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Masala Spice - Santa Barbara: Authentic Indian Flavors & Cozy Dining on Cliff Drive

Masala Spice - Santa Barbara offers an inviting taste of authentic Indian cuisine on Cliff Drive. This cozy spot surprises with an elegant yet relaxed ambiance, perfect for intimate dinners or casual outings. Their menu shines with flavorful highlights like Butter Chicken, Spicy Chicken Vindaloo, and crispy Masala Dosas paired with vibrant chutneys. Vegan options and South Indian specialties add great variety. Every dish delivers bold, balanced spices that excite the palate without overwhelming it. Friendly, attentive service complements the dining experience, making it a standout gem in Santa Barbara’s culinary scene. Masala Spice is a must-visit for those craving genuine, well-crafted Indian flavors.

Masala Spice - Santa Barbara at a glance

  • Address 1919 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
  • Phone +1 805-869-2924
  • Restaurant type Indian restaurant , Sri Lankan restaurant .
  • Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Masala Spice - Santa Barbara: Reviews & Ratings

T Ball
5

Up here in SB on vacation. Had the Chicken Tikka Masala and Saag Aloo. Outstanding! Better than our regular place we go to in LA. Will definitely be back next time we are here!

Hoshang Varshney
5

We tried the masala and egg dosas. Masala dosa was crispy and the chutneys were tasty too. Egg dosa was not worth it (had higher expectations wrt taste). Their chai and coffee were good. Gunpowder idli was ok. Not too hot but it wasn't too spicy.

Victor Solano
5

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Wonderful Dining Experience! Went for dinner with my wife and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and cozy this place feels! We were warmly greeted at the entrance, which immediately made us feel welcome. The lighting and atmosphere are beautifully put together, elegant yet relaxed. The food was absolutely delicious. We had the Butter Chicken, perfectly balanced with just the right touch of sweetness and tanginess that made the dish stand out. We also tried the Spicy Chicken Vindaloo, tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, spicy masala sauce with potatoes. The flavors were incredible definitely something different from your typical curry, with unique spices and depth. Our server, Baboo, was fantastic very attentive, respectful, and friendly. Excellent customer service all around. I also noticed they offer a great selection of wines, which really adds the cherry on top for a perfect date night experience. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for great food, ambiance, and service!

Templa Lieu
5

We were happy to find out that Masala Spice on Cliff Drive now has an expanded menu with a large variety of Indian dishes, including south Indian items like dosas, and a menu section dedicated to vegan items. The chai was served it a cute cup with a few cookies. The korma was fantastic and the dosa was lovely as well. The service was attentive and helpful. We we definitely be back to try the biryani and other dishes.

Tawnya Bragg
5

This was our first time coming to Masala SB and we were happily surprised. You wouldn’t think a little place tucked between a car wash and a 7-11 could pull off ambiance, but we had a lovely dinner. The food is outstanding…samosa’s and the Aloo Gobi were wonderful. We also had a great noodle dish which I hadn’t had before. Overall, a delightful add to the Mesa culinary culture. We will be back. (Unfortunately, we ate all our food before the photo…next time the camera eats first :)

KIM
5

Masala Spice in Santa Barbara is a hidden gem that offers a delightful dining experience. The food is consistently delicious, with perfectly seasoned dishes that highlight a fantastic variety of flavors. From aromatic curries to tender meats, everything is prepared with care and precision. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, making it a great value. The friendly service adds to the overall charm, making each visit a memorable one. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Masala Spice is definitely worth checking out!

Location

  • Masala Spice - Santa Barbara
    Masala Spice - Santa Barbara
    1919 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States Hotline: +1 805-869-2924

Nestled on scenic Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara, Masala Spice stands out as a vibrant gem for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine. From the moment you step inside, the warm, inviting ambiance sets the tone for a memorable dining experience. The tasteful lighting and cozy atmosphere make it a perfect spot for intimate dinners or relaxed gatherings.

The menu here is impressive in its range, blending classic favorites with southern Indian specialties. Highlights include the Chicken Tikka Masala, praised for its rich, balanced flavors that outshine many rivals in the region. The Saag Aloo is another standout, offering a comforting, well-spiced take on traditional spinach and potatoes. Southern treats like the crispy Masala Dosa come paired with flavorful chutneys that elevate every bite, though the egg dosa might surprise with a more subtle flavor profile.

For those seeking spice with depth, the Spicy Chicken Vindaloo delivers an exquisite balance of heat and complex masala, cooked tenderly with potatoes to create a dish that never feels one-dimensional. The signature Butter Chicken seduces with its sweet and tangy notes, a gentle yet decadent dance of flavors.

Masala Spice also honors diverse palates with an expanded menu featuring vegan options and authentic south Indian fare, including thoughtfully crafted korma and gunpowder idli. Their chai, served alongside delicate cookies, offers a true taste of Indian hospitality and comfort.

Beyond the food, the attentive service amplifies the experience. Friendly staff, like the noted server Baboo, deliver care with professionalism that complements the food beautifully. The inclusion of a curated wine list adds an unexpected but delightful layer, perfect for enhancing a special evening out.

Despite its unassuming location, tucked between everyday businesses, Masala Spice transforms the Mesa culinary scene, bringing bold flavors and authentic techniques to Santa Barbara. It’s a place worth returning to, promising discovery with each visit. Whether you're craving hearty curries, crispy dosas, or soothing chai, Masala Spice invites you to savor the richness of Indian cuisine in a welcoming setting.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Delivery
    • Dine-in
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards