I need help from the Fodorites in finding a special restaurant in Santa Barbara. My wife and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My husband and I spent a wonderful 2nd year anniversary 2 weeks ago at Stella Mares, a lovely french country style restaurant. What a delight. The ambiance, food, and service were excellent. After dinner, head over to the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito for music & drinks. Another choice is El Encanto (pricey, but great views), and Stonehouse at San Ysidro. All three restaurants are charming and romantic. Stella Mares: www.stellamares.com

You might want to check out SB's very own informative restaurant review site: Nippers.

All good suggestions above. If you'd like to sample Michel Richard's lovely French cuisine, you could add Citronelle to the list, but it's not terribly romantic. Think my first choice might be El Encanto.

Debbie is right on the money, or plate, as it were ...

El Encanto probably has the best views (have a drink on the patio), but I think the other suggestions are far superior in terms of food. Kam's suggestion of Citronelle is also a good one. You might try lunch there and save dinner for a "warmer" setting.

Other great places to consider would be The Wine Cask and Downey's. (Wine Cask has be better atmosphere.) Sage & Onion has only been open a few months and is getting rave reviews. Sorry I haven't tried it yet so I don't have a sense of how appropriate/romantic it might be for your anniversary.

Congratulations on your 25th. I'm sure your time here will be sterling.

Downey's, without question! This is a really lovely and very good small restaurant with impeccable food and service. I didn't enjoy Citronelle the one time I was there. Big and noisy (I guess the Beautiful People like it), with only mediocre food. Congratulations! Dick