Montecito Cafe   

1295 Coast Village Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805-969-3392
www.montecitocafe.com

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This is a rare find: wonderful cooking at very reasonable prices in a lovely room. Margaret and Mark Houston have succeeded beautifully during the past dozen or so years. Last time we dropped by the kitchen we found Mark hard at work, easily spotted by his red cap. The goat cheese pancakes with gravlax were tasty, and huge for an appetizer. The pasta dishes were piping hot and filled the platter. We seldom find a dish that's too spicy for our palate, but the grilled pasilla chile entre, with Emmenthaler cheese, was fiery. The steaks were just right and the grilled chicken breast with roasted Anaheim chiles and red onions was perfectly cooked. Mark's specialty is delicately grilled fish with light sauces. The wine list is reasonable and the corkage charge a mere $5. There is a cheery bar for dining alone, and romantics love a table by the wishing-well fountain.