$$$Californian
Sisters Rory and Meave McAuliffe run this charming Ojai spot with rustic, feel-good vibes. Wide plank wood floors lend warmth while exposed ducts keep things trendy. There is a little bit of everything here, from a local produce-driven menu and terrific raw bar offerings to a natural wine list and a provisions counter up front. Some dishes seem simple but deliver in spades. A stunning salad of avocado, baby beets and citrus served on a wide, oval plate is a riot of colors. Then, an herb-laced broth bobbing with Aleppo sausage, spring garlic, potatoes and steamed countneck clams offers a refine
$$$Burmese
Smack in the center of Ojai, The Dutchess reigns from its perch inside a charming 1920s building. It may be the queen of cool, but prim and proper it's not. Instead, this quirky concept features a bakery/cafe by day and a trendy Burmese restaurant by night. Come hungry, as this heartfelt menu is brimming with snacks, salads, curries and large plates designed for sharing. Begin with a tea leaf salad, piled high with slightly bitter tea leaves balanced by napa cabbage and sungold tomatoes with crispy-crunchy peanuts, fried garlic and shallots. Chickpea tofu is perfectly golden-brown and sided by
$$$$American
San Ysidro Ranch is a dreamy setting for this rustic stone "house," punctuated by lush gardens, creekside views, rough-hewn beams and a wood-burning fireplace. In the kitchen, hyper-local regional cooking rules, with many of the herbs, fruits and veggies harvested on the property. Arrive early to walk the grounds before your meal. There is exclusivity in the air, which seems to match the affluent diners and informed servers. Regulars aim for seats on the patio along with simpler bites, like the burger or crab cakes; while others may delve into such finer things as a three-course prix-fixe, sta
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Montecito, The Stonehouse is renowned for its lush, botanical garden setting featuring rose and herb gardens. Reviews frequently praise the exceptional service, high food quality, and extensive wine cellar, making it suitable for family celebrations. However, some guests express disappointment with menu changes, such as the removal of the wedge salad, and note issues with meal pacing. The 'Carriage House' seating area receives criticism for uncomfortable chairs and a lack of ambiance compared to the main dining rooms. While isolated incidents of reservation cancellations and poor service exist, the restaurant maintains a strong 4.7/5 rating, generally regarded as a premium dining destination despite occasional inconsistencies.
Ideal for diners seeking refined ambiance and service; avoid the Carriage House and confirm menu preferences in advance.
🕐 Mo-Sa 07:00-10:00,11:00-15:00,17:00-21:00, Su 07:00-09:00,17:00-21:00
$$$$Sushi, Japanese
Located at the Rosewood Miramar, AMA Sushi is straight out of Japan. The name is a nod to the famed female divers and the space resembles a typical Japanese house with a moody nautical appeal (think dark wood walls with lantern-like light fixtures and a scalloped sushi bar). Then there is the edomae-style sushi, available à la carte or as an omakase. It's worth going all in on the omakase to sample the chef's artistry, which begins with a trinity of bites from soba noodles and fried eggplant to sesame tofu. A seared scallop with wasabi vinaigrette paves the way for nigiri, with standouts inclu
$$$Californian
Chilean-born Chef Diego Moya cut his teeth working in kitchens around the globe before opening Little Mountain in Montecito. The rustic yet elegant dining room draws inspiration from the region's Spanish Colonial history, with tall, white walls, brick floors and wood beams. The intimate ambience makes it a natural fit for date night; be sure to make reservations (though the bar accepts walk-ins). Meanwhile, the menu uses local ingredients to tell a globally inspired story. To begin, a tile fish ceviche with yuzu kosho and sweet peppers is a perfect choice. It's hard to go wrong with any of the
$$$$sushi
In sun-kissed Santa Barbara right by the tony Montecito Inn, this convivial counter is out to make sushi on its own terms. Though the group counts at least six other locations in the US and Canada, the setup is largely the same: Guests start with a cocktail in the lobby before finding their names written in chalk at their seats. The chefs, always talkative and ready to have a good time, work in tandem to deliver creative combinations that go beyond the realm of traditional nigiri. The likes of brown sugar, pineapples, chili ponzu, olive oil and fried onions find their way onto frequently blowt
$$$Californian, Korean Contemporary
Chef Daniel Kim, a veteran of fine dining restaurants, now leads this California-minded kitchen that infuses a Korean flair. Monte's embodies the farm-to-table ethos, sourcing the majority of their produce from their own regenerative organic farm and local farmers' markets. This is cooking that's approachable and delicious yet prepared with clear skill. Kick off the meal with locally caught halibut crudo with broccolini or prawn toast with charred lemon aioli and house-made prawn furikake. Perhaps the best example of the Cal-Korean mashup is the bone-in pork chop katsu, breaded with panko and
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 63 reviews
Monte's, with locations in Byram and Brandon, holds a 3.8/5 rating. Food quality is a standout feature, with steaks and seafood often praised, though some guests report issues with freshness or heavy reliance on sauces. Service is generally friendly and efficient, but pacing can be inconsistent, with occasional reports of rushed or inattentive staff. The ambiance is cozy and well-maintained, yet spaces are small, and some branches suffer from poor ventilation and kitchen smoke. Value perceptions vary significantly; while many find the experience worthwhile, others feel portions do not justify the cost.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic American seafood and steaks who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.