Sometimes the fight just isn’t worth it anymore.
That’s the case with Pascucci, an Italian restaurant on State Street. The longtime Santa Barbara eatery is closing its doors — forever.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I’m announcing the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” owner Laura Knight said. “After 33 years, I will be closing Pascucci Restaurant.”
Knight has survived on State Street in four different spots, but the latest move, along with restaurant conditions, appear insurmountable.
“Business has remained inconsistent in our new location, which makes staffing and planning incredibly difficult,” Knight said.
Pascucci moved from 509 State St. to 1230-A State St., seven blocks away, after the building was sold and the new owners signaled they were going to lease to Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop, which has yet to open.
“We had hoped that our recent move to 1230-A State St. would be the game-changer we needed, but sadly it was not,” Knight said. “The financial challenges created by this current economy have proven to be too much.”
The restaurant will be around for at least two more months.
“We will continue through the holidays and new year, and close mid-February,” Knight said. “We hope you’ll think of Pascucci when you plan for your holiday gatherings. We take reservations.”
Pascucci opened with seven tables in Paseo Nuevo and stayed for 4½ years. Then, Knight moved to a bigger location within Paseo Nuevo, where the restaurant stayed for 21 years. it then moved to 509 State St., where it stayed for five years.
“My staff and I wish to thank our amazing and supportive customers who have been dining with us for so many years. We love you, and we will miss you,” Knight said.
She also thanked her “wonderful staff, some of whom have been with me for over 20 years.”
Knight said that when she nails down a specific date of closure, she also plans a furniture sale.
“Please come by for your favorite Caesar salad, famous garlic cheese bread, a yummy, comforting final meal … all of our sauces, desserts and salad dressings are homemade with love,” Knight said.
Holiday Store Opens in Santa Barbara
A Crimson Holiday store has opened in Santa Barbara’s La Cumbre Plaza.
Local artisans are offering a collection of handcrafted gifts with a holiday theme. Items include paintings, jewelry handbags, pillows, candles and much more.
About 50 artists will have their work on display.
The store is across from J.Jill in La Cumbre Plaza.
South Coast Retail Update
The Hayes Commercial Group report for the third quarter of 2025 stated that the State Street corridor has a storefront vacancy rate of 12.4%.
Available sites are clustered on the 400, 600 and 900 blocks, which each have five-plus storefronts available or vacant, according to the report. Excluding those three blocks, the vacancy rate for State Street is 8.4%.
The report listed some new leases previously unreported by Noozhawk, including Polette Eyewear coming to 1014-B State St.
Meanwhile, Montecito is the place to be.
Montecito’s lower village currently has no vacancy. The lone Q3 lease was 840 square feet at 1137 Coast Village Road, signed by luxury clothing retailer 27 Miles Malibu, according to Hayes.
Goleta’s available retail space has grown 30% after the departure of Rite Aid in the Fairview Center.
“More than 60% of Goleta’s available space is focused around the intersection of North Fairview and Calle Real. Nevertheless, a handful of tenants have signed leases to
date along Calle Real, including Sweetgreen, Laser Away and Drover’s Doughnuts,” according to Hayes.
New Restaurant Opens Downtown
Siam Street Food has opened on State Street in Santa Barbara.
“We’re beyond grateful for all the love and amazing reviews this week,” the company said in an Instagram post. “Your kind words about our authentic Thai flavors, friendly service, and cozy vibes truly mean the world to us.”
The post states that they serve things from “crispy pork to green curry, Khao Soi, and Thai tea — we’re so happy you’re enjoying every bite!”
The restaurant is at 425 State St.
Dining and Cooking