Sama Sama Kitchen

1208 State St, Santa Barbara - 93101
312 reviews
Cocktail Bar Asian Fusion
(805) 965-4566

This is one of the best meals I've had in my life. We ordered the halibut special and a pavlova (yes, at the same time, because life is short and there's no point waiting for dessert.)Every single element was perfect, my only regret is that I have no idea what was in the sauce for the fish or how to recreate it. (coconut? chili oil? something umami tasting?)We went on a whim (it smelled amazing as we walked by) and it was a total surprise and just... perfect. Yep. that's the word. It was perfect. Can't recommend it highly enough!

Imaginative menu, good mixologist, good vibe, but a bit pricy. The octopus was totally worth 30 bucks but still cringing for the wallet hit.

My friend and I were asked for proof of vaccinated status before we went in, didn't see anyone else checked for that as they came in, (sat at the bar next to the door)so that rubbed my the wrong way. Food was fantastic, but in my opinion, overpriced for the portions. Coctail was good and the suggestion was appreciated by the drinks distributor. We were not asked if we wanted another drink after our first cocktail or more water after we finished the bottle of water and before we ordered more food. Two entries a piece and we left hungry with a $145.00 tab. I wouldn't have tipped 20% based on the service but they add it automatically which is also criminal imo.I will most likely not be back again.

Absolutely delicious. The flavors were amazing and very unique. I can’t wait to go back again.

A bit overrated. They have some spectacular dishes but not a deep menu of high quality items. Fun vibe and great for group dinners, but not on my short list of favorites.

Pretty good Indonesian fusion cuisine.The chicken satay was a real disappointment. It was tough and overcooked. Should have used dark meat instead of white.

Took lunch this afternoon. Embarassing to call it Javanese fried rice and mi goreng... nothing like it.. very small portion too... yet expensive. They had the cheek to include 20% of the bill as gratuity

In my life and work I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, and also come back to Santa Barbara where I have lived the past 25 years. When Sama Sama came on the scene, they introduced to me a whole world of flavors right here in Southern California. Everything I've tried has been delicious, and it's also a place where I have tried some things for the first time. Their Indonesian fusion dishes are delicious, and their wings are something I crave (I'm not a big meat eater, so add that in to the calculation). Friendly service, attentive, welcoming, it really feels like a neighborhood jewel. And, it is all so fresh, which I appreciate in these days of mass-produced food & packaging--here it's the real deal, and the menu does change occasionally to reflect that. The drinks are delicious and fun too. You can see their chefs shopping at our local farmers markets, and you know that you are getting the best.

We had take out.?:Mie Goreng?: Half&half wing(over fried)/Pavlova(too sweet)

Fresh, unique restaurant, but the portions are quite small for the price.Mie goreng: It was good. That's about it. Nothing particularly interesting, just one of those things that was okay, but you'd never order it again. I guess I expected the sauce to be more flavorful or the ingredients to be more fun? Some acidity or brightness? 3/5Chicken sandwich with fried bao: Absolutely delicious, and...well, quite tiny for the price. The chicken was freshly fried and utterly juicy and crispy. The sauce was perfect amount of heat. The bun was everything you want it to be and more. One of those things you would eat every day if money was no object. 5/5