El Encanto, Santa Barbara Introduces a New Mediterranean-Inspired Menu and Enhances Its Wellness Program originally appeared on L.A. Mag.
Courtesy of El Encanto
One of my favorite getaways from Los Angeles is the El Encanto, Santa Barbara, a Belmond Hotel. The five-star luxury boutique hotel is truly a gem with its sweeping views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and beautiful secluded gardens spread across seven acres. Nestled in the rolling hills, the hotel seamlessly blends in with the upscale neighborhood surrounding it. Each time I come to visit, I fall more in love with this unique property and continue to discover new things about it. I recently learned it began as a school dormitory in 1913 and by 1918 it transitioned to small hotel cottages. During the golden era of Hollywood, celebrities would drive up from Los Angeles to leave the stresses of Tinseltown behind. Today El Encanto continues to be a unique and luxurious destination for those seeking a respite from busy and stressful lives.
The hotel recently introduced a new all-day Mediterranean-inspired menu with a California twist, led by El Encanto’s Executive Chef Alexander Bollinger. This “meant to be shared” menu features vibrant local produce and fresh seafood, aligning with the principles of the Mediterranean diet and the property’s overall wellness-focused philosophy. The peaceful setting and stunning views of the “American Riviera” from The Terrace only enhance this wonderful gastronomic experience.
Courtesy of El Encanto
Guests can embark on a culinary journey that begins with freshly baked Rosemary Focaccia, served alongside a flight of Ojai Valley olive oil infused with herbs and citrus zest from the hotel’s garden, plus a delightful array of spreads and dips. Some highlights include creamy whipped feta and roasted tomatoes garnished with Santa Barbara pistachios, rich and flavorful sweet potato hummus with zhoug, crispy chickpeas and avocado honey from local purveyor Santa Barbara Hives, and muhammara with walnuts, pomegranate molasses, roasted pepper and pomegranate seeds. This is just for starters…
Courtesy of El Encanto
The Mediterranean-forward menu also features a variety of small bites perfect for sharing with the whole table, such as Kefta Skewers with sumac onions and charred Persian cucumbers, and Grilled Halloumi with blistered red grapes, purple watercress, and Minus 8 vinegar. For those preferring something light and refreshing, there’s plenty of raw selections available, including Hamachi Crudo with coconut, ginger, lychee, lime, Fresco chili, and cilantro; Beef Carpaccio featuring pickled mushrooms, pomo tomato, crispy shallot, truffle aioli, and 25-year-old balsamic vinegar; as well as a plant-based Fennel Crudo with Cara Cara Orange, chili, fennel pollen, and olive oil.
Larger plates showcase standout dishes like Ora King Salmon with saffron basmati rice tahdig, English peas, dill, and preserved lemon honey glaze. Another signature dish, Abalone from Our Neighbor, features spaghetti al Nero de sepia, rainbow chard, champagne lemon beurre blanc, Kaluga reserve caviar, and abalone from Santa Barbara purveyor Cultured Abalone Farms. The Harissa Honey Fried Chicken, served with polenta and dill pickles is perfectly golden and crunchy, generously drizzled with fiery yet sweet honey, creating a mouthwatering blend of bold flavors.
Courtesy El Encanto
For a sweet end to their meal, guests can choose from many delectable desserts. These include pillowy ricotta donuts, Goleta lemon with lemon curd, local pistachio, white chocolate, yuzu mousse and olive oil cake with rose water, lemon syrup, pistachio cream, toasted pistachios and dehydrated rose petals.
Courtesy of El Encanto
In addition to the new all-day dining menu, El Encanto has enhanced its afternoon tea service, Botanica, for the spring and summer season with new menu items. Guests can indulge in the relaxing “Art of Afternooning” atop the Santa Barbara hills, with astro botanical infusions from Ojai-based ceremonial tea brand, Magic Hour.
Courtesy of El Encanto
Guests can also lower their stress level by discovering nature on the beautiful hotel grounds. Whether it be relaxing under a canopy of fragrant eucalyptus or palms, there are many spots within El Encanto’s Sensorial Gardens for self-meditation and exploration. Guests can also embark on a guided 90-minute meditation and experience an immersive tree bathing wellness journey set amongst these gardens with added sound baths on select dates in June through August.
El Encanto truly lives up to its name, “The Enchanted Place” where you can savor culinary delights and rejuvenate your soul in beautiful surroundings.
This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.