Fantastic first experience at Caruso's last month! The ocean view was beautiful, with the indoor/outdoor vibes, plenty of heaters for warmth, a live pianist playing, and the service was excellent. It is worth mentioning that it takes a little time and is a little challenging getting to the restaurant from the valet area, for those who might be a little physically challenged or slower moving. I do believe that they have an elevator to take you down to the restaurant level though! Reservation-wise they have two options, the four course Prix Fixe menu (which I chose) and a three hour Chef's Tasting Menu. For my menu, I was able to select from about 3-4 options in every course, and there were some available add ons as well. I loved the La Mora Messicana NA Cocktail, it paired nicely with all of my dishes and still felt fun and margarita-esque. Of all the dishes I ate during the evening, the standout for me was the Yolk Gnocchetti Sardi Risotti with Stephanie's Uni Santa Barbara Abalone, Yuzu, and Caviar. It somehow combined all of my favorite things and made what felt like a comfort dish, but elevated. The Chef's Bites at the beginning and end were also delicious, I loved the little blueberry tart. I would definitely return for another meal here, and recommend it to friends or family. read more

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Came here on a Saturday night with my mom and overall had a really lovely experience. Even though we didn't stay at the hotel, the service throughout the property immediately stood out. When our Lyft arrived, employees rushed over to open the doors, and when we asked where the restaurant was, the front desk employee actually stepped away from the desk to personally point us in the right direction. The walk to the restaurant is a bit long since it overlooks the beach, but it was a beautiful night and ended up feeling relaxing and special. (Particularly on the way back when we were full from the tasting menu) I just wouldn't wear uncomfy heels. One interesting touch: we overheard the hostess offering another couple the option to put their phones away for the evening so they could fully experience dinner distraction-free. I ended up keeping mine away too and honestly enjoyed being more present during the meal. As a side note, another couple took photos of every meal and there didn't appear to be a stigma regardless. We did the tasting menu, and our waiter was fantastic with recommendations. All the staff was great, honestly. What stood out most to me compared to other Michelin-starred restaurants I've visited was the focus on seasonal ingredients and vegetables. That night featured Harry's berries and asparagus throughout several dishes. My favorite was probably the burrata with Harry's berries and rhubarb. There are quite a few optional upgrades throughout the tasting menu, including caviar and upgraded steak options, but we only added the chocolate bar selection at the end, which was excellent. I also appreciated the atmosphere. You could hear the waves crashing through the open doors, but it still stayed warm and comfortable inside. The noise level was lively without being overwhelming, and the recently added piano really elevated the experience. Some dishes seemed to sing to the symphony. Overall, I wouldn't say it was the best meal I've ever had, but I absolutely would return. Several dishes highlighted the ingredients so beautifully that I'd love to come back during another season to try a different menu. Solid experience and felt more or less felt worth the price. read more

Let's start with the positive, the ambiance and the beach views were great. One of our servers also treated us well which we appreciated, since it was my girlfriend's birthday. Now comes the part where we both got food poisoning from the dinner and spent the whole night up. The following morning I emailed the GM, Stephanie Perkins, about the situation. She looked into what we ate and tallied up that nights total number of serving of those dishes to defend that it couldn't be them responsible for what happened to us. IMO, just because it didn't happen to anyone else doesn't mean the particular fish, duck, or plate of food we got was improperly prepared. At the end of the day, they didn't take accountability to what happened and did little to resolve the situation, which was a slap in the face. Instead of doing a genuine small gesture like sending flowers or a care package to our hotel room down the street, they rather spend the time collecting serving data from that night to defend themselves. The dinner ruined the birthday weekend as we had to cancel a few activities on our final day in Santa Barbara. This Michelin star rated restaurant was not worth the $770 and was our worst fine dining experience. Good luck to future visitors. read more

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This place is just magical! From the stunning ambiance, to the impeccable service, and most importantly, the food! Our visit marked our second time coming to this wonderful venue. With the exception of a light breakfast, I accidentally missed eating earlier in the day so I was worried that I would just be wolfing everything down with little to no appreciation of the presentation or flavor. No need to worry. The timing of the dishes, and the lovely presentation accompanied by a detailed and precise description ensured that I was able to appreciate and enjoy each dish. Although I am a voracious wine drinker, I skipped the wine pairing because we did the full monty chef's tasting menu, and I knew it would be too much for me. Instead, I ordered wine by the glass, and even that presentation was impressive, and the wines I chose, delightful. Fantastic wine list for all drinkers (by the glass or bottles), tastes and budgets. I could never convey the excellence of the food. Just trust and come see for yourself! And at the end of the evening, one of my favorite parts -- there is a gift bag! Looking forward to many more fabulous experiences here! read more

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Came back to celebrate our anniversary and I'm happy to say Caruso's did a phenomenal job in making our special day feel extraordinary. The staff remembered us, we chatted about various topics from golf to traveling, and the sommelier was just as warm and friendly as I remember from our first experience. Food and presentation was excellent, ambiance was romantic and relaxed, and overall we had (another) amazing time. read more

