THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED 31 West

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED 31 West Restaurant Review:

Hotel Andalucía and its flagship restaurant, 31 West, are among Santa Barbara's favorite gathering spots, located just one block from State Street. Befitting the hotel's name, the spacious 80-seat dining room boasts an elegant Spanish-themed décor. The quaint, varied menu, however, displays an inventive American slant; local fare is used in combinations of vibrantly contrasting flavors and textures. Santa Barbara rabbit, for example, is served with seared foie gras, the richness of which is balanced by the tart sweetness of huckleberries. We also enjoy that contrapuntal approach in the flaky local swordfish, which comes with juicy chorizo; the roasted monkfish, drizzled with bacon vinaigrette; the deepwater scallops, served with a veal ragoût; and rack of lamb with potato gnocchi. The wine list may be small, but it's heavy on area vineyards and other California favorites. Lunch at 31 West will encourage you to linger. Try the Kobe burger, topped with a red wine aïoli and roasted onions, or the grilled red snapper, served with shaved fennel and grapefruit slices. Whatever the time of day, meals here may be among the priciest in Santa Barbara, but they are also among the most creative and stylishly presented.