Sojourner Cafe

134 E Canon Perdido Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7922
http://www.sojournercafe.com

Reviewed 6/26/2009

Disclaimer: I am biased towards vegetarian places.

I was told before coming here that this place was just okay. So I wasn't expecting too much.

Had the biriyani stew and carob drink and they hit the spot. It was a true comfort-food experience, vegetarian style.

It's a bit of a shabby place that is trying to look appealingly bohemian (I think?), but it doesn't quite pull it off. But I will definitely go there again for the food. Plus it's a respite from the frou frou on State Street, with a perfect view of the Santa Barbara Mission. Surreal indeed.

Zaytoon

209 E Canon Perdido St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-1293

Reviewed June 26, 2009

This place is preening with charm.

Fireplaces, waterfalls, adorable lighting, indoor and alfresco options, pretty flowers, and gorgeous food.

Lighting inside

Plus the food is yummy. Three of us shared the Vegetarian Feast, which was just the right portion for three reasonably-hungry-but-not-famished adults.

Inside

Faves:
Labneh- creamy and thick
Hummus- wonderful smoked flavor
Tabbouleh--almost entirely parsley--delicious

Service was reasonable. I didn't get any eye contact, but that could have been because I was with The Good-Looking Couple. It was, at least, efficient.

Our bread basket caught on fire, so watch the flames.

And if you sit by the mini-waterfall, make sure your hearing is good so you can hear the dinner conversation.