Santa Barbara is home to many impressive dining establishments, but few can match the elegance and innovation of The Black Sheep Santa Barbara Brasserie. Nestled in the heart of the city, this French-inspired brasserie fuses traditional culinary techniques with modern flair, offering patrons an unforgettable dining experience.
With a reputation for using only the finest local ingredients, The Black Sheep stands out for its emphasis on seasonality, creativity, and communal dining. The restaurant offers a range of dishes, but it’s the Chef’s 4-Course Tasting Menu that truly steals the show, making it an ideal choice for food lovers seeking to indulge in multiple flavors across several courses.
The Concept Behind the 4-Course Tasting Menu
The Concept Behind the 4-Course Tasting MenuThe Black Sheep’s 4-Course Tasting Menu, priced at $75 per person, is a journey through some of the finest offerings the restaurant has to present. Unlike traditional tasting menus where a single dish is served per course, this menu is designed to be shared, allowing patrons to sample multiple items per course. When dining with a companion, the experience is even more enriched as you get to enjoy a wider variety of flavors and textures.
This concept of family-style dining fosters a sense of togetherness, bringing people closer as they explore the diverse, innovative creations crafted by the chef. Each dish is meticulously prepared with attention to detail, focusing on balance, presentation, and taste, ensuring that diners experience a symphony of flavors in every bite.
First Impressions: Appetizers and Small Bites
The first course introduces you to the variety of textures and ingredients the chef has prepared. One standout is the Farmers Market Bibb Salad. With fresh bibb lettuce, seasonal herbs, and a tangy banyuls vinaigrette, it brings a refreshing lightness to the palate. The salad is complemented by shaved carrots and herbs, giving it a burst of color and flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the crispness of the greens.
Another option is the Roasted Autumn Beets served with whipped feta and a miso-orange-beet puree. This dish is a celebration of earthy tones mixed with the tangy brightness of feta and the umami flavors of the miso. The combination of textures – from the soft beets to the creamy feta – makes for an unforgettable start to the meal.
For those seeking a more robust option, the Vegan Roasted Early Girl Tomato Bisque offers a hearty and satisfying opening. The soup’s richness, thanks to the coconut milk base, is balanced by the sweet acidity of the tomatoes. Whether you’re vegan or simply appreciate bold, rich flavors, this bisque stands as a perfect introduction to the menu.
A Bold Second Course: Elevated French Classics
The second course introduces heartier, more indulgent dishes, all designed to push the boundaries of traditional French cuisine. One of the highlights is the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio Tartine, a luxurious take on the classic French dish. Served on gluten-free bread with a lemon vinaigrette, this dish balances the richness of the wagyu with the light acidity of the vinaigrette and the freshness of frisée. The dish has a wonderful juxtaposition of flavors and textures, from the tender beef to the crispy bread and vibrant greens.
For something even more daring, the Adult Bread & Butter takes a simple concept and elevates it into something extraordinary. The dish features roasted marrow and pistachio gremolata served with house toast, creating a spread that’s both indulgent and unforgettable. The richness of the marrow is cut through by the bright, herbaceous flavors of the gremolata, and the crunch of the toast adds the perfect textural contrast.
The Roasted Pork Belly is another crowd-pleaser in this course. Served with braised beans, the pork is crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. The flavor combination of fatty pork and creamy beans creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and decadent.
A Feast for the Third Course
As the meal progresses, the third course brings out heartier, more substantial fare. Day Boat Catch, featuring heirloom tomato-seaweed salad, corn, and sake soubise, is an ode to the sea. This dish perfectly showcases the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients, with the flavors of the ocean balanced by the sweetness of the corn and the acidity of the tomatoes.
For pasta lovers, the Hand Rolled Ricotta “Gnudi” Cavatelli is a must-try. The fluffy ricotta gnudi, paired with wild mushrooms and white port sauce, offers a complex and layered dish that’s both earthy and savory. Each bite is rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying.
