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Square One
14 E. Cota St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 965-4565
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Reviews by the General Public
A Singular Dining Experience, 8/26/2010
Reviewer: Tyler
from Santa Barbara, CA
We have eaten at almost every nice restaurant in the county and, after our second visit, I can say without a shadow of the doubt that Square One is the best restaurant in town.
The attention that goes into every detail of the cuisine by Chef Pink is on another level than what most people are used to. Nothing is ordinary. The chicken with shallot jus is the chicken you wish you could have every time. The gnocchi with lamb ragu had everyone's eyes rolling back in their heads. The steaks were gigantic portions and perfectly prepared. The duck pate is almost too good. Desserts were divine as well.
The ambience creates a bubble of comfort blended with a hip, urban feel. Best of all perhaps: the value! Nothing is over $19 and no bottle of wine is over $50. There is no reason why this place shouldn't have a line out the door every night.
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a true gem in Santa Barbara, 8/21/2010
Reviewer: Heather
from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I just went to Square One tonight on a date away from our baby. I have to say that I was doubting that Santa Barbara had a restaurant like this. On our trips to the Bay area, Napa, and New York, we have frequently commented that Santa Barbara doesn't have the quality of food we could find in those places. We were amazed that we could enjoy local, sustainable food that was so delicious at such affordable prices. The sweet potato gnocchi with a lamb ragout that was braised with brown sugar and tangerine zest for 3 days to bring out the rich flavors and sweetness was unbelievable. We will be returning here over and over again, and look forward to seeing what the chef puts on the menu next!
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Three Years Old, 4/18/2010
Reviewer: Richard
from Santa Barbara, CA
The good review for this restaurant prompted me to check it out. However, I see the menus on their website are from 2006
and 2007. Also, the reservations link is not working. Not a good first impression for a would-be patron.
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Fantastic, 4/17/2010
Reviewer: Kat
from Santa Barbara, CA
Unbelievable food and service. Lovely room and decor. Stopped in tonight and will be back soon. The new chef is spot on with flavors, textures and depth of flavor. Wine list extremely reasonable. One of the best spots for food in SB right now.
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Phenomenal!!, 2/18/2010
Reviewer: Katie C.
from Santa Barbara, CA
We've been coming here for the last three months (maybe 6 times?) and had never been to Square One before. We'd heard that the previous chef was gone (as were the MUCH higher priced entrees which had prev been up to $6o). The new chef, Ms. Crystal Harris, is absolutely phenomenal and has created a spot that is definitely our favorite restaurant in town now - hands down. She has a way of combining textures, flavors and spices that really allow the food to be showcased in such a way that you will often put your fork down and close your eyes in order to savor each bite to the fullest. The highest price for an entree is now $19!! Truly magnificent.
They also purchase delicious fruits, veggies and local meats from the Farmer's Markets and other local vendors, which we really like.
I feel like I shouldn't be telling everyone about this because I don't really want to have any difficulty getting a table, but I would really love to see this place so busy that they have to move their location to a spot where they can serve more folks. Everyone should be able to get food this good for such great prices in SB!!! I'm really being altruistic here. We also sneaked in twice without Ms. Harris seeing us just to find out if she would prepare our food any differently, knowing we were there. No change. Always exceptional, always amazing, even dessert. My suggestion is to get the soup!! It starts the whole experience off right, in my opinion. We LOVE Square One!!!
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A Restaurant Fit for a Virgo!, 12/12/2009
Reviewer: Jennifer
from Santa Barbara, CA
My beloved and I dined at Square One for the first time last night. I'll start with the ambiance--tre magnifique! Low lighting, Ella Fitzgerald playing in the background--what more could one want for an intimate and romantic dinner for two? I had the butterleaf salad with bleu cheese dressing and bacon bits to start--fresh and crispy and delish (albeit a tad too salty). My beau had the confit salad and loved it. After this we had the ravioli--excellent and capped it off with their chocolate dessert. I'd walked by in the past--intrigued but not brave enough to cough up the high-ticket prices. Having heard that the prices are now more reasonable was the impetus to finally have a go at this place. They say it's run by two Virgos and I can totally see why--every detail is paid attention to the nth degree. Bon apetit!
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Jewel of a Venue, 12/11/2009
Reviewer: Mark
from Santa Barbara, CA
This gem, nestled in the off-state restaurant row of Cota st., has become one of our favorite regular spots for fine dining. Presentations, combinations of flavors, selection all delicious and inspired. Don't expect a quick meal, this is an experience to be savored over courses though they will accommodate you if you let them know of a deadline, not my favorite tack considering the time it takes to really enjoy the experience.
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Birthday (belated) Dinner at Square One, 10/30/2009
Reviewer: Meridith Moore
from Santa Barbara, CA
A friend asked me to a belated dinner for my birthday and I got to pick the restaurant. I picked Square One and am 100% glad I did. The service was just right, the decor clean and simple with uniquely attractive lighting. The place is spotlessly clean including the restroom. Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc by the glass, so good! All the food we ate was delicous, tweaked just enough to be unique, and very affordable! I highly recommend Square One for casual to special event dining!
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Tickled Pink, 10/20/2009
Reviewer: Joshua Jones
from Santa Barbara, CA
I can't really explain quite how much we enjoyed our evening at Square One. We went with quite a few friends last Saturday. Every one of us (10+) had nothing but great things to say about our meals. I had the short ribs and was floored. It's easy to not expect much from a celery root puree, but really...how the heck was it that good? The atmosphere is simple and elegant, like the food. We found Chef Pink at her last restaurant. We didn't think she could impress us any more than she already has, but the lady never fails to amaze us with her culinary expertise. She uses simple ingredients - all fresh from the local farmer's markets - and creates mind-blowing flavors. We love it and will follow her wherever she goes.
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Disappointed
Reviewer: Joan
from Santa Barbara, CA
I dined at Square One last night and I am so very sad to say that I was extremely disappointed. The server was fine if having a bit of a flat personality. The cheese plate was delicious. Best thing about the enire meal. Glass of wine was nice (Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend). I got the salmon with a crispy zucchini blossom. Salmon was cooked well on a bed of stewed onion/garlic/red pepper. The blossom was in a VERY BLAND tempurah batter. It truly tasted like tempurah batter flour. Not nice. My dining companion had the burger. Great bun, meat was fine...again, pretty boring flavor. Onion rings were good...because onions are flavorful...came with a side of plain mayo (yes, plain mayo) and ketchup. The grilled asparagus was grilled nicely with a side of...yup! Plain mayo. No spices, nothing. Weird. The side of chili spinach had hardly any chili and WAY too much butter/oil/water. I had to pour it out halfway through the side as the spinach was drowning in it.
For the money, not what I expected at all. Not horrible, but not good either. The decor is gorgeous...I just hope the food can rise to the occasion.
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Housemade charcuterie FTW!!
Reviewer: lemonjelly
from santa barbara, ca
Poking my head into Square One on a whim always provides a treat. This time the menu's been changed up, prices are dropped, the food remains an excellent quality. I've been there twice now in as many days, once for the cheese plate of three California cheeses, and once to sample their housemade charcuterie and pasta. I had the foie gras torchon, country-style rabbit pate, duck prosciutto and pancetta. Served with cornichon and capers, wholegrain mustard, a small nibble of frissee and fennel salad and crostini, the charcuterie selections are just $5 each!! And there was a larger list to choose from. Of course this means I have to go back.
The pasta was also housemade, and I had the duck egg tagliatelle with short ribs and pecorino, $12. Then chocolate pot de creme with pistachio cream and warm biscotti for dessert. SO GOOD. Square One is committed to using organically grown and sustainably raised ingredients, too. I'm super pleased with everything they do.
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Artful dessert
Reviewer: lemonjelly
from santa barbara, ca
Anyone who wants to experience a slice of Square One can do so at the paltry cost of $8. Seriously. I walked in late evening on a whim, sat at the bar, and dined on a beautiful dessert, a special of the evening. Local butternut squash rolled in a crisp pastry, sliced, topped with pecans and served warm with fig coulis and pecan ice cream. Warm, cold, crunchy, smooth, gently sweet - a perfect dessert for the cusp between seasons.
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