Silvers Omakase — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

An Unforgettable Culinary Journey at Silver's Omakase.

On Thursday, July 25th, 2024, I had the immense pleasure of dining at Silver's Omakase in Santa Barbara, CA. It was an experience that transcended the ordinary and ventured into the extraordinary. From the moment I stepped into the elegantly designed space, I knew I was in for a unique adventure.

A Symphony of Flavors by Chef Lennon Silvers Lee

Chef Lennon Silvers Lee's passion for Japanese cuisine is evident in every meticulously designed and crafted dish. Chef Lennon's dedication to excellence and his innovative approach to traditional flavors are nothing short of inspiring. Each course was a testament to his artistry and deep respect for the ingredients, many of which are sourced from master craftsmen, farmers, and fishmongers who share his deep commitment to quality.

A Team That Embodies Excellence

Chef Ryan Mayo brought his own flair to the evening's tasting menu. His expertise and creativity shone through in every bite, adding layers of complexity and delight to the meal. The seamless collaboration between Chef Lennon and Chef Ryan was palpable, resulting in a harmonious dining experience that was both cohesive and dynamic.

While I regret not remembering the names of all the incredible staff members, I must extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of them. Their impeccable service, warm hospitality, and genuine enthusiasm for their craft elevated the entire evening. From the knowledgeable beverage pairings to the attentive yet unobtrusive service, the team at Silver's Omakase ensured that every moment was perfect.

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

The tasting menu itself was a journey through the finest flavors and textures. Each dish was a masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with fresh, vibrant tastes. Each dish was truly a highlight, with innovative small plates that showcased the chefs' creativity and skill. The thoughtfulness in pairing each course with carefully selected sake further enhanced the dining experience.

A Thoughtful Parting Gift

As the evening drew to a close, I was presented with a thoughtful parting gift that further showcased the team's passion and dedication to their clientele. This gesture added a personal touch that made the entire dining experience even more memorable and left me with a lasting impression of the care and attention to detail that defines Silver's Omakase.

A Space That Celebrates Craftsmanship

Silver's Omakase is not just a restaurant; it is a celebration of craftsmanship and dedication. The ambiance reflects this ethos, with every detail thoughtfully curated to create an environment that is both sophisticated and inviting. The use of handcrafted pottery, glassware, and other artisanal elements adds a personal touch that makes the dining experience even more special.

Conclusion

My evening at Silver's Omakase was nothing short of magical. Chef Lennon Silvers Lee, Chef Ryan Mayo, and the entire team have created a dining destination that is truly world-class. Their passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence make Silver's Omakase a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable culinary journey. I eagerly look forward to my next visit and highly recommend this gem to all food enthusiasts. Thank you, Silver's Omakase, for an evening of pure...

We typically go to a lot of omakase spots and we were very excited to try this place. But unfortunately the owner thinks he’s cool and immune to treat their customers so poorly. It was a little weird to see how empty it was for a Saturday booming summer weekend. We were the only guests there +1 more guy. But seriously, NEVER GO HERE. THE WORST OMAKASE IN THE WORLD. SAVE YOUR TIME ANS MONEY. Or go to the Montecito sushi bar for a better experience in town. What was supposed to be a special evening turned into an absolute nightmare, all because of the extremely disrespectful and condescending attitude of the chef/owner. The chef hasn’t been been to Japan once.

We are generally excited about omakase experiences and like to get to know a lot about the food and restaurant, but the moment we started asking questions, the chef/ owner got super mad and took everything very personally, and got visibly upset when we simply asked why they don't offer extra bites to buy.

For having paid $1,000 for this, very honestly, the food itself was mediocre. I can’t believe we left the restaurant not only feeling humiliated but still hungry, and when we requested to BUY additional bites, the chef got offended and pretty much kicked us out. They didn't even allow us to finish our drinks. It was unlike anything we've ever experienced and I don’t wish for anyone to experience this.

As if the dinner itself wasn’t bad enough, on our way out, when we tried to give feedback, the person who handed us our jackets shut the door in our faces before we could even finish talking.

This restaurant clearly doesn’t understand the meaning of hospitality, and it’s hard to imagine it will last long if they continue to treat customers this way. I strongly advise against going here. No one should ever have to live such an awful experience, especially at this...

I loved this dinner so much that I am writing my very first restaurant review! We dined at Silvers back in June, shortly before they were awarded their Michelin star. We arrived a few minutes early and relaxed in their very cool waiting lounge before being led to the counter. There were only six of us dining, so it was a very intimate environment. The space was quite beautiful and calming. Service was a bit more minimal related to some of the other fine dining experiences we've had (just the chef plus two other people), but this wasn't a negative at all: we always felt very well attended without feeling smothered.

We both did the omakase and each ordered one of the beverage pairings (sake for me, wine for my husband). All of the courses and beverages were exceptional. There was one particular bite of fish with broth towards the beginning that I still think about regularly. I loved watching the chef meticulously prepare each bite in front of us. As many other reviews have already noted, the rice is outstanding. He shared his process of sourcing and preparing the rice and clearly takes a lot of pride in it.

Overall, this was a fantastic dinner and we are eager to return. The one thing that I will note for others is that it's not an enormous amount of food. We were still a bit hungry afterwards and actually ran into two of the other diners from our sitting who were also looking for food afterwards. Probably best not to go on a completely empty stomach. Regardless, we felt that this dinner was well worth the money. Congrats to Chef Lennon on the...