Opal Restaurant & Bar

Name: Opal Restaurant & Bar
Address: 1325 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, 93101-2609
Telephone: (805) 966-9676
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1352 Reviews

$31 to $50

Californian

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(805) 966-9676

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
Website
http://opalrestaurantandbar.com/
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

Location
1325 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2609
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

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Popular dishes

Mixed Gourmet Greens$10.95
campari tomatoes, toasted pinenuts, herb vinaigrette
Butter Lettuce with Gorgonzola$11.95
shaved red onions, herb vinaigrette
Opal Classic Caesar$11.95
fresh grated parmigiano reggiano, garlic herb croutons
Fresh Roasted Red Beets and Grilled Pears$12.95
on baby arugula & watercress. with candied pecans, gorgonzola and our honey balsamic vinaigrette
French Fried Portabello Mushrooms$12.95
truffle oil, balsamic reduction, truffle butter aioli
Asian Glazed Crispy Calamari$15.95
arugula & watercress, almonds, crispy asian noodles
Black Pepper Crusted Seared Rare Ahi$15.95
amazuki salad, crispy wontons, wasabi cream
Pan Seared Fresh Salmon Soft Tacos$17.95
warm flour tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded red & green cabbage, onion strings
Pesto Sauteed Bay Scallop Salad$17.95
toasted pinenuts, fresh parmigiano reggiano, baby spinach, roasted garlic dressing
Shredded Phyllo Wrapped Tiger Prawns$16.95
coconut curry dipping sauce, napa cabbage, mandarins, toasted almonds, julienne vegetables, sesame vinaigrette
Warm Slow Roasted Duck Confit on Portobello Mushroom Ravioli$14.95
toasted macadamia nuts, sun-dried cherries, sage brown butter sauce
Pan Seared Fresh Crab Cake$16.95
tender wild red deepsea crabmeat cake, sesame beurre blanc, wasabi cream, fresh mango salsa, crispy potato strings
Grilled Eggplant & Portobello Mushroom$15.95
mixed greens, goat cheese-pesto crostini, cilantro infused extra virgin olive oil

Pizzas from Our Wood Burning Oven

Shrimp Pizza$19.95
pesto, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, fresh grated parmigiano reggiano and pecorino cheese
Smoked Chicken Pizza$17.95
smoked mozzarella and a chipotle glaze, tomatoes, shaved red onions, fresh cilantro
Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Pizza$18.95
pesto, tomatoes, garlic spinach, shaved red onions, smoked mozzarella
Wild Mushroom Pizza$16.95
Pesto, goat cheese, smoked mozzarella, caramelized onions, red tomato. Arugula, watercress, truffle sea salt
Duck Confit Pizza$19.95
Pesto, caramelized onion, grilled pear, tomato, gorgonzola & smoked mozzarella

Pasta and Other Entrees

gluten free option for all pastas: substitute julienne vegetables for the pasta

Vegetable Napoleon$18.95
gorgonzola potato cake, wild mushrooms, grilled portobello mushroom, grilled eggplant, sauteed garlic spinach, grilled polenta, roasted red peppers, roasted tomato sauce, fresh grated parmigiano reggiano
Grilled Chicken Scallopini Rolled with Goat Cheese and Pesto$18.95
on baby arugula and watercress, w/avocado, tomatoes, herb vinaigrette (entree size)
Sauteed Chicken Penne Pasta with a Homemade Chipotle Cream$18.95
caramelized onions, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, sweet basil, fresh grated parmigiano reggiano
Sauteed Chicken Picatta on Penne Pasta$18.95
lemon beurre blanc, tomatoes, garlic, capers, cilantro, parmigano reggiano
Homemade Basil Fettuccine & Sauteed Shrimp$19.95
pesto, tomatoes, fire roasted red peppers, smoked mozzarella cream sauce
Wild Mushroom Risotto$19.95
fresh asparagus, artichokes, toasted walnuts, freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cream & truffle oil
Pasilla Chile Filet Mignon
whipped truffle butter yukon potatoes, smoked mozzarella, pesto stuffed grilled pasilla chile, roasted garlic & wild mushroom zinfandel sauce
- 6oz$34.95
- 9oz$43.95
Herb Grilled Filet Mignon
whipped truffle butter yukon potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables, port wine marsala and wild mushroom cream sauce
- 6oz$34.95
- 9oz$43.95
14 oz Grilled Ribeye Steak$43.95
tuscan white beans, garlic herb Butter, fresh seasonal vegetables
Grilled Chicken Marsala$22.95
sauteed wild mushrooms, herb risotto, seasonal vegetables, tomato marsala cream sauce
Honey Glazed Roasted Duck$29.95
butternut squash risotto, baby roasted root vegetables, port wine demi glace
Opal's Paella$29.95
bay scallops, shrimp, black mussels, chicken, chorizo sausage, saffron rice, tomatoes, cilantro and anaheim chiles in a garlic herb broth
Sautéed Filet Mignon tips on Spicy Angel Hair Pasta Pomodoro$26.95
W/Ev olive oil, tomatoes, wild mushrooms, roasted garlic, basil, fresh herbs and fresh grated parmesan

Fresh Seafood Entrees

Warm Seafood Salad$20.95
fresh baby spinach and gourmet greens sauteed fresh shrimp, salmon, bay scallops, fresh fish of the day, campari tomatoes, fresh cilantro, roasted garlic dressing
Lemon Grass Crusted Fresh Salmon$29.95
thai curry sauce, sauteed julienne vegetables, caramelized apple & orange zest basmati rice

Kid's Menu

Kid's Pizza$11.95
opal's housemade roasted tomato sauce, mozzarella
Kid's Pasta$11.95
penne pasta, choice of alfredo, butter, or opal's roasted tomato sauce

Dessert

Dessert
ask your server for tonight's selections

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

Noise • Moderate

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

RS
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
GC
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.
OT
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.
JW
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!!
OT
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!
E
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.
m
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.
OT
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.
LD
LarryD
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent time...food great along with great service
SP
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?
F
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.
GK
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.
AH
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!!!!
CI
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.
DD
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!
LH
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.
P
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.
D
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
JB
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
CC
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.
RD
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.
MC
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.
N
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!!
OT
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!
S
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.
L
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.
OT
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.
CE
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!
DP
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.
EM
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.
MG
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!
JU
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!
JC
JimC
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it like always! Great food, staff, atmosphere.
BY
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.
AA
AtlantaAH
Atlanta Metro
49 reviews
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fresh ingredients, inventive and eclectic menu and great service.
DG
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.
h
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...
K
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.
P
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.
C
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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(805) 966-9676

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

Website
http://opalrestaurantandbar.com/
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

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Opal Restaurant & Bar

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Pasilla Chile Filet Mignon

Herb Grilled Filet Mignon

Chile Crusted Filet Mignon

Starters

Mixed Gourmet Greens$10.95

Butter Lettuce with Gorgonzola$11.95

Opal Classic Caesar$11.95

Fresh Roasted Red Beets and Grilled Pears$12.95

French Fried Portabello Mushrooms$12.95

Asian Glazed Crispy Calamari$15.95

Black Pepper Crusted Seared Rare Ahi$15.95

Pan Seared Fresh Salmon Soft Tacos$17.95

Pesto Sauteed Bay Scallop Salad$17.95

Shredded Phyllo Wrapped Tiger Prawns$16.95

Warm Slow Roasted Duck Confit on Portobello Mushroom Ravioli$14.95

Pan Seared Fresh Crab Cake$16.95

Grilled Eggplant & Portobello Mushroom$15.95

Pizzas from Our Wood Burning Oven

Shrimp Pizza$19.95

Smoked Chicken Pizza$17.95

Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Pizza$18.95

Wild Mushroom Pizza$16.95

Duck Confit Pizza$19.95

Pasta and Other Entrees

Vegetable Napoleon$18.95

Grilled Chicken Scallopini Rolled with Goat Cheese and Pesto$18.95

Sauteed Chicken Penne Pasta with a Homemade Chipotle Cream$18.95

Sauteed Chicken Picatta on Penne Pasta$18.95

Homemade Basil Fettuccine & Sauteed Shrimp$19.95

Wild Mushroom Risotto$19.95

Pasilla Chile Filet Mignon

Herb Grilled Filet Mignon

14 oz Grilled Ribeye Steak$43.95

Grilled Chicken Marsala$22.95

Honey Glazed Roasted Duck$29.95

Opal's Paella$29.95

Sautéed Filet Mignon tips on Spicy Angel Hair Pasta Pomodoro$26.95

Fresh Seafood Entrees

Warm Seafood Salad$20.95

Lemon Grass Crusted Fresh Salmon$29.95

Kid's Menu

Kid's Pizza$11.95

Kid's Pasta$11.95

Dessert

Dessert

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Opal Restaurant & Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant rated?

Is Opal Restaurant & Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara