Jonesy’s Fried Chicken in Goleta

Dinner

For date nights and special occasions, Oku’s view and sushi are hard to beat… OR Gala for the cocktails and tapas. If I am wanting a casual night out, my go-to would be Riviera Bar, or Clarks!

Tina’s Pizza in Carpinteria, Marisella at the Bacara, and classic spots like Tee-Off Restaurant
Eater LA
. In the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos, culinary destinations flourish too—for example, Michelin-starred Bell’s in Los Alamos, offering Fr

Shop

If I am shopping for myself, I love Sirena for their clothes. If I am looking for food & gifts, SB Company has never let me down with their locally sourced & sustainable gift baskets!

County-wide wedding venues with accommodations span lavish beachfront resorts like Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Mar Monte Hotel, Rosewood Miramar Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, El Encanto, and more quirky or boutique options such as Moxy

Local Event

Fiesta, of course! Not only do we get a whole WEEK of celebration, restaurant specials, concerts, and fun… But it will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where I met my husband.