The Lark Santa Barbara — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Over-hyped restaurant. Would not go back.

Where to start on this one... first impressions were great. Super cute space with lovely warm and inviting lighting. Unfortunately, it went downhill quickly from there.

Greeting: we were slightly early for our table so we were asked to wait outside. Totally fine about this request. The waiting area had two benches in a small space that was full of people. It was dark (I mean no lighting), cold and uninviting. Plus one of the guests was blaring TV on his phone so we wouldn't have been able to talk. We saw an empty table in the unused outdoor area which was lit and had heaters on. None of the tables were set so we were clearly not impeding on the restaurant operations. We sat there happily waiting until the hostess told us the area was closed (even though there was one table eating there) and we had to move.... to stand in the cold, dark waiting area. She was not even nice about it... she was super rude and acted offended. Strike one.

Our service: Phoenix, one of the rudest waiters I've ever had. He had a superficially pleasant tone but he was condescending, agressive and unpleasant. He challenged my husband about his question on the tuna risotto with a nasty tone (why does seared tuna on corn risotto seem unusual??). He walked away mid-conversation several times when we responded to one of his comments. He told my mother in law she wouldn't like a spicy dish (without discussing her taste preferences first). Thr entire meal was negatively impacted by his awful behaviour. It was so bad that we debated not leaving a tip - a cardinal sin the the US. Strike two.

Drinks: My drink was super interesting. We all agreed it smelled like an Indian dish. I enjoyed it. My daughter had a non-alcoholic drink that was strong but good. The wine was good too. Strong suit for the Lark.

Food: It was hit and miss. The popcorn starter was unusual but good. The Brussels sprouts were too sweet as was the cornbread (the rosemary seasoning was great). That could be more about my palate rather than the food. The fried chicken was slightly too salty but it was amazingly cooked. It went well with the bread and butter pickles. The grits were creamy, salty and sweet, and unusually large. I'm a southerner and I've never had grits cooked this way. They weren't bad, just not what I expected. The wedge salad was over salted for my teenager's taste. The Tuna Risotto was unusual but my husband thought it was fine. My mother in law was incredibly disappointed with her shrimp dish. So much so she said it shouldn't be on the menu. Strike three

I've given it 3 stars because of the ambience and some of the food / drinks were good. It doesn't make up for the rudeness of the staff (hostess, server, and busboy) which was horrendous, the food that wasn't good and the dark waiting area. Btw, that guy that was watching TV on his phone when we arrived, watched TV the entire time we were eating (the waiting area was right next to our table and we had to listen to it throughout dinner) and was still watching TV...

We found the Lark in the Funk Zone area, easily walkable if you parked or Ubered anywhere nearby in a small plaza shared with other eateries. I loved walking up to the restaurant which was distinct and pleasant, as if I was transported to a quiet forest area with the Lark in the middle.

We did make a reservation a few days before for a Monday and found it to be pretty busy. Does have a bar area in case you'd like to take your chances without a reservation!

We were led to a cute table area next to an open window. The indoors has that same rustic / modern feel as the outdoors. Here's what we picked out:

*Popcorn: You are given popcorn as your free appetizer to munch on while you are here. It's delicious with a little bit of spice and seasoning!

*Roasted Beets & Ventura Strawberries: As you'll see themed throughout this whole menu review, the individual ingredients taste fresh / delicious on its own. However, this is one of the dishes where the combination of these ingredients for some reason didn't quite work and the flavors didn't mesh quite well like the ricotta which was a bit too sour.

*Channel Islands Halibut Crudo: Another dish where individually, the ingredients were really delicious and on paper, it sounded like a great idea. The peach is simply delicious and could eat that on its own. But together, the dish felt off. The halibut was a bit too fish-y and the other ingredients seemed to only accentuate that fishy flavoring.

*House Made Porchetta di Testa: The best dish we had and the most abstract! It comes out like a cheese plate with all the ingredients separated and asking you to combine it together. And here, the flavors are marvelous. The levain is freshly baked. The onion jam is amazing. And the soft poached egg is cooked perfectly. Highly recommended.

*Red Sweeney's Revenge: Their sidecar cocktail. It's a bit too sweet for my usual sidecar tastes, but like the overall presentation.

*Hatchet Proof: Their old fashioned cocktail. It was solid, and we actually ordered it twice because it had a nice flavor profile with the coffee stout reduction helping to give it a...

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, The Lark is a culinary gem that takes your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of rustic charm and warm hospitality. To begin our culinary adventure, we indulged in the Brown Butter Cornbread, a delightful starter that set the tone for the evening. Its perfectly golden crust and rich, buttery flavor were simply divine. The Pimento Cheese on Texas Toast was a comforting classic elevated to perfection, while the Crispy Brussels Sprouts provided a crispy, flavorful contrast. For our mains, we opted for the Wayne Farm Buttermilk Fried Chicken and the Sage Smoked Pork Chop. The fried chicken was a crispy, juicy masterpiece, its flavors reminiscent of a home-cooked meal with a gourmet twist. The Sage Smoked Pork Chop was a triumph of smokiness and tenderness, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The culinary journey reached the end with the desserts. The Apple Crisp, with its warm, cinnamon-kissed apples and crispy topping, was a comforting hug on a plate. The Olive Oil Cake was a revelation, its moist texture and subtle olive oil flavor paired wonderfully with the accompanying elements, creating a dessert that was both sophisticated and indulgent. What sets The Lark apart is not only the exceptional quality of the cuisine but also the impeccable service. The staff's knowledge and passion for the menu were evident, enhancing our dining experience. The ambiance, with its blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance, added to the overall allure of the evening. In summary, dining at The Lark Santa Barbara is not just a meal; it's a gastronomic adventure that tantalizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Each dish is a testament to the chef's creativity and dedication to delivering an exceptional culinary experience. If you're looking for a place to indulge in exquisite flavors and impeccable service, The Lark Santa Barbara is an absolute must-visit. Prepare your taste buds for a journey they won't...