Vegetarians are also well catered to with the Farmers Market Bowl. A medley of seasonal vegetables, including fava-lentil mash and ratatouille-style roasted vegetables, is served with corn and spiced quinoa. This dish is both visually stunning and packed with nutrients and flavor, providing a wholesome and flavorful option for those seeking lighter fare.
The Coq au Vin, a French classic, is another standout in the third course. Served with Rocky Jr Chicken, Japanese turnip, cipollini, and parsnip, this dish offers a refined take on a traditional favorite. The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing the rich wine sauce and complemented by the tender vegetables.
Dessert: A Sweet Finish
No French meal would be complete without a sweet ending, and The Black Sheep delivers in spades with its carefully curated dessert offerings. One of the favorites is the Brown Sugar Crème Brulee, featuring Tahitian vanilla bean. This gluten-free dessert combines the creamy richness of the custard with the satisfying crack of the caramelized sugar on top. The depth of the vanilla bean shines through in every bite, making it a fitting conclusion to the meal.
For those craving something chocolatey, the Chocolate Silk Tart is an excellent choice. Accompanied by framboise-raspberry coulis and vanilla gelato, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between richness and brightness. The tart is indulgent yet balanced, with the raspberry coulis adding just the right amount of tartness to counter the sweetness of the chocolate.
For something a little different, the Gluten-Free Olive Oil Cake offers a more refined and subtle dessert. Paired with caramelized figs, honey labne, and a hint of limoncello, this cake is a delicate and flavorful way to end the meal.
Wine Pairings to Elevate Your Experience
A meal at The Black Sheep would not be complete without exploring their extensive wine menu, which features a carefully curated selection of sparkling wines, whites, rosé, and reds. Each wine has been thoughtfully selected to complement the dishes offered on the menu.
For those opting for the tasting menu, the sommeliers at The Black Sheep are more than happy to suggest the perfect pairings. Sparkling wines like the Champagne Deutz Brut Classic or Crémant de Limoux bring a refreshing effervescence to the lighter, first-course dishes like the Farmers Market Bibb Salad or Roasted Autumn Beets.
As you move into the richer second and third courses, consider a Bordeaux or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These wines offer the depth and complexity needed to stand up to heartier fare like the Coq au Vin or the Roasted Pork Belly.
The Ambiance: Modern Elegance Meets Comfort
The Black Sheep’s ambiance is a seamless blend of modern elegance and relaxed comfort. The brasserie’s decor features warm tones, sleek lines, and rustic elements that echo the French countryside while still feeling distinctly Californian. The open kitchen provides diners with a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and precision that goes into each dish, further enhancing the communal, family-style dining experience.
Final Thoughts
The Black Sheep Santa Barbara Brasserie is more than just a restaurant – it’s a culinary journey. Whether you’re indulging in the 4-Course Tasting Menu or exploring their extensive a la carte offerings, each meal is an opportunity to savor the artistry of modern French cuisine. The emphasis on seasonal ingredients, family-style dining, and an innovative yet approachable menu ensures that each visit offers something new and exciting. For food lovers seeking a true culinary adventure, The Black Sheep is a must-visit destination in Santa Barbara.
1. Home
Visit the official website of The Black Sheep Santa Barbara Brasserie for reservations, menu options, and more information about the restaurant.
2. About Us
Learn about the story behind The Black Sheep Santa Barbara Brasserie, the team, and the culinary inspiration that makes this brasserie unique.
3. Menu
Explore the complete Menu, including their signature 4-Course Tasting Menu and a variety of French-inspired dishes.
4. Chef’s Tasting Menu
Get more details on the Chef’s 4-Course Tasting Menu, and discover the wide selection of dishes offered.
5. Reservations
Book a table for your next visit to The Black Sheep and enjoy a refined dining experience in Santa Barbara.
6. Wine List
Discover the extensive selection of wines available at The Black Sheep by browsing the Wine List.
