Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Montecito

The Best Sushi in Santa Barbara, According to a Local Writer | Eater LA

"Located at the Montecito Inn, Sushi by Scratch is one of 13 nationwide locations. The omakase begins in the hotel lobby with a palate cleanser and ends at the chef’s counter, where no more than 10 guests are seated for an intimate experience. The restaurant sources some of the freshest seafood, both locally and abroad. The 16-course omakase features standouts like thinly-sliced shima aji, topped with fermented Fresno kosho seasoning and sprinkled with Bali salt, and hotate (scallops) drizzled with ponzu, soy sauce, poblano kosho, and lemon juice." - Meaghan Clark Tiernan

"In sun-kissed Santa Barbara right by the tony Montecito Inn, this convivial counter is out to make sushi on its own terms. Though the group counts at least six other locations in the US and Canada, the setup is largely the same: Guests start with a cocktail in the lobby before finding their names written in chalk at their seats. The chefs, always talkative and ready to have a good time, work in tandem to deliver creative combinations that go beyond the realm of traditional nigiri. The likes of brown sugar, pineapples, chili ponzu, olive oil and fried onions find their way onto frequently blowtorched slices of A5 wagyu, Japanese tuna and New Zealand salmon. Those who book the last seating of the day can stay longer and request more pieces." - Michelin Inspector

All Valley Week Coverage | Eater LA

"Opened in late 2015, Scratch Bar & Kitchen was the Lees’ first notable tasting-menu restaurant in the Valley, and I see how that single tasting-menu model eventually spawned three other concepts and is now informing another expansive project they’re planning in Montecito." - Eater Staff

These Restaurants Just Earned A Michelin Star in California - AFAR

"A Montecito (Santa Barbara) venue that lost its Michelin star in 2023 (no specific reason was provided in the text)." - Bailey Berg

LA’s Sushi by Scratch comes to Chicago with a Michelin star - Eater Chicago

"A Michelin-Starred Sushi Spot From California Arrives in Chicago. Sushi by Scratch features a 17-course omakase. A restaurant group that includes two Michelin-starred restaurants in California, will bring a 10-seat omakase experience to the former the Swill Inn space in River West. Sushi by Scratch, which holds a single-star rating in Santa Barbara, California, is planning an early February debut for its parent company’s first Midwestern outpost." - Samantha Nelson