Convivo Flor De Maiz

by geneva Ives

This sip-and-savor sojourn along Santa Barbara’s seaside boulevard never gets old … even for locals .

For a taste of Oaxaca in sight of the sea, look no further than Flor De Maiz . Enjoy bright ceviches (one is served in a coconut), satisfying tacos, and grilled specialties ranging from aged ribeye to grilled octopus legs served atop creamy huitlacoche rice .

Thirsty? There are no fewer than 18 margaritas on the menu, but general manager Jason Copperman recommends starting with a Mitla . “This amazing cocktail is traditionally served with mescal,” he says . “We add freshly squeezed lime juice and our housemade orange and chipotle marmalade . To finish it, we torch fresh rosemary for a nice, smoky aroma . It’s a show and a drink all in one . ”

Friday through Sunday is incredibly busy so come during the week if you can for a more leisurely experience .

Flor De Maiz, 29 E Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara. 805-770-2963. flordemaizsb.com

California-trained chef Peter McNee fell in love with Italian food and culture during a culinary pilgrimage . On the heels of a celebrated career in the Bay Area, he moved to Santa Barbara because “it’s a special place, rich with wonderful artists, small independent farmers, ranchers, fisherman and vintners . ”

Accordingly, the Italian-inspired menu is rich in Central Coast ingredients . “Even the tableware we use is locally sourced,” shares McNee . “Potter Jerry Kry fires our plates, bowls, and serving pieces just a few blocks from the restaurant . ”

While the menu changes weekly – even daily – depending on what’s fresh at the farmer’s market, the most popular dish since day one is the Charcoal Avocado . The prized fruit is sourced nearby (from Ojai and Carpinteria), grilled over charcoal, then sauced and surrounded by seasonal produce .

Convivo may be attached to the Santa Barbara Inn, but that doesn’t mean its patrons are all visitors from away . In fact, breakfast there is a bit of a local secret, offering up the same farm-fresh flavors and ocean breezes with less of a crowd .

Convivo, 901 E Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara. 805-845-6789. Convivorestaurant.com

Looking for a light bite and incredible view? Dash into Oku, skip the wait for tables and head upstairs to the rooftop bar for a cocktail and some freshly caught sushi . Go for the crispy nigiri and sashimi carpaccio, stay for the Japanese whiskey flights and local wines .

Oku, 29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara. 805-690-1650. okurestaurant.com