Monte's, a new Montecito restaurant that blends Korean and California culinary influences, has opened its doors, bringing a veteran chef's vision to the Central Coast. Situated in a familiar bungalow on Coast Village Road, a space previously occupied by Bar Lou, the restaurant feels comfortably established despite being only a few months old. Its interior boasts fresh flower-adorned tables and rich brown banquettes, while a roaring fire pit anchors the garden-like patio, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Chef Daniel Kim, whose resume includes stints at The Restaurant at Meadowood, Providence, and Hibi, has crafted a menu directly guided by Rincon Hill, a regenerative farm also operated by Endwell Hospitality, the group behind Monte's. This direct connection to the farm allows for a menu focused on microseasonal produce, transforming ingredients into thoughtful dishes.
Kim’s fine dining background shines through in creations like bluefin tuna and sungold tomatoes bathed in shiro dashi and tomato water, served with crispy nori chips. Another offering, itachi cucumber, is bedded on perilla yogurt, playing as a vibrant Korean tzatziki. Beyond the food, Monte's offers a generous wine list, with selections by the bottle from regions such as Burgundy and Santa Barbara, along with sparkling, chilled red, and white options by the glass. A Pence chilled pinot noir and gamay blend from the Santa Rita Hills has been noted for its balanced, juicy body. The cocktail menu includes the Garden Party, a martini variation that captures the taste of a peak-ripe sungold tomato.
For many, the "farm-to-table" ethos has become more of a buzzword than a genuine practice. Monte's, however, feels like a deliberate return to its origins, with a menu built around a direct connection to Rincon Hill Farm that transforms its produce with a clear point of view. The restaurant also extends this connection to the community, hosting a farmers market on its patio every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring fresh offerings from Rincon Hill Farm.
Monte's aims to be a true neighborhood restaurant, equally suited for special occasions or family dinners. It explores both its Korean and California identities with a sharp eye for layering flavors, offering Montecito residents a distinct dining option.