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My wife and I came here for our anniversary and did the chef's tasting. We arrived early and walked the property, which is gorgeous. There is also a beach bar above the restaurant with a great view too. All the tables at the restaurant are oriented towards the ocean, which you can hear throughout the meal. The pace was great, and everyone who brought out the food was very thoughtful in their descriptions of what the ingredients were. They were even able to accommodate one food allergy at our table just fine. The burrata dish was so good, it should be illegal (as is the olive oil with sourdough bread). The sommeliers were great as well and really described how intentional all the winemakers are in their processes. Finally, the chef sent us home with some extra treats and a signed card. It was a great experience and super fun! read more

Overall: A+ // 6 stars Caruso's was my favorite dining experience of 2023 featuring such innovatively exciting techniques in cooking and presentation using a beautiful selection of locally sourced ingredients. Upon my short weekend visit back to Santa Barbara to celebrate a special occasion, this was no doubt my first pick for that event! It featured another excellent aesthetic-forward four course tasting menu with intriguing dishes that just captivate! Caruso's has a million dollar view that is truly unbeatable to watch the beachside sunset, capturing the very essence of Santa Barbara. I was also impressed that the hostess remembered that I had previously visited, especially given that it was two years ago! Overall, fantastic experience from a well-deserved Michelin star restaurant that I highly recommend. [ Part I - First Bites ] (i) Asparagus Tartlet - eye-catching first bite that is impressively creamy coming from a tofu-based creme fraiche to accommodate a dairy intolerance. The strawberry and rhubarb emulsions are pleasant and complimentary to this vibrant bite. (iI) Kanpachi in Beet - I love the walkthrough of this piece, starting with a fresh fragrance into the acidity of a pickle, followed by the intensified kanpachi that ends in a saline-forward backing. (iii) Chocolate Tartlet - Savory chocolate dishes is on the rarer side, so I'm glad to see this pop up again, especially paired with popcorn, which is another snack that's usually on the more dessert side. The tart is light and refreshing, although is maybe somewhat similar in nature to the first one, even though the ingredients are mostly different. (iv) Beef Tartare - stunningly beautiful with equally intricate flavor profile weaved within; bursts of acidity flow from the capers; horseradish adds a subtle mustardy spice, and creme fraiche levitates the entire dish with a light creaminess. (v) Sourdough - the acidity coming from the three-year sourdough starter turned bread is very intriguing; it pairs well with the garlic butter that has a developed intensity! The kelp butter on the other hand was perhaps more algaec, but I was quite curious to try for sure. The EVOO from Tuscany is intensely full body, which works well to contrast the sourdough's acidity. [ Part II - Primarily Cocktails ] (vi) La Camilollia - floral and easy to drink cocktail; the orange and vanilla forward notes remind me of the orange creme dessert and is just very pleasant. (vii) Zaffero - this one has a much more alcoholic backbone, but the saffron flavor impressively comes through to power it with a floral herbaceousness. (viii) Fragola - an elevated strawberry margarita with that's easy on the palette and of elegant nature. (ix) Gnocchetti - a dish that truly lives up to the claim of fruitti de mare, featuring luscious uni, dollops of caviar, tenderly large red prawns, and abalone as well mixed in; I completely forgot I had ordered this last time, but as soon as it was served, only positive memories come about. Each of the different seafoods contribute a different texture to the dish, while all having that subtle sweetness that works well to elevate the herb-enhanced pasta. [Part III - Happy Ending ] (x) Wagyu - This entire plate is a mesmerizing reconstruction of the wilderness in an art form -- even the tiniest of details such as those three leaf microgreens plated on the scallion emulsion help contribute to this majestic piece! The demi adds a nice saline to enhance the beef, while the emulsion adds a pleasantly contrastive earthiness. Morels are also plentiful in this dish, which adds an intriguing textural component. (xi) Mint & Peas - A flavor combination commonly found as a soup that works surprisingly well as a dessert given the bright refreshing notes complemented by the citrus to make this an incredibly light dessert. Once again, the plating is immaculate and the only thing I would change is that I should've saved more stomach space to enjoy this at a fuller capacity! (xii) Candies - Very cute farewell candies that are on the more memorable side of fine dining last bites; there's a classic candy bite that is nut forward; there is a reconstructed lemon slice using citrus caviar that is incredibly refreshing; and finally, one that's spiced with thai chili for a uniquely heated final kick. Food: E Presentation: +2 Price: E Atmosphere: +2 Service: +1 Menu: +1 Overall: A+ Insta/Beli/Yelp/TikTok: @amei_eats read more

