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Downey's Reviews List
Downey's
Fresh produce from the Santa Barbara Farmers' Market is skilfully prepared with sustainable seafood and naturally-raised meats by acclaimed Chef John Downey. We invite you to join us for dinner and taste why Downey's has been Zagat Survey's top-rated Santa Barbara restaurant for 26 consecutive years.
The Downey family take great pride in their small, intimate restaurant. John heads the experienced kitchen staff aided by Liz who also handles the wine list and manages the dining room.
You will be served by experienced and knowledgeable professionals who know when to be present and when to leave you to enjoy your dinner.
See more Downey's details
103 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 103 reviews
5 stars
(75)
4 stars
(19)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(71)
- fit for foodies(69)
- romantic(54)
- neighborhood gem(39)
- notable wine list(36)
- good for groups(5)
Downey's Reviews List
Review 1 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The crab & papaya salad was delicious but he lobster salad was very good too!!!
The veal with pasta and spinach was fantastic! The signature dessert was very good.
And service is top notch.
The veal with pasta and spinach was fantastic! The signature dessert was very good.
And service is top notch.
Great place!!! Definitely will go back here when we are in town."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always excellent!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Downey's has a unique menu that varies every night with some standbys that are out of this world. Never had anything to to suggest or encourage them in other that keep doing the same thing! Our favorite restaurant to take friends to for a nice dinner. Great service, great atmosphere, we'll be back many times!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great find
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lovely small resturant with limited menu but the choices were varied, excellently presented, and the flavors were wonderful. Nice setting downtown with local art displayed on the walls. They offer a fixed price menu for the day that was an excellent value."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely dinner experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"While visiting Santa Barbara, we celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary with friends. Everything was wonderful! We all had the tasting menu, and every course was superb. The service was friendly and professional, and we were made to feel very special. We would wholeheartedly recommend Downey's, and are very much looking forward to a return trip!"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Downey's is our favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. We are locals and love this restaurant, especially for special occasions."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
OVER THE TOP WONDERFUL
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As always, Downey's was wonderful. Liz Downey was her usual elegant (& funny) self as we were seated - a consummate hostell!! I chose the Chef's tasting menu - because whatever John Downey chooses is always fresh, local and mangificently prepared and presented. Our bottle of champagne was delicious and downright cheap. Salad of papaya and crabmeat (with lime garnish) was to die for. Corn soup was hot and tasty. Pork loin (thin slices, not a big chunk) had a wonderful cherry sauce. THEN, the CHEESE PLATE - oh, my!! Dessert choices (brought to the table on a cart) are so beautiful that the entire restaurant went silent as our waiter described each offering. I took the millefeuille - raspberries and cream. Chef's menu is $55. WOW!!!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Shhhh!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's hard to keep a secret. After trying this spot you'll feel compelled to share your experience and then it will be a competition to get a table. Downey's really has the magic touch. Oops, I guess I spilled the beans."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
DELICIOUS!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We have eaten at Downey's two times before this visit. Each time it has been outstanding. I am extremely picky with my food - and used to good food. Downey's is truly one of the best restaurants I've EVER had the pleasure to enjoy. I can't wait to come back and visit again. This is the best restaurant in Santa Barbara, hands down."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 9 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very friendly and fabulous food. Not the hipster scene just lovely staff, great service and atmosphere. We will definitely go back again and again whenever in Santa Barbra."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
On the decline...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I used to love this place. And there are still some gems on the menu. But there seems to be a bit of a decline in the consistency or quality of the dishes. Most notably, the duck breast "medium rare" was served near well-done. The desserts were excellent and the appetizers were pretty good. All-in-all, they are priced significantly higher than even their expensive competitors - but deliver a less consistent and at times sub-par product. Service was pleasant and professional."
Dined on 4/25/2013
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Review 11 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
For over 30 years, Downey's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"For over 30 years, Downey's has been the finest restaurant in Santa Barbara. It still is."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
the best of Santa Barbara
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is the absolutely best restaurant in Santa Barbara.
