Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine such as Crispy Duck Salad, Pan-Seared Octopus, and Steamed Coconut-Saffron Mussels are just a few of the options you’ll see on the menu at Sama Sama. You’d be remiss not to order the star dish—a mound of Mie Goreng noodles (a spicy Malaysian delicacy). The cocktail menu is not to be ignored, with options like Joselito, with Verde mezcal, ancho reyes verde, green chartreuse, pineapple, orgeat, lime, and fresh herbs.

This bright, modern restaurant downtown is serving the kind of Indonesian-fusion you might not expect to find in a town that believes burritos are meant to be eaten at all three meals of the day. Sama Sama is a tad pricey, but the food is delicious and unlike anything else in Santa Barbara. Their leafy back patio is the perfect space for a casual dinner with a few friends.

Indonesian-Californian fusion is the mashup you never knew you needed. With a vibrant and spicy menu peppered with ingredients from local farms, you'll want one of everything, and that's okay.

Sama Sama means "You're welcome" in Indonesian — and there is much to be thankful for in this farm-to-fork, modern Cal-Indonesian restaurant, which, incidentally, just made the 2019 Bib Gourmand list from Michelin Guide California. (Bib Gourmand highlights notable restaurants that serve two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less. Indeed, during Sama Sama's happy hour, a galangal- and kaffir lime-infused margarita will only set you back $6, classic Mie Goreng, just $9.) As an extension of the Shelter Social Club empire, Sama Sama's aesthetic is quintessentially Californian — modern, relaxed, with saltillo tiles and warm wood, communal tables, a perfect brick-lined patio with string lights, and a simple, modern bar.

With a 2021 Michelin Bib Gourmand Award under their belt for “good quality, good value cooking,” the Signature Wings at Sama Sama Kitchen — messy but worth licking your fingers for the crave-worthy combo of free-range Mary’s chicken, sweet and spicy tamarind-soy BBQ, cilantro, and lime — are no longer a local’s secret. As one reader described them, the addictive “crack wings” are just one of many standouts on Sama Sama’s menu of Southeast Asian food. The Gado Gado, Crispy Rice Salad, and Vietnamese Wings, with fish sauce, caramel, herbs, and pickled Thai chili are but a few others.

Perfect for dreamy courtyard lunches or dinners, Sama Sama specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine inspired by locally grown products, lending their offerings a coastal flair. Sama Sama’s menu’s feature family-style dishes created to be shared in their hidden gem of a courtyard, peppered with large tables nestled under string lights. Using fresh produce gathered weekly by the chefs from local farmers markets, dishes include a southern take on green papaya salad featuring aromatic herbs, chilies and peanuts.

As the first Indonesian restaurant in Santa Barbara, Sama Sama is revolutionizing Santa Barbara’s Asian cuisine scene. After spending three years as a chef in Bali, owner and head chef Ryan Simorangkir has served up the bold flavors of Southeast Asia to life in The American Riviera ® over the past ten years with bite-sized and family-style dishes such as the restaurant’s signature chicken wings, crispy rice salad and braised pork mie goreng (stir-fried noodles with succulent soy-ginger braised pork).

Sama Sama Kitchen is an unexpected restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara, featuring modern Southeast Asian food, thanks to their Indonesian co-founder. From traditional Indonesian dishes like gado gado, to their version of Bali’s famous Naughty Nuri’s ribs, there are plenty to please an adventurous crowd, while their signature wings in sweet and spicy sauce make them approachable to those unfamiliar with the cuisine. 1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; samasamakitchen.com

The globally renowned Michelin Guide — considered the go-to publication for quality dining across Europe, Asia, Brazil, and North America, has listed Sama Sma Kitchen on their website. This eatery in the heart of downtown is not only good fun but also good for the wallet. Here, two Chefs/partners bring their disparate expertise—one is a barbecue aficionado from Nashville, the other is Indonesian, and together they turn out a menu of thoroughly pleasing Southeast Asian food.

Sama Sama Kitchen shares some DNA with other State Street staple restaurants: It's a bright space lined with light wood with a massive backyard patio covered in vines and string lights. But this eclectic Indonesian spot isn't just another place to bring your picky aunt who always orders the chicken. It's where you cover your table in dishes like crispy rice salad, sweet and spicy mie goreng, and banana donut fritters.

The brilliant Indonesian Fusion restaurant at State & Anapamu, Sama Sama Kitchen opened their doors to us in 2013 with waves of flavor. As a place that was initially only dine-in, they’ve quickly shifted to delivering orders over $60 by relying on members of their team. In addition to a diverse menu, you can also count on Sama Sama for inspired cocktail kits that serve 1 to 3 people and come in reusable jars.

