SANTA BARBARA, CA
A grey dusk had settled across the sky as Lena, Kay, and I approached our destination. After what felt like a never-ending but highly rewarding walk from our charming Airbnb, we were starving!
Despite the ocean haze thickening around us, we couldn’t resist sitting outside on the patio enveloped in plants. With its lush, green veil, Mesa Verde is a beautiful and spacious restaurant, easily missed by most passersby. Don’t let that be you.
Mesa Verde, 1919 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Something to sip on
We kicked the evening off with a bottle of wine. Because our dear friends Scarlett and Opie were unable to join us as planned, a toast was made in their honor.
For anyone looking to catch a buzz, Mesa Verde offers over two dozen red and white wines, plus bottled and draft beers, including brews by local favorites Made West and Figueroa Mountain.
Caesar Salad
Veggie lovers, indulge
A fan of Caesar salads, I wanted to try Mesa Verde’s spin on the classic. Here, it features avocado, a delicious twist of grilled and raw romaine, caperberry, housemade sourdough croutons, radish, cashew-based Caesar dressing, pine oil, chives, and olive powder. They nailed it!
For my main, I ordered the Gluten Free Vegan Lasagna (featured image): fresh, housemade pasta; macadamia ricotta; roasted mushroom; kale; and beet. Kay went nuts for his Grilled Cheese: creamy cashew cheese, sourdough, grilled poblano pepper, green tahini, pickled mustard seeds, pickled red onion, dijon, and dill pickle. Unadulterated ecstasy was written all over his face.
The menu is described as vegan Mediterranean, with several dishes featuring mushrooms: Brussels Mushroom Tacos, Mushroom Umami Burger, and Fried Mushroom Sandwich.
The cooldown
Three vegans on retreat? Of course we said Yes to dessert. We shared the raw, gluten-free Strawberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Cake, served with gelato, ganache, macadamia brittle, and chocolate bark. Savoring every bite, we debated which we loved more—it was a draw. Both were absolutely, delightfully spectacular.
Mesa Verde for the win! 🙌
For more deliciously kind vegan food in Santa Barbara, check out Oliver’s, Rascal’s Vegan, and Fala Bar.
