San Setto

Dinner at San Setto at the The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offered delicious modern takes on California styled Japanese cuisine, in Santa Barbara, California

During a weekend retreat at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara , dining at San Setto was an absolute pleasure. While the food was undeniably exquisite, what truly elevated the experience was the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the restaurant’s elegant, California coastal vibe.

The evening began with a comforting bowl of MISO SOUP (tofu, kombu, scallion), paired with CHILLED EDAMAME (togarashi spice, sea salt). A simple yet perfect start.

The drinks? Equally delightful.

Then came the SPICY TUNA ON CRISPY RICE (crispy rice, jalapeño, cilantro, kewpie), each bite a balance of crunch, heat, and umami.

Alongside it, the YELLOWTAIL TIRADITO (lemongrass ponzu, miso powder, charred avocado, jalapeño, rice crisps), a dish so delicate yet flavor-packed that it left a lasting impression.

Both? Absolute 10s across the board.

As the meal continued, we indulged in the SPICY TUNA ROLL (jalapeño, kewpie, cucumber, avocado, scallion) and the PACIFIC LOBSTER ROLL (tuna, cucumber, spicy crispy leek), each bite reminding us both why oceanfront sushi just hits differently.

But beyond the food, what truly made this evening special was an unexpected conversation with the couple dining beside us.

They had just eloped in their room at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, opting for an intimate, private ceremony rather than a grand reception. Instead of diving into the stress of wedding planning, they chose to spend their wedding in quiet celebration, savoring the moment on their own terms.

Their story struck a chord. They didn’t conform to expectations; they simply followed their hearts. No elaborate performance, no external pressures – just the pure joy of being together.

Their words carried a kind of wisdom that I found deeply moving.

As if fate wanted to sprinkle one final touch of magic on the evening, they generously offered me a bite of their WAGYU ROLL (Japanese A5 beef tartare, togarashi-seared A5 tataki, toasted nori oil, caviar, chive, 24k gold flake).

The richness, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, the sheer indulgence—it was a moment of connection over food, a small but profound gesture of kindness.

That night, as I left San Setto, I carried more than the memory of an incredible meal. I left with a lesson in love, in authenticity, in the beauty of forging your own path.

Never underestimate the power of a shared meal, a genuine conversation, or a chance encounter that lingers far beyond that moment in time.

And – to the couple who shared their story and their happiness – I thank you. May your love continue to flourish, effortlessly and unapologetically.

I hope you are still happy and living in harmony with your lives.

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