Some people love surprises, some people don’t. But if you love discovering bold new flavors, exotic foreign cuisines, and creative takes on traditional dishes, you have to be willing to be surprised. It’s this adventurous spirit that keeps my passion for food alive and drives me to keep exploring the dining scene. 

This adventurousness manifests in many ways, but I want to share one shining example today. It’s one that you may already subscribe to, but if it isn’t, then consider this an invitation to try something different. So, what is this pillar of the adventurous dining philosophy? I don’t think it actually has a name, but you’ll understand immediately what I’m talking about. It’s finding an eatery that is completely unexpected in its particular locale. We’ve all experienced this. Sometimes, it occurs within a single restaurant – Chinese food AND donuts? 

But for my purposes here, I simply want to draw your attention to a trio of restaurants that might seem out of place where they’re located, and yet in their defiance of convention, these stellar establishments are among my must-try dining destinations. 

Yume Sushi (Sushi in Old Town Calabasas?)

Off the 101 Freeway, deep in the west end of The Valley, there’s a few blocks of Calabasas Road that could double as a frontier town in a John Ford Western. Old Town Calabasas may best be epitomized by the famed Sagebrush Cantina, which showcases live music and gives off a Rhinestone Cowboy vibe. One imagines entering the saloon and being asked, “What’ll it be, pardner?” 

Hardly the sort of place where you’d expect to cross the street for some yellowtail sushi and a glass of sake, right? But that’s exactly where Yume is located. “Yume” is Japanese for “dream” and that sort of sums up this idea of what I’m talking about. 

Nothing stimulates the appetite like a touch of umami on the palate, and Yume offers the perfect starter with a Miso broth loaded with tiny shiitake mushrooms. And to continue with the theme of unexpectedness, try the corn tempura. Enjoy with some truffle edamame and you’re set.

You’ve no doubt tried every kind of fish that could possibly be sliced into sushi. But have you? Let’s continue with the idea of unexpectedness, as I propose something unusual: Halibut sashimi. You read that right. In fact, it seems every dish at Yume provides a unique twist or a splash of something unexpected.

That philosophy is even apparent in the cocktails. They offer a delicious take on a Paper Plane, substituting a Japanese whisky for bourbon. And then there’s a delightful version of a Long Island Iced Tea, which glows lime green and goes down way too easily. 

Mistura (Peruvian in Downtown San Luis Obispo?)

Downtown SLO is bustling with restaurants. There’s a fantastic barbecue joint, some great burger spots, an al fresco Mexican place with good cocktails, a fun pizzeria with a huge selection of local beers, and even a few excellent fine dining options. And then there’s Mistura.

The concept of the restaurant (the Andes-meets-the Central Coast) involves combining native Incan influences with touches of Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. There’s something both modern and ancient about the way in which Chef Nicola Allegretta goes about sourcing ingredients. Mistura adheres to strict sustainability practices. All poultry, fish, beef, and pork are sourced locally and must be free-range, organic, and non-hormone-treated. 

Ramen Kotori (Ramen in Scandivanian-themed Solvang?) 

Nestled among the myriad bakeries in the heart of this charming Danish enclave is an anomaly of a takeout joint, or so it would seem at first glance. When you think of Solvang patio dining, you probably picture Cogenhagen Sausage Garden, whether you’ve even been there or not. If you’re conjuring images of beers and brats communal-style, you get the idea. Now sub out the bratwurst for ramen and poke, and the picnic benches and tables for bistro-style umbrella tables, and you’ve got Kotori Ramen. 

When you stop to consider the impact of East Asian cuisine on Southern California, it makes perfect sense, not to mention the visitors from the other side of the Pacific who help feed the local economy of tourist-centric towns such as this.

The name translates as “Little Bird,” and is run by the husband-and-wife team of Francisco and Erica Velazquez. The menu features classic Japanese favorites such as Karaage chicken, bao buns, gyoza, Hamachi hand rolls, and more. Among the specials are fresh whole Santa Barbara uni, served in the shell. Of course, it’s the ramen that draws the crowds. Whether you go for the spicy Tan Tan, Shoyu, vegetarian Miso or my favorite, the Tonkotsu, you’ll probably look around in amazement that you’re in the middle of a Scandinavian village and not in Little Tokyo. 

The beverage menu is an entire page of treats including a variety of teas, mango juice, lychee oolong Boba and Japanese and American soft drinks, as well as sake and soju, and an incredible list of beers that is better than most bars in the area.