Little Mountain: A Cozy Haven in Montecito

Chef Diego Moya has opened Little Mountain in Montecito, California, after a long career in various prestigious kitchens. Originally from Chile, Moya’s experience includes notable restaurants like Astrid y Gastón in Peru, and Casa Mono in New York City. He moved to California seeking a different pace and lifestyle, driven by a desire to create a dining experience reflective of the region’s coastal grilling traditions.

Little Mountain occupies the former Montecito Wine Bistro, which had been vacant during the pandemic. Moya describes Montecito as an area lived in by many celebrities but explains that its residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. With a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, about 95% of the restaurant’s produce comes from local farmers, particularly from a partnership with Hollister Ranch.

The restaurant features a hearth at its center, where Moya cooks a variety of dishes, emphasizing vegetables. Currently, a standout item on the menu is a salad consisting of black coco shelling beans and hearth-roasted delicata squash, enhanced with an innovative vinaigrette made from miso and passionfruit. Another unique dish is a Basque cheesecake infused with traditional Mexican flavors.

The wine list at Little Mountain prioritizes small, sustainable producers, with a strong representation from the Santa Barbara region. The initial list contains over 100 selections, focusing mainly on French wines, but Moya plans to expand it with an off-site cellar as the restaurant grows.

The restaurant’s design reflects Spanish Colonial architecture, featuring rustic and inviting materials that create a warm atmosphere. With seating for about 120 guests, it includes a cozy outdoor patio and a private dining space.

In addition to Little Mountain, Ilili, a celebrated Lebanese restaurant, has unveiled a new location in Midtown Manhattan. Founded by chef Philippe Massoud in 2007, the original Ilili gained fame for its authentic Lebanese cuisine. The new Midtown location features a contemporary Mediterranean menu and a wine list rich in Lebanese offerings, emphasizing diversity and unique regional flavors, alongside a selection of well-known Old World wines.

This expansion of both restaurants to diverse locations showcases a commitment to thoughtful cooking and unique wine pairings, enticing food and wine enthusiasts to explore new culinary experiences.

For further details on the restaurants mentioned, check:

• Little Mountain
• Ilili NYC

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!