The Dining Room is located inside Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara. We chose to dine outside as they have a terrace offering stunning views over the ocean in the distance. It’s the perfect location to watch the sun set and a unique experience to be enjoyed. Blankets and heaters are quickly put in place once the sun has set and we were well looked after from the moment we arrived.
We started with two fine glasses of Moet and Chandon, Rose Imperial, NV. A delicious champagne to begin our evening.
To begin , I ordered the Grilled Octopus, Lamb Sausage, Garbanzo Beans, and Smoked Piquillo Pepper Relish. An interesting dish with some delicious flavours, the Octopus was very tasty and the Piquillo Pepper Relish brought a lot to the dish. My partner ordered the Seared Ahi Tuna, with Heirloom Tomatoes, Blue Lake Beans, Asparagus, and a Green Olive Relish. Another delicious first course, the Ahi Tuna was delicately seared to deliver on flavour, and the Asparagus completed this dish wonderfully.
“The Dining Room made for an excellent evening of delicious food.”
Moving on to our main course, I ordered the Australian Rack of Lamb, served with Grilled Broccolini, Shitake Mushrooms and Chili Flakes. The Rack of Lamb was cooked perfectly and beautifully presented, I enjoyed every mouthful. My partner ordered the 8oz Beef Tenderloin, served with Yukon Gold Mashed Potato and Toasted Nori. The Tenderloin was cooked just as I requested, it was served on a bed of Yukon Gold Mashed Potato and the Nori had a nice crunchy texture. A dish we would happily order again and we were very satisfied after finishing off our main courses.
Our chosen wine for the evening was a bottle of 2011, Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, California. It felt fitting to try a local wine, and it didn’t disappoint. This wine delivered flavours of blueberries, blackberries, and had a sweet oak fragrance, very rewarding.
The food, the service, and the stunning views we enjoyed at The Dining Room made for an excellent evening, we highly recommend dining here and we are quite confident you won’t leave disappointed.