We've been coming here (from LA) for over 25 years and have never been disappointed"
We've been coming here (from LA) for over 25 years and have never been disappointed"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 13 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Downey's - Best in Santa Barbara
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Downey's remains the best restaurant in Santa Barbara. A quiet, elegant restaurant, John and Liz Downey's restaurant continues to offer extraordinary local-produced cuisine that charms the palette and warms the soul. The wine list is quintessential Santa Barbara regional with hidden but stellar small vineyard wines. And John's desserts are exceptional by any standard."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a great restaurant!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a great restaurant! The food is beyond compare and the service could not be better. No detail is missed.
Downey's is our first choice when dining in Santa Barbara. It stands shoulder to shoulder with many of the famous restaurants in New York. We are so lucky to have it here."
Downey's is our first choice when dining in Santa Barbara. It stands shoulder to shoulder with many of the famous restaurants in New York. We are so lucky to have it here."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a wonderful dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a wonderful dining experience. I had the best fish dish I have ever had: the sea bass with mustard berre blanc sauce with potatoes and atrichoke hearts. Outstanding. My wife had the crab on toast and the lobster linguine, both of which were excellent. A nice wine list. The rasberry cake and chocolate torte were a great ending to the meal. Overall a great experience."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
BEST FOOD IN SANTA BARBARA.....
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"BEST FOOD IN SANTA BARBARA..... NOTHING ELSE EVEN COMPARES....."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Gorgeous food served in this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Gorgeous food served in this State Street iconic restaurant. Gracious service, perfect location for downtown activities."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 18 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were looking for a romantic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were looking for a romantic spot for wife's birthday, Downey's was highly recommended...we expected something super special, but was not out of the ordinary...good, tasty food and soup...service friendly, efficient...only about 4-5 tables taken, not the usual night for what we heard."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best, if not the best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Downey's reputation is well earned. Excellent food, well thought out and carefully prepared sauces, excellent and friendly service...little pretense. They've been in Santa Barbara for 30 years...an institution of sorts."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2009
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Review 20 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was excellent and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent and the whole experience warmly remembered."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Stellar Meal, Great Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"What a great rec from Trip Advisor. The service was impeccable and the ambiance was quiet and carefully contrived. The painting covered walls created the effect of sitting in a museum gallery--the space was quite intimate. Our meal was to die for. Every bite of every course was just superb. We both had the black cod, but the server suggested we try each with a different preparation. The fish was sublime, one with a lemon sauce and one with a lobster sauce. Since we were unsure of a wine she suggested a Fiddlehead Pinot Noir that was so simply amazing and really complemented the meal--so much so that on the way home we stopped in Lompoc to buy some. Definitely recommended with very high marks--we will go back again. Just fabulous."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 22 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A must Santa Barbara experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A must Santa Barbara experience."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Just great food and nice quiet
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Just great food and nice quiet ambience!
Had the four course 'Taste of Santa Barbara' menu and it was just excellent! Will definitely be back if in Santa Barbara."
Had the four course 'Taste of Santa Barbara' menu and it was just excellent! Will definitely be back if in Santa Barbara."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 24 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tremendous Anniversary Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I wanted a special place for our 20th anniversary dinner, and Downey's did not disappoint. The service was attentive and friendly. The servers were very aware of our needs without being on top of us or pushy. The food was outstanding...the prosciuotto and beets appetizer was an explosion of wonderful flavors, the pea soup was fresh and clean with surprising flavor, the filet mignons were cooked perfectly and the mushroom reduction was a wonderful compliment and the desserts were first class. Our server suggested a meritage (we don't go for the big cabs), which was an excellent pairing with our food. We had a very leisurely meal and absolutely enjoyed the entire experience tremendously."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 25 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is truly excellent,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is truly excellent, service is exceptional, and I could not have had a better experience."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful service and delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful service and delicious dining."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 27 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
2nd visit ... great food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"2nd visit ... great food, wonderful staff, exceptionally affordable for what this restaurant is and the experience & delicious meal that you get.
