For 33 years, Downey’s has defined fine dining in Santa Barbara. Just take a look at any Zagat Guide from the past couple of decades, and you’ll see that the State Street restaurant is always atop the list of best places for gourmet food and great service.
Chef and co-owner John Downey’s cuisine is unparalleled. He was born in England and, by age 19, was already cooking for Queen Elizabeth on her ocean liner. He came to Santa Barbara in 1978 with vast knowledge of English, French Nouvelle, and New American cuisine, which he decided to put to use in his namesake restaurant in 1982. His establishment is cozy and extremely personable, all overseen by John’s wife, Liz, whose friendly demeanor and vast knowledge of wine will put any diner at ease.
He stepped away from the kitchen to answer the Proust Questionnaire.