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I wanted to LOVE Caruso's, but I just...liked it. Starting with the positives: the view is incredible, right on a gorgeous beach, there was a piano player which was a nice touch, they accommodated my friend's gluten allergy with nice modifications, the service was friendly, most of the food was very good, some great. The biggest issue I had was the timing, and I think it's because we ordered the 8 course menu. I honestly believe that most people get the 3 or 4 course, and they get thrown off when people order the 8 course. We were there FIVE hours, which should've been 3 hours. The wine pairing was served inconsistently with the food. One was served about 15 min before the food it was paired with hit the table. We were there from 6:35p - 11:30pm. I can keep up conversation with the best of them, but there was so much downtime between courses that we found ourselves yawning at the table. That was just way too long. Ok, down to the food. There was a Land and a Sea option, and our table of four ordered two land and two Sea (one modified for gluten free). The sea was really good, but it just didn't taste...special. My favorite courses were the scallops, abalone and gnocchetti. All solid dishes. I am a fish lover, but the Land menu was much better, in my opinion, if you're ok spending an additional $150+. Once you paid the price to play, what difference does it really make at that point. My FAVORITE dish was the A5 Wagyu, which was probably the best Wagyu I've ever had. It was like eating butter, steak, and happiness all rolled in to one. Next favorite was a tie between the filet tartare (SO good!) and carbonara. I don't get why they only offer the carbonara on the land menu only and there's no additional on the sea menu. Not that I wanted more food, but it was a little awkward when my boyfriend got the carbonara and he was the only one at the table with a dish. Luckily, he shared it with us because it was yummy. The dessert was good. The wine was kind of a disaster. It wasn't great wine, and it was a pretty pricey pairing. Typically restaurants let us share the pairing because we don't like to have too much. But they just flat-out said NO! I get that I had the sea menu and it would've been a different wine pairing if I had ordered it, but we like to share bites and try everything so it would've been fine. I don't see why they care. I'm glad I didn't order it though because I would've been disappointed. We still shared, but we just shared the same glass. And I can't stress enough that the timing of the wine was really terrible. I think it would've been nice if the sommelier had offered some other options of pairing the wines like half bottles or some glasses that might've made sense with the meals. If I went back, I definitely wouldn't get the eight course menu, but if I did... I would absolutely go with the land menu and add the Wagyu. I just thought it was so much better. That's probably a personal preference, but again, I'm always a fan of the seafood. I had some serious FOMO. I'm wondering if I would feel even more positively about the experience if the timing had been better. No meal should take five hours. Ever. There was a nice touch at the end. They gave us some honey from the beehives that they have on the property. They only gave us two, which I thought was a little weird because there were four of us, and I've never been to a Michelin restaurant that gives treats at the end but only one per couple. Whatever. It was still a nice touch, and the honey is good. read more

Caruso's - New American Near Me - Montecito, California

Michelin 1 Star 2022, 2023, 2024. Also awarded for Michelin Green star as well. Located in Rosewood Hotel in Montecito. Parking: complimentary valet parking, make sure get your ticket validated. Reservation: via their website sevenfold. Cancellation Policy A credit card to guarantee the reservation is required, and we ask that any cancellation to your reservation be made no less than 24 hours prior. For no-shows or late cancellations, a fee of $100 per person will be applied to the credit card on file. Parties of 9+ require a contracted event in which cancellation policies will differ from the standard reservation. www.sevenrooms.com 1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito California 93108, United States of America You are receiving this email from Caruso's through SevenRooms When you arrived, you entered all the hotel lobby and go all the way inside head toward the beach, passed the railroad and gate, go down the stairs or you can also use elevator. Restrooms: male and female restrooms. Ambiance: beautiful view of the ocean. There's a live pianist. They have warmer to keep your party warm, and they also offer blankets. Don't forget your purse, they have stool for them too. The service was great. Very knowledgeable and attentive. Dress code: Even though on the reservation and website: Dress Code: At Caruso's, we aim to provide an exceptional dining atmosphere that exudes refined elegance. To ensure a delightful experience for all our guests, we maintain a dress code. Our guests are encouraged to wear trousers or denim pants and sports coats or blazers, dresses, pantsuits, or elegant skirts and blouses. Gentlemen are required to wear a collared shirt. Please note we do not allow hoodies, athletic or sportswear, beachwear, sports sneakers, caps of any kind, shorts, or flip-flops. We thank you for your cooperation in maintaining the standards of our dining environment and look forward to hosting you at Caruso's for a memorable culinary experience. But, we saw ppl come with jeans, sneakers. Okay... Food: The whole party in your table must order the same styles, either ala carte family style, 4 course tasting menu, or 8 course tasting menu. For the 8 eight tasting menu, your party can choose either land or sea, so 2 of us ordered sea, the others ordered land. If you decide to order 8 course tasting menu, be aware it's gonna be 3hr long. We checked in at 6:15pm, took pictures and decided on our choices 15min, we didn't finished till 9:30pm. We asked if we can have a kitchen tour and meet the chef. The Senior Chef Shibani Mone kindly accommodate our request at the end of our dinner. Beautiful presentation. For birthday, they presented me with a dark chocolate shaped Michelin Star with candle. So thoughtful. They give you a gifts of 2 jars of their Honey and cookies and a pamphlets that shows where they recourse all their ingredients. Amazing Overall, wonderful experience. read more

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We really enjoyed your spring menu last night, and continue to be wowed by the passion you have for a thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable menu. Loved every dish, especially the pasta and dessert courses, and of course, the bread. Incredible Somm service and selections as well with the Reserve pairing. Thanks, as always. We'll be back soon. read more

