Welcome to Sama Sama Kitchen
Sama Sama Kitchen, nestled in vibrant Santa Barbara, is a culinary gem that celebrates Southeast Asian fusion. This Asian-owned restaurant offers a dynamic menu filled with delightful dishes, from crispy Krupuk to tender Javanese braised chicken. Each bite encapsulates rich flavors, reflecting a perfect blend of tradition and creativity. The inviting atmosphere is ideal for gatherings, with options for vegan and pescatarian preferences. Dine outdoors or enjoy the lively ambiance inside, where every meal sings with excitement. Whether you're indulging in their signature wings or the mouthwatering spare ribs, Sama Sama Kitchen promises a culinary experience that is both memorable and satisfying.
Sama Sama Kitchen: Reviews & Ratings
Delicious! My girlfriend and I were lucky to get a table during rush hour, I'd recommend making a reservation. We got the Vietnamese Wings and Braised Pork Noodles and both were delicious. It was a cute little restaurant.
Amazing place. It's a southeast Asian fusion. I ordered a Javanese braised chicken and it was such an intense satisfying food experience. I ordered it with the yellow coconut rice and was a perfect combo. Highly recommended
Really great service, tips are included and tips seemed shared too. We had any number of wait staff helping us. All the food came quickly and was super flavorful. Brussel sprouts had a mixture of sweet dates to cut the bitterness which was nice. Highlights were the house wings, perfect combo of acid and heat and umami. The chicken bao was surprisingly not a sharable dish, but more of a Asian chicken sandwich. Still great though. I thought it would be a few dumplings to share. The main was the pork noodles. Also very good with Chinese 5 spice and peppers and garlic and jalapeños. Very rich, share for 2 people. Overall very good quality and fun for groups to share. Must have for modern Asian food lovers.
I was invited here for dinner a few nights ago. The vibe was upbeat and the crowd noisy. The food and service muted the noise. We ordered a variety of dishes. The cauliflower... the wings... the ribs... the Brussel sprouts.... Beers... and ice cream choices all well prepared and delicious. We reordered more of the wings. It was a very fun night with friends...
Food - food was amazing. We got the Brussels sprouts, Vietnamese wings, braised pork noodles, and the spare rib. Everything was so delicious. My favorite was the braised pork noodles. Packed with so much flavor and the pork is so tender. I believe it's a peanut based sauce tho so be aware of that if you have any allergies. Service - the service was alright. It was probably cause we were seated outside so it was hard to spot us but our waitress did what she could. Food came out at a reasonable time. Ambiance - I wasn't seated inside so I can't commentate on that but outside was pretty standard. I wish there were more lights and heated lamps around.
*Super Bowl Takeout* Sama Sama posted on social media that you could order takeout for Super Bowl. I was stoked to not have to cook and ordered 40 signature crispy chicken wings for $50. The pickup was so easy and the wings tasted phenomenal! They were packaged well, came with slices of limes and garnished. So happy to have done this.
I came here with my nephew and we enjoyed it! We parked on the street and came in around 2pm on a Sunday - it wasn't packed at all so that was nice to us! We got the crispy rice salad, signature chicken wings, braised pork noodles, and the morning after plate. The crispy rice salad was super flavorful, I really enjoyed it and would order again. The signature chicken wings were cooked perfectly and had a very tasty bbq sauce covering it, I loved the noodles in the braised pork noodles (also very flavorful), I couldn't done without the morning after plate. The chicken satay in it was dry, fried rice wasn't flavorful, smashed cucumbers could've used another day to marinate because they weren't flavorful either. Service was friendly, also there's an already added 20% gratuity added to the bill - they let you know about it beforehand as well! I was totally fine with it because out server was super friendly.
Beautiful ambiance, friendly servers, and delicious food. Ordered the crispy rice salad, the bok choy and duck salad, braised pork noodle and one of their specials for the evening (a coconut noodle soup). The flavors were delicious and this was enough to feed three people at a very reasonable price. Some cons are the water tasting a bit funny and the braised noodles were too salty for my liking. Everything else tasted wonderfully and our server was so kind. Would come back.
Review is from July 2024. My husband and I were visiting Santa Barbara and had read great things about Sama Sama so we decided to give it a try. We had our two dogs with us so we had to wait for a table in their front patio. The front patio can be a bit tight/the tables are close together. We ordered: 1. Signature Wings 2. Braised Pork Mie Goreng 3. Naughty Nuri Spare Ribs All of the dishes were flavorful and the meat on the wings and ribs were tender and came right off the bones. I love noodles so the Mie Goreng was my favorite, with the ribs coming in second. While there seemed to be a lot of servers, service was slow. It took a while for a server to take our order and they checked on us maybe once? Food was great but service could have been better.
Location
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1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Hotline: (805) 965-4566
Welcome to Sama Sama Kitchen, where culinary creativity meets the vibrant heart of Asian fusion. Nestled in the bustling streets of Santa Barbara, this cocktail bar redefines traditional dining with a modern twist. The name "Sama Sama," which translates to "together" in Indonesian, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this venue—bringing people together through the joy of flavorful food and drinks.
Sama Sama Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. As you step inside, you're invited to indulge in a menu that artfully marries the rich flavors of Southeast Asia with contemporary cooking techniques. From the tantalizing Vietnamese Wings, dressed in a zesty fish sauce and lime, to the exquisite Pepes Ikan, a locally sourced black cod grilled in banana leaves, each dish tells a story of culture and craftsmanship.
- Signature Wings: A must-try, the tamarind soy BBQ version offers a unique blend of sweetness and umami that leaves a lasting impression.
- Javanese Braised Chicken: Succulent dark meat paired with coconut and turmeric infused flavors creates a comforting delight that is simply unforgettable.
- Naughty Nuri Spare Ribs: These BBQ ribs are a crowd favorite, perfectly complemented by garlic aioli and crispy potato wedges.
Not only is the food exceptional, but so is the atmosphere. The vibrant energy makes for a lively dining experience, particularly ideal for groups or families. Whether you're here for a casual dinner or a celebration, Sama Sama Kitchen caters to all occasions. With options for pescatarians, vegans, and vegetarians, everyone in your party will find something to enjoy.
Customers rave about the attentive service, with multiple staff members ensuring your dining experience is seamless. As one reviewer noted, the wings are a perfect balance of flavor that makes them irresistible, while another highlighted the “intense and satisfying” flavor of the Javanese dish. With happy hour specials and a full bar, it’s also a great place to unwind after a long day.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability shines through with its compostable containers and plastic-free packaging, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious diners.
Sama Sama Kitchen isn’t just a meal; it’s an adventure of flavors that beckons you to return. Make a reservation to ensure you experience this culinary gem! Dive into a world of tantalizing bites, delightful drinks, and an ambiance that encourages sharing stories and laughter with friends and family.
Come explore the magic of Asian fusion at Sama Sama Kitchen, located at 1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Don’t forget to say hello and prepare for a culinary journey like no other!
