Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Montecito is designed to be an oasis of calm and refinement, reflecting the natural beauty of its surroundings. The restaurant is tucked away in a quiet part of Montecito. Furnished according to a minimalist,
Japanese design principle of ‘wabi-sabi’—finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection—the space creates a feeling of peace.
The intimate restaurant has space for just 10 guests at a time, all seated at a single sushi counter, creating connections between the diners and the chefs, and a sense of theater as each course is prepared and presented with meticulous attention to detail. The sushi counter is made from polished wood, while soft lighting sets guests at ease. The ambiance is enhanced by carefully curated, unintrusive music.
The overall mood at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants is one of quiet sophistication. The limited seating ensures an exclusive experience but also allows the chefs to engage with guests, explaining the inspiration and ingredients behind each course. This personal interaction is a hallmark of the restaurant, making each visit feel like a culinary journey tailored to the tastes and curiosities of each guest.
There are Sushi by Scratch restaurants in New York, Austin, Chicago, Seattle, and other cities across the US.
Frankland Lee is the creative force behind Sushi by Scratch Restaurants, and his culinary journey is as diverse and unconventional as the dishes he creates. A Los Angeles native, he began his career in the kitchen young, working his way up from line cook to executive chef. His early experiences in a variety of culinary settings—from fine-dining restaurants to bustling kitchens—shaped his eclectic and innovative approach to cooking.
He is a self-taught chef who has drawn inspiration from a broad spectrum of culinary traditions, seamlessly blending this into his distinctive style. His foray into sushi is testament to his versatility and willingness to push boundaries. Frankland Lee’s approach to sushi is unorthodox, blending traditional techniques with his unique flair for combining flavors and textures in unexpected ways. This has resulted in a sushi experience that is both familiar and surprising, appealing to both purists and those looking for something new and exciting.
Before opening Sushi by Scratch Restaurants, Frankland Lee gained widespread recognition for his other ventures within the Scratch Restaurants group, including Scratch|Bar & Kitchen and The Gadarene Swine. These restaurants earned critical acclaim for their inventive menus and commitment to using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Lee’s reputation as a boundary-pushing chef has only grown with the success of his sushi concepts, where he continues to challenge and delight diners with his innovative take on traditional Japanese cuisine.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Montecito has earned a reputation as one of the premier sushi destinations in California, earning accolades from critics and the public. The restaurant’s innovative approach to sushi, and its intimate and immersive dining experience, has made it stand out in a crowded culinary landscape.
The restaurant has been featured in numerous prestigious food publications and praised for its exceptional quality and the creativity of its omakase menus. In particular, Sushi by Scratch Restaurants has been lauded for its ability to blend tradition with innovation, offering a sushi experience that feels authentic and modern. As Sushi by Scratch Restaurants continues to grow and evolve, it has a bright future with even more recognition and accolades sure to follow.
