Gems in Goleta

Some of the best discoveries happen when you wander just a little off the beaten path.

For the past decade, I’ve traveled to Santa Barbara each summer to speak at a conference hosted at UCSB. Most visits include a stop on State Street — full of charming shops and restaurants that rarely disappoint.

This time, we approached the visit like we do many of our other adventures — with ease, curiosity, and a willingness to wander off the main path. And that’s how we stumbled across two tucked-away spots: Jane and The Ellwood at Goleta Beach. If you’re near the UCSB campus, I highly recommend giving these little gems a try.

Jane — So Cozy, Comforting, and Delightful

We found Jane while looking for a quick dinner at 8 p.m., and it delivered beyond expectations. After a long afternoon in the car, we were craving something light. We ordered a couple of pizzas, and they were perfect — flavorful, not greasy, light yet filling. The kind of meal that makes you go, “Wait…should we come back tomorrow?”

There’s something about restaurants like this — warm, inviting, unpretentious, and quietly excellent. It felt like a spot you could return to again and again and always feel welcome. And the service was impeccable.

The Ellwood — Ocean Views and Ohhh the Clam Chowder!

While I was in my session, my family went exploring and stumbled across The Ellwood at Goleta Beach — the kind of place where your tires pick up sand just from parking. They knew I’d be in for it.

After my session, they picked me up and we stopped in — too early for dinner, but just in time for happy hour overlooking the beach. Again: beautiful design, charm, and wonderful service.

The standout surprise? 

Clam Chowder Au Gratin.
My son and I are self-declared clam chowder connoisseurs, and this version? Easily a top-five contender. It was a fun twist on a classic, and one we’d gladly go back for and recommend to others. We only wish we hadn’t filled up on snacks — the dinner menu was definitely calling to us.

Moments that Sparked Joy

These weren’t just meals. They were moments.
Moments of slowing down. Of discovering something new.
Of sitting across from people and thinking, How wonderful that we get to enjoy this experience together.

So if you’re in the Santa Barbara area and want to explore beyond the usual spots, take a little detour to Goleta.

You just might stumble into something delightful and something that may bring you so much joy.