Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Santa Barbara
  5. Santa Barbara
Opal Restaurant & Bar, Santa Barbara, CA

Opal Restaurant & Bar

4.7
4.7
1361 Reviews
$31 to $50
Californian
Limited Inside and Outside dining. Choose Outside Dining or Standard for inside dining. Either choice is a commitment to dine in that area.
To accommodate our second seating, early parties should plan for a maximum stay of 1.5 to 2hrs, depending on party size. Please call 805 966 9676 for more details.
A popular local’s favorite, opal restaurant & bar’s Eclectic California Cuisine fuses creative world cuisine influences with American Regional touches, from a 14 oz. Herb-Grilled Ribeye Steak on Tuscan White Beans, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas, fresh Baked Breads, imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts.
We have a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, & a full bar with seasonal Craft Cocktails.
Our entire dining room staff assists to take care of each table, enabling exceptional service in a warm engaging manner, properly nuanced to your mood & taste. Our staff genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Californian, Fusion / Eclectic, American

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (805) 966-9676

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Felipe Barajas

  • Private party facilities

    We can accommodate 45+ guests on one side of the restaurant, and 65+ on the other : 110 total. Either side reservable for semi or private dining.To book a large group or banquet (15 or more guests), contact our banquet management team for more details by clicking on the Banquet inquiries tab below and filling out the Banquet Contact Form there.

  • Private party contact

    Kristin : (805) 966-9676

  • Neighborhood

    Santa Barbara

  • Cross street

    Sola Street

  • Parking details

    Street Parking available on Sola Street and State Street. There is also a large public lot on Chapala Street between Victoria and Sola Streets, and a lot on the corner of Chapala and Sola Streets

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,361 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Californian

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Overall

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Food

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Service

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Value

  • Santa Barbara

    Neighborhood gem

  • Santa Barbara

    Lively

Sort by

  1. Frequentdiner

    Central Coast

    99 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    99 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We were seated in side room which it’s quite dark, prefer main dining room. Also I’d called the day before to switch our reservation from outside to inside but when we arrived , hostess said no note was in reservation which was disappointing. Perhaps why we got placed in side room bc no table available in main room.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Barbara

    Central Coast

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Outstanding dinner! Cocktails were some of the best we have had. Choices were numerous and food was outstanding and delicious. Service was so nice. We hadn't been back here since before the pandemic. We will definitely come back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  3. DeniseS

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate at Opal three out of the four evenings we were in Santa Barbara. I doubt there is anything unsatisfactory on the menu. We especially enjoyed the phyllo wrapped prawns and the other appetizer with scallops. The staff was very friendly too. You won’t regret dining at Opal.

    Is this helpful?

  4. MartinR

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I have been going to Opals for dinner for many years when we visit Santa Barbara. It is part of our experience of being in this City. The food and service has always been excellent. Although the prices have not been low, by any means, the whole experience of dining here is well worth the cost.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Visiting family and took my mom and 3 aunts to dinner. One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Really special night. Service, food and ambiance all outstanding. We didn’t want to leave! I look forward to returning on my next trip to Santa Barbara!

    Is this helpful?

  6. DickC

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

    Is this helpful?

  7. PaulN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy Opal. We have a dog and appreciate the outdoor seating. The food is always great and the service top notch. It can be a little bit windy and noisy due to state street bicyclists and skateboarders but the ambience is usually very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Lagandelro

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Opal was very accommodating for a surprise birthday celebration.

    Is this helpful?

  9. RandallS

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Love the place definitely going back next time we’re in the neighborhood thumbs up

    Is this helpful?

  10. GeraldineC

    Central Coast

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great! Nice ambiance. The service was good and they're very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and excellent service. Need more beer variety though.

    Is this helpful?

  12. JimW

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service, reasonably priced. Not much more to say!!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great experience for an after-graduation celebration. Our server Karla was exceptional. The staff were friendly and helpful. Food was off the charts. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  14. Eatsoutalot

    Indiana

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Nice restaurant. Good food. Noisy. Chose to sit inside to stay warm, one server kept propping door open letting cold air in.

    Is this helpful?

  15. mickey

    Central Coast

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful meal and such a great menu, Also bread is fabulous and served warm.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice menu,service excellent and friendly.Food delicious.Atmosphere lovely.

    Is this helpful?

  17. LarryD

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent time...food great along with great service

    Is this helpful?

  18. SusanP

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary last night at Opal and couldn't have had a better experience. The food was delicious, the environment was lovely and the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Who could ask for more?

    Is this helpful?

  19. Flossie17

    Los Angeles

    93 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    93 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent selection of food in each category. I go to eat at this restaurant at least once a month. It is consistently wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

  20. GreggK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    We had a nice meal, food was good, service was very fast, and we were moved in and out quickly.

    Is this helpful?

  21. AlanH

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and excellent service! All four of our dinners were delicious. GET THE CHOCOLATE SURPRISE!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  22. CIII

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delightful restaurant. Welcoming, innovative menu that is well-prepared. Gracious and efficient staff. This restaurant is at the top of my "go to" list in Santa Barbara.

    Is this helpful?

