Though wine country started luring sophisticated palates to the Santa Ynez Valley decades ago, the Danish-themed city of Solvang only recently evolved beyond its traditional æbleskivers, sausages, and rye bread. But California’s craft cuisine zeitgeist is finally settling in beneath the thatched roofs and faux windmills, with recent discoveries ranging from Israeli-inspired sourdough to Kyoto-conceived comfort food.
There’s more simmering for 2020 as well. Though her APF Ramen at Hill Haven Provisions closed after a brief run, Golzar Barrera still caters events and hosts the occasional Persian pop-up brunch. Meanwhile, Peasants Feast will go from catering to brick-and-mortar when Sarah and Michael Cherney (Sides Hardware, Mesa Burger, Firestone Walker Taproom) take over the Greenhouse space.
But here’s what you can already find in Solvang today: