A beautiful restaurant with absolutely delicious perfectly prepared food. Treat yourself to a memorable meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zachary Goldstein
A wonderful new addition that’s truly raising the bar for dining in Santa Barbara. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome and the host had clearly read our anniversary note and offered thoughtful congratulations.
Our server was prompt, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations. The cocktail list was both fun and inventive. I also noticed another table struggling a bit with the dim lighting, and before they even had to ask, the team proactively brought over brighter lamps. This was a small gesture that spoke volumes about their attentiveness.
The food was outstanding. Highlights included the spiny lobster, shelling beans, salmon, and steak which were all beautifully executed. The sourdough ice cream was on another level and a perfect ending to the meal.
If this is how this newly opened restaurant is operating, the sky truly is the limit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lauren Taylor
Everything was outstanding. It’s very chef-y.. interesting flavors, “raw” wine = skin contact/natural, changing menu, BUT not too chef-y where it feels trying or that it’s only special occasion. The menu is big enough you could make it a regular spot, and venture between bar seating, table or outside. Cozy neighborhood vibes with the right touch of surprise and delight, warmth and friendly staff that seem like they want to know the regulars. I can’t wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shahab Parsa
This was our second visit, this time for a friend’s birthday, and it fell below expectations, especially for the price point.
The food was extremely salty across several dishes. The patatas bravas were soaked in salt, the steak sauce was overpowering, and the salty herbs on top of the salmon made it almost uneatable. This was not a minor seasoning issue. It made the food hard to enjoy.
There was also a service issue. We noted the birthday in the reservation and reminded the server the day of, but no birthday treat was ever brought. That, combined with the food issues, made the experience feel careless.
At this price level, better consistency in both food and service is expected. On the positive side, the interior design and the garden right off the seating area are beautiful and memorable, and they reminded me of restaurants I have visited in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Andrew Maltun
Possibly our new favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. Cannot wait to go back. The kind of place where you want to try everything on the menu. Everything we ordered was incredible.
Only nit is that we over-ordered since the portions are pretty large, and I think the waitress could have brought this to our attention. This isn't the kind of food that's really going to be great the next day.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sharon Flynn
I loved the warm and welcoming vibe from the friendly, efficient, attentive and knowledgeable staff. The pacing of the meal felt appropriate and there was none of the preciousness that some restaurants have. The food was simple, well-sourced, fresh and delicious, and there were ample selections on the menu. Our party of four very much enjoyed our experience and all agreed that we can't wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M L
TL;DR: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Little Mountain is a full-send yes: great room, great people, and a menu that keeps surprising you. Close your eyes, point at the menu, and you’ll win.
Last night at Little Mountain (Montecito) felt like stepping into the kind of restaurant you hope a place will be when your friends say, “Trust me.” The space is gorgeous without being precious, the ambience is lively without being loud, and the service is the perfect mix of polished + genuinely friendly (like they’re rooting for your night to be great).
Now the food: creative, imaginative, and locally inspired in a way that actually matters on the plate. I ordered things where I recognized every ingredient… and then the dishes surprised me anyway—little twists, smart pairings, and flavors that keep you doing the “wait… that’s really good” pause after each bite.
If you’re the type who overthinks ordering: don’t. Close your eyes, point at the menu, and you’ll be happy with whatever lands in front of you. Little Mountain is the rare place where the vibe matches the execution. Five stars, no question.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh Haber
Great food, service, ambiance. So happy to have this in the area
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James
Exceptional restaurant- by far the best in Santa Barbara south county.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
angelina rodriguez
I went to dinner last night with my cousin, and honestly… we were both a little in awe. We hadn’t really ever dined at a restaurant this elevated before, and going in I was slightly nervous to try some of the dishes because they sounded so unique. But every single thing we ate completely blew us away.
The food was, without exaggeration, some of the best I’ve ever had—and my cousin said the exact same thing. We started with the badger flame beets, which were colorful, bright, and perfectly balanced with sweetness. I’m not even a beet fan, but I could have easily ordered a second plate. They were that good. We also had the hiramasa and manzano pepper with pineapple guava aguachile, which was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and a perfect portion size. Truly, every dish that came out looked like a work of art.
For our mains, we ordered the steak and the salmon—and wow. The best steak and salmon I’ve ever had in my life. The vegetables that came with the steak were unreal. I didn’t even know vegetables could taste like that.
As a business owner myself (I own an ice cream shop in downtown), I consider myself a bit of a dessert connoisseur—and I have to say, the sourdough ice cream completely stole the show. It was hands down one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. I dipped it into Chef Diego’s mom’s recipe mousse and… absolutely to die for.
