An eclectic mix of our favourite dishes! Small bites, main courses, seafood specials and a great steak with bone marrow butter & chimichurri. Chilled oysters with an apple cucumber mignonette. Smash wagyu burger or a duck confit. Lot’s of cocktails with fresh juices and house infused liquors. Local and Spanish wines. Craft beers. Lively atmosphere with cozy indoor seating and a beautiful patio with heaters.
Dragos Gheorghe
Crudo 10/10 the flavors were fantastic
Croquettes 10/10 crunchy on the outside and melt in your mouth puffy on the inside
Fish 9/10 flavor, went well with the polenta. 6/10 for the portion size
Octopus 9/10
Fried green tomatoes 10/10 great flavor
Brocolinni 10/10 actually paired super well with the fish
Service was good but could have been better, server was really trying his best. Also positioning of the table was awkward, there was a table right behind me with essentially no room for me to move my chair back to get out at all. Would try again in the future
… moreGabby Lee
While the food was great, and our servers. When we first arrived, we are greeted and told that drinks were on one tab! Which was surprising to me because normally these type of places everyone pays individually. We then later discovered that we were going to be charged for drinks by ourselves, which was totally okay but it was awkward because the host of the event had to tell everyone and it changed the whole experience for us and the host.
The hosts of the event I attended were clearly stressed and embarrassed due to poor communication with the venue. Not something you want to see during a celebratory event!
… moreUmut Evren Korkmaz
Nice spot for a dinner, we ordered, seabass, pasta Oysters, fried green tomato, octopus, orange cream caramel and cheesecake, one white and one resdd wine. We paid like 350 dolar for 5 people. Tastes are not that amazing, make a rezervation before visiting.
… moreArmando
Gala is one of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara. The food is consistently solid, the drinks are great, and the vibe just works. I’m a big fan of their martini and burger special both are done really well and always hit the spot. The seafood specials are also worth checking out, especially when they’re featuring fresh local fish. Also their appetizers are all phenomenal. The patio is a huge plus, especially on a nice evening, and the atmosphere is lively without feeling over the top. Easy place to come back to again and again!
… moreDani H
I attended a friend’s Welcome Event for their destination wedding at Gala. Due to confusion at the bar and insufficient coordination, the bride and groom experienced unnecessary stress on the day before their wedding. Moreover, the lack of effective communication with the Owner throughout the planning and execution of the event contributed to a disappointing overall experience for our group. If you are considering Gala for a private event, make sure you sign a contract and all expectations are clear.
… morekatelyn vaughn
Gala is an absolute gem in Santa Barbara. The food is incredible — flavorful, beautifully presented, and perfect for sharing. Every tapa we tried was a hit, and the cocktails were just as impressive. The atmosphere is warm and stylish, and the service was friendly and attentive without feeling rushed. A fantastic spot for date night or a fun dinner with friends. Highly recommend!
… moreJennifer Shermer
My husband, son and I have been to the GALA numerous times and it never disappointed. The ambience, staff and food/drinks are wonderful. They are also very kid friendly and butter pasta for my son was happily served. Everything is delicious but the Chef’s Cheesecake is unreal. Also there is a huge parking lot next to the restaurant which is very convenient.
… moreDavid Koski
I think this restaurant is fantastic!! The food is really good and creative. The service is always great. Cocktails are beautiful and delicious. Almost every time I go the owner is there with a big smile greeting people and making sure everything is perfect. Highly recommend this place to anyone wanting a great night away from home.
… moreBrittany Bentley
Back again to celebrated my husband’s birthday! We loved everything from the appetizers to the desserts — every dish was beautifully presented and tasted incredible. (I got the Branzino, he got the Steak) The flavors were fresh and thoughtful, and the service made the night feel special. **loved their happy hour special also!
… moreErika Römer
Gala is an absolute gem in Santa Barbara. Elevated without being pretentious, warm and stylish. The food is exceptional: thoughtful, beautifully presented, and deeply flavorful, with every dish feeling intentional. Service is gracious and genuinely welcoming, and the atmosphere strikes s balance of intimacy and fun. We will be back. PS the cocktails are
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