Business Details
13 Years
experience
Artisanal Central Coast Dining Experience
The Lark, nestled in Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone, offers a distinctive dining experience rooted in the Central Coast's seasonal bounty. Our menus showcase locally sourced ingredients, artfully plated to highlight bold flavors that reflect the region's climate and geography. The restaurant's design blends urban sophistication with repurposed materials, paying homage to the neighborhood's industrial heritage while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Our full bar features craft cocktails and curated wines from Santa Barbara County and beyond. With a Michelin Plate Award and over a decade of culinary excellence, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service and innovative cuisine.Our team of seasoned professionals brings global expertise and a passion for hospitality to every guest interaction. From our 24-seat communal table to our private event spaces, we create memorable experiences centered on community and quality. Sustainability guides our sourcing practices, ensuring every dish honors the region's agricultural richness. Whether through our seasonal tasting menus or approachable brunch offerings, we strive to connect diners with the essence of the American Riviera. Our dedication to craftsmanship extends from the kitchen to the glassware, creating a holistic sensory experience that defines modern coastal dining.
Services
Dinner Service
Brunch Service
Private Events
Catering
Wine Pairing
Cocktail Bar
Reservations
Seasonal Menus
Communal Dining
Award-Winning Cuisine
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer Michelin-recognized culinary expertise with over a decade of experience
- Our menus feature 100% locally sourced seasonal ingredients from Central Coast farms
- We maintain a sustainably designed space using repurposed materials and vintage elements
- Our beverage program highlights small Santa Barbara County producers and artisan spirits
- We provide expertly curated private dining experiences in our historic Funk Zone location
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Plate Award
What people say
Exceptional service
Creative seasonal menus
Michelin-recognized cuisine
Unique ambiance
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Dinner Service
Our nightly dinner service features seasonal tasting menus showcasing Central Coast ingredients. Dishes are artfully plated with bold flavors that reflect local terroir. The three-course menu changes weekly based on market availability and chef inspiration, offering both classic and contemporary interpretations of coastal cuisine.
Brunch Service
Weekend brunch offers creative daytime interpretations of coastal flavors with both plated and shareable options. The menu features house-made pastries, seasonal produce, and signature cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Service includes both indoor and outdoor seating options with live music on select Sundays.
Private Events
Our venue accommodates private events from intimate dinners to larger celebrations with dedicated spaces and custom menus. The 24-seat communal table creates interactive dining experiences while the main dining room offers flexible configurations. Our team provides full-service coordination from menu design to beverage pairings.
Wine Program
Our curated wine list emphasizes small Santa Barbara County producers alongside international artisan winemakers. The program features both classic and experimental varietals with pairing options for tasting menus. Sommelier-led experiences highlight regional terroir and emerging vineyards through seasonal selections.
Cocktail Bar
The full bar offers classic and contemporary craft cocktails using artisan spirits and seasonal ingredients. Signature drinks incorporate house-made syrups, fresh herbs, and local produce. The menu changes quarterly to reflect seasonal produce while maintaining cocktail classics with a modern twist.
People
Jason Paluska
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Jason Paluska has led The Lark since its 2013 opening, earning a Michelin Plate Award in 2019. With over 15 years in fine dining, he previously worked under renowned chefs in San Francisco and Seattle before establishing Acme Hospitality's culinary vision across five concepts.
Joakim Eriksson
General Manager
General Manager Joakim Eriksson brings international hospitality experience from Shanghai to Seattle. He has managed Michelin-recognized restaurants and created award-winning cocktail programs. Fluent in Swedish and Mandarin, he specializes in creating memorable guest experiences through personalized service.
Kara Parker
Manager
Manager Kara Parker combines local expertise with extensive service experience. She oversees daily operations and guest relations, ensuring consistent delivery of The Lark's hospitality standards. Her background includes managing high-volume restaurant concepts in Santa Barbara's competitive dining market.
Mark Vehslage
Manager
Manager Mark Vehslage coordinates front-of-house operations with a focus on service excellence. He trains staff in the restaurant's culinary philosophy and maintains quality standards across all guest interactions. His experience includes managing teams in multiple award-winning hospitality venues.
Jaylen Tackett
Sous Chef
Sous Chef Jaylen Tackett assists in executing the kitchen's seasonal vision. With formal culinary training and practical experience in fine dining, he oversees specific menu components and helps maintain consistency across all dishes. He plays a key role in recipe development and kitchen operations.
Questions
What type of cuisine does The Lark serve?
We serve modern American cuisine focused on seasonal Central Coast ingredients, presented with artistic flair while honoring local agricultural traditions.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and weekend brunch through our OpenTable system to ensure seating availability.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, we provide private event spaces with custom menus for groups, including our signature 24-seat communal table experience.
What awards has The Lark received?
Our team earned a Michelin Plate Award in 2019 for culinary excellence and continues to receive regional dining accolades.
How often does the menu change?
Our seasonal tasting menus change weekly based on ingredient availability, with major menu transitions occurring quarterly to reflect harvest cycles.
What parking options exist near the restaurant?
Street parking is available near our Anacapa Street location, with additional public parking structures within two blocks of the Funk Zone.
