Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Gala

    4.3 (120 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Gala Photos

    GALA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Gala

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Subtle elegance
    Hanna S.

    How lucky are we to have Chef Jaimie in SBA! Ambience is great. Food fabulous. Service very good. Generous portion on olives and so good. They use oat bakery Charcoal Sourdough bread for their traditional tomato bread appetizer. It is sublime and authentic Happy hour at 5pm is a good fun. Not a lot of options but just right The Speical Brazilian cheese bread was sublime. Will go again. Our huge compliments to the chef Jaimie and team One dish came out very late but otherwise was near perfection

    Mushroom risotto, steak

    What a mess! The place was severely understaffed and it showed since the beginning. Took us 10 minutes for someone to check us in from the waiter booth, so standing in the cold, then they sat us in at bar; keep in mind we had a reservation. We finally get seated and the waiter took forever to get our order and talk to us, a group who sat 10 minutes later got attention first and their food first and then we finally get to order. Lots of strange stares too from the staff, felt uncomfortable and unwelcoming. Honestly a shame because the restaurant is really beautiful and the food is decent, the mushroom risotto was really good and my favorite, the steak was okay.. and the corn bread was yummy. The chefs and the bartenders honestly carried the place but the waiters and service not so much. All I thought throughout this experience is that I want to leave. Would not come back, very disappointed.

    Burrata Salad
    Shelby S.

    I really like this spot! Such a fun setting in downtown Santa Barbara. I recently went on a Wednesday evening and it was easy to get a table immediately upon walking up. The service is excellent. Our waitress was very attentive. We opted for a couple of food choices and a drink. The presentation of everything we ordered was beautiful. The blood orange margarita is super tasty! I devoured the chicken croquettes- so good! The Burrata salad comes with chips that are sooo yummy. I noticed several other things on the menu that I'd love to try. Can't wait to go back! They have both indoor and outdoor seating. No parking available on site but the streets nearby allow for parking (if you can find a spot!) or there are public lots that offer the first 75 minutes free.

    Bronzino and polenta
    Rose C.

    We came into town for graduation and rented a great Airbnb about two miles away from Gala. We have had these reservations for about two months and we were looking forward to this meal. The atmosphere and staff were impeccable. Now for the review...when we arrived we had a party of 7 and we were seated too close to the other table and they graciously moved our table so that we could sit down. For appetizers we ordered the crudo (too fishy), zucchini blossoms needed to be steamed more prior to frying as they were too tough but the flavor was good. The olives were delicious. The jamón was also delicious, however the chips needed salt. They weren't salted at all. For the main course, the Duck wins the best meal award! The mash potatoes and the duck were prepared to perfection. The scallops were too salty and smelled really fishy we had two ordered of that and would not recommend. The steak was almost completely rare and my daughter was afraid to send it back so I did but by the time it came back she was full. The branzino was delicious as it had a nice crispy skin and the polenta was great. The mushroom risotto also looked excellent. For desserts we got cheesecake (wasn't great), flourless cake (wouldn't get again), peach cobbler (the best one). The waitress and hostess and expediter were all kind, friendly and lovely. Thank you so much!

    Our table set up for a party of 11.
    Andrew C.

    A beautiful space with a tasteful Spanish modern-contemporary vibe. This staff was so accommodating and helpful, they made it possible to propose and I couldn't have asked for a better turnout. THANK YOU!!! Not only did we enjoy the environment and the accommodations, but the food was exceptional. I had the rack of lamb and this was made to perfection! The Tagliatelle and green fried tomatoes are also very noteworthy. I would definitely come back and recommend to others! Thank you again, Gala team.

    Zucchini flowers and crudo

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Great food and service. I like the ambiance. Interior design is really good. I would recommend to everyone who likes fine dining.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anon X.
    2
    47
    24

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steph P.
    233
    150
    70

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Imo O.
    537
    229
    1572

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 2
    Photo of A.J. H.
    35
    124
    22

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rose C.
    3
    24
    15

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrew C.
    361
    21
    10

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lexi A.
    315
    49
    99

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K G.
    5
    19
    5

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 18
    Thanks 4
    Love this 12
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Gala

    Dining room, lower patio or patio? Which section is more lively?

    The Patio is more lively.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Spanish 303 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Shalhoob's Funk Zone Patio

    Shalhoob's Funk Zone Patio

    4.3
    (694 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    I'm a first timer here ! Excited…read more I got the Santa barber burger with a side of fries , and a Arnold Palmer drink Fries , and loaded nachos , and the ribs are very tasty . There is a lot of parking available next to the outside seating . Great customer service, very nice and welcoming sat us right away , not waiting time , they assisted us with cleaning the table's Clean environment, very bright , tv outside and the water jug if you need water all near by . They have shakes and smoothies choices of strawberries, mango and banana , also chocolate and cookies N Cream . They have heat warmers outside if needed . Well recommended to friends and family Definitely will be returning back here when I'm around the city .

