Andersen's Danish Restaurant & Bakery

Amidst the seaside community of Santa Barbara runs the major vein and heartbeat of the city…State Street. Seemingly continuing on forever, one can get lost in the varied array of shops, restaurants, and other venues to choose from. Among that vast selection lies Andersen’s Restaurant & Bakery, a family owned and operated eatery that boasts fresh European cuisine and an in-house Danish bakery. Originally established in Copenhagen in 1953, then in the Santa Barbara location in 1976, Andersen’s has been catering to the culinary cravings of their patrons for more than forty years in total. With their exquisite dishes and in-house bakery, it’s no wonder so many flock to this restaurant for Breakfast, Lunch, High and Low Tea, Happy Hour, Dinner and special occasions and events. After a day of wine tasting in Santa Ynez, it was the locale my husband and I chose for dinner before our drive back home.

With dining areas both inside the restaurant and outside under their covered patio with excellent views of State Street and passers-by, we elected to choose the out-of-doors option, as it was a beautiful sunny day with a pleasant breeze from the ocean gently embracing the town.

Originally there for a relaxing dinner, we were informed that Andersen’s also hosts a Happy Hour. From 3 PM – 7 PM every day, you can enjoy select wines for just $6. And guess what else? With every glass of Happy Hour wine ordered, Andersen’s will give you a free crostini!

A crunchy toasted baguette piled high with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and ricotta cheese. What a nice bonus to the evening!

We were greeted by a cheerful kind waitress who was very knowledgeable about the menu and the establishment. Our inquiries were answered with ease and confidence. Black leather bound menus were then presented to us, and we were allowed a few minutes to peruse the many appetizing opportunities.

Another staff member stopped by our table with a freshly-baked basket of what tasted like a tender challah bread and butter in a small round ramekin. Another immediately followed with two glasses of iced water for the table. A few minutes later, as promised, our waitress returned smiling and took our order…

We started our dinner experience with the Smoked Salmon appetizer above. Chilled, tender smoked salmon joined by Havarti cheese, dill sauce, capers and onions served on a crusted flavorsome bread…(See full review with photos at SavorHour.com).

My husband chose Andersen’s Sole Almondine above for his entree. Local sole lightly breaded and pan sauteed in butter, fresh herbed vegetables and a creamy remoulade sauce. Below, I decided on the Salmon Wellington, which consisted of a filet of fresh salmon in Andersen’s flaky puff pastry accompanied by cilantro-infused vegetables, herb-encrusted potatoes and a lemon buerre blanc. Both simply divine!

Though we did not have any room for something sweet after dinner, I did snap a photo of the dessert selections that our waitress brought by..

Andersen’s recently underwent an addition to their already popular Santa Barbara location. Their new LisseLotte Room serves as a favorite for locals and travelers alike to celebrate special events such as private parites, and family gatherings that can accommodate up to 100 guests. Reservations are requested, however, so if you decide to take advantage of this beautiful space for your next gathering, please call Andersen’s at (805)962-5085 to book your special event. In addition to reserving this special room for your celebrations and get-togethers, Andersen’s also presents their Music & Prix Fixe menu inside the addition. The Chef’s selective preparations combined with soothing Jazz and Bosonova tunes for one low price will enlighten your mood and have you waiting to return! Please contact the restaurant for their updated performance schedule.

Before you leave Andersen’s, make a point to walk through to their in-house bakery below. Quaint and inviting with a large array of Dutch pastries and other goodies, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

After my husband and I left Andersen’s, we headed back to West Los Angeles before dark, but not before making a stop at the Santa Monica beach near Stearns Wharf. We parked the car, took our shoes off and took a walk hand-in-hand to the sandy beach and just sat for about a half hour watching a paddle boarder swoosh past and the sailboats anchored in the distance nod in the gentle ocean movement of the Pacific Ocean. The perfect end of the day with the perfect company and the sound and peacefulness of the voice of the ocean crashing onto a quiet shore…a terrific place to share an Andersen’s pastry with someone you love!

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: The establishment in general is cozy, romantic, has easy access to the in-house bakery and is a perfect setting for a peaceful dining engagement either in or out-of-doors.

FOOD / DRINK: Culinary excellence joined by a terrific cocktail selection, enhanced by a great Happy Hour!

LOCATION: Andersen’s is located at 1106 State Street in Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

HOURS: Monday through Sunday from 8AM to 9PM. Breakfast starts daily at 8AM, Dinner begins at 5PM, High Tea is available with a reservation between 2PM and 5PM, while Low Tea is offered daily anytime in a plate version with a unique menu unlike high Tea, which is served on a tiered platter that easily serves two or more individuals.

SERVICE / STAFF: Excellent attentiveness, courteousness and efficiency.

PRICE / VALUE: For the money, Andersen’s provides culinary splendor served by caring staff in a beautiful cafe-style environment definitely worth revisiting.

CORKAGE FEE: Andersen’s corkage fee is $20 per bottle.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (805) 962-5085, Website: www.andersenssantabarbara.com

PARKING: The best parking option we recommend is parking in one of the public parking garages for a minimal fee, then walking along State Street to the restaurant. There’s a lot to see and you can also get some shopping done along the way!

TOTAL BILL: Our total bill for two glasses of Happy Hour wine, two free crostinis, one order of the Smoked Salmon appetizer, the Sole Almondine and the Salmon Wellington came to $70.90, but the splurge was absolutely worth the additional money! We’ll look forward returning to try some of their other favorites on the menu soon!

the minute i walked into this bakery/cafe/restaurant, i was warmly greeted and handed multiple free samples while peering through the delicious glass bakery display, trying to decide what to pick. this place exudes a european ambiance that is casual, comfy, and cool. the inside is more suitable for tea time, and the outside sidewalk patio feels more cafe-ish. you’ll find fabulous cakes, pastries, and other decadent treats here that taste as good as they look.