Caruso's

A swanky oceanside spot with coastal Californian cuisine
VERIFIED LUXURY

Perched over the Pacific in Montecito, California, Caruso’s is the fine-dining restaurant of Rosewood Miramar Beach. Here, you’ll find elevated Southern Italian fare with hyper-local coastal California touches.

Named after the owner of the hotel, Rick Caruso, the venue emulates an ultra-luxe yacht with its décor: navy leather booths, high-gloss blue panels, boat deck flooring and plenty of sailor-white accents. Sea breezes flow freely through the open-air dining room, though there are plenty of heaters to keep you cozy on chilly nights.

Created by chef Massimo Falsini, the seasonal menu features the region's bounty. Recent dishes include Weiser Farm Jerusalem artichoke vellutata (a soup) with California king crab, chips and sformato (a savory custard), and Channel Island halibut with parsnips, makrut lime and beurre blanc.

Alongside an artfully plated multi-course meal, dining at Caruso’s is best paired with stunning SoCal ocean views and world-class wines.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

  • You can’t beat Caruso’s location. Enjoying a meal alfresco with crashing waves as your scenery and soundtrack cannot be topped.
  • Premium and locally sourced ingredients are a priority here, from the farmer’s-market-fresh produce to the honey from the onsite beehive.
  • Unexpected for an Italian restaurant, Caruso’s takes care of its vegan and vegetarian patrons. There’s an entire menu dedicated to plant-based dishes.
  • For an elevated dining experience, Caruso’s offers an eight-course tasting menu highlighting the best of the culinary team.
  • The impressive cocktail list uses quality ingredients from locally sourced distilleries.

Things to Know

  • Opened in March 2019, Caruso’s has quickly become Montecito’s see-and-be-seen hot spot. Be sure to reserve your seat at least a week in advance, especially if you want a patio table with unobstructed sunset views.
  • Outdoor seating gets toasty with heaters overhead and nearby — no need to bring layers to stay warm throughout dinner.
  • Unique for a beachside Southern California restaurant, Caruso’s adheres to a strict casual elegance dress code. It’s best to leave the jeans and nightclub attire at home.
  • Rosewood Miramar Beach’s signature restaurant is somewhat hidden. From the lobby, walk in the direction of the ocean, cross the train tracks and look for the descending stairs to your right, or take the elevator to the first floor and turn right.

The Food

  • With a career in esteemed restaurants like Napa’s Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Solbar, Falsini and the team ensure each dish is a work of art unto itself. Standouts include the hand-pulled burrata and octopus appetizer, compression of carbonara, and A5 wagyu with foraged mushrooms.
  • If you prefer your sweets to have a little kick, splurge for the owner’s favorite end to a meal: a chocolate-toffee budino (pudding) laced with Johnnie Walker Blue.

The Drinks

  • With one sip, you’ll be transported to Rome, Milan or Venice. The cocktail menu at the Montecito restaurant is composed of primarily Italian-inspired libations, such as aperitifs, spritzes and negronis.
  • Not interested in imbibing? Look for the “zero proof” section of the menu for designer mocktails.
  • The wine list is made up of an ever-growing selection of international varietals. This is an extensive list of well-known, sought-after wines.

Amenities
Bar
Brunch
Dinner
Gluten-free options
Kid friendly
Outdoor seating
Reservations recommended
Self-parking
Valet parking
Vegetarian options
Getting There
1773 South Jameson Lane, Montecito, California 93108
TEL805-303-6169