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French Riviera Vibes in Montecito
What to know, what to wear and what to order at Bar Lou.
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Welcome to Chow Now, giving you a sneak peek and insider tips for new restaurants we're super excited about.
Escape to the South of France at Brandon Boudet and Warner Ebbink’s new French Riviera-inspired spot. Here’s everything you need to know before you go:
What to Know
Bar Lou just hit Montecito, and trust us — you’ll want to book a table stat. The dream team of Brandon Boudet and Warner Ebbink (you know them from Little Dom’s Seafood in Carpinteria and the iconic Little Dom’s in L.A.) brings French Riviera vibes straight to this effortlessly chic seaside town. Think: a casual transport to the South of France without the TSA drama.
The aesthetic? California bungalow meets Parisian bistro. We're talking four intimate dining rooms, an outdoor patio dripping in lush greenery, a fireplace and bronze doors that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor. Inside, it’s dark green tones, mirrored walls and honey-hued leather booths. The vintage French oak floors? Chef’s kiss. With an Icelandic marble bar top and vintage art sprinkled throughout, the atmosphere is effortlessly chic and undeniably cool.
What to Wear
Every product on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
DIFF Eyewear Macchiato Brown Becky II Sunglasses
Designed in Southern California and handcrafted with designer materials each pair of frames is made with exceptionally high standards for quality and social responsibility.
$105
Pomander Place Gardenia Hart Shirt Dress
The Gardenia Hart Shirt Dress is making all of our coastal dreams come true. With dramatically chic bell sleeves and navy contrast trim, this mini is begging to be taken on a weekend adventure.
$102
Clare V Pot De Miel with Bamboo Handle
Clare V combines classic shapes with modern details and Parisian charm. Both durable and chic, the collection has an enduring, unique appeal.
$215
Free People Montecito Set
So simple and sweet, this feminine set features a soft fabrication and striped design with a short-sleeve top and matching mini skort.
$100
Canvas Tote Bag In Escape
Aside from being the cutest bag ever, this tote is the perfect size to hold all of your vacation necessities.
$37
What to Order
Bar Lou’s menu marries central coast cuisine with European and South of France-inspired flavors, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and farm(and sea)-to-table dishes. The wine list showcases over 30 varietals from France and California, available by the glass or bottle, perfectly paired with next-level cocktails.
Smoked Black Cod Smørrebrød
Dill pollen crème fraîche and pickled fennel, served open-faced on gluten-free bread.
Santa Barbara Sea Urchin Spaghetti
Made with locally sourced uni and Spaghettini tossed in a sauce of melted leeks, garlic, white wine, calabrese chili and crème fraîche.
Steak au Poivre & Frites
Featuring a peppercorn crusted, six-ounce angus beef tenderloin.
California Caviar
With house-made russet potato chips and French-inspired herbs crème fraîche.
Guillotine
Bourbon, allspice dram, genepy and lemon.
