Secret Bao, Santa Barbara CA

The pork belly bao is too sweet and too fatty. The shrimp bao is just ok, or not ok for what you have paid. I got more tasty Bao elsewhere at a pho restaurant at a price $3 for each bao.

I will never come back here again.

Sorry to say we were overall super underwhelmed. After hearing rave reviews maybe my expectations were too high. This is a casual, order at the counter, quick lunch kind of place. Menu is good sized, not overwhelming but large enough to provide options for a variety of folks. We tried the pork belly, octopus, and KFC chicken bao, garlic noodles, soy wontons, and a couple beers on tap. Everything came out quickly but lukewarm. Flavors were ok but (sorry.) reminded me of the frozen pot stickers and box garlic noodles I get at the grocery store. The KFC chicken bao was like mouthful of paprika. The most interesting bite was the octopus bao for obvious reasons. Maybe it's because I enjoy authentic Asian places in LA and the Bay Area, but this spot just didn't do it for me. The setting reminds me of a modern office cafeteria, not at all the vibe I was expecting since I've seen this place suggested as a great spot for anniversaries and birthdays. All to say, I won't be recommending this spot to others. Go to Sama Sama instead.

This is usually one of my go to places in Santa Barbara, the food is delicious and the service is great. However, we went a few weeks ago and the service was abysmal. We started the dinner with 5 people with a 6th one added at the end. As soon as the 6th person joined (this is when the tip for 20% gets automatically added despite service), the waiters stopped checking on our table. Usually when this happens it is because they are busy, unfortunately they were not. The younger wait staff was just hanging out. I had to ask for water twice since it never got refilled after we first got water. The staff never checked on us again after food was delivered, our small plates that had been used and were dirty were never replaced. I love this place but this was truly a bad experience.

Great food but it adds up pretty quick. Bimibap and two appetizers and drinks for two at lunch was $60 before tip.

We enjoyed our visit to Secret Bao - the food, drinks and hospitality were all top notch! It was a wonderful spot to close out our trip to Santa Barbara. Our waitress explained the highlights and provided us with great recommendations. Our favorites dishes were the soy chili dumplings, the pork belly bao and the curry crab noodles, but everything we tried had great flavors.

We are also incredibly thankful to Jade for going the extra mile to help return an item we accidentally left behind. We didn’t realize until we were on our flight home that it was left and she was so kind in helping to figure out getting it shipped back to us.

Fantastic place! Really diverse menu. Everything was SO good. The restaurant itself is clean and well decorated. (Very cool bathrooms!) The drinks are a bit overpriced, but I guess that's the way it is in Santa Barbara. Love the counter service. Definitely will be going to Secret Bao again.

Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend and anxious to go back and try everything else we haven't tried

Food was good, people were helpful, place is a little small. People are very close together.

Wanted to love this place because I am a BAO FANATIC. So maybe I hyped it up for myself. But the baos were average at best. The scallops were fresh (very small portion though so order accordingly).
But my least favorite thing was the service/attitude of the hosts. We came around 5 pm and asked for a table for 2, for which they said they only had a table at 8 pm. We put our name down. Continued to see empty tables but said nothing. By the time it was 7: 45 pm we came back (no one texted for early availability etc.) and a table magically became available, but it took them 10 minutes to set the table.
Nothing puts me off more than bad service at a place that serves average tasting food. So it’s a one and done for me.

Our waitress, Claire, was great. She asked if we had any dietary restrictions and removed ingredients from some dishes to make them vegetarian. Everything we ordered was delicious. We ordered the kung pao cauliflower without the oyster sauce, panzanella, and udon carbonara. Claire recommended the donut bao with ice cream and it was really good. We will definitely be coming back.

I can't say enough positive thigs about the place. The atmosphere is amazing and the food is delicious. Make sure to get a reservation in advance, this place is always packed. Not so much a secret anymore. I've tried all of the Baos. All of them melt in your mouth. My favorite is the KFC.simply unreal. If you haven't been here you should definitely go. Like tonight. This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat around town. I go here at least once a month. Santa Barbara gem.