    We love Shalhoob's for their signature BBQ Meats. Their Specialty here is Meat and they have a meat…read moremarket next door. Last month our Visit was a 5 ++ The Tri Tip sandwiches are some of the best on the Central Coast- True Santa Maria style. Over Memorial Day Weekend- the Tri Tip Sandwich we shared was a 4 star at best- the slices of beef were tough with stringy tissue you couldn't bite through. It was disappointing because the salsa and flavors were so good. We also shared the elote corn and a half rack of ribs which were delicious - 5 stars! Next time we'll stick with the ribs and prime rib or pulled pork sandwiches. We're fans of the casual outdoor dining experience and the great BBQ.

    Photos
    Family style
    Family style
    1/2 lb Tri-Tip w/ side of fries and Mac & Cheese
    1/2 lb Tri-Tip w/ side of fries and Mac & Cheese
    Tri-tip Chili

    See all

    Tri-tip Chili
    The Lark

    The Lark

    4.2
    (2.1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    Absolutely stunning dinner at The Lark last night on our only night in Santa Barbara and I feel…read moreglad to say we picked the right restaurant! The place was full, including indoor and outdoor seating, great ambience and light level, and lovely string lights above the seating outdoors. To start they bring over a delectable dill popcorn which was a rich, salty, dill and butter creation. Totally set a fun tone for the meal. Then we had the crispy Brussels sprouts (ORDER THESE!!!) they were divine, the sesame and lime combination was reminiscent of a great pad Thai, with the perfect amount of sauce and tiny bites of figs which all worked together in a way I wouldn't have expected. For the mains we had the shrimp toast and the pork ribs, both fantastic both well portioned and both 10/10s. Pork ribs fell off the bone easily and were spicy and tangy without overdoing flavor and the shrimp toast tasted like a great gumbo sauce and the shrimps were big! This is a meal I'll be thinking about and recommending to others for a long time, thank you Lark!

    Above 4 stars but not quite 5.. my partner and I had a…read moretruly great dinning experience here loved the atmosphere very laid back serving quality ingredients and our server was so kind and pleasant. The food was so delicious the halibut on the specials was quite literally the most delicious fish I've ever tasted!! If it's available get it! The fish its self was flavorful without being loaded in sauce or seasoning and the oysters were creamy and not salty at all. However, we ordered the steak and it was pretty chewy and not seasoned well. Pretty disappointing after trying all the other tasty foods. Our beet salad also had an ant inside of it likely from the floral garnishes but that tells me the greens were washed before placed on my plate..

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Rosemary butter cornbread
    Rosemary butter cornbread
    LINE CAUGHT HALIBUT CRUDO PLATE

    See all

    LINE CAUGHT HALIBUT CRUDO PLATE
    Finch & Fork

    Finch & Fork

    4.2
    (1.7k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    We had dinner at Finch and Fork and ordered the fried chicken with sautéed baby broccoli and mashed…read morepotatoes. The potatoes were the standout. The butter was balanced, the texture was so good. The chicken wasn't dry and was seasoned perfectly. However, Sabit, the assistant manager is the reason I'm writing this. He was incredibly kind to us. We watched him move through the dining room the entire time we were there. He wasn't checking on tables the way managers do when they're running a script. He was actually paying attention to people. The staff around him seemed comfortable, not performative, which usually tells you more about a manager than anything they say. The food was good, Sabit made it better. We'll be back.

    The last time my friend and I were at Finch & Fork was 2016. Fast forward to 2026, we did not…read morerealize it was attached to the Kimpton Canary Hotel that we were staying at this trip. Totally redecorated, totally different feel than when we were there in 2016. So our last night in Santa Barbara we decided to take advantage of their kick-ass Happy Hour. We sat at the bar right at 4:00, Kayla was our bar tender for the evening. We indulged in HH Martinis, Beer and Sparking Wine. We took advantage of the HH $1.00 Oysters and each had a HH 50% off Smash Burger. Great presentation, the Oysters were very fresh and shucked clean. The burgers were amazing. We ordered and consumed a lot in the 4-5:00PM HH period and I will say shortly after 4:00 the place was filled. LOL, Needless to say, we never made it out for dinner and it was well worth it. Atmosphere: bright, refreshing. Service: very good. Food: Happy hour fantastic deal.

    Photos
    Inside 10/15/25
    Inside 10/15/25
    Bailey's Brioche French Toast
    Bailey's Brioche French Toast
    Craft Cocktails from Happy Hour

    See all

    Craft Cocktails from Happy Hour
    Barbareño

    Barbareño

    4.4
    (634 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$

    My friend and I haven't been back to this restaurant since 2018 and I have to say it was as good as…read moreit was back in 2018. I had made Monday 7:00PM dinner reservations on Open Table. We were greeted and seated upon arrival. Alvaro our server introduced himself, very pleasant and attentive. We ordered beers to accompany our meal this time around. We decided to share The Ahi Crudo, Hope Ranch Mussels and 1/2 a Fried Chicken Platter. All the dishes were presented well and tasted fantastic. The Crudo was the weakest but still good, Mussels excellent and the Fried Chicken was the best Fried Chicken I've ever had OMG! Loved that there was a 1/2 portion size on the platter option, since it was only the 2 of us. Atmosphere: laid back rustic vibe. Service: excellent. Food: excellent.

    Barbareño was such a great overall experience. The service was great, everyone was friendly,…read moreattentive. The outdoor patio was also really nice and peaceful, with an intimate atmosphere. We ordered the: Beet Salad Hope ranch mussels Especial Santa Maria bbq Market fish The Hope Ranch mussels were amazing with such a flavorful broth, and the smoked tri tip/Santa Maria BBQ was cooked with a great sauce (very tender). The beet salad was fresh and refreshing, and the market fish was tender and flavorful. The only dish I wouldn't recommend was the especial. Overall the food, service, and atmosphere made this such a solid date night spot. Definitely on the pricier side, but worth it for the experience.

    Photos
    Barbareño
    Animal potatoes
    Animal potatoes
    Beers

    See all

    Beers
    Nook

    Nook

    4.1
    (295 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Over all these years, I have avoided the Funky Zone for various silly reasons. But for a while now,…read morewhen I visit my friend's auto repair shop downtown, he always gets Turkey Burgers from here. Always looking for places to have solo lunch, I finally ventured to FZ. There's no sign. I drove by several times and parked, determined to find it. It was next to Lama Dog. I ordered at the window from a very friendly and efficient staff member. I found a nice bar-height communal table inside a super cool restored warehouse with awesome indie music jamming, also surrounded by big screens and sporting events. I ordered a bottled Arnold Palmer from the bar, not realizing the bottled drinks are self-serve. Nevertheless, the bartender kindly got it for me along with a glass of ice. Now here's the best part: the very best Turkey Burger I have ever had--way better than any take-out before. It's topped with garlic aioli, avocado, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and crispy skinny onion rings, just perfect. I also ordered the fries with truffle and Parmesan--absolutely delicious, though a bit too flavorful, which overshadowed the turkey burger's flavor. I've tried both sweet and regular potato fries here, and they are excellent too. This place really hits the spot. Can't wait to come back.

    We stopped by Lama Dog for a drink and were very happy to find this little "nook" inside serving…read morefood. Perfect for grabbing a bite to go with your beer. Got their Lobster Mac & Cheese. Was enough for us to share between two. Creamy and cheesy, but could've used more lobster. Would've expected a better lobster to macaroni ratio with this one. Prices are a little steeper here. It was $25 for the Lobster mac & cheese, which I would've been more open to with a bit more fish in the dish. Plus, when I go to grab a beer, I'm not necessarily wanting to pay $20+ for a burger without fries. That being said, it's still a good spot to grab some food while drinking a beer at Lama Dog.

    Photos
    Nook
    Turkey Burger and Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
    Turkey Burger and Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
    Nook

    See all

    Opal

    Opal

    4.3
    (1.2k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$

    STEPH JUDGEMENT: Elegant-casual with a well-heeled older crowd…read more We wanted a nice dinner while in town and this place looked promising based on the reviews. We'd made reservations and were seated promptly when we arrived. The ambiance was warm and inviting. We noticed that the diners' demographic skewed older, but that was fine with us--it made for a relaxing time. We started things off with some cocktails: I got the Opal martini (gin and vodka, with Gorgonzola stuffed Olive--very good) and the hubby got the house old fashioned (not too sweet, also very good). They brought out a small complimentary bread basket, which had two different kinds of excellent bread. Carb avoidance be damned! We ordered the following: - warm seafood salad (lots of fresh seafood--great) - butter lettuce salad with Gorgonzola (so simple and so delicious) - mushroom risotto (delicious! Cheesy with bits of walnuts and asparagus as well as the shrooms) We thought the prices were reasonable prices for the quality, and the service was excellent. Overall a really great experience; would definitely try again.

    I've been here many times and usually love it, but I feel like service has been lacking lately…read more I recently went with family and saw they have an "Opal Martini," which is Tito's vodka, some brand of gin, and a cheese olive. No vermouth. Very weird and sounds kinda gross, so I requested a classic vodka martini instead with vermouth and the olive. They bring out just a glass of chilled vodka, no vermouth, and a cheese olive. I check the bill: $12 MARTINI -$5 UP (upgrade?!? Are you joking? It's a SWAP!) -$1 CHEESE OLIVE (ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?) So they charged me $18 to turn their decapitated martini made with UCSB student-budget vodka into a regular martini, and then charged me extra for the already included olive because I had the gall to change the drink! The waitress didn't even bother mentioning how I barely touched the drink, which our usual Opal servers would have 100% caught onto. Younger girl with black hair and very nonchalant, dismissive attitude. Atmosphere looked nice but between the fire alarm going off from someone burning something in the kitchen, table of 6 behind us that had cackling harpy laughs (not unusual for Opal), and the blasting music, you can't even have a decent conversation at dinner. I'm pretty over this place and will not recommend it anymore. I always try to stay positive about SB's food scene as someone from LA, but constant experiences like this are what make me go "Damn, if only the food here didn't suck so badly...."

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Halibut daily special
    Halibut daily special
    Jaffurs

    See all

    Jaffurs

    Gala - spanish - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...