I couldn't believe how many fun and unique restaurants were in Solvang! After some research we decided on First & Oak for a nice birthday dinner. We picked the 5 course tasting menu and were so glad we did! We truly enjoyed each of the unique bites offered and really loved the fresh flavors. There were some very memorable dishes throughout this dinner and I highly recommend you try them out if you're in town. read more

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It's been a couple of years since we last visited First and Oak. The servers were polite, but a bit slow at times. They also have a fixed course meal now with either a 3 course of 5 course meal. Changes periodically based on what food product they have. Prices have definitely gone up since the last time we visited with the 5 course meal now at $95/pp. wine bottles start at $55 up to $250. Food presentation and explanation of each dish was great and if you have dietary restrictions, let the server know up front so the chefs can accommodate. If you are in Solvang looking for a special occasion restaurant, First and Oak is a solid choice. read more

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First and oak is a beautiful restaurant and the first Michelen recognized in the area and for good reason. The food was delicious with a lovely presentation and the three course menu was perfectly filling. I especially enjoyed the carrot mole with forbidden rice which was cooked to perfection. The carrot puré had a spicy kick that paired well with the rice. Our server was attentive and extremely nice and the atmosphere was old world elegance - a delightful spot to spend a special evening. My only recommendation would be to have some type of palate cleanser after the powerfully flavored first course. Other than that, magnificent! read more

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We went for an early dinner, and the staff welcomed us warmly, giving us the most adorable window-side spot. I still can't get over the breathtaking view--it truly set the tone for the evening! We opted for the three-course vegetarian menu, and it was an interesting experience. * The first course was absolutely mind-blowing--creative, flavorful, and a perfect start to the meal. * The main course was a pasta dish with butter and squash--a unique take, though it was just okay for us. * Dessert was a showstopper. My husband and I chose different desserts, and both were so refined, intricate, and delicious that we found ourselves wanting more! One downside was that they don't offer a non-alcoholic pairing menu, just regular sodas, which felt like a missed opportunity. That being said, I can see why Michelin has recognized them. Their menu is original, thoughtfully curated, and full of rich, defined flavors. While not every dish was a hit for us, the experience overall was still very special, thanks to the stunning ambiance, warm hospitality, and beautifully crafted dishes. read more

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We were celebrating and First & Oak has vegan options - the deciding factor for the birthday boy. It's a gourmet, very fine, classy and expensive restaurant attached to a small inn, and smart-casual dress is adequate. The service from everyone was gracious, accommodating and respectful. We ordered from their three-course menu and that was more than enough for us - they also offered a five-course menu. My wife never enjoyed oysters as much as theirs. My younger son and I were equally impressed by their beef fillet over succotash, so it didn't need the au jus served with it, but it was just another taste option. And this menu was all about tasting. Most were very good-to-great, except for me the carrot molé was too spicy and the passion fruit compote was too sweet. We also enjoyed their homemade sourdough bread and garlic butter. My wife loved their chenin blanc wine and I loved their Austrian lager. It seemed obvious to us that they try to offer la crème de la crème of everything. read more

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Surprised a Michelin Star restaurant was located in Solvang of all places. The wait staff are professional and live up to the service standards expected from a Michelin Star experience. The host/receptionist were polite but cold. They acted like they're used to seeing particular regulars. I ordered a three-course dinner. First course: They didn't have the course I wanted. So we ended up getting cauliflower and beets. The cauliflower was excellent, which is surprising since I don't usually like cauliflower. The beets disappointed me, but I liked that they were topped with meringue. The second course I had a fish of the day and a beef tenderloin. The beef tenderloin was great. The fish was even better. Especially the soup that came with it. Dessert was a weak link as well. My cake was nothing special. The meringue with honeycomb was delicious. read more

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I came here with two friends, and we had an absolutely wonderful time! I loved their tasting menu, and we chose to do the wine pairing. Be forewarned, the wine pairing will get you drunk if you are a lightweight like me! The wines were lovely, the food was excellent, the ambience is beautiful. This is the perfect special occasion place, or come here for no reason. I would come back to Solvang just to eat here. read more

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My girlfriend and I were visiting Solvang the weekend before Thanksgiving and happened to stay at the Mirabelle Inn. Part of the reason I booked our stay there was because I had noticed first and Oak was downstairs. We had made a reservation for Sunday night at 7:30. We arrived right on time and were promptly seated. The restaurant itself is on the first floor of the hotel right by the front entrance. It quaint, and cozy - perfect for an intimate dinner with your partner or dinner with a smaller group. The menu is split between two tasting menus - a three course option and a five course option, both of which showcase the ingredients native to the Santa Ynez Valley. We ended up going with the five course menu. One thing to note, the staff were extremely flexible with the menu and have alternatives for any dietary restrictions members of your party may have. My girlfriend is vegetarian and the staff effortlessly replaced items on the tasting menu with tasteful and elegant alternatives. Course by course breakdown: For our first course, I got the oyster and my girlfriend got a vegetarian starter of a watermelon crudo. This oyster was one of best oysters I've had in my lifetime - the tomatillo gelee was a perfect accoutrement that cut through the saltiness and brininess of the oyster. I only wish there were more on the plate. The watermelon crudo was refreshing and light - a good vegetarian alternative to whet the appetite In the second course I got the hamachi crudo and girlfriend got a little gem salad with green goddess dressing. The hamachi crudo visually was elegant and came together very well. The highlight of this course though was surprisingly the little gem salad. My girlfriend says she still dreams about that green goddess dressing. It was nutty, salty and rich - a salad has no business being this good. I'd try asking for this as an alternative if you can. The third course was our last starter - the vegetarian option was the truffle roasted cauliflower and the non veg option was seared scallop. The truffle roasted cauliflower was another stand out vegetarian option - the flavors were all super punchy while remaining well balanced. The scallop was also amazing - seared to perfection , and played really well with the creamy corn espuma. For our entree, I got the beef tenderloin and my girlfriend got the ricotta cavatelli. The pasta was fresh and had a good bite to it. The flavor profile was a nice balance between sweet and savory. The beef tenderloin was delicious - cooked to a perfect medium. It was extremely savory and went really well with the potato puree and chard. To wrap up our meal i got the wine cake with braised plum and my girlfriend got the chocolate and honey. Honestly ... it was perfection. On top of all of the incredible food we had during the meal - the service here was top notch. Everyone was extremely attentive and tended to any asks we had. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience at First and Oak. Even if you are not staying at the Mirabelle Inn, this is a can't miss dining experience in Solvang and its place on the Michelin guide is well deserved. Photos do not do it justice, you have to try it for yourself. Do yourself a favor a stop by here. read more

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First & Oak - A Hidden Culinary Gem in Solvang's Mirabelle Inn: Some restaurants surprise you the moment you walk through the door. First & Oak, nestled inside Solvang's charming Mirabelle Inn, is one of those places--but not for the reasons you might expect. We arrived through the main entrance of the Inn, greeted by what seemed like the front desk receptionist, who momentarily thought we were checking in for the night. In fact, we were there to check out the restaurant. That small jostle--being seated by reception and escorted into what felt more like a wing of the hotel lobby than a standalone dining room--was our first clue that this was going to be an unconventional experience. But if you think for a moment that this unusual entrance would reflect the quality of the food, let me stop you right there: it doesn't. Not even close. The food at First & Oak is nothing short of exquisite. From the moment they placed the iron cast teapot on the table--a sign of true dining thoughtfulness--I knew we were in good hands. Each dish was a mini-masterpiece: contemporary, playful, and crafted with precision. The creams were luxuriously dense, the oils rich and fragrant, the textures perfectly balanced--every element shining on its own while harmonizing beautifully on the plate. One dish arrived with what looked like pine nuts nestled under a cloud of creamy goat cheese, so inventive we weren't even sure how to name it--but we knew it was delicious. Another paired crisp, colorful endive with a savory whipped goat cheese, balancing citrus and mint with clever restraint. The pasta came crowned with whisper-thin parmesan and greens so fresh they seemed to have been plucked that morning. Every plate carried a bold yet delicate creativity that delighted without overwhelming--a quiet culinary confidence. And yet, here's where First & Oak could truly shine brighter: the environment doesn't quite rise to meet the elegance of the cuisine. The fluorescent lighting near the entrance, the proximity to the front desk, and the absence of clear separation between lobby and dining space all slightly dilute the magic of the food. A few simple shifts--warmer, ambient lighting; a soft divider to create intimacy; a little more ceremony at the threshold--would allow the dining experience to fully reflect the caliber of what's coming from the kitchen. Because the food here deserves that. It deserves a stage as graceful as the performance it delivers. First & Oak: A hidden gem ready to step fully into its own spotlight. read more