If you're looking for a spot to genuinely make you feel like the experience is special, make your reservation now! Whether you're a local or just visiting, Caruso's is a sweet little gem that just stands out in the best way. Servers were great, knowledgeable, and kind. We celebrated our engagement/birthday (two birds, one dinner) & we went with the four course; loved it. If I had a larger stomach I'd go for the more detailed option but perhaps that will be for another day. We enjoyed everything but the highlights for me include the crudo & gnochetti. The chocolate bar tasting for dessert was also a pleasure as we love bean to bar experiences. Come celebrate your special day, or just come out to enjoy a nice meal with your pup and a beautiful sunset. I'll probably come back just to enjoy a nice meal by myself as well. Happy dining! read more

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Exquisite fine dining from beginning to end, truly a beautiful experience. Beautiful and creative dishes with bright vibrant flavors and gorgeous plating. The service was flawless, from small things like the timing of each plate to them pulling your chair out and finding a new napkin folded on your plate when returning from the restroom. Just lovely, and it was extra nice Massimo came out to our table and interacted with some of the guests. read more

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The servers decided that the cheese platter that smelled of stinky gym socks resided next to me as if I didn't notice the moving process. I was served two spoons with my undercooked pasta. Not to mention I was speaking to the bartender what a black current was and he attempted to convince me I was wrong. He claimed to work at this restaurant for 10 years and reminded me nothing of an Italian experience. Sometimes I miss fungi porcini (Italian Wild Mushroom) and its places like this that remind me of how nothing beats the real thing! read more

Caruso's - I was served two spoons with my undercooked pasta. It's the moments like these where I miss my fungi, porcini (Italian wild mushroom). - New American Near Me - Montecito, California

I'm a fruit girl, so I was in luck because their menu when I came was very fruity. The flavors were so refreshing-perfect for the summer! Service was excellent as expected. Presentation of everything was gorgina so it's kinda funny seeing the fried squash blossom turd that came with my main dish. It was very delicious though! The sourdough bread wasn't a standout, but unexpectedly my sister's gluten free bread was really yum. Portions were very generous. I usually expect Bella hadid sized food from fancy restaurants but I was stuffed. I really enjoyed the chili jelly that was a part of the post-dessert treat trio. read more

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Came here for dinner to celebrate my birthday - the service was fantastic, food was excellent, and the views were to die for. We did the 4 course menu and the options were plentiful for the seafood and no seafood eaters. We sat on the patio by the water and it wasn't too cold, the heaters were great, and they had blankets of needed. Definitely recommend early dinner to watch the sunset. We would recommend getting the cheese cart as a dessert option, so many great cheese choices! read more

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Amazing dinner and experience!! Our waiter Dan and his staff were very professional, knowledgeable and accommodating. We eat out often but this experience will definitely stand out and we will be back. We went to celebrate our 20 Year Wedding Anniversary and everyone made us feel special from the minute we walked in. Food was amazing and unique and the views spectacular!! read more

As a solo diner, rushing to the bar before closing after a long day of travel, I'm transported to a time of elegance and peace at the oceans edge. The crashing waves blending their relentless rhythm with the tinkling tones of the piano. A well-crafted cocktail to soothe the soul. Friendly service from the young women at the host desk, who connect in seconds, and have family in Boston, where I just flew in from, to the bartender and knowledgeable servers. Then comes the bread service, featuring a slice of sourdough warmth, baked with the love of Chef Massimo's 30-year-old starter. Exquisite butters, touched with elegance unrivaled. The hand-pressed local olive oil, warmed to release its depth of flavor. Only small bites are available at the bar. And what small bites they are. A carbonara that overwhelms the senses, calling out to my Italian heritage with even the tiniest bits of perfectly cooked pasta. But my heart craves more. So I order the cappelaci a la montelvana. A feast of joy and spice and sage and with sweetness and umami elegance in every...single...roll across the tongue and crackling bite between the teeth. This is the stuff Michelin stars are made of. Next time? The full-course sit down... read more

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Came here for a honeymoon dinner with the husband and was blown away with the service and of course, the high quality food. Every single wait staff/ personnel we encountered were extremely gracious and kind. The food was also definitely high quality and so beautifully prepared. We sat by the heater facing the ocean, though since it was winter dinner/time, we didn't have much of a view, but I imagine it would be so lovely when the days are longer. My husband got the wine pairing and seemed to have really enjoyed the combinations. After the dinner, we walked around the grounds which was lovely and breathtaking, even in the nighttime. Overall, would recommend for the overall experience! read more

