Petra Cafe

Overview

When you're in Santa Barbara and craving something different, Petra Cafe offers a unique dining experience that takes you on a culinary journey through the Middle East. Located at 14 E Cota St, this cozy spot blends traditional flavors with a modern twist, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.

Walking into Petra Cafe, you’re instantly greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The decor reflects the rich culture of the Middle East, with earthy tones and wooden accents that create a comfortable yet vibrant setting. It’s the kind of place that feels like home but with a bit of flair. Whether you're here for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner, Petra Cafe sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.

The menu at Petra Cafe is a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. From savory appetizers to hearty entrees, each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients that transport your taste buds. One of the standout items is the falafel, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s served with a side of tangy tahini, making it the perfect snack or appetizer. For those looking to try something more filling, the lamb shawarma is a crowd favorite. The meat is marinated to perfection, ensuring it’s tender and packed with flavor.

A particular highlight is the Hummus Platter, a generous serving of creamy hummus paired with warm pita bread, crisp vegetables, and olives. It’s a great dish to share with friends or to enjoy as a light meal. And if you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, the baba ghanoush is a smoky, velvety dip that’s equally delicious.

Beyond the food, the service at Petra Cafe is one of the things that truly sets it apart. The staff are friendly and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations or customize your meal to suit your preferences. It’s clear that they take pride in providing a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring that every guest leaves satisfied.

One of the things that makes Petra Cafe stand out is its commitment to quality. The ingredients are always fresh, and the dishes are prepared with care and attention to detail. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

For those visiting Santa Barbara, Petra Cafe is a great spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you’re grabbing a bite after a day of sightseeing or looking for a new local favorite, this cafe hits the mark. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience of being part of something special in a city known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.

If you’re looking to explore more, Petra Cafe is conveniently located near several popular spots in Santa Barbara, making it an easy stop while you’re out and about. Whether you’re planning a lunch date or a casual dinner with friends, it’s a place where you can enjoy both great food and a great atmosphere.

Many patrons rave about Petra Cafe’s authentic flavors and the fact that each dish feels like a true representation of Middle Eastern cuisine. From the spices to the cooking techniques, it’s clear that the chefs here are passionate about what they do. This is not your average diner food - it’s a true celebration of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking traditions.

If you're in Santa Barbara and looking for a restaurant that offers something a little different, Petra Cafe should definitely be on your list. The combination of delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service makes it a standout spot in the city. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Petra Cafe promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Good to know

Service options

βœ“ Outdoor seating βœ“ Delivery βœ“ Takeaway βœ“ Dine-in

Highlights

βœ“ Fast service βœ“ Live music βœ“ Sport

Popular for

βœ“ Lunch βœ“ Dinner βœ“ Solo dining

Accessibility

βœ“ Assistive hearing loop

Offerings

βœ“ Alcohol βœ“ Beer βœ“ Coffee βœ“ Comfort food βœ“ Halal food βœ“ Healthy options βœ“ Organic dishes βœ“ Quick bite βœ“ Salad bar βœ“ Small plates βœ“ Vegan options βœ“ Vegetarian options βœ“ Wine

Dining options

βœ“ Lunch βœ“ Dinner βœ“ Dessert βœ“ Seating βœ“ Table service

Amenities

βœ“ Toilet βœ“ Wi-Fi βœ“ Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

βœ“ Casual βœ“ Cosy βœ“ Trendy

Crowd

βœ“ Tourists βœ“ University students

Planning

βœ“ Accepts reservations

Payments

βœ“ Credit cards βœ“ Debit cards βœ“ NFC mobile payments βœ“ Credit cards

Children

βœ“ Good for kids βœ“ Has changing table(s) βœ“ High chairs

Parking

βœ“ Free of charge street parking

Pets

βœ“ Dogs allowed βœ“ Dogs allowed inside βœ“ Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 276 reviews
Amazing 100%
Great 22.5%
Okay 5.2%
Not Great 3.1%
Terrible 15.7%
Thomas Kaindl

We had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! The atmosphere is warm and beautifully decorated with so much love for detail. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made us feel right at home. The food was not only very healthy but also absolutely delicious. A special highlight for us were the generous portion sizes – definitely more than we expected in the best way possible. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a cozy place with great service and amazing food!

Irina Seleznev

Such a cute place.hiden gem in the santa barbara. If you want to have good Mediterranean food its the best place.

Nezam Newman

A pretty interesting restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara. We went there because we were craving some Shawarmas. We decided to go here because the food looked good. I have to say, the vibes here are great! The design inside is very nice and the seating in the back is very peaceful, especially since there is a water feature. As for the food, however, it was very basic. The shawarma was extremely basic and not well seasoned. The sauce that came with it also didn’t taste like anything. The fries were okay, though. For such pricey shawarma, we expected a bit more. Overall, the food is bland, but the vibe is great, and the gentleman taking orders is extremely kind and helpful!!

Meiya Sidney (ι™³ηΎŽδΊž)

super quick service and cozy atmosphere! we loved the falafel plate and hummus/pita appetizers β€” large sized portions! only one main option, but still amazing place for vegan eaters

Ahmad Alfilimbany

This is the only place serving authentic shisha Alfakhir in Santa Barbara. They serve it in the back yard and they played Arabic music for us. Great place felt like home.

Frank Exslager

A very nice place to go! We had a sisha and the kebab. Great taste, huge portion for us! Very friendly host and a nice atmosphere. We will come back!

Saloni Khilnani

Amazing ambience. The food and service was really good. They have good veg options and starters were also tasty. The food presentation styles are so simple yet pretty. Also, the options available for non alcoholic beverages are good. Thanks to the team

Ryan

The shawarma plate was delicious. Really friendly server/chef as well

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