GETAWAYS • Montecito
In a state with 840 miles of coastline, I always wondered why it was impossible to find an excellent seafood restaurant with beautiful views of the Pacific. Then I discovered Caruso’s at the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito.
The best tables are undoubtedly on the terrace, which offers front-row seats to crashing waves and pink sunsets, while the dining room resembles the inside of a yacht — bedecked in navy blue and crisp white, with teak wood floors and leather booths. Despite a dress code (strictly elegant) and Caruso’s corresponding top-tier service, a warm and inviting atmosphere persists.
Regional flavors and locally sourced ingredients drive the Italian-influenced menu. Highlights include chilled Santa Barbara spiny lobster, gnocchetti with uni (from esteemed local diver Stephanie Mutz), and Channel Islands halibut served underneath a parsnip puree. For dessert, buttermilk mousse made with honey from, of course, the property’s own beehives.
After an exceptional dinner, stay the night at the hotel. This allows for a nightcap at The Manor Bar, with its library-like setting and cocktail menu that nods to iconic literary villains: The Dorian Gray is fruity and Hennessy-based, while the spicy Shere Khan contains both mezcal and Aperol. And, finally, a good night’s sleep in a Rosewood Miramar Beach bungalow, marble bathrooms and Diptyque amenities included. –Victoire Loup
→ Caruso's at Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito) • 1759 S Jameson Ln • Sun-Thurs 530-9p, Fri-Sat 530-930p • Reserve.