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We visited Caruso's on Saturday night over Memorial Day weekend. We made a reservation online two days in advance for an 8:45 PM dinner. Caruso's is an oceanfront restaurant located inside the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel. The restaurant serves Coastal California cuisine with an Italian influence and has received both a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star for Sustainable Gastronomy in 2022 and 2023. Caruso's features a stunning ocean view and elegant furnishings, including leather booths, linen-draped tables, and white chairs. I was captivated by the breathtaking ocean view upon arriving at the restaurant. We ordered the Four Course Prix Fixe Menu ($175 per person), and all the dishes looked like art to me and were very delicious as well! For the Antipasti, we tried the Santa Barbara Bluefin Tuna Crudo, which was amazing! The Santa Barbara Spot Prawns and Channel Island Calamari Ripieni were also great. For the Primi, we tried the 7-year Acquerello Risotto, Tagliolini ai Funghi Porcini, and Pansotti Paglia e Fieno, all of which were very good. For the Secondi, we had the Snake River Farm Gold Label NY Striploin, which was so delicious and one of my favorite dishes. The Dry Aged Liberty Duck was interesting. For dessert, Our Bees Stayed at the Miramar was really special to me, with its many layers of taste. The desserts "S like Strawberry" and "Joseph Sexton Received the Seed in 1870" were both very delightful! The service was excellent! Our server was very friendly and professional. He recommended all the great choices and reminded us to see the precious "Red Moon," which we almost missed since we were enjoying the meal so much. Overall, we had a pleasant and memorable dining experience at Caruso's and will definitely come back to try some other menus! read more

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My friends and I had a truly wonderful experience at Caruso's, and I would absolutely return. We had the opportunity to speak with chef Massimo and it's clear how passionate and involved he is. The food is delicious and exciting, the service is thoughtful and precise. I've eaten at Caruso's twice and have since sent a number of friends who have had an excellent time. I really liked how much emphasis is put on the ingredients and how Caruso's highlights their purveyors. Some of my favorite courses were the "ode al pomodoro", and the supplemental risotto course with 8yo aged risotto. Everything was stunning. When a number of things went wrong during the service the first time we dined at Caruso's, I was really touched by how much concern was shown not only in figuring out where things went wrong but also in the effort that went into fixing it. Our second visit was a practically perfect evening. Our experience with Caruso's has been unforgettable and I'm looking forward to returning again. read more

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enter through the hotel and walk a bit past the railroad tracks and down the stairs. restaurant has a beautiful view of the beach. provided warmers and blankets as it gets cold in the area. has a 4 and 8 course menu and servers were attentive. each dish was presented beautifully and when it got dark, our server brought out a mini flashlight so we could see our food! they have upgrades available for select dishes. brought out a special treat for birthday celebration. the chef let us take a look in the kitchen which was so nice of her. read more

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It deserves all 5 stars. Exceptional views, cuisine, and service. The courses were well executed. The seasonal & local ingredients in each course were heavenly. Thanks to everyone that made our evening so special. read more

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These days, Michelin stars seem to be handed out like participation trophies. Somehow, this place managed to snag one--but rest assured, it's doing everything possible to prove it doesn't deserve it. Let's start with the "strict" dress code. If you're going to brag about having one, maybe try enforcing it? Because nothing screams fine dining like T-shirts and tennis shoes at the next table. And then there's the dog situation. Just to be clear: service animals are trained for tasks--not for being fed scraps at the table or drooling on the plates. But hey, maybe that's part of the "experience" here. Ordering wine was another highlight. When someone spends serious money on a bottle, the bare minimum expectation is that it's opened at the table and the cork presented. Instead, I got the fine-dining equivalent of: "Here's your bottle, already opened in the back. Trust us." Very classy. As for the staff--let's just say the word "professionalism" clearly didn't make it into their training manual. Especially the managers, whose lack of experience is only outshined by their lack of presence. Oh, and about the basics--like forks. You know, those funny little tools most restaurants provide? Not here. Apparently, the concept is: two spoons per guest, no knives, no forks. Which makes cutting through a two-inch slab of overcooked halibut an Olympic sport. So yes, $300 per person buys you sneakers, slobber, spoon-jousting, and the privilege of wondering how Michelin inspectors managed to overlook all of this. read more

Exceptional experience in every way! The ambience is gorgeous and the staff professional from the moment you enter. The room is so well appointed and in December the heaters surround you with the sound of the surf outside. The table placement is perfect so they are close enough to make the atmosphere lively while the experience is very private. Our waiter Mauricio was so attentive but never over bearing. And the food.. well every course is beyond perfection. I love abalone which is almost never on the menu and it was a great treat to start. Next up was the carbonera which we wonderful and we were just warming up for the spectacular santa barbara spiny lobster another home run. We upgraded for the cheese cart at the end which was another fabulous experience and fun to have with the port. We were never rushed which is unusual these days and when we were leaving I noticed a young man ironing the table cloths with such precision and care it just reconfirmed for me that every detail no matter how small is attended too with passion and focus. Definitely one of the best restaurants in California and can't wait to return. read more

Some of the best food I've ever had. The whole experience was a 10/10 (a little pricey, though), but we were celebrating a special occasion and wanted something memorable. The vibe was amazing, super fancy looking hotel with a beautiful garden you have to go through, then you're hit with the ocean view and the breeze and greeted with super kind and welcoming hosts. Service was incredible, I want Mauricio to be the best man at my wedding. The entire staff was very professional and took care of us so well. Do not skip the tomato toy box- I never imagined a tomato dish would be this good. The carbonara is also a must. For main courses, the wagyu NY strip is unbeatable. The bread service was the best I've ever had. We left stuffed, drunk and incredibly happy. Definitely an experience worth the high price if you're looking for something special!! read more

