LOKUM — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Well worth a visit! (3.5 Green Stars) We went into Lokum just to use the restroom and honestly I thought at first that it might be just a tourist trap kinda place. However, we sat down to sample some of the inventive Turkish delight rolls ($16 for around 6 pieces) and then went back for more, going a little overboard ($35!). However, one month later, we are still enjoying the selection – one piece at a time is enough for my sweet self – and they are still fresh and delicious.

The rose-petal-covered-nuts-and-pomegranate and the hazelnut-almond-cream are two definite favorites. The café itself is beautiful and worth stepping into just to imagine that you are visiting an exotic place, “full of eastern promise” (that was the slogan for Fry’s Turkish delight, which bears no resemblance to the real thing!).

It’s helpful that Lokum publishes ingredients on their website. Here’s a typical list: Water, Sugar, Starch, Coloring E124-E100-E141-E110, Nuts, Aromatic, Cream. Many of the colors used are actually pretty natural (e.g., chlorophyll or turmeric-derived) although some (E124) are synthetic. Would be nice to know what the ingredient “aromatic” means, but I guess that it’s probably derived from spices and/or fruit.

I also talked to a staff member, asking if the marshmallow listed in one of their rolls is made from gelatin, and he told me that it’s plant-based (made from sugar) and gave me a sample of it.

I’m giving Lokum 3.5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, for these reasons:

• This provides a nice alternative to over-packaged, over-processed “candy” from destructive multinational corps (I’m talking about all of you – Nestlé, Mondelēz, Hershey, Godiva, Ferrero, etc.) • When buying them in-store, Turkish delight is delivered in a simple cardboard box – recyclable or compostable. They even let us use our box a second time to buy the second batch! • Most of the Turkish delight rolls are vegetarian (contain cream) while the traditional Turkish delights are vegan. None of them that I could see contained gelatin, so they are all vegetarian (rolls) or vegan (traditional squares). • Honestly, there’s a benefit to opening people’s eyes to cultures that they may have been previously unaware of, or even biased against. • Ingredients are provided but it would be nice to provide more information on sustainability or social impact of these ingredients (i.e., some more info on sourcing of nuts, sugar, etc.). • Similarly, the teas and coffee lack certifications and info on sourcing. The coffee beans come from Brazil, where farming is usually industrial and very little coffee is shade-grown. If Lokum supported coffee and tea with a positive social and environmental impact, I would be more likely to have a...

Walking into Lokum in Santa Barbara feels like stepping into a world where tradition meets innovation. This isn’t just a Turkish delight shop—it’s a showcase of how excellence in food, hospitality, and hygiene can redefine the dining experience.

Their lokum (Turkish delights) are not only fresh and bursting with authentic flavors—from classic rose and pistachio to innovative infusions—but they’re also crafted with an attention to detail rarely seen outside of Istanbul’s famed patisseries. The rice pudding is a creamy, comforting masterpiece that balances sweetness and texture, transporting you straight to the heart of Türkiye with every bite.

The Turkish coffee at Lokum deserves a standing ovation. It’s brewed to perfection, with the rich, aromatic depth that Turkish coffee aficionados seek. Each cup is served with a level of care and presentation that rivals fine dining establishments, accompanied by an elegance and warmth that immediately makes you feel at home.

What truly sets Lokum apart, however, is its unwavering commitment to hygiene and service. In a landscape where casual service standards often prevail, Lokum introduces a level of cleanliness, professionalism, and hospitality that is simply unmatched. Every detail, from pristine tables to attentive service, reflects a dedication to excellence that should serve as an example for similar establishments across the U.S.

For those who appreciate both quality and integrity in their dining experiences, Lokum is a must-visit. It’s not just a treat for the senses—it’s a masterclass in how cultural authenticity, impeccable service, and modern standards can come together to create something truly...

We came up to Santa Barbara for the day and we were just hanging out checking out the local sites and eating everything that sounded good to us. Our last stop before we headed home would have to be a coffee spot. We've had this spot on our must try list for quite a while. They happen to make a particular candy that one of our local coffee shops gives with every coffee order. We decided to try some pistachio baklava and some Turkish coffee. My girlfriend has had Turkish coffee before but I have not. The baklava was excellent and it was very similar to my favorite baklava in Orange County. I'm pretty sure that baklava I like from Orange County is homemade for a particular coffee shop we like. I discovered that I'm not a fan of Turkish coffee. It was a bit too bitter for my liking but I can definitely tell that it was quality coffee. It's just not for me. I should have tried the type that has chocolate in it. The presentation was great though. It feels like an experience rather than just coffee. The service here was great. Everybody was very friendly to us from the moment we walked in. I can say that they are a very honest crew here as well. It had been a long day for us and we were ready to hit the road. We were in such a hurry to do so that my girlfriend left her purse behind. By the time we realized it was gone it had been about 20 minutes. She quickly called LOKUM and they had her purse safely set aside for our return. Nothing was missing. You just never know these days when you do something like that if you're going to even find the purse or if it's going to have missing items. Thank you to all the employees for being honest. You guys...