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Lovely meal with a European old school vibe. Quiet and intimate restaurant. The stand out item is the cauliflower with truffle (risotto?) and golden raisin reduction. We were not expecting that to be so incredible, but it is the best thing we've tasted in a long time! read more

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First and Oak was so cute and nice. It's below a hotel and seats are limited. I would highly recommend getting a reservation. We ordered the course menu. We had oyster, tuna crudo, cauliflower, seared scallop, and beef. For dessert, we ordered chocolate and honey and passionfruit cheesecake. The cauliflower was so good and I can understand why it was recommended to us. It truly tasted like art and there were so many flavors in my mouth. I would have to say this was my favorite dish of the night. The beef was also pretty good and tasty. However, I was disappointed by the tuna crudo. I was looking forward to this but I was really shocked by how they cut it. They cut the raw fish into small pieces. The tuna crudo that I've had in the past were cut in bigger chunks and more in thin strips so it's juicy and tasty when its in your mouth. The taste of the crudo at first and oak was so disappointing. I just felt like there wasn't much flavor and the cut was so tiny and thick. The scallops were also pretty disappointing. It didn't really go well with the beets. Very interesting taste. The dessert was so good. I loved both the chocolate and honey and passionfruit. My favorite would have to be the passionfruit cheesecake. It was a very satisfying and clean taste. Perfect to end the dinner!! read more

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Phenomenal food and wonderful wine pairing. George was an amazing server. The flight was fork, cutting soft. The pickled cucumbers with the tuna was incredible. read more

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Today was their last night of service and I'm so genuinely sad...Jorge was our primary server and we felt so privileged to share this experience. Tuna crudo, spot on. I had the beef, my Mom the Salmon and both were perfect. Each dessert was amazing and the chocolate one brought tears to my Mom's eyes!! If it was 3-5 courses of that, she'd be thrilled!! Rose was good... read more

Pet friendly outside seating. We did the 3 course, it was so delicious! Server was very nice and helpful with everything. We definitely would come back! It was a great way to celebrate our anniversary. read more

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Quiet little restaurant in Solvang. Easily missed but definitely worth a try! We were seated quickly as we had reservations and the options were a three course or five course meal. We opted to try all the dishes on the menu and nothing disappointed. Our favorites were the roasted cauliflower, cavatelli, and the pan seared scallop. The wine cake was always fantastic - perfectly sweet and the ice cream paired well with it. read more

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We stopped here for the 5 course dinner on a Saturday night in Solvang. We sat outside on the patio. It was a lovely evening and there were heaters if we got cold. Sadly, there was no bar - but beer & wine are available. We each had a glass of wine, but skipped the pairing as we had been wine tasting earlier. Oyster was the first course. And everyone was happy with it. The Trufgle Cauliflower was amazing, maybe my favorite dish. I had the Cavatelli and Beef Tenderloin. Service was prompt and each dish was explained on delivery. It was a lovely evening. read more

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DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE. What an amazing experience. Normally going someplace with a fixed menu isn't our style but the reviews were outstanding and figured we try something different to celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary. We choose to do the five course dinner. Very quiet romantic place inside with some seating outside. We were seated outside which was nice but got cooler into the evening. By the end of dinner I almost asked them to turn on the patio heater.... Anyway each course came out at a nice pace that wasn't rushed and each course was just incredible. From the kimchi crisp, the cauliflower, the scallop and everything else, was just perfect and amazing. The staff was knowledgeable of what they were serving and super friendly. If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion this place is a must try. Oh and don't forget to make a reservation. A few people were turned away to come back later. read more

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We had a wonderful birthday dinner here. First visit, this is amazingly hidden just a block off Solvang's main shopping avenue. We sat out front, in the afternoon shade with very little street or sidewalk traffic besides other dinner patrons. We loved the format: 3- or 5-course prix-fixe meals with two choices per course, plus optional wine pairings with each course. We all finished with the filet, cooked to four different orders, all perfectly cooked. Highly recommended for a special occasion in Solvang! read more

