Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Montecito

One of the best sushi I had this year! Very creative but also aligned with highly quality edomae sushi. It has very limited seats, better book ahead.

The best omakase sushi experience. The sushi chefs are so fun and interactive and make the most delicious sushi. Everything is so fresh and the highest of quality. We have been twice and can’t wait to be back soon.

This is a belated review of Sushi by Scratch, after my boyfriend asked me to rank the best omakase experiences we had in 2024; we've had pretty good ones in LA and CDMX. Sushi by Scratch was by far the best. It was so good it's still on our minds.

We went for my birthday last August and had the best time, the chefs were so efficient, and a marvel to watch and had great people skills as well.

The food was of course, incredible. The cocktails were also well crafted and strong. I typically shy away from dinner cocktails because they feel lackluster, these proved me wrong. I never wanted the experience to end.

They took polaroids of us after dinner (can't remember why, maybe it was just for my birthday? maybe everyone did it and I just can't remember) but I was too shy to ask the chefs to take a photo with us to keep, they are basically celebrities to us. We keep the photo on the refrigerator.

Highly recommend and will definitely return the next time we visit Santa Barbara/Montecito!

Exceptional in every sense of the word. Top 5 meals of my life. Thank you chefs and som. Incredible.

Memorable!

A top-notch omakase experience with a charming team of sushi chefs (plus a sake and beverage coordinator).

Fabulous omakase 17 course dinner in Montecito. Super service. Creative Japanese inspired cuisine. Options for saki pairings but also broad wine, cocktail and Japanese whiskey options. A fun experience rather than something that is too serious. Can’t wait to go back. Kudos Chef & your team!

Started with their delicious tessin nigiri, and then the buri which had a very balanced taste similar to tuna, and is high in fat content. The toro was a classic, and one of my favorite bites time and time again is the hotate. The striped jack was firm in texture and paired very well with the second sake. One of the best bites of the meal was this new iteration of the spot prawn with an egg custard on top. It was a savory bite, something I wouldn’t really think would go well with the prawn. A classic amongst all of the Sushi by Scratch locations is the albacore with the onions that had a shaved texture versus being crispy, and this nigiri preparation is inspired by Katsuya, another Japanese restaurant in Southern California where the Philipe is originally from. I was impressed from start to finish once again with the nigiri, the combinations of complex flavors, the service of course, and it’s amazing to see how not only are you taken on a culinary journey, but you also get to engage with the Sushi by Scratch team and learn even more about the bites you’re having.

World Class Experience

We were so lucky to walk in at the last minute. (I’m always the one who makes decisions at the last second.)

If I could rate the atmosphere, I would give it a 10! I traveled back to Santa Barbara all the way from the East Coast. I miss everything here! This place brings back memories of my college days. ??

Thank you for hosting the omakase experience for us to celebrate my friend’s belated graduation.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sashimi, Uni Sushi, Scallop, Bone Marrow, Uni, Mars 'Tsunuki' Peated

Worth every dollar.

This is not a quick, or cost-conscious, dinner. But if you are looking for the best sushi in the area, as well as an intimate, engaging, and attentive dinner experience, this is the place.

The staff was talented, skilled, and knowledgeable. Our seating was full (10 guests), and that still meant only 2 guests for each staff member. I did not once ask for anything, because I never needed to.

We added on the house drink pairing to our order, which was very well thought out, and well crafted. All said, including drinks, tax, tip, etc, we walked out the door for about $375 per person. We were offered additional add-ons but there was no pressure to select them. Whether you can afford to make this a regular thing or you need to save up, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Dietary restrictions: Obviously a tasting menu can't cater to literally everything, but I was asked when I got the reservation, again by the host, and finally confirmed be the head chef what dietary restrictions or allergies were in play. Just ask!

Parking: Valet at the Montecito Inn was complementary with dinner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came to celebrate a special day and Sushi by Scratch delivered! We were greeted with complimentary champagne to celebrate our wedding which was such a thoughtful touch. Chef Fian (sp?) was personable and a talented chef. All of the ingredients were so fresh and delicious. Highly recommend for a special occasion.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sushi by Scratch offers an intimate, omakase-style dining experience with expertly crafted sushi. Each bite showcases fresh ingredients, creative pairings, and attention to detail. A true culinary treat!

Truly amazing Chef. Everyone there is amazing. I've been twice already and will go again soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hamachi Belly, Scallop, Bone Marrow, Uni, Sake Pairing

A wonderful experience... great food, great friends, great staff...look forward to next time

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What an experience! Though more than a typical night out, this experience was well worth the cost. Chefs are amazing! Thank you chef Sean for an amazing 40th birthday experience! So grateful for your service and dedication to your craft!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5