Many thanks to everyone for their suggestions. We dined well.
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company (https://www.shellfishco.com/) - on Stearns Wharf, because I am a firm believer in enjoying the touristy cheesy experience. It’s also a sister restaurant to the Boathouse recommended above. Beautiful outdoor dining near the end of the pier, great lobster tacos, and the food on all the other tables looked fresh and fantastic.
Bettina (https://www.bettinapizzeria.com/) - Wonderful stuff. We shared meatballs and a margherita pizza, which was just simply perfect. Nice outdoor space.
Loquita (https://www.loquitasb.com/) - Solid tapas. The croqueta de queso paired with roasted red pepper and quince was a lovely combination. Very nice outdoor dining space.
And most importantly for my summer trip needs, McConnell’s (https://mcconnells.com/collections/fine-ice-creams):
- Eureka lemon and marionberry - really refreshing. I liked this one a lot.
- Mapled blueberry and shortbread crumbles - good, a bit too sweet. Would be better with a more tart berry.
- Double peanut butter chip - definitely the best peanut butter ice cream we’ve tasted.
- Chocolate chocolate chocolate - a truly excellent chocolate ice cream.
Thanks so much to everyone for the recs!