The experience went far beyond just the food. The staff made us feel like family from the moment we sat down. Everyone was so kind and attentive—our water glasses were always full, and the energy was warm and welcoming. We sat at the bar, which was amazing, and one of the server assistants, David, even offered to give us a tour of the restaurant. Each room had its own vibe, and I’d honestly come back just to dine in every section (and of course, to have that salmon again).
Chef Diego himself came over to check on us and make sure we were happy, which meant so much and really shows how much care goes into the entire experience.
Our server, Annie, was outstanding—so personable and genuinely helpful. She helped us pick out drinks, shared her personal favorites, and made the night even better. The manager, Azaro, also came by to chat with us, and it just reinforced how incredible the team is.
I will absolutely be returning. If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great range of flavors from local seafood & farms and as other reviewers have written, this is a really special experience. We have been twice now and this is the place to go for a weekly changing menu so you'll never get bored. The covered outdoor area is perfectly warm with heated lamps and heavy drapes. The staff is exceptional as well; looking forward to next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Garwood
10/10 Lives up to the hype from so many others! Dinner for 4 with impressive food that is so refreshingly different than other restaurants we frequent! Bella was so knowledgeable. Somm suggested the perfect wine and overall service was without a hiccup. Could definitely be a Michelin star contender! What a refresh from the last restaurant in this location. Will have to come back as the dishes will change often according to our server.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniela Braga
We had the best experience. The food was scrumptious. The service was superb!!! The atmosphere was elegant and perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ali Hanson
Such a special night out! We were so excited to try Little Mountain and it did not disappoint. There was so much intention behind everything - from the plateware and the creative, seasonal menu to the incredible service. Our server Adam was fantastic!! The energy in the dining room was a bit higher and the vibe on the enclosed patio was a bit calmer and more intimate. Highly recommended! We will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cristian Padilla
I came for the Café de Olla cheesecake and ended up falling a little in love with everything else. What a lovely addition to Montecito. You can feel the care in every corner.
Thoughtfulness that starts long before the food arrives. Even the Perla Valtierra plateware seems chosen with intention, as if someone wanted each dish to have a beautiful place to land.
The design is exquisite, but it's the food that does the real talking: balanced, generous, quietly confident. And the service: gracious without ever hovering. Makes the whole experience feel effortless.
I'll be back, of course. Places like this are best discovered slowly, before the entire town realizes how hard these tables might be to get.
A beautiful restaurant with absolutely delicious perfectly prepared food. Treat yourself to a memorable meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A wonderful new addition that’s truly raising the bar for dining in Santa Barbara. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome and the host had clearly read our anniversary note and offered thoughtful congratulations.
Our server was prompt, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations. The cocktail list was both fun and inventive. I also noticed another table struggling a bit with the dim lighting, and before they even had to ask, the team proactively brought over brighter lamps. This was a small gesture that spoke volumes about their attentiveness.
The food was outstanding. Highlights included the spiny lobster, shelling beans, salmon, and steak which were all beautifully executed. The sourdough ice cream was on another level and a perfect ending to the meal.
If this is how this newly opened restaurant is operating, the sky truly is the limit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was outstanding. It’s very chef-y.. interesting flavors, “raw” wine = skin contact/natural, changing menu, BUT not too chef-y where it feels trying or that it’s only special occasion. The menu is big enough you could make it a regular spot, and venture between bar seating, table or outside. Cozy neighborhood vibes with the right touch of surprise and delight, warmth and friendly staff that seem like they want to know the regulars. I can’t wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was our second visit, this time for a friend’s birthday, and it fell below expectations, especially for the price point.
The food was extremely salty across several dishes. The patatas bravas were soaked in salt, the steak sauce was overpowering, and the salty herbs on top of the salmon made it almost uneatable. This was not a minor seasoning issue. It made the food hard to enjoy.
There was also a service issue. We noted the birthday in the reservation and reminded the server the day of, but no birthday treat was ever brought. That, combined with the food issues, made the experience feel careless.
At this price level, better consistency in both food and service is expected. On the positive side, the interior design and the garden right off the seating area are beautiful and memorable, and they reminded me of restaurants I have visited in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Possibly our new favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. Cannot wait to go back. The kind of place where you want to try everything on the menu. Everything we ordered was incredible.
