Lulio
Channeling the Spirit of the Mediterranean Coast
PC: Silas Fallstich / The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
At the revitalized Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Lulio offers a fresh dining experience, where Pacific views meet the relaxed ease of the Mediterranean coast. The name Lulio comes from the Greek and Latin words for ‘July,’ evoking an endless summer—think sun-kissed days, coastal breezes and carefree moments. That spirit flows through the ambiance and menu: light, vibrant and refreshing, inviting guests to linger as ocean air mingles with each bite.
PC: Ron Starr / The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Designed to be transportive yet rooted in place, Lulio blends lively Mediterranean flavors with California’s coastal bounty. Inspired by land and sea, the menus offer dishes that honor Mediterranean tradition yet shine with a fresh California perspective—think California Seabass with green harissa and charred tomatoes; Citrus Beet Salad with local lettuces, sunflower-pistachio crisp and tahini yogurt; and Ouzo Rigatoni with tomato and kefalotyri cheese. “From the house-made crackers and olives that begin the meal to the loukoumades and coffee that conclude it, every dish elicits the essence of the Mediterranean coast,” shares Gabrielle Wojcik, Director of Food & Beverage.
PC: Silas Fallstich / The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The restaurant’s beverage menu echoes this philosophy with a curated selection of wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options, all place-driven. The wine list balances a mix of sought-after local labels with benchmark global producers, each chosen to complement the coastal Mediterranean cuisine.
Equally notable is the cocktail program, defined by bright flavors and local ingredients. “We focus on bringing a sense of place to every drink,” explains Phillip Kuhns, Beverage Manager. Highlights include The Taverna Margarita, made with Ventura Spirits Limoncello and a smoked sea salt rim; The Seaside Spritz, a floral, effervescent blend of orange blossom water, Atost and Chandon Garden Spritz; and the Lefko “White” Negroni, finished tableside with butterfly pea flower tea to mirror the sun setting over the ocean.
PC: Ron Starr / The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
At Lulio, every detail—from the food and wine to the cocktails and elegant atmosphere—has been thoughtfully crafted to capture the spirit of endless summer. “Whether joining for breakfast, lunch or dinner, dining at Lulio is meant to feel like stepping into a beautiful summer day on the coast,” concludes Wojcik.