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Incredible food, great service and a very romantic restaurant. $90 for a 5 course Michelin star restaurant is amazing. I will 100% be coming here every time we stay at solvang! read more

First & Oak - Their dessert was my favorite part - New American Near Me - Solvang, California

We made reservations for our anniversary dinner after researching romantic restaurants in Solvang. Quiet ambiance, good service, nice food presentation but the taste didn't meet our expectations. We expected better considering the Michelin rating. Christmas decor was pretty cool. Corkage fee was $30. Eliona, the food runner, was the highlight of the night. She was super cute, patient, knowledgeable and very friendly. Her dad George was our server. He was very nice and professional. read more

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Oak Religion Located on the bottom floor of the charming Mirabelle Inn lies a multiple Michelin recommended restaurant that served us what quite possibly was our favorite meal of 2023. While French fine-dining isn't really in our wheelhouse, we were drawn in by their intriguing, ever-changing menu that purports to take humble ingredients, like a head of Cauliflower, and transforms it into a tastebud tantalizing tap-dance. And that's not to downplay their simple, and yet dazzling presentation that'll leave you awestruck at every turn. From the Sabayon Amuse Bouche that was served inside real egg shells and presented in a "nest," to the mahogany crusted Scallops and Halibut that gives way to a perfectly cooked and flavorful flesh below it. Their desserts are also to be acknowledged, as the Passionfruit Tart was possibly the best use of the ingredient outside of Hawai'i that I've experienced. Tangy, sweet and creamy as it gets, the Passionfruit flavor really shined. Service is another hallmark of these types of establishments, and First & Oak brings it and then some. The staff are neat and thorough as one would expect, but without the slightest bit of hoity toity snobbery which usually comes along with it. In fact, they were all downright pleasant and a joy to speak to about the menu, the restaurant, and whatever else came up in conversation. The one drawback to fine-dining is the cost, but honestly, First & Oak's pricing ($65/three-course $90/five-course) is almost a bargain. Yes, I realize I've lived too long in Cali in order to say $90 is a bargain, but when you compare it to Michelin-starred restaurants, you could certainly do a lot worse. And, despite them not technically having a Michelin Star, the food here was on-par--if not superior!--with Michelin-starred restaurants we've eaten at. Conclusion: Destination dining spot that's surely on its way to an eventual Michelin Star at some point in the near future. read more

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This was our third or fourth time and every time is mind blowing. If you are a foodie or just love to have an elegant journey for your tastebuds - you must come here. We had the five course meal and each one outdid the other. Our server Devin was amazing and awesome and grew up in the area and gave us recommendations and history of the area. We felt like a king and queen tonite as did our palettes. read more

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What a total gem!!! Perfect for a date night, peaceful family dinner, or a fun night with your girlfriends. The service was OUTSTANDING from the moment you walk in and to when you order... but the best part was the awesome subtle 80s music playing in the background. My friend and I ordered the 5 course meal and it did not disappoint. Thank you for an amazing time! read more

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In my opinion this is one of the best restaurants in Solvang and worth to visit. Came here with a reservation on Saturday night and it was pretty busy. Opted with their pre-fixed menu with wine pairing. The atmosphere was nice and quiet to have some conversation. It's a great romantic spot for a date night or special occasion. read more

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Good flavors and interesting combinations. Excellent service and really good wine pairings. read more

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I came back here for the second time and had a Phenomenal experience. The service was great and ambiance was intimate. The food treated extremely fresh and it was a wonderful dining experience. read more

First & Oak - Grilled PAN SEARED HALIBUT - New American Near Me - Solvang, California

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I had been dying to try First & Oak since our first trip to Solvang. Knowing that we were going back to Solvang, the first thing I did was make a reservation for First & Oak. It's walking distance from most things of note in Solvang, and is attached to the Mirabelle Inn. The outside of the restaurant is absolutely beautiful. The walls are covered in ivy, and there's string lights outside that make it feel like a fairytale. Upon arrival, we were quickly seated for our dinner reservation, and given a choice between inside and outside. We opted for outside since it was a beautiful night. Our service was quick, kind, and attentive. We never were left wanting for anything. We opted for the à la carte menu, because although the tasting menu looked good, there were some things on the à la carte menu that I had really wanted to try. We started with the duck wings and tuna crudo, and for our entrées, got the burger, which was new, and the duck breast. Everything was delicious and we had no complaints about the food. The only slight disappointment is that the price & portions definitely feel very fine dining. Though we eat a Michelin star restaurants fairly regularly, this was the first place where we really felt like the portions were just a little TOO "fine dining." Nonetheless, all was good and we enjoyed our time considering it a splurge meal. If I were to go back, I'd probably opt for the tasting menu. My favorite thing we ordered by far was the tuna crudo. The buttermilk sauce that it comes with is absolutely incredible. I could have eaten at least three dishes of that just on my own. I probably would skip the duck wings next time - I wasn't crazy about the sauce and would've honestly rather gotten two plates of crudo! read more

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By far our favorite restaurant! We travel here a few times a year and it's always the most delicious food! We always do the tasting menu and OMG! They deliver every single time! We love adding the wine pairing because why not! As for the service, you will never meet a better staff! Tommie is a wonderful person and Leanne is the best servicer on the planet! The place is beautiful and kept clean at all times. We always prefer to sit outside to enjoy the night. If you have the time please do yourself a favor and go check them out. You will not be disappointed. read more

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After a long day wine tasting we decided to stay at this inn , it is so quaint and unique, in the restaurant they have a 5 course and a three course dinner option. We got the 3 course! The beef was so tender you could cut it with a fork and the bread was nice and warm . Dessert was excellent! George was a very professional waiter ! read more

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Came back for dinner again since I had such a great meal the day before. Made an reservation in advance since I wanted to sit indoors. Highly recommend to make reservations since this is a popular place with limited indoors seating! Ordered: 1. Truffle toasted cauliflowers: Seriously, I still can't believe cauliflowers can be this delicious and so enjoyable!!! Such a burst of flavors with every bite and this is just so so so yummy! 2. Pan seared local sea bass: Since the sea bass itself is very lightly seasoned, use the spoon to drizzle a little bit of the green sauce onto every bite! 3. Passion fruit tart: Definitely leave room for desserts because everything on the dessert menu looks absolutely amazing! This passion fruit tart with coconut cream and fresh fruits has hints of natural citrus sourness from the passion fruit interlaced with the rest of the flavors that make it so intricately delightful! They also have a five course tasting menu that is really popular with options to do wine pairing. Service is absolutely amazing as always! read more

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7 course meal with wine pairing! Yes please... oh and don't skip the cauliflower. I would do it all over again just to taste the cauliflower right now. read more

My friend and I had dinner here during restaurant week. We chose this restaurant based on their menu compared to the others participating. We definitely chose the right one! Everything was excellent: the service, food, and wine! We ordered the butternut squash soup, beets and blood orange endive salad, breast of duck, halibut, and both chose the chocolate mouse with honeycomb for dessert. We added the wine course with each item which I highly recommend. It really elevated the food and overall experience. We will definitely be coming back! read more

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My boyfriend and I came to First & Oak for our anniversary dinner. Our waitress was very hospitable and offered us the choice of the 3-course or 5-course tasting menu. We were excited to try the 5-course as it included an oyster and dessert. We were advised to do one of each menu option since we'd mostly be splitting each course. After the oyster, we opted for the asparagus and cauliflower. Both came out in a timely manner and looked beautiful. after splitting each vegetable on share plates, my boyfriend took a bite out of the asparagus only to notice a caterpillar crawling out of the middle of the plate. We called over the waitress and calmly mentioned that an unwelcome "friend" had joined our party. We didn't want to cause a scene and freak the rest of the restaurant out of courtesy. The staff seemed to brush this off without much of a resolution other than a fresh plate of asparagus. We weren't able to eat much of it, but it the cauliflower was very tasty. Over the next several minutes, they brought us out 2 pieces of bread with avocado butter. This was delicious, although a very small portion. We noticed the tables next to us (also parties of 2) received orders of bread twice the size of ours. For our entrees, we ordered the lamb and halibut. About a half an hour later, entrees came out, only for a different waiter to realize he gave us the wrong things and they were meant for the table next to us. That table finished their meals before our proper meals touched down on our table. When they finally did, my boyfriend couldn't take more than 3 bites from the salt bomb of a halibut. It was prepared very nicely with crispy skin, but we both could not handle the salt. Our kind waitress noticed something was wrong and kindly brought us a complimentary glass of wine. By this point, the tables next to us whom had started 30+ minutes after us had completely finished and paid their bills. Meanwhile, our waitress thought we had already ate dessert when it hadn't even come out. The dessert came out without an apology for the wait. The passion fruit tart was delicious and the chocolate was very good. When the check came out, we were expecting some kind of apology for all the mistakes of the evening. This did not happen. When we called out the bug situation, our waitress immediately said she'd take care of part of the check without question. When she brought back the check, she said she messed up the original charge and took 25% off the new check. Suspiciously, she threw away all original checks and only left the credit card receipt so we couldn't see what we were charged for. After leaving the restaurant, we ran the calculation of what we ordered and what we saw on the original receipt. We were discounted approximately $20 instead of 25% of the bill. Although the service was friendly and hospitable, I cannot recommend this restaurant with the disorderly chaos of the evening. Extremely unfortunate. read more

First & Oak - Oysters - New American Near Me - Solvang, California

Day 1 of 3...kicking off with a special - 3 course dinner menu for our Anniversary celebration. The waiter was very gracious and attentive. Appetizer, Entree and Dessert were delicious! read more

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One Michelin star restaurant in the little town of solvang! This cute quaint restaurant is hidden in the neighborhood of Slovang. You can get a 3 or 5 course tasting menu. We ordered 5 courses which is only $90! The first course was the beet with Cara Cara and pistachios which was ok honestly. The next course you can pick and I ordered the roasted cauliflower. Get it!!! The cream is actually a cauliflower puree! The truffle vinaigrette is not too strong just perfect. We both ordered the seared scallops and that was perfection with a carrot puree. Next course was the braised lamb shoulder which looks dry but it's so tender you don't need a knife to cut it! Finally the two desserts were excellent. The passion fruit tart was huge! It came with a nice coconut cream and flakes. I didn't like the apple pineapple but the tart and coconut cream paired perfectly. The chocolate mousse and honeycomb crumble was soo delicious. There's also Oreo under which was delicious! Definitely recommend and would come back to Slovang just for this!! Service was friendly and attentive. Great place to go for dinner. read more

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All I can say is WOW! My mother and I had a delicious dinner. The ambiance and food was divine. Devin our server took extra time with us. We noticed that Devin was doing most of the work. The other staff members just didn't appear to be as interested in their customers. Devin however took time with us and worked extra hard to please us. We hope his Manager appreciates him!! Thank you so much!! read more

It's great food. The seasonal soup I got inspired me to try to recreate it. The service is descent. Sadly when we went we were seated outside and an ant was on my food the waiter didn't let me finished when I pointed to the plate she said yes the flowers are edible when I wast trying to point at the ant but she left before I could say anything. The ambiance is quaint. It's like you're eating at your friends house but having 5 star dining. My wife and I try going here when we are at Solvang! read more

Excellent food. Perfect presentation. We sat inside and enjoyed the Victorian feel of the dining room, which suited the experience nicely. The service was casual yet totally professional - exactly on par for Central California. We enjoyed the five course tasting menu - which might be the best value in Santa Barbara county! We will be back. read more

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Everything you'd expect from a Michelin approved restaurant. My only regret was forgetting to take a pic of the menu. Everything I had was unique, and hit my entire palate. read more

If you get the chance, run, don't worry walk to First & Oak. And do the chef's tasting menu! But make a reservation first. I can't sing the praise of this place enough. The atmosphere, the service, the wine, and THE FOOD! Oh my gosh- perfection. A tasting menu for $85 is a heck of a deal- especially at a Michelin star restaurant. It is a tasting menu with not only quality food, but a lot of it! You leave feeling so satisfied. It was fun to hear other tables around us trying their food- especially the cauliflower (which you have to try because this is what they got their Michelin star for). Everyone was loving every bite they took. The menu is brilliant. The flavors and texture are next level. Perfect date night. read more

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