LOCAL is a terrific Montecito restaurant with the finest cooking, service and atmosphere this privileged little town has to offer. Surrounded by pricey tourist traps we urge you not to enter, this is a very professionally-operated establishment dedicated to true quality.
Tables with white-starched cloths and fresh flowers beckon you to sit either in the sunken courtyard or in the cozy bar. We chose a quiet, very comfy al fresco corner after a genuinely warm welcome from Carlos. He made us feel quite welcome and we knew immediately we had made a brilliant choice for lunch.
Two glasses of excellent, cool Sauvignon Blanc appeared in a flash as did wonderful, piping hot jalapeno corn bread accompanied by whipped butter.
No sooner had we thanked Daniel, our attentive, well-groomed server, there suddenly appeared a lagniappe from the chef, a pretty plate of tasty ahi crudo with tamari, salsa macha, cilantro, sesame and avocado. It whet our appetites for the delights to come.
Next came a bowl of warm popcorn shrimp ready for dipping in a spicy orange aioli. They were very fresh and perfectly cooked. While we were tempted to try the truffle parmesan fries, crab cake, shishito peppers and deviled eggs, it was time to move on to our mains despite the creative salads and seasonal soup on the menu.
Eschewing the local favorites like fish and chips, fish tacos and burgers, appealing chicken Milanese, Scottish salmon with coconut lemongrass, chicken papparadelle, steak frites, we opted for slow-braised short ribs and the branzino.
Daniel danced about gracefully refilling our glasses and making sure we were content. Of course we were, the music was good and the sun was out as we perused the wine list which knocked our socks off–over 90 wines from $60-$1200 a bottle, something for everyone.
The branzino was a winner, crispy on the outside, doused with lemon caper beurre blanc and tender within, partnered with potatoes, spinach and grilled lemon. And huzzahs for the short ribs. They came on a bed of whipped potatoes with baby carrots, haricot vertes, cippolini onions and a luscious, dark, lusty jus. Bright red pomegranate seeds decorated the top. Ten out of ten, maybe eleven, especially with a glass of the house Pinot Noir. LOCAL’s short ribs are one of life’s great pleasures as they surrender under a fork if you simply breathe on them.
We couldn’t leave without a slice of New York cheesecake, graham cracker crust and seasonal berry compote, which was powerfully satisfying and true to its heritage. No 25-year-old Macallan for us this time, maybe the next.
It was obvious whoever was in the kitchen knew his/her craft. this was the best experience had in a Santa Barbara restaurant in quite some time. LOCAL is serious about fine dining, yet a relaxed place…we saw many friends happily delighting in their cocktails and meals, and most dressed in Vuori sweats. All in all, as pleasant a restaurant as you’ll find between San Francisco and L.A. Plus, there is plentiful free parking just steps away. LOCAL, 1187 Coast Village Rd STE 8, Montecito, (805) 770-2269 https://localmontecito.com/
Travel by ENTREE 
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