Overnight guests at The Santa Ynez Inn are welcomed to enjoy a memorable, delicious, home-cooked breakfast each morning of their stay. Chef Heather Lee Henry, who has enjoyed successful stints at Grey Eagle Lodge in Graegle, California and The Porch Restaurant at the Los Olivos Grocery, has created a wide, dizzying array of traditional and neo-traditional breakfast dishes, providing guests with truly gourmet dishes from which to choose.

Guests are ushered into the French-county influenced dining area, replete with a glowing fireplace, comfortable chairs and artistically-appointed tables. Guests may choose to sit in front of the open fire during their meal, or can cozy up to a window-seat, with a view of Santa Ynez's charming country streets. Larger groups may share one of the community tables. Even when the dining room is full of breakfast guests, the acoustics in the room afford the guests the luxury of having private conversations without having to raise their voices above the din of any noise. Because the Santa Ynez Inn does not provide breakfast to non-overnight guests, the dining area is always quiet, well-staffed and intimate.

Once seated, the staff provides guests with several breakfast entree choices, as well as the choice of a Continental breakfast, complete with Chef Henry's hand-made granola and her hand-baked scones and muffins. A favorite among guests is the Italian Eggs Benedict, with two eggs and Italian Sausage on an Italian Baguette with fresh Pesto sauce. Yet another choice includes the Black Forest Ham and Gruyere Crepes with eggs and Grilled Heirloom Tomatoes. Chef Henry can also create made-to-order omelets, and often creates omelets using only egg-whites, for guests with special dietary needs. Guests who would rather start the day by nurturing a sweet tooth can revel in Chef Henry's sumptuous French Toast with Gingered Peaches and Cream.

While the dining room is elegant, warm and welcoming, guests may choose to receive their breakfast in their room. For a nominal $5.00 room service fee, guests may enjoy their breakfast, quite literally, in bed. Breakfast is served 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.