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This isn't so much a review as it is a heartfelt thank you. I wanted my 50th birthday to be truly memorable, so I chose Caruso's as the place to celebrate with my wife and two sons--and I can confidently say it was the right choice. At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, the evening felt nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, the hostess (whose name I unfortunately didn't catch) went above and beyond, stepping away from her post to capture a family photo against the stunning sunset. But it was Alejandro, Adam, and Sean, who made the experience even more exceptional. Alejandro's warm and thoughtful demeanor set the tone for the evening, while Sean's attention to detail and genuine care for our comfort made us feel like we were the only guests in the room. Alejandro's passion for the food and his ability to explain each dish with such enthusiasm and knowledge elevated the experience in a way that felt personal, not just professional. To be honest the atmosphere and the service were so extraordinary that I could have been served microwaved chicken nuggets and still given Caruso's five stars. Thankfully, the food was far from ordinary. Each dish was an adventure, a carefully crafted masterpiece. We looked forward to every course as one might await the next act of a play. While every bite was exceptional, the pre-dessert of ice-cold passion fruit, crème fraîche, and caviar was probably the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. So, once again, thank you for making my 50th birthday truly special. Chef Massimo and entire staff made the evening unforgettable. read more

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We had such a good experience at Caruso's celebrating our anniversary last year that we decided to repeat the celebration this year. Sitting a few feet from the Pacific Ocean on a protected deck watching the sundown. Can't ask for a more romantic setting. When we were shown to our table, the staff had a hand written anniversary card for us on the table -nice touch. We each ordered the three course price fixed menu at $145. To start the meal, they brought a small stuffed Parmesan cracker (it had a fancy name that I don't remember). Beautiful presentation. In fact, every dish served was beautifully presented (see the photos). My first course was started the burrata with figs. My wife went with the blue fin tuna crudo. Each was fantastic. Next, they served the bread. Baked in house from aged sourdough starter and served with two types of flavored butter and extra virgin olive oil. For my primo dish, I got the gnocchetti ristottati al fritto di mare. Fabulous!!! My wife got the saffron gnocchetti- scallops, zucchini cream, with toasted pine nuts. Also fabulous!!! For my secondi, I got the dry aged liberty duck and my wife got Monterey black cod. Delish!!! Because it was our anniversary, they sent over a small chocolate dessert with "Happy Anniversary" written on it. Spectacular setting, world class service, and great food. The best dining experience you can ask for. read more

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We recently dined at carusos while staying at the rosewood. We had a really good time. While we waited for our table we got a drink at the bar and I had the best margarita I have ever had! It's called the causos margarita and it's made with clase azul it's simply amazing! The service was great both in the bar area and main dining area. The food was fantastic and the ambience was great! I can def see how this place has 1 Michelin star! It's fantastic! Highly Recommend: Carusos Margarita Mascot 2014 Wine Chefs Welcome Bites Hand Pulled Burrata Bread Service Cacio E Pepe (This is amazing!) Hibachi Grilled Tenderloin We will def be back at Carusos next time we are in SB for dinner! read more

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Superb and everything you'd expect from a Michelin starred restaurant. Caruso's lived up to the reputation and expectation. We went early and were able to witness the magical evolution of the sky. The endless shades of blue along the horizon were breathtaking! At every step the service was brilliant. Attentive, thoughtful, detail oriented. The meal was...! Hard to describe. We had so many dishes and they were all so unique and divine. The highlights were 100% the cod. Wow. Just wow. The pasta, prepped to perfection. The uni? Only Santa Barbara's finest with gold leaf. My type of dish. The yellow tail carpaccio or ceviche (apologies I can't recall) was outstanding! And omg the desserts. We were spoiled by them since we were celebrating an occasion. They were so scrumptious. Nothing disappointed. I loved the wine pairing, the ambiance and of course the staff. The rolling ocean in the background just never gets old and is always a welcome soundtrack. A place like this is an extraordinarily special experience. A delight is not sufficient a description - a meal here is a night to be savored and treasured. I hope you can come here and spoil your senses and your loved one. It is a place to be shared in celebration and love! read more

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I think there is really only one word to describe Caruso's: excellent. Obviously, expectations are always high when you're dealing with Michelin star restaurants, but Caruso's does deliver. The staff is incredibly attentive, helpful, and patient. The ambiance is gorgeous. Ocean side property. What could be better? But all of that means nothing if the food does not deliver. Luckily, this was not a problem. You have an option of multiple pre fixed menus including a 3 course, 4 course, and 8 course option with optional wine pairing. We went with the 4 course option which was the perfect amount of food (if not almost too much food). I can't even imagine the 8 course meal. The food was incredibly. Very fresh. The star was the Cacio e Pepe. Absolutely delicious and so full of flavor. The cod was well cooked and the steak was seasoned perfectly. The steak does come with sweetbread, which I abhor but it was so fried its flavor was masked. I highly recommend! read more