For what it is (quality, gracious, genteel dining), this place is perfect."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Vanishing breed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We ordered three different appetizers and entrees. All were excellent. Well worth the price which seems to be a rarity in California these days."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 29 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Outstanding food: local sources,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding food: local sources, impeccable quality, beautiful and delicious. Excellent service.
Ambiance and decor is unimpressive."
Ambiance and decor is unimpressive."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dependably Delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We visited Santa Barbara and we wanted to return to Downey's for a special meal. We sat in the same window table as before, and had another extraordinary meal. One of the nicest things about Downey's is the extensive and very reasonably priced wine list. No doubling or even tripling the retail prices like several restaurants do - we had a beautiful Foxen Sea Smoke Pinot Noir for a fair amount less than other restaurants. It's hard to find, and Downey's could have really bumped up the price.
I requested a vegetarian meal and the plate was overflowing with farmers' market fare. The roasted carrots were the best I've had, a mixed grain pilaf was perfect, beautiful green beans, young broccoli, and the list goes on."
I requested a vegetarian meal and the plate was overflowing with farmers' market fare. The roasted carrots were the best I've had, a mixed grain pilaf was perfect, beautiful green beans, young broccoli, and the list goes on."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, interruptive servers
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Downey's is reputed top be one of the top restaurants in SB, so we scheduled a business dinner there with visiting colleagues. We all had appetizers (which were small)and all chose sea scallop entrees (which were delicious). Service was attentive past the point of being annoying. Staff interrupted table conversation every 5 mins with the usual server questions (anything I can get for you, how are the flavors of your entrees, etc) making it difficult to carry on thoughtful business discussions. Overall, the food was good if expensive and the servers behaved as management trained them. You will enjoy Downey's if it is in your budget, and you don't mind numerous interruptions by servers."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 32 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Quaint place with good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Quaint place with good food and great service. We were visiting here
in Santa Barbara and wanted some fresh seafood for dinner. Downey's was perfect, I enjoyed the scallops and my husband had the halibut."
in Santa Barbara and wanted some fresh seafood for dinner. Downey's was perfect, I enjoyed the scallops and my husband had the halibut."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 33 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Downey's is WONDERFUL
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have never been disappointed at Downey's. John and Liz hit the ball out of the park again. We are going to start going regularly instead of saving this place for special occasions. My husband and I are on low-carb diets and Downy's went out of their way to occomodate us and even wrote Happy Birthday on the Berries and Cream plate and put a candle in the middle ! Very festive, very classy.
THANKS for another fantastic culinary experience. We sat in the front window and the "people watching" was wonderful..."
THANKS for another fantastic culinary experience. We sat in the front window and the "people watching" was wonderful..."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 34 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Especially pleasant experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Especially pleasant experience. The tasting menu was outstanding. Enjoy."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 35 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
a nice quiet dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Ask for table 16 for a romantic two top. So glad we picked this place instead of one of the "looking to be seen doing the scene"."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 36 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Lamb was so go-o-o-o-d
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The crab cakes with cherimoya was a blend of flavors that complemented the dish.
As usual, I love the Colorado Lamb Loin. It is prepared and presented consistently well.
I recommend a glass of The Impostor blend from JC Cellars to go with the lamb."
As usual, I love the Colorado Lamb Loin. It is prepared and presented consistently well.