Only nit is that we over-ordered since the portions are pretty large, and I think the waitress could have brought this to our attention. This isn't the kind of food that's really going to be great the next day.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I loved the warm and welcoming vibe from the friendly, efficient, attentive and knowledgeable staff. The pacing of the meal felt appropriate and there was none of the preciousness that some restaurants have. The food was simple, well-sourced, fresh and delicious, and there were ample selections on the menu. Our party of four very much enjoyed our experience and all agreed that we can't wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TL;DR: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Little Mountain is a full-send yes: great room, great people, and a menu that keeps surprising you. Close your eyes, point at the menu, and you’ll win.
Last night at Little Mountain (Montecito) felt like stepping into the kind of restaurant you hope a place will be when your friends say, “Trust me.” The space is gorgeous without being precious, the ambience is lively without being loud, and the service is the perfect mix of polished + genuinely friendly (like they’re rooting for your night to be great).
Now the food: creative, imaginative, and locally inspired in a way that actually matters on the plate. I ordered things where I recognized every ingredient… and then the dishes surprised me anyway—little twists, smart pairings, and flavors that keep you doing the “wait… that’s really good” pause after each bite.
If you’re the type who overthinks ordering: don’t. Close your eyes, point at the menu, and you’ll be happy with whatever lands in front of you. Little Mountain is the rare place where the vibe matches the execution. Five stars, no question.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, service, ambiance. So happy to have this in the area
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceptional restaurant- by far the best in Santa Barbara south county.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I went to dinner last night with my cousin, and honestly… we were both a little in awe. We hadn’t really ever dined at a restaurant this elevated before, and going in I was slightly nervous to try some of the dishes because they sounded so unique. But every single thing we ate completely blew us away.
The food was, without exaggeration, some of the best I’ve ever had—and my cousin said the exact same thing. We started with the badger flame beets, which were colorful, bright, and perfectly balanced with sweetness. I’m not even a beet fan, but I could have easily ordered a second plate. They were that good. We also had the hiramasa and manzano pepper with pineapple guava aguachile, which was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and a perfect portion size. Truly, every dish that came out looked like a work of art.
For our mains, we ordered the steak and the salmon—and wow. The best steak and salmon I’ve ever had in my life. The vegetables that came with the steak were unreal. I didn’t even know vegetables could taste like that.
As a business owner myself (I own an ice cream shop in downtown), I consider myself a bit of a dessert connoisseur—and I have to say, the sourdough ice cream completely stole the show. It was hands down one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. I dipped it into Chef Diego’s mom’s recipe mousse and… absolutely to die for.
The experience went far beyond just the food. The staff made us feel like family from the moment we sat down. Everyone was so kind and attentive—our water glasses were always full, and the energy was warm and welcoming. We sat at the bar, which was amazing, and one of the server assistants, David, even offered to give us a tour of the restaurant. Each room had its own vibe, and I’d honestly come back just to dine in every section (and of course, to have that salmon again).
Chef Diego himself came over to check on us and make sure we were happy, which meant so much and really shows how much care goes into the entire experience.
Our server, Annie, was outstanding—so personable and genuinely helpful. She helped us pick out drinks, shared her personal favorites, and made the night even better. The manager, Azaro, also came by to chat with us, and it just reinforced how incredible the team is.
I will absolutely be returning. If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great range of flavors from local seafood & farms and as other reviewers have written, this is a really special experience. We have been twice now and this is the place to go for a weekly changing menu so you'll never get bored. The covered outdoor area is perfectly warm with heated lamps and heavy drapes. The staff is exceptional as well; looking forward to next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
10/10 Lives up to the hype from so many others! Dinner for 4 with impressive food that is so refreshingly different than other restaurants we frequent! Bella was so knowledgeable. Somm suggested the perfect wine and overall service was without a hiccup. Could definitely be a Michelin star contender! What a refresh from the last restaurant in this location. Will have to come back as the dishes will change often according to our server.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had the best experience. The food was scrumptious. The service was superb!!! The atmosphere was elegant and perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a special night out! We were so excited to try Little Mountain and it did not disappoint. There was so much intention behind everything - from the plateware and the creative, seasonal menu to the incredible service. Our server Adam was fantastic!! The energy in the dining room was a bit higher and the vibe on the enclosed patio was a bit calmer and more intimate. Highly recommended! We will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I came for the Café de Olla cheesecake and ended up falling a little in love with everything else. What a lovely addition to Montecito. You can feel the care in every corner.
Thoughtfulness that starts long before the food arrives. Even the Perla Valtierra plateware seems chosen with intention, as if someone wanted each dish to have a beautiful place to land.
The design is exquisite, but it's the food that does the real talking: balanced, generous, quietly confident.
And the service: gracious without ever hovering. Makes the whole experience feel effortless.
I'll be back, of course. Places like this are best discovered slowly, before the entire town realizes how hard these tables might be to get.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...