Everyone’s a Critic

March 5, 2025

First Impressions of Montecito’s Four New Restaurants

The main topic of conversation in Montecito these days is restaurants, and understandably so—four debuted in the space of two months. Now that they've had a chance to settle in, let's take a look at how they're doing. 42

March 3, 2024

First Impressions of Silvers Omakase

The fanciest restaurant to open here in a long time is Silvers Omakase in the Funk Zone, a 10-seat chef's counter centered on sushi. It's similar to Sushi by Scratch in many ways, and it will inevitably compete for the same clientele. So how does it stack up? 14

April 12, 2023

First Impressions of Taqueria La Unica

The new sister restaurant of Los Agaves and Santo Mezcal is focused on Mexican street food, with a menu that makes no concessions to novices and a line out the door. 23

December 14, 2022

First Impressions of L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

The new L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele—the second U.S. outpost of an Italian chain established in 1870—is a welcome addition to State Street, with pizza that lives up to the hype. 4

October 16, 2022

First Impressions of AMA Sushi at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort

As you'd expect, the Miramar's new sushi restaurant is pinch-me pretty. But can the food and service keep pace? 8

February 20, 2020

Paradise Cafe Is a Classic Reborn

New owner Acme Hospitality—the company behind the Lark, Loquita, et al—has upgraded the experience without ruining what makes the restaurant special.

December 2, 2019

The Easy-Breezy Restaurant State Street Has Been Waiting For

The Daisy is more proof that Santa Barbara's dining scene is most exciting at the fast-casual level.

November 20, 2019

The Café at Field + Fort Is a Game Changer for Summerland

The menu is far more interesting than anything this side of Merci Montecito and Bettina, and the setting—at a communal table inside or out on the terraces—couldn't be lovelier. 1

November 14, 2019

The New Cocktail Bar from the Folks Behind the Lark

When you go to a cocktail bar, you're not just buying a drink—you're buying an experience. Pearl Social delivers on looks, music, and mixology. But one key aspect is iffy....

November 4, 2019

Malibu Farm at the Miramar: A Tale of Two Restaurants

If dinner at Malibu Farm can leave you wondering what the point of the place is, other than a Plan B for people who can't get into Caruso's, lunch there makes delightful sense.