My niece Sophie is visiting us in Santa Barbara this week, and one of her favorite places to eat here is Loquita. So Steve, Sophie and I met up with our friend Lauren for a feast of the best Spanish food in Santa Barbara at Loquita.
Loquita is a great Spanish tapas and paella restaurant in the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara. It’s my favorite Spanish food in Santa Barbara, frankly. Luckily for them, they already had a pretty big outdoor patio but have expanded it into their parking lots as well.
Enjoying a Spanish feast on the outdoor patio
They have an expansive Spanish wine list and full bar. One of their specialties is fancy gin and tonics, which is right up my alley!
It’s fun to eat food from around the world- it’s one way to escape from our lives and “travel” just a little bit. Perhaps I should have paired the Spanish food from Loquita with one of the “Trip to Spain” movie that Amy recently recommended.
Spanish food is the best!
The best way to enjoy this restaurant is by ordering a few things and sharing with your full table.
We started with the Pan Con Tomate per Sophie’s wish. I would have probably added some jamon!
We followed that with the Tortilla Espanola, Patatas Bravas and the Coliflor. The Coliflor is cauliflower with grapes and a whipped spanish cheese. It sounds odd, but it is unbelievably delicious.
We then shared the Chorizo y Pollo Paella, which was just the right amount for 4 of us. The restaurant is very well known for their paella- and deservedly so! This dish is frequently mentioned as why Loquita is the best Spanish food in Santa Barbara.
We finished up the meal with the churros and the cheesecake.
The food at this restaurant makes me happy. It is kind of like eating Indian food where it is so flavorful that you feel very satisfied in your meal. I highly recommend a trip to Loquita the next time you are in Santa Barbara. It’s the best Spanish food in the area. You won’t be disappointed!
Loquita, 202 State Street Santa Barbara, California 93101