Pascucci, a longtime staple of downtown Santa Barbara, announced on November 21, 2025, on Facebook, that it will be closing its doors in mid-February 2026 after more than three decades in business.
The restaurant shared on social media that rising financial pressures from the current economy making it impossible to continue at the restaurant’s new location.
Pascucci relocated in May 2025 to 1230-A State Street in the Santa Barbara Arts District. However, the owners said the move did not resolve the economic challenges they were facing, and inconsistent customer traffic continued to make staffing and planning difficult.
The restaurant will remain open through the holidays and into the new year, continuing to accept reservations. The management will announce the last date of operations later, along with details about an upcoming furniture and fixture sale.
Pascucci featured a full bar, a kid-friendly menu, and pet-friendly patio seating, becoming a loved community space that has generations of diners.
The restaurant celebrated 32 years of business in September 2025, thanking the visitors and the Santa Barbara community for all these years.
Pascucci’s Long Legacy
Founded in 1993, Pascucci has served handmade Italian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Over the years, it became a favorite for both locals and visitors, known for its Caesar salad, garlic cheese bread, house-made sauces, desserts, and a long menu of pastas, wines, and cappuccinos.
The restaurant has long partnered with other local businesses, sourcing seafood from Kanaloa Seafoods, meats from Shalhoob Meat Company, and produce delivered daily by local suppliers. Its commitment to local sourcing and affordability made it a business that supports local businesses.
Owner Laura Knight has led the restaurant for more than 20 years and has been an active part of the downtown business community. She was named Citizen of the Year in 2000 by the Santa Barbara Downtown Organization, known for her community involvement and support for local nonprofits.
Knight also thanked her longtime staff, some of whom have been with her for more than 20 years, and invited the community to visit during the restaurant’s final weeks. “We love you and we will miss you,” she wrote in the post.
For more than three decades, Pascucci has provided a combination of Italian comfort food with friendly service and a space for everyone in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Restaurant Closures
Edhat previously reported that Sandbar temporarily closed for remodeling and plans to reopen in mid-March 2026 with an updated coastal cabana design. The restaurant is known for its fresh daily ingredients, seafood dishes, and cocktails. It also operates as a late-night venue with live music every night.
Carp Kitchen & Grocery on Carpinteria Avenue has also closed after four years of operations. The women-owned café and specialty grocery, which opened in 2021, was known for its house-made pastries, prepared foods, and community-centered approach.
Dining and Cooking