Recommends

larestaurantguy

Joined 7 years ago

Pretty Tasty. Nice ambience good food they don't can rest on their laurels. The wine list is pretty good as well!

Doesn't Recommend

ars_poetica

Joined 7 years ago

ZERO the ZAGAT. Downeys cloaks itself with a 28 Zagat rating, but the Emperor Has No Clothes. Their service approach wasnt so much pretentious than utterly pedantic. Its a shame the actual dishes did not taste as good as the servers menu recitation was interminable. The food was unimaginative and under-seasoned, all the while over-priced and overrated. When the cheese platter was presented at our table, I rejoiced that an opportunity had arrived to change the taste left on my palate from the meal. I asked if we could just order a sliver or two and the server returned with a full plate of crackers and bread with just a sliver or two of cheese. We paid full-price for a cheese plate filled with carbs that even a diner offers gratis. For such a high-priced eatery, they were inflexible, uninspired And such are Downeys Downfalls.

Doesn't Recommend

kenny_b

Joined 7 years ago

User review by kenny_b. Way over rated and over priced. Small portions, Stark interior,

Doesn't Recommend

sara10280

Joined 8 years ago

User review by sara10280. We went there assuming it would be a romantic dinner, however, we were fooled! NONE of our requests were fulfilled! The food is way over priced and does not taste good. It is a small small place and you can hear everyones conversation.

Recommends

tiernito69

Joined 8 years ago

Simply the BEST!!!!!. The Best restaurant in town, maybe in the state. Good service, the food was unbeliveable, it was like nothing I ever tasted before. Try the the grill duck it was fabolus, the caramelized garlic and themustard greens and balsamic dressing were really good. I just want to say thanks to John and his wife (Owners) and all the crew in te kitchen.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Savor Santa Barbara's culinary natural resources at this Cal-French favorite.. The Scene
Bountiful fishing, thriving vineyards, and farms bursting with luscious produce make Santa Barbara an epicurean's paradise. Chef John Downey takes advantage of such backyard treasures at his cozy Cal-French restaurant. The slightly worn decor could use sprucing, but devoted diners--who take "California casual" to an extreme--don't seem to mind.

The Food
Start with the Santa Barbara mussels. Served in the shell, the chilled bivalves sit atop sweet lentils and chopped tomatoes in a smooth curry dressing. Another winner is the watercress and endive salad, with pungent greens swathed in a tangy raspberry vinaigrette topped with mellow roasted hazelnuts. Entrees change daily, but the succulently tender grilled duck coated in a delicate Cabernet sauce is a favorite, as is a delicate bluenose sea bass elegantly complemented by a feisty peppercorn sauce. Finish it off with a pippin apple tart baked in a puff pastry topped with homemade vanilla ice cream coated in butterscotch.

Recommends

dlbzzzzz

Joined 11 years ago

great food and experience. hard to beat this restaurant. food is always good and unique. service impeccable.