Thinking about the great restaurants we’ve reviewed this year leads to a constant discussion at Team Let’s Go Eat HQ: Where should we eat tonight?

Finally it occurred to us: Why limit ourselves to one? Why not combine two or more into some fun evenings strolling from place to place?

With that inspiration, we proudly present a week’s worth of culinary adventures we call …

Seven Nights of Sips and Bites

 Think of it as the Twelve Days of Christmas, but … shorter. And with no annoying french hens or calling birds.

We begin in Santa Barbara’s Lower State Street/Funk Zone area:

Night 1

Start your evening at Margerum Wine Company at 19 E. Mason St. Perhaps pair a Cheese and Charcuterie Board with a glass of the Margerum Trois Blondes white, out on the patio if it’s a nice night.

Next, a short walk up to Aperitivo at 7 W. Haley St. The menu changes each week, but always features creative salads, bruschettas and pasta choices. We often order one of everything (not kidding). Plus an eclectic Italian wine list.

Our final destination is Tondi Gelato, at 401 Paseo Nuevo, for dessert. Try the Kiwi, it’s life-changing.

Night 2

A variation on Night 1 …

Tonight we begin at Aperitivo for drinks and appetizers. We suggest one of the salads, with an agave-wine Italian cocktail.

Then a stroll down to Blackbird Restaurant, at 36 State St. in the Hotel Californian, for our main courses. The Black Cod with Creamed Leeks and the Braised Short Rib are always solid choices.

Finally, a nightcap at Margerum Wine Company for a splash of Margerum Amaro with some of their unique Amaro Ice Cream.

Night 3

This evening, we head uptown a bit to the Arts District, and begin at Satellite, at 1117 State St., by sharing a Yoga Pants Salad with a glass of one of their organic wines.

Next stop is The Daisy, at 1221 State St., for house favorites the Mezze Plate or Farm Grain Bowl. Try them with the Grüner Veltliner. (Side note: The Daisy is also one of our lunchtime go-to places).

Then it’s one block over for leisurely main courses at Secret Bao, 1201 Anacapa St. We suggest the Momma Lee’s Grilled Korean Short Ribs, or the Udon Carbonara. Or both.

Night 4

Staying in the Arts District, we begin with cocktails and appetizers at Sama Sama Kitchen, at 1208 State St. They have many great starters, but we always go straight to the Braised Pork Noodles. And one of their White Negroni cocktails.

But be sure to save room because tonight we’re going fine dining at Bouchon, 9 W. Victoria St., for what they describe as, “The Home Run Experience.” Team LGE favorites include the Wagyu Ribeye and the Duck Confit of Thigh.

And they have a great list of local wines.

Night 5

Join us for a Walk Down Haley Street.

Begin this hearty and satisfying evening at Buena Onda, at 724 E. Haley St., for empanadas and a beer on the charming patio.

Then walk west on Haley, stopping at Twenty-Four Blackbirds, at 428 E. Haley St., to pick up some chocolate for dessert later (try the 12-Piece Truffle Box).

Finally, press on to nearby Third Window, 406 E. Haley St., for some house-made craft beer and one of their very popular Smashburgers, enjoyed in their open-air seating.

Night 6

Time to hit the beach.

Let’s start at Shoreline Beach Café, at 801 Shoreline Drive, with mai tais and nachos in their famous Adirondack chairs, toes in the sand with a great sunset view from Leadbetter Beach.

A lot of people never make it past here, but should you have the fortitude, kick off the sand flies and proceed to one of these two great options:

A) Convivo Restaurant & Bar — at 901 E. Cabrillo Blvd. in the Santa Barbara Inn, across from East Beach — where our favorites include the Charcoal Avocado Salad, the Seaweed Mafaldine Pasta and the Costolette Baby Back Ribs.  

Or …

B) Caruso’s, right on the sand at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, 1759 S. Jameson Lane in Montecito. They offer a variety of tasting menus, all of which we can confirm are superb. 

You might want to ditch the flip-flops, though, as they do have a bit of a dress code here.

Night 7

OK, this technically isn’t a night, but it could turn into it one if you play your cards right …

Hit the Saturday morning Santa Barbara Farmers Market, 119 E. Cota St., where you pick up a loaf of bread at Roan Mills (try the Spelt).

Then walk up to Cheese Shop Santa Barbara, at 827 Santa Barbara St. In addition to bleus, bries and a bottle of good wine, you might add to the picnic basket some salami, olives, Black Truffle Pâté, and house-made chocolate chip cookies.

You’ll be well-supplied, no matter where you’re headed.

So there you have it, intrepid readers: Seven nights of joy and calories, great food, wine and spirits.

Feel free to mix and match as you will. There are no bad choices here.

When You Go

You can find all Team Let’s Go Eat reviews by clicking here, complete with addresses and hours of operation.

And for planning purposes …

No need for reservations: Aperitivo, Buena Onda, Margerum Wine Company, the bar at Sama Sama Kitchen, Satellite, Shoreline Beach Café, The Daisy, Third Window, Tondi and Twenty-four Blackbirds.

Do need reservations: Blackbird Restaurant, Bouchon, Caruso’s, Convivo and Secret Bao.