1012 State Street
Santa Barbara
805.965.4351
chaserestaurant.com
Ten years is a good run for a restaurant in Santa Barbara. At 42, The Chase is the bristlecone pine tree of local dining rooms. And five years into new ownership, its classic New York–style Italian is fresher and better than ever.
An Interior for the Ages: Deep red button pleated booths, white tablecloths, twinkling lights and a classic bar make this one of the coziest places in Santa Barbara. Outside the new covid–safe European-style patio adds another dimension on warm summer nights.
Understated Upgrade: When Jackie Mathis purchased The Chase five years ago, he focused on high-quality ingredients and brought back homemade desserts, like tiramisù and crème brûlée, while adding butter pecan cheesecake, a specialty of his wife, Jayme.
No-Trend Watch: Loyal customers really don’t like change, which is why cioppino, spinach-and-veal ravioli, eggplant parmigiana, and spaghetti marinara are always available.
Vegan Variety: It may be slightly counterintuitive, but The Chase has great vegan dishes, like the lasagna that won a local vegan cook-off. They also serve vegan chicken piccata, fettucine alfredo, and a stuffed bell pepper — great with a glass of vegan-friendly Lafond white wine.
