CAYA Restaurant in Goleta

Update: March 2023We were a party of 4 and ate here before. We ordered spring rolls for appetizers to share. The spring rolls for $18 was pathetic. It was only 2 small pieces cut in 4 pieces and the server did not even give us small plates to put our food on. The menu did not have the pork chops that I enjoyed the last time which was disappointing. The most disappointing experience was when our food orders came from another server & my order was wrong. It took a while for our first server to come back & apologized to say that the kitchen staff got the orders mixed up. I ordered roasted seabass which I thought should not have taken time to make. Everyone finished their meals when my order finally came and it was another person who we thought was the manager who delivered it. By that time, I was STARVING and very annoyed. The restaurant does not provide bread nor was there an offer of compensation like a free appetizer or discount on the meal. I rarely give a 1 star rating but they need to get the message that this service for how expensive the meals are is unacceptable.Review 7 months ago when I gave them a 5 starWe were a party of 7 and we wanted to take my mother-in-law out for dinner. This was my first time eating here. The ambiance of the hotel and restaurant was very nice. There was a singer playing guitar and he was good. Our server was attentive. We enjoyed our delicious dinners including the Brussels sprouts appetizers & dessert. My mother-in-law was very satisfied with her fish tacos, which was great.

I thought the food here was decent. I had the seabass lettuce wraps and the kale salad. The food is definitely healthy and I like that it is locally sourced. I do have to admit it was a little bland. The service was excellent though and I thought the price points were good especially considering the ingredients. Ive only been here once, and I might go back in the future. Its worth checking out.

Food was great. Drinks were excellent. Restaurant was a bit busy but service was ok. I would return.

Enjoyed a pleasant dinner while staying at the Kimpton. Space is beautiful out on the patio when the weather allows.Started out with a 🍻. Selection is pretty good. The happy hour price is not worth it. (HH is $6 for a 10 oz vs. $8 for a pint.)Started with the sweet potato appetizer with garbanzo beans. Liked that one a lot.Then had the chips and onion dip. That was tasty.Tried the lettuce cups with the fish. Not what I expected but was okay. I was expecting a dish similar to the Chinese lettuce cups where the ingredients are chopped and the flavors are a burst of mixed delight.To end, had the caramel ice cream and the strawberry ice cream. Both were very tasty.One dish I had at the hotel 🍷 reception were the chicken wings. YUMMY!Would come back again.

The short rib Mac and cheese was exquisite, the service was superb. Reanna made good recommendations and was a joy during our interactions. I understand why the locals come back and I will too!

Came here impromptu for our anniversary bc we didnt make plans and wanted to try the neighborhood place anyway. Not a good decision. The food is not good. Everything is bland, not seasoned well, not cooked quite right, and over priced for what you get. We had the hummus trio, spring rolls, carnitas tacos...all bad. The spring rolls were really bad with the rice paper wrapper bunched up at the ends so it tasted and felt like eating folded paper, and there are maybe 1-2 tiny shrimp per roll.One member of our party had the salmon and soba and was happy...at $30 I would hope so.Anyway, super disappointed and wont be back. Wish we had more good choices in Goleta.

Very underwhelming all around. Stayed at the hotel and didnt feel like going further for breakfast/brunch.We were seated at a table that wasnt clean.Home fries that were whole potatoes? Lack of salt on most of the plate. I suppose I dont expect too much from an omelette, but I dont think Id get this particular order again.

Staying at the hotel the restaurant is in, The Let’s Santa Barbara, and tried Caya based on a recommendation of a local patron. I ordered some Margaritas at Happy Hour and they were excellent. For my meal I ordered the Salmon & Soba Stir Fry. It was phenomenal! Great flavor and the salmon was grilled perfectly. The superb bartender, Christina, told me the dish is new. It needs to be around a long time!

Cocktails and vibe are really good for Goleta and had one of the best rib-eyes my first visit. Came back a second time on another day and ordered at least one of every appetizer. The egg rolls were meh, but everything else was delicious and the service was great.

The Leta Hotel is a stylishly furnished hotel with an eclectic feel that works well. We went to their indoor/ outdoor restaurant for brunch on a Saturday. Pleasant outdoor setting but the servers looked over-worked and harried on a busy morning. I’d have to say the meal was average overall but still a decent option in the area for its outdoor seating, interesting decor and classy vibe.