Secret Bao in Santa Barbara offers a unique and exciting dining experience with a fusion of Asian flavors that can satisfy a variety of palates. During our visit, we had the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of dishes, including the Kfc and Pork Belly Bao's, dumplings, Wonton Tacos, Garlic Noodles, and Asian-inspired Paella. Here's a review of our experience:

Kfc and Pork Belly Bao's: The Kfc (Korean Fried Chicken) Bao was a delightful surprise, with perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken complemented by soft and pillowy bao buns. The Pork Belly Bao offered a rich and savory contrast, featuring tender pork belly that melted in your mouth. Both were exceptional and showcased the skillful execution of bao creations.

Dumplings: The dumplings were a standout with their delicate wrappers and flavorful fillings. The balance of textures and flavors was spot-on, making them a must-try for dumpling enthusiasts.

Hamachi wonton Tacos: These fusion tacos were a unique addition to the menu, offering a creative twist on traditional tacos. The crispy wonton shells paired well with the fillings, creating an interesting fusion of textures and flavors.

Garlic Noodles: The garlic noodles were aromatic and had a wonderful balance of garlic flavor without being overwhelming. They served as a great side dish to complement the other items on the menu.

Asian-inspired Paella: (secret menu) The Asian-inspired paella was a bold and creative offering, combining traditional paella elements with Asian ingredients and flavors. The dish was visually appealing and showcased the restaurant's commitment to innovation.
In addition to the food, the ambiance and service at Secret Bao contribute to a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant's modern and inviting decor, along with attentive and friendly staff, create a welcoming atmosphere.
Overall, Secret Bao in Santa Barbara offers a compelling culinary journey with its fusion of Asian flavors. The innovative menu items, such as the Kfc and Pork Belly Bao's and Asian-inspired Paella, showcase the restaurant's creativity and dedication to pushing culinary boundaries. Whether you're looking for traditional favorites or adventurous dishes, Secret Bao is worth a visit for an enjoyable dining experience.

I quite enjoyed the food at Secret Bao - most notably their baos!

Definitely recommend the KFC bao. The Kung Pao cauliflower is also yummy and has cashews!

You do have to order at the counter so it can feel rushed when choosing what to order. I also think they recommended the incorrect amount of food for two people. We had too many left-overs which is not ideal as we were on vacation.

For two people - I would recommend 1-2 bao each and one larger plate (especially if it has meat in it).

We loved everything about it. The food was Asian fusion. From the zesty cucumber panzanella to the melt in your mouth tender short ribs everything was delicious. The dessert, sticky rice with mangoes was presented in a spectacular manner.
The ambiance is relax yet you feel like you are going out and the server could explain and give us great advice on how to order.

Very high quality food especially for the price. We had the rib bowl, KFC & shrimp bao's & tacoyaki. All very favorable. Sat outside, service was good.

Best restaurant in Santa Barbara, hands down. I've been there twice and both times I was blown away at the quality of service & food. Our server, Claire, was knowledgeable, professional, attentive, & personable. The food is easily some of the best I've ever eaten. The brussel sprouts okonomiyaki absolutely blew my mind. I'd never been at a loss for words from eating something so delicious until trying the brussel sprouts okonomiyaki. Everything I've tried there has been absolutely delicious. Can wait to go back. The menu changes with the seasons and never disappoints.

One of my favorite Asian fusion/ Chinese restaurants in the US! So happy to have this in SB. The food combinations are unique, the ingredients are fresh and the recipes are gourmet. Must try: chicken bao, shrimp bao, mapo tofu and smashed cucumber salad for something fresh.

Very nice food, tasty and abundant. I recommend trying the 5 Spice Duck Noodles and the Pho Dumplings. I really enjoyed them. The menu between lunch and dinner seems to change a bit and I found that the dinner menu has very few vegetarian options. I would have appreciated a bit more.
The dessert was also very good, we got a Ube Creme Brulé and it was delicious.
Organization wise I suggest to book in advance, either online or calling them as it can get very busy especially on the weekend.
The patio outside is nice, and is heated but the garden chairs are quite uncomfortable.

First visit and it was a really creative menu and all dishes tasted great. They had local beers on draft and it was a wholesome and good experience! I really liked those ribs.