Last but certainly not least on our list of Santa Barbara must-tries is the unique and bold Sama Sama. This Michelin-recognized spot serves Southeast Asian cuisine driven by local produce, protein, and other Central Coast ingredients. The truly authentic cooking at Sama Sama is a great way for diners to delve into a delicious cuisine that may feel unfamiliar, and many dishes pack a spicy punch.

Sama Sama Kitchen combines Southeast Asian flavors with a farm-to-table approach, and their mocktails reflect this culinary creativity. Enjoy unique combinations like lemongrass-infused sodas and ginger-lime spritzers that balance spice and sweetness beautifully. Their cozy, plant-filled atmosphere makes it an inviting spot to toast to your Dry January success.

If you’ve read our Ojai Restaurant Guide, you know we’re Sama Sama fans, and we’re definitely not the only ones!. With food inspired by local farms, Sama Sama is one of the State Street restaurants Santa Barbara locals love for Southeast Asian food. But it’s not just a local favorite; the Michelin Guide has awarded Sama Sama Kitchen a Bib Gourmand.

A post shared by Sama Sama Kitchen | Southeast Asian Inspired Cuisine (@samasamakitchen). Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, Sama Sama Kitchen specializes in Southeast Asian fare and craft cocktails. Sama Sama was added to the Michelin Guide in 2021, so expect quality cuisine and great service at this casual yet charming eatery.

Sama Sama means “together” or “same to you.” This kitchen puts a California twist on Southeast Asian cuisine. Living by the model outlined in its name, Sama Sama creates a relaxed, friendly environment for fine dining enthusiasts and novices alike. The Vietnamese Wings bested all the wings I’ve ever had before, and that’s saying something.

One of the more affordable Michelin-reviewed restaurants in Santa Barbara is Sama Sama Kitchen. This restaurant received the Bib Gourmand rating through Michelin, which means it is quality food with a great price range for its customer base. It also happens to be right in the center of this beautiful California city.

If you’re in the mood for south-east Asian cuisine, be sure to check out Sama Sama Kitchen. This farm-to-table restaurant provides you with the most mouth-watering dishes you’ll have all day. They’ve got great cocktails and an amazing selection of meals to choose from, so you’ll be well-fed and feeling happy.

Santa Barbara has become a hotspot for Pan Asian cuisine and Sama Sama Kitchen is one of the reasons why. Inspired by Balineses traditions, this upscale casual eatery seamlessly blends classic Indonesian dishes with local ingredients for a unique experience that’s still quintessentially Santa Barbara.

Sama Sama Kitchen is a restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara that serves up satisfying, Indonesian-inspired dishes and cocktails for brunch and dinner. Exotic flavors like anise, cumin and starfruit are common here. There are classic dishes, like chicken sate and nasi goreng, and unexpected ones, too.

1208 State St, Santa Barbara805-965-4566Category: FusionSoutheast Asian food inspired by the offerings of our local farms. Southeast Asian food inspired by the offerings of our local farms. This eatery in the heart of downtown is not only good food but also easy on the wallet.

Sama Sama Kitchen takes Santa Barbara restaurants to Southeast Asia for Bali-adjacent dining that aspires to bring people together. Ingredients from local farms get a new lease on life in recipes that bring cross-cultural freshness to the city's coastal cuisine scene.

This bar and restaurant creates cocktails with a captivating mix of farm-fresh produce and Indonesian ingredients. Appealing to both the adventurous and the classics, Sama Sama has both seasonal drinks and signature mainstays. Photo From Instagram via @shakermillsb

Sama Sama Kitchen is unique for its Indonesian style cocktails and bites from local farms. Treat yourself to a taste of Southeast Asia with one of their signature cocktails or sip on some local wines. Either way, you’ll definitely be back again.

While no stars have been awarded to any Santa Barbara restaurants yet, Mesa Verde and Sama Sama Kitchen both have received the Bib Gourmand, a distinction that recognizes “friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.

The unique Indonesian cuisine along with delicious specialty cocktails make this the perfect place to unwind in downtown Santa Barbara. Classic dishes like the chicken sate and nasi goreng are all the rage at Sama Sama.

It’s distant enough from all the craziness of downtown but also close enough to Sama Sama that you can order food from there to eat at the bar. They usually have a live band and the vibes in there are so great.

1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101https://samasamakitchen.com. Looking to try something new for dinner?. Check out Sama Sama Kitchen, where you can find delicious Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine.

This is a unique restaurant with tasty Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. Each dish is small and made to share with the table. We like to order a few different dishes and share them all!