  23. DiDi

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great food! The salmon with julienned veggies and coconut curry was outstanding. The salmon was moist and perfectly cooked! We had a mushroom pizza as an appetizer, and it was delicious! My husband had the filet mignon with herbs, and he said it was perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  24. LynneH

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Food was tasty and plated well; however, overall experience was below average. Although we had a reservation and arrived to a nearly empty restaurant, the hostess wanted to seat us at a crooked little table that was awkwardly positioned in a doorway. She agreed to seat us at a different table but the interaction was odd. Our server was also devoid of any charm or personality. He provided minimal service, which was fine since talking with him was awkward. The staff’s lack of warmth and professionalism made our experience less than stellar for what should have been a lovely meal.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Peaches

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Our waiter was awesome!!!! Food was delicious and flavorful. Highly recommend Opal.

    Is this helpful?

  26. Davethediner

    San Diego

    275 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    275 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed our dinner - helpful knowledgeable server who gave us some good ideas - we both had great dinners - really nice evening

    Is this helpful?

  27. JackieB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place for my birthday celebration Will visit on my next trip to Santa Barbara

    Is this helpful?

  28. CaptainCuisine

    Los Angeles

    113 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    113 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Seated inside, early. Server was very nice, did a great job explaining specials, brought the wine right away, was very professional getting specific details of our orders; but that was it, no water request, thus had to flag down busboy after food delivery to get same. No callbacks, then plates sat empty, wine glasses empty until busboy finally cleared the table upon request, again. Server was super busy working outside patio. Poor management decision to split her duties like that. Food prep and quality were excellent; but desire for dessert had waned after long wait with empty plates and empty wine glasses in front of us. Can’t fault our server, she was moving quickly; but one of the two other servers was standing around waiting for customers. Hint to management: when customers’ meals are complete, wine glass and water glasses are empty, it is time for ANY server on the floor to first of all, be aware of what is going on at the next station and tell management, time for the busboy to ask to clear plates, time then for the busboy to inform the server AND floor manager of that fact and time for management to make a table check along with an apology for failure to be on top of an overloaded server. Things have repeatedly been much better in the past.

    Is this helpful?

  29. RussellD

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We eat light. My wife had the warm scallop salad and I had the warm seafood salad (salmon & shrimp to go with the scallops). Couple glasses of Bishop's Peak Pinot Noir to go with and we were happy campers. Love Opal.

    Is this helpful?

  30. MeredithC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, drinks, and great service. Love coming here every time I’m in town.

    Is this helpful?

  31. arielN

    Seattle

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really loved this funky and quaint restaurant. The food and service were wonderful. We started with the phyllo wrapped prawns which were delightful-the perfect amount of curry in the sauce. I ordered an entree size of the crab cakes…i always hesitate ordering these for fear they will be more bread than crab but not in this case. Bar none the best crab cakes I have ever had! My husband had the duck…very flavorful although could have been rendered a bit more. Overall a wonderful experience!!

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing food, drinks, and service. Our waiter was incredibly attentive and helpful. Craft cocktails were expertly made and the food was top notch!

    Is this helpful?

  33. Satisfied

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was excellent. Service great. Friendly staff and all were attentive of all the tables and needs, not just theirs. Location was good and easy to navigate.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Lindyloo

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was all very lovely evening for our crowd of ladies. We enjoyed the easy parking and outside seating.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Birthday Celebration Birthday Boy wanted a steak and Opal came highly recommended, it was a Great steak!, marinated and cooked to perfection. Seafood Salad always fresh and delicious. We enjoyed our dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  36. ClintE

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Where do I begin? The staff was very polite and accommodating for the plans I had for my Fiancé’s Birthday. The food was excellent and the drinks were sharp. We felt very cared for. Thank you, Opal Staff!

    Is this helpful?

  37. DennisP

    Orange County

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a delight. Great food and service . We travel to SB 4-5 X per year and always come here . Run don’t walk to get in.

    Is this helpful?

  38. EmMaJ

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A classic! Entire dinner experience for four (two couples) was flawless. Will be returning again and again.

    Is this helpful?

  39. MaryG

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    OPAL is CONSISENTLY EXCELLENT ACROSS THE BOARD. WE HAVE BEEN DINING AT OPAL FOR MANY YEARS!. DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED!

    Is this helpful?

  40. JaneU

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anytime we visit Santa Barbara, Opal is a must for dinner. It never disappoints!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Opal Restaurant & Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 966-9676.

Opal Restaurant & Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 1361 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today
Google Map for Opal Restaurant & Bar

1325 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2609

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Sola Street

  • Neighborhood

    Santa Barbara

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Californian, Fusion / Eclectic, American

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking available on Sola Street and State Street. There is also a large public lot on Chapala Street between Victoria and Sola Streets, and a lot on the corner of Chapala and Sola Streets

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Felipe Barajas

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (805) 966-9676

  • Private party facilities

    We can accommodate 45+ guests on one side of the restaurant, and 65+ on the other : 110 total. Either side reservable for semi or private dining.To book a large group or banquet (15 or more guests), contact our banquet management team for more details by clicking on the Banquet inquiries tab below and filling out the Banquet Contact Form there.

  • Private party contact

    Kristin : (805) 966-9676

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo