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Opal Restaurant & Bar, Santa Barbara, CA

Opal Restaurant & Bar

4.7
4.7
1352 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 35 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 1,352 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 Service

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Value

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for business meals

  • Santa Barbara

    Healthy

  • Santa Barbara

    Neighborhood gem

  • Santa Barbara

    Great for fine wines

  • Santa Barbara

    Lively

Sort by

  1. RandallS

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

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

    Central Coast

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great! Nice ambiance. The service was good and they're very nice.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!!
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. LarryD

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent time...food great along with great service
  10. 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?
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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!!!!
  14. 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.
  15. 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!
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!!
  24. 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!
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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!
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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!
  32. 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!
  33. JimC

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it like always! Great food, staff, atmosphere.
  34. BarbaraY

    Los Angeles

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rachael and her team were attentive and fun to talk to. The food was exceptional. Chicken Marsala was delightful. But most importantly our filets were done to perfection. Rachael was spot on on her fineness. We will be back.
  35. AtlantaAH

    Atlanta Metro

    49 reviews

    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fresh ingredients, inventive and eclectic menu and great service.
  36. DanielG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Opals is always a five star experience.we have been enjoying Opals for over 10 years. Perhaps our favorite restaurant in the entire world.
  37. hurried

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My personal criteria for excellent cooking is the vegetables. The broccoli and filet beans were perfectly done, and the mashed potatoes were great. I'd be happy to come back again for another meal, sooner the better...
  38. Kate

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really loved our Opal experience. The restaurant is beautiful, with a great bar. The staff were friendly and attentive, in just the right way. The food and food choices are excellent. Definitely make a reservation, they are always busy. Highly recommend.
  39. Pescatarian

    Central Coast

    59 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Consistently good food and service. Now, my favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara.
  40. Chris

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    All the food was delicious and perfectly prepared. We love Opal and the food.

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 1352 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 35 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

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