The Stonehouse Restaurant — Restaurant in Montecito

A truly disappointing and expensive dinner. I cannot understand all these glowing reviews for The Stonehouse, as our experience was third-rate at best.

On the recommendation of one of his employees who lives in Montecito, my husband booked The Stonehouse as my birthday treat during a vacation driving up the California coast. We arrived early to walk through the gardens at sunset - stunning. Go there to visit the gardens, not to eat or drink.

Then the dinner - we were shunted away from The Stonehouse itself to the Veranda building, a strange L-shaped space open to the skies with a guitarist separating us from the four or five occupied tables at the other end of the L (we could hear other guests but not see them). We were the only guests in our section of the restaurant during our entire two-hour dinner, so no ambiance, no buzz, no social interaction or human connection. It was like eating alone at home, but in the dark.

Our waiter was perfectly nice when he showed up, but having to wait for more than 20 minutes with an empty glass until he came to ask if I would like a second drink is NOT acceptable at any restaurant.

Food: We shared the Stone House’s signature Yellowtail crudo (tasteless - how can this be the signature dish?) and the heirloom tomato, peach and burrata salad (good, but small) to start, then my husband chose the duck à l’orange (showily flambéed at our table, but then disappointingly bland to taste, he said) and I ordered blackened miso cod, which was surprisingly dry for fish marinated for 36 hours, served with five undercooked, hard carrots, one delicious asparagus spear and a few glazed mushrooms. Only the asparagus spear was exceptional.

The guitarist played part of the time and used a playlist and speaker during his frequent breaks, but then disappeared for the night by around 8.30pm, so we were then alone, stuck in a dark corner in our big space with the sound of other diners out of sight - hence my long wait for a second drink. We felt overlooked and under-served.

I went to the restroom after the main course - couldn’t find the ladies, had no one to ask, so I probably used the men’s loo (large M on the door frame and a urinal inside) - ho hum, again the lack of service. When I returned to the table, our lemon tart dessert was there with a candle in it. Why, oh why, deliver the “birthday cake” to the table when the birthday girl is missing, particularly when missing for only 2 minutes of our two-hour meal?!

Almost $500 poorer after a so-so meal, we at least have memories to laugh about when we think of The Stonehouse - a gorgeous spot on this earth that is too full of itself, pompous, treats those that do not arrive in Bentleys nor are staying in its $3,000+ per night cottages as second-class citizens, and that offers only a mediocre dining experience with poor service, despite its beautiful setting.

Perhaps we caught the restaurant on a bad night and at a quiet time, but a slow evening should mean more attention in the kitchen on every dish and better service, surely? We will NOT be returning on our next visit to...

Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch: Where Reservations Mean Nothing and Hospitality Is Optional We had high hopes for our 24th wedding anniversary dinner at Stonehouse, but what unfolded was a masterclass in mismanagement and disregard for guests who aren’t staying at the hotel. We arrived early—6:00 pm for a 7:00 pm reservation—and spent time at the Speakeasy, where staff assured us our table would be ready whenever we were. At 6:55 pm, we checked in with the upstairs hostess, who sent us downstairs, indicating our table was located there. Downstairs hostess Myra then told us our table needed to be set and asked us to wait. Fine. But after more than 10 minutes, she gave our table away to another couple whose original table was upstairs—but they preferred to sit downstairs. Her explanation? “We always want to accommodate hotel guests.” Translation: if you’re not staying at the Ranch, your reservation is meaningless. Let that sink in. We had a confirmed reservation. We were on-site. And they still gave our table away. We debated leaving. Myra offered to seat us upstairs—inside—where not one single other table was occupied. We refused. She said she "didn't want us to have to wait." To which we retorted, "You already have!" A manager from the Speakeasy tried to salvage the situation by offering us a table back at the bar and a glass of bubbles. At this point, Myra then offered the upstairs table the other couple had refused. We declined again—having been told earlier our table was downstairs, that’s where we intended to sit. So, we returned to the Speakeasy, only to discover the “bubbles” were Prosecco—a sparkling wine we don’t care for. After a 25-minute wait, we were finally seated downstairs outside by the fireplace. Service was spotty and slow. The food? Fine. But certainly not Michelin-level, despite the price and pretension. The entire experience felt like an afterthought. Also, send Myra to training. May as well throw in the somm too. No one seemed particularly happy—or particularly good—at the service industry. The only concession for this crazy experience was the two glasses of Prosecco, which was on the menu for a paltry $60/bottle. At least you could have waived dessert... This was supposed to be a special night. Instead, it was the worst dining experience I’ve ever had for a meaningful occasion. Stonehouse may cater to hotel guests, but they’ve made it clear: if you’re not one, you’re second-class. I won’t be back. And I’ll make sure others know...

This is not my first Michelin starred restaurant, but it is my first in the USA and it was a terrible disappointment. Of course the atmosphere is spectacular and many of the staff were delightful (particularly Yarely, Ben, Mikayla, and Christian) but the food was... meh. At best. To start with: they have a BEAUTIFUL chef's garden full of all kinds of gorgeous produce, but the plant-based options on the menu are uninspiring and extremely limited. Don't get me wrong, I love an Impossible burger from time to time, but it is such a cop out for a Michelin star restaurant. I asked the server if the kitchen could go off menu and just make me a vegetable forward dish, anything the chef wanted to make, inspired by what was fresh from the garden. The waiter really resisted the request. They ended up making me a stir fry. It was good, but not better than anything I can make at home. The fettuccini my godmother ordered was also disappointing. No one was impressed by any of the food served. She also asked for herbal tea and the only option was camomile which she declined. Really? There is a huge herb garden. I could have gone and picked some mint myself and just asked them to bring hot water. The cocktails (which my husband is an authority on) were made with beautiful, stamped ice but we're watery and not particularly well made. The California cuisine at the Getty Museum the day before was far more inspired, interesting, tasty, and BETTER PLATED! The kitchen needs work or needs to loose it's star. If you don't know what to do with gorgeous produce, you don't really know California cuisine as well as you claim. But most of the staff were lovely and the place is gorgeous. Just don't go there to eat. Have an overpriced appetizer, walk in the garden, and...