Sage & Onion

08/07/2007 Posted by lafoholic

...And I'm not exaggerating. My boyfriend and I shared the 6 plated prefix meal with wine pairing (we originally were each going to do the 4 plates each, but our waitress suggested otherwise). For each plate, we received our own plate (except the cheese and desserts) and our own full glass of wine. The meal (we told our waitress we love seafood): Aumse of seafood ceviche with mango salsa on a cucumber Jumbo prawn with watercress salad Beef carpachio with bl--d (CitySearch blocks the word) orange and pickled radish Lemon grass soup and a grilled jumbo scallop For grais (b/c they accidentally made an extra dish) Melon sorbet Duck with a cranberry sauce Assorted cheese Creme brulee It was beautifully plated. The flavors were delicious. Perfect portions (left full, but not uncomfortable). Seriously, I felt like I was a judge on Top Chef. Our waitress described our dishes and wine beautiful...the pairing was perfect. What blew my mind away is that the bill was a mere $135 because we SHARED the meal. We assumed to pay extra b/c it's double the wine (an extra 6 glasses = over a bottle of wine) plus, it was clearly more food. My boyfriend and I both agreed that had the bill been $300, it would have been well worth it. The atmosphere was romantic and quiet, with dim lights and other couples around and music playing in the background at just the perfect volume to compliment the ambiance. Our waitress was young and friendly and she even suggested the perfect bar for us to go to afterwards for a drink. I HIGHLY reccomend Sage and Onion to anyone who visits Santa Barbara. I don't think any place anywhere will top this one.

Pros: Food, Ambiance, Service, Value, ALL!

Cons: none.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

03/14/2007 Posted by bette1stl

"A solid 4 stars. We came here last week on our anniversary jaunt to Santa Barbara. After a long day of whale watching and wine tasting, the last thing we ended up being in the mood for was a fancy dinner. As it turned out, the Sage and Onion was absolutely lovely. We were served an amouse buche of some kind of yummy thick blended tomato-y soup in a cute little espresso cup. The truffled white cheddar souffle was a delicious beginning, and surprisingly light and fluffy, it didn't weigh us down but got us excited about the main course. Our main courses were fantastic. Mine was steak with scalloped potatoes and rapini that were to die for. Hers was ahi perfectly seared tuna in a coconut curry lemongrass sauce, and she LOVED it. The owner said hello, and even gave us some unbelievable cabernet (on the house, it was a 2003 Jordan Cabernet that was the best wine of the trip). I was so full by dessert that I only ordered sorbet, which was as sweet and refreshing as I'd hoped it would be. It was a wonderful night, and made our anniversary not just the special night it was, but special AND tasty! And the waiter was adorable to boot (just look for the tall, dark, and handsome guy)! We'll happily return next time we're in SB."

Pros: Delicious, nice staff and owner.

06/08/2006 Posted by shescraftyone

Love the ambience and the music. Request a corner table. blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/09/2006 Posted by ars_poetica

Upon entering Sage and Onions dining room, we felt welcomed into their home. A cozy space tastefully appointed with just the right amount of Anglophile accoutrements without spilling into the usual clutter of other British-inspired establishments. The atmosphere remained relaxed throughout: Lighting and acoustics at a comfortable level; Service paced nicely; Dishes executed deliciously. The amuse-bouches were true treats: A saké-cup shot of a beautiful bisque; a tasty tropical fruit sorbet; and the creamy coconut-covered chocolate truffle a la petit-four after we had their updated version of the classic English Trifle. What a lovely evening overall We couldnt have been more pleased with a dining experience after driving up from a hectic Los Angeles weeknight. Would that we were closer to Sage and Onion to frequent more regularly. Cheers!

Pros: Modern British Fare, Lovely Ambience, Great Location

04/03/2006 Posted by orangeasterisk

Sited just off the State St. bustle, this charming and inviting restaurant pleased us and our out-of-town guests. The service was excellent, the chef amicable, the food delicious, the local wines enticing, the ambience just right, and the chocolate cake scrumptious. And with a few amuses-bouche thrown in between courses we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Would highly recommend it.

04/04/2005 Posted by kkirston

Absolutely one of the most pleasant restaurant experiences I've ever had. Attentive & incredibly accomodating service in a mellow, relaxed atmosphere. We closed the restaurant without even realising it we felt that un-rushed. The fois gras appetizer is to die for and don't miss the fresh berry souffle...best I've ever tasted. Highly recommended.

12/12/2002 Posted by dlbzzzzz

food here is above average but service is below par. VERY slow.

Pros: different, unique dishes

Cons: very slow, poor bathroom facilit, expensive

12/04/2002 Posted by pmmohme

Cramped quarters, waiters with attitudes, marginal food and a large check. Sound good? Then go to Sage & Onion!

Pros: Decor

Cons: overpriced, so so food, stuck up waiters

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful