Downey's
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 966-5006
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- W Victoria Street
- Hours:
- Tue-Sun 5:30pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Downey's – by Jennifer Schwartz
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.
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Insider Tips
ParkingValet parking is not permitted in downtown Santa Barbara, but there are lots on Victoria Street and Sola Street.
User Reviews for Downey's
01/09/2008 Posted by larestaurantguy
Nice ambience good food they don't can rest on their laurels. The wine list is pretty good as well!
Pros: Ambiance was OK, wine list is fairly decent
Cons: Price
05/03/2006 Posted by ars_poetica
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.
Pros: In Santa Barbara, on State Street, That's It!
Cons: Overpriced, Uncomfortable, Unsatisfying
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