Restaurants near San Marcos Pass Ranger Station

One of the very best restaurants in Santa Barbara. The staff is always friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and professional. It’s easy to label the food as Californian or New/Contemporary American, yet there is a uniquely local vibe that permeates the entire menu. Each dish showcases its primary ingredients with often interesting and playful flavors and textures. Standouts from the current menu (December 2024) include the acorn papardelle, crispy pork belly with bbq beignets. The persimmon salad with Urfa vinegraitte perfectly balances out the richer dishes. Don’t skip the bread, which is made with an 11 year-old starter and is served warm. For dessert, the Baked California is never to be missed and should probably be trademarked. The Chamango, with its spot-on blend of Tajín, mango and chamoy is a celebration to and a tribute of the humble Mexican fruit stand that I really hope stays on the menu.

Everything about this restaurant was top notch. One of the most impressive aspects of the experience was how a number of times we were asked about the quality of our food/ experience and how the staff there worked as a coordinated professional team. A restaurant staff obviously working as a team is rare to see. We were lucky enough to have met the owner-Tina, and from our conversation she appears to have a leadership style which is respectful and encourages excellence. Many of these staff will do well in the future.

Outstanding. Loved they had a local wine list that was reasonably priced. All very good, highly recommend!

We stumbled upon this charming restaurant on a layover night in Santa Barbara and were pleasantly impressed by the welcoming, friendly and professional staff. Impeccable service and a creative menu complemented by a well curated wine list.