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Spectacular service, food and view. Bartender IAN, served us the new 3 Course special tasting menu in the lounge. The best creative drinks, Wagyu and scenery. It doesn't get better. Caruso... you exceeded your reputation, especially attentive service form IAN. read more

We visited Caruso's for a late Valentine's dinner, and it truly exceeded our expectations. Although our reservation was later in the evening you can that the view would have been amazing if we had an earlier reservation time. The staff was very accommodating and let our dog join us for dinner, which made the experience even more special. The food was amazing and every dish was aesthetically pleasing. You could tell that each item was thoughtfully crafted, show a deep understanding of flavor and presentation. The service was great it's evident that the team is highly trained. From their expert knowledge of cheese, wine, and bread to the rich history behind each. Overall, we were extremely impressed with every aspect of our visit. Caruso's provided a memorable experience and we can't wait to return! read more

I have incredible friends - and they took me here for an 8 course tasting menu for my birthday. Every seat in the restaurant is within viewing distance of the beach. Plus, they provided heaters and a blanket, warming me up and solidifying my status as an internal 80 year old. The only thing that could have made this experience better was if they had a Bingo game during dinner, firmly cementing my status as a "stereotypical" 80 year old. I had everything ranging from crab to house made bread to duck, all wonderfully presented and described in perfect detail. I had no idea I even liked crab - until now. The courses were small, but mighty, and I found myself overly full, but not stuffed. Our main waiter was Michael, who did a phenomenal job explaining the courses and answering our questions. Due to him, Kevin, and the rest of the staff, this is going hands down as one do the best dining experiences I have ever had in my 21 (plus) years of life! I would like to thank my friends once again for spending their hard earned money on me and for the wonderful memories I will never forget. And I would like to thank Carusos, Michael, Kevin, and the rest of the staff for providing phenomenal food, drink, and an experience that I will never forget! Seriously, I had and have absolutely no complaints! You will NOT be disappointed dining here! If you're ready for one of the best food experiences of your life, this is the place to be. Don't be scared. You're be well taken care of. read more

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I would like to extend a very special thank you to all of the staff at Caruso's for making my proposal so special. Particularly, Stephanie Berkins for helping discreetly organize my proposal, our server Mauricio for patiently describing the dishes in detail and Chef Shibani for the delicious dishes while also delivering the ring herself! It was a magical moment that was only possible thanks to the dedication and care only Caruso's can provide. It was wonderful from beginning to end and I will be forever grateful! read more

First, I have to give love to Caruso's for having plant-based versions of their menu. They took great care in creating a delicious, complex, and visually pleasing four-course meal plus extras. Second the oceanfront and sunset views were stunning. The restaurant was beautiful. It was cold that night but each table had its own heater. Even the bathrooms smelled great. Finally, service was amazing. The staff were everything you would expect from a place like Caruso's. A special place for special occasions or just for the fun of it. read more

We had one of the best dining experiences ever at Caruso's! The restaurant is located at the beautiful Rosewood Miramar Hotel and has a full ocean view! Unfortunately, we had a reservation after the sunset so next time we will definitely go earlier so we can take full advantage of the incredible views. There is covered patio seating with heating lamps so it is very cozy and comfortable. We selected the Chef's Tasting Menu with 8 courses at $275pp which I think is a much better choice than the Prix Fixe Dinner menu with 4 courses at $165pp because you get so much more variety with your meal. Although they indicated that the quantity of the food is the same, I prefer to try all the various creations that the chef has to offer. Our server Dan and his team are superb! We truly had a great time conversing with staff. Furthermore, the restaurant manager and Chef Massimo also came out to greet us and they were super friendly and down-to-earth! We were very impressed by the warm welcome and believe that their service and hospitality is why Caruso's was awarded a Michelin star. The tasting menu was exquisite! We were astounded by how delicious each course was and the quality of the seafood. For example, we loved the uni dish as well as the lobster. The sauces that accompanied each dish were so flavorful. The pasta also had a unique burst of flavor inside and the amuse bouche was also delectable. We were even impressed by their house-made bread and butter. We also ordered the soufflé as a supplement which was perfect. The desserts such as 'Our bees went to Ojai' and the house made chocolates were amazing as well. Chef Massimo is a culinary genius. We had an incredible time at Caruso's and believe that they are on their way to more Michelin stars! read more

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Overall a great experience. Kind, friendly service. Beautiful view and dining environment. Tasty food. The seafood-centric tasting menu is definitely a step above the land-based menu. I wish that we had both ordered from that side of the menu, but there were great moments to be had regardless on the "land" menu. In particular, the carbonara supplement course on the "land" menu was delicious. It should probably be offered on either side of the menu. It was a highlight. Also appreciated that spa slippers were brought at request for my fiancé to wear in lieu of her 4" heels. It made the walk back to the front of the property much easier. High mark on service for honoring that request. My only slight nit picks are the following: 1/ one of our courses was brought to the table while I was in the rest room. Typically, I'd expect the course to be held until the missing party returned to the table, and if not possible due to an extended absence, then at least covered with a cloche to keep it warm. I missed the explanation of the dish while I was away and it was never offered when I returned, and 2/ the menu listed pasticcini/mignardises to follow dessert, but these were not served to us. It may have been apparent to the staff that we were quite full by the end of the tasting, but in that case offering to package the final treats up for enjoying later would have been appreciated and appropriate. Minor nit picks aside, when we're next in Santa Barbara we will try to return, but might do the 4 course menu next time as the 8 course was a lot of food for us (especially for my fiancé). read more

