Waking up in Santa Barbara always feels like a small luxury. The soft coastal light streaming through the curtains, the quiet hum of the morning, and that distinct sense of California calm – it’s a perfect way to reset. After a long night of dancing at the Santa Barbara Bowl and a restful sleep at The Leta, I was craving something low-key and easy to start the day.
So I headed down the stairs to CAYA—short for “Come As You Are” (yes, very cute concept).
I started with a hot coffee and ordered a light breakfast: CRISPY BACON, an EVERYTHING BAGEL WITH CREAM CHEESE, SALSA, and AVOCADO.
But the real treat wasn’t just the meal – it was my server. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely lovely to talk to, she brought a spark to the morning I didn’t know I needed. We ended up chatting about life and ended up getting deep, really fast. By the end of breakfast, we were following each other on Instagram.
I love those unexpected human moments. Makes a meal that much more special.
CAYA Restaurant
5650 Calle RealGoleta, California 93117
