Our Story
ALDER.
Good food. Good company. A place to return to.
Alder was born from a simple idea: that great dining should feel effortless.
Located along the Santa Barbara waterfront, Alder is a neighborhood restaurant inspired by a lifetime spent in kitchens, a love of hospitality, and the belief that the best meals are the ones shared with others.
For chef and owner Peter Lee, the journey began long before fine dining. From working in fast-food restaurants as a teenager to cooking in some of the country's most celebrated kitchens, including Joël Robuchon, Osteria Mozza, and Solbar, each experience shaped his perspective on what makes a restaurant special.
Those years taught him that exceptional food isn't defined by price, technique, or formality. It's defined by care, consistency, and the ability to make people happy.
After helping shape Santa Barbara's dining scene as executive chef of Loquita and later opening Secret Bao with his partner, chef Felicia, Peter envisioned something different: a restaurant that brings together the precision of fine dining with the comfort and familiarity of a favorite neighborhood gathering place.
At Alder, the menu celebrates familiar dishes prepared with intention. Thoughtfully sourced ingredients, confident cooking, and subtle creative touches come together in food that's approachable, satisfying, and never unnecessarily complicated.
Whether it's a leisurely lunch overlooking the waterfront, dinner with family, cocktails with friends, or a special occasion, Alder is designed to feel equally welcoming.
No unnecessary formality. No need to impress. Just genuinely good food, warm hospitality, and a place you'll want to come back to.
Welcome to Alder.
Santa Barbara, California