We went here on Valentine's day and were presented with a very cute and intimate experience. The Rosewood hotel, which houses this restaurant, is huge and the walk over was peaceful (and very cold). There's valet parking but it's free if you get your ticket validated by a server. For the food, we both ordered the chef's tasting menu which started off at $275. We opted out of the wine pairing, which was surprisingly almost as much as the tasting menu itself, and got 4 cocktails which did the trick for much cheaper. In addition to the base menu, there were supplemental courses you could also order. The first being a caviar dish which was an incredibly expensive add-on that was more than the base menu... We did not get this one and for how expensive the tasting menu was, I would have expected the base menu to have included some kind of main caviar dish. We ordered the supplemental pasta course, which was just okay. The interior of the pasta tasted good but nothing to warrant an extra $45. The last supplemental course was a cheese souffle and we were struggling to finish this one due to its strange oily feel and taste. The inside also wasn't that soft for a souffle. Going back to the original tasting menu, it was actually pretty good for the most part. There were a lot of courses and we left pretty full. My favorite courses were the bluefin ahi tartare and the A5 tenderloin. The tartare was nicely salted and meshed perfectly with the lemon and almond granita on top. The tenderloin was juicy and buttery as expected. Now for dessert, the small bites were great. Some were sweet chocolatey bites but a certain coconut pastry was exceptional with it's fruity interior. However, along with the disappointing supplemental souffle course preceding the dessert, there was also another pre-dessert course: the kumquat tartare. We can honestly say this was one of the worst dishes we've tasted and we almost could not finish it even with how small it was. My girlfriend thinks it was not cooked all the way through due to its bitter taste. Overall, it was a good Valentine's day experience. The decor and location was excellent and we felt very comfortable dining here. Most of the food was great overall, but for its high price tag, we expected a bit more quality. The supplemental courses were also both not worth the additional price and not that good. read more

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My girlfriend and I celebrated our 9-year anniversary here. They offer great food, excellent service, and an amazing ambiance. It's a very expensive restaurant, but I think the expense is justifiable for a special occasion. Food (****) We both ordered the 4 course prix fixe menu, consisting of a choice of antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci. In each course, there are several choices to choose from. If you're indecisive like me, I recommend that you study the online menu ahead of time. Everything I chose was really tasty, and the presentation was superb; there was nothing I did not enjoy, but I was not blown away, either. Service (*****) I was quite impressed by our server (Maurice?). He was knowledgable, humorous yet polite and professional. He let us take our time making our decisions and enjoying the dinner. Ambiance (*****) There are table inside and outside. The outside tables are on the deck right on the (sandy) beach. You have to choose the outside seating. The view is astonishing and romantic. Don't forget to bring sunglasses unless you want to keep squinting when the sun goes down. Overall Assessment My overall experience was excellent with the ambiance on the top of the list, followed by the service and the food. Although the prix fixe menu was "only" $145 per person, the total bill easily went over $500 (for 2 people) after a couple of drinks and gratuity. It's expensive, but I think the experience (i.e., food, service, and ambiance) warrants the expense on a special occasion. Bonus tip Valet parking is free if validated. Your server can do it for you. ************************************************************ If you found my review helpful, please smash the "useful" button! Don't forget to share my review with your loved ones and those who you care about. If you liked my review, follow me on Yelp or send me a friending request. Also, don't hesitate to PM me if you want my opinion on the business. Stay safe and healthy and keep Yelping! read more

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This was an odd experience especially for a Michelin place. It was almost comical we just had to laugh. For the pros, it's a beautiful location and food was okay. Nothing memorable but nothing terrible. Now for the comical part. It wasn't any one thing but for a Micheline place this shouldn't have happened. First they brought us out a cocktail which we didn't order. I guess this was a foreshadow of what was to come. Once the courses started there must have been a drop in communication between server, sommelier, and kitchen staff. Our first course was served without the wine pairing. This came out after the food it was to be paired with. Then during the third course they brought out a pairing for cheese. However before the cheese came, they brought a glass stating this was for pasta. Since it's 8 courses you easily loose track. We asked what the wine was for again and they said cheese. We said that course never came out. After clarifying among each other they corrected this. If it wasn't for the wine pairing we wouldn't have gotten a whole course. Then for the wine on the next course, it was completely corked. There was debris floating through out the wine. We had to ask to get this replaced. So for a Michelin placed these things really should not have happened. Mistakes do happen but it was mistake after mistake and without any apologies. read more