At 731 De La Guerra Plaza in downtown Santa Barbara, something special is simmering—but it’s not quite ready to serve just yet. Aegean Santa Barbara, the much-anticipated new restaurant from acclaimed chef and storyteller Efe Onoglu, will soon open its doors. Until then, eager diners are encouraged to visit www.aegeansb.com for the latest updates and opening announcements.
Chef Efe is no stranger to international kitchens—he’s cooked professionally across four continents, absorbing traditions and techniques from around the world. But his deepest culinary inspiration remains close to home: his family. “Cooking connects me to my grandfather,” he shares. “Those beautiful memories created around a table are the foundation of everything I do.”
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Chef Efe in person, and it’s no exaggeration to say that his warmth and generosity are as memorable as his food. He speaks about his dishes with a quiet passion that makes you lean in and listen—and when you taste them, you understand why. Every bite is personal, soulful, and rooted in story. His food is not just delicious—it’s expressive…