San Ysidro Ranch Resort:
Stonehouse Restaurant

Not everyone can stay at San Ysidro Ranch.  But many can treasure a romantic brunch at the Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro.  We did.  It was one of the dreamiest mornings we have enjoyed in a long time.

After our lovely, meandering drive up the hill, and being greeted with bountiful blossoms in pinks and lavenders and blues, we strolled to the Stonehouse.

Fragrant lemons and kumquats and sage bushes surrounded the entryway, accented with delicate begonias and other graceful flowers.

 

Everywhere we looked, there were treasures ...

But we had been here before, and we knew this was just the beginning ...

We walked around to the main entrance and into the warm, inviting lobby ...

On cool mornings, the big pot belly stove warms your toes while you relax in the overstuffed chairs and sofas.  Homey sprays of flowers and understated artwork create an elegant, yet comfortable, environment.

In the archway you can see the entry to the inside seating for the reataurant.

Another warming fireplace greets guests, with spectacular views through the uncluttered windows. 

This is not a large dining area, but it is very special.  The simple elegance so perfectly compliments the natural splendor.

Continue through an open door on the right, and you will find yourself on an intimate, absolutely charming balcony.

Here is our table.

The view is truly unbelievable.  On a mountaintop in Montecito, you look out over treetops to the blue Pacific, with cooling breezes wafting by.

And everywhere there are lovely, lovely flowers.

It is just so romantic.

After all of this you would think that the brunch might be a let down.  Not so.  After all, this is San Ysidro Ranch.  Everything is completed with grace and style and superb taste. 

The menu is as understated as the cuisine is superb.  The Executive Chef John Trotta has fashioned a lovely, lovely meal for all his guests.

Since this was a Sunday brunch, we started of course with the 2001 Chandon Reserve Sparkling Chardonnay Brut.  The menu listed "Classic Eggs Benedict" and a "Couscous Crusted Salmon", among others.  What we tasted was pure deliciousness.   All the while, the breeze drifted in out out, and the ocean sparkled in the background.  As with only the very finest restaurants, we were never rushed, but someone was always there to respond to our every request.

Brunch at the Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch is a lot more than a brunch.  It is a romantic adventure to treasure.

And the cost?  Well, that was a huge surprise.  Since this is San Ysidro Ranch, we expected it to be a lot higher than it was.  In fact, it was quite modest, particularly with the quality of everything that was served.

Yes, we will be back.

Here's what others have to say about the Stonehouse at San Ysidro.

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Do visit some of the other wonderfully romantic spots on your Santa Barbara travel:

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