City: Santa Barbara, CA

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (805) 963-1012

Address: 30 E. Ortega St.

Description: For starters, if you are a foodie, and an Insider, and on a budget, ask if they are offering the special prix-­fixe meal (Sunday through Thursday). If not, or if it’s a weekend, dig deep into your pocketbook and go for it. Chef Roberto Perez moved from Nevada City, leaving behind a loyal following (some of whom trek here) to build a new fan base for his gourmet California cuisine. Start with an oyster shooter with ginger or the beet salad that is as tasty as it is artfully presented. We also liked the vichyssoise with chives and truffle oil, Waygu cross rib with potato, and cream-­braised root vegetables and maple syrup sauce, all topped off with tasty profiteroles with warm chocolate sauce poured over the top. The room is pretty and semiformal, the music is jazz. All in all, a lovely spot for a special occasion or just darn fine food any day of the week. If you build it, they will come.