I recommend a glass of The Impostor blend from JC Cellars to go with the lamb."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 37 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Night to remember
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were delighted with our special time celebrating my husband's 80th birthday! We relished every moment. We enjoyed the Taste of Santa Barbara special dinner for the night. The food was attractive and delicious. The seasoning and sauces were light, not overpowering the food. The desserts were amazing, too!!! We look forward to going again!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 38 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Plastic Grocery Bag
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had dined at Downey's previously and were always impressed with the delicious variety of offerings and friendly staff. Our recent visit in February 2013 would have been perfect, except that our to-go was given to us in a peculiar fashion - in a plastic grocery shopping bag. Though the dinner was elegant, the send off was in the end ... not."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
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Review 39 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The taste of Santa Barbra
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The taste of Santa Barbra menu was excellent and a good value"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 40 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Downey's food was good, but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Downey's food was good, but way overpriced for what we ordered. $14 for 7 tiny mussels, I don't think so. Again, the lamb was good but did not have the WOW factor that a meal this costly should have. The lamb was supposed to be stuffed with mushrooms and shallots but we could not detect any. And--two slices of potato? The service was OK. The Irish soda bread was wonderful.
What is it in Santa Barbara restaurants with lentils, snap peas and mushrooms???"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2009
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Review 41 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfection! Each dish was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Perfection! Each dish was obviously prepared with great care to bring out the best of the ingredients, and to present them attractively. The sauces were truly outstanding, the vegetables fresh, and the seasoning restrained to allow the real flavors to predominate. The service was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive. Our dining experience could not have been better."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 42 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good for a special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our dinner was delicious, perhaps the best we have had in Santa Barbara. The first course of crab and mango salad was original and delicious, as was the halibut with a special sauce . The meal was pricey, good for a special occasion. The service was friendly, efficient and very professional."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 43 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The only thing that wasn't
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The only thing that wasn't excellent was that the Salmon was a bit "dry". Overcooked."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2013
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Review 44 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Diamond in Santa Barbara
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first visit to Downey's and will definitely not be our last. Everything we ordered was absolutely fantastic. The duck and lamb were the best we have ever had. We really like that all of the staff participated in our service. Thanks."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
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Review 45 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, good service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Great food, good service, nice people...we would eat here again on special occasions. They have been there for over 30 years, husband and wife team with the wife greeting and seating as well as setting tables."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 46 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I was really looking forward
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I was really looking forward to trying Downey's. Unfortunately I found it uninspired. The food was okay at best. The wine list was poor and overpriced. The dessert was terrible. How do you ruin creme brulee?!! The waiter openly admitted that it had probably been frozen for too long. Gross! The service was slow and not very professional. Obviously I won't be going back..."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
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Review 47 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely restaurant with classic
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lovely restaurant with classic appeal in trendy Santa Barbara. Gifted chef. Nightly chef's menu is a fabulous value though the menu is so enticing that it is well worth ordering a la carte. Wine list is well selected and fairly priced."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 48 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Valentines Day date night.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really like the ambience - once inside the smallish dining room we easily forgot that we were just off State Street and got wrapped up in conversation. The attentive service, focused menu offerings and the lively dining room were wonderful. Speaking of, the dining room has numerous tables for two - including a very private alcove w, curtains, as well as tables that can easily accommodate larger groups. That's where the 'lively' came from the night we were there. The desert cart is a throwback - and that's a good thing - in that the presentation is genuine, tempting and wonderful for sharing. Try their signature raspberry, white chocolate, pastry cake. Great to share with someone special."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 49 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best dinner we had in Santa
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best dinner we had in Santa Barbara."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 50 for Downey's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The waitstaff works as a team
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The waitstaff works as a team here, so you meet all of them. I liked that because they were all ridiculously nice, comfortable, and knowledgable. The inside of the restaurant is cozy and simple, and there is definitely a quiet class about the whole experience. We went for the film feast (the special prix fixe menu during the Santa Barbara Film Festival), and spent $35 each for three courses. The butternut soup was delicious, the best I've had anywhere. My filet mignon was perfect and my boyfriend's duck seemed to melt in your mouth. Mmmm! For dessert, they wheel out a cart with all your options on it, European-style. The chocolate cheesecake was perfect and I have to recommend the apple pastry with vanilla ice cream - we both said, "Wow!""
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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