Sushi By Scratch Restaurants: Montecito

You get there early and start with a cocktail (or a mocktail) in the lobby. You're then welcomed into the restaurant, and you find your name written in chalk (I used a magic eraser to erase mine for privacy). Chefs were welcoming and very professional. Every sushi was good, though I prefer less seasoning. You can check out the photos to see what kind of sushi you get, but I think they change their menus every now and then. The entire setlist was well organized, and some sushi combos were impressive. We went there to celebrate a special day, and we had a great time, hence 5 stars. But with previous omakase experiences I've had, there were a couple of eyebrow-raising moments. 1) Preparation. Sushi pieces for each course are prepared altogether, and other chefs start their prep perhaps to provide sushi in a streamlined fashion. I would've preferred if each party was catered to separately. Because sushi-torching happens at the center of the bar, you may get a different experience if seated towards the end of the bar. We were seated at the best place to watch the performances, but some seats seemed a bit too far from the show. 2) Peer pressure. 1) It felt as if getting a drink wasn't optional, because the head chef introduced a drink specialist whose job was to make you cocktails. I personally prefer drinking water when I'm in for a big culinary experience, but everybody was getting a drink, and we didn't want to say no and make the drink specialist not have a job for us. 2) When the course ends, the head chef asks us whether we'd like to try two more sushi courses made by other chefs to give them a chance, with additional charges. Of course you partake in the ritual because you don't wanna not give them a chance and you don't wanna ruin your special day. We were already very full, but nobody was saying no thanks, so we ended up signing up for two additional courses, feeling short-changed. If you're not brave enough to not give into the pressure, then expect to pay a lot more than the menu price. We still liked the experience there, and we had a great time. But given that it was once a Michellin 1-star restaurant, I must say I expected a bit more from them. Probably won't revisit.

Loved the food and the previous Shef. He was amazing. Missing his touch to the food and ambiance Food: 5 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3

An amazing time I would recommend to any that want a personal omakase experience. Wonderful chefs and bartender, with an awesome service. Highly recommend, worthy the money, if you're considering it and you're concerned about it. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner

3.5 stars. The ONLY reason I am taking away 1.5 stars is because I left this dinner hungry and given my size, this is essentially a never event for me. The 17 course meal was comprised of delicious bites each dressed to enhance the protein. I did notice that the two sous chefs did not have consistent portion size of protein/rice so my partner 's pieces were always bigger than mine. There was also plenty of banter between the chefs and the patrons which I enjoyed. But, if you want a quite dinner, this would not be the place for you. I understand why many diners give 5 stars, I would have also if they 'd fed me enough. While delicious and very fresh, the slices of fish are too thin and small! I do not mind spending for high quality meals but please don 't leave me hungry...(I even ordered two extra bites Recommend getting apps somewhere else before coming here and expect to pay no less than 500 without drinks.

Used to be my favorite spot in town and try to go every couple of months. Went back for the first time in a few months tonight and couldn't believe the steps backward. Much smaller pieces of fish and inconsistent from person to person. Mistakes on allergies and preferences on multiple bites for the group of 10 there. Still some amazing food, but just not what it used it be. Losing a lot of what made it a premium spot