Gala Restaurant

Restaurant · Downtown

Gala Restaurant

Restaurant · Downtown

1

705 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null
Gala Restaurant by null

Highlights

Gala is Santa Barbara's charming new spot where a cozy Mediterranean vibe meets a seasonal menu of mouthwatering tapas and craft cocktails, making every meal an experience.  

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705 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Get directions

galasb.com
@galarestaurantsb

$50–100

Reserve

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705 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Get directions

+1 805 869 2813
galasb.com
@galarestaurantsb
𝕏
@thegalasb

$50–100

Reserve

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Jul 30, 2025

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15 Splendid Restaurants to Try in Santa Barbara

"Wife and husband team Tara Penke and chef Jaime Riesco opened Gala in February 2023. The relaxed neighborhood restaurant serves an uncomplicated menu that changes with the seasons. Regular items include oysters topped with an apple cucumber mignonette, risotto, and steak with chimichurri and bone marrow butter. If needed, there’s an option to buy a neighboring table a glass of bubbles on the menu." - Mona Holmes

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-santa-barbara-restaurants-california
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Subash Chellappan

Google
We had a great time at this restaurant, the live music outdoors was a nice touch. Dining room had a cool vibe. The cocktails were fantastic, and the service was spot on. For dinner, we had the calamari, mushroom risotto, steak, and tagliatelle- they were all good. For my next visit I'll try to sit at the bar.

Winston Duong

Google
Went to Gala with a group of six, and unfortunately the experience left a lot to be desired. It started off rocky—after being seated, it took about 10 minutes before we could even flag someone down for water. We ordered three French 75s, but they were apparently out of proper glassware. Instead of informing us, they served the drinks split into two smaller glasses each (which still didn’t add up to the proper volume), and the third drink was clearly only about half the pour. We were charged for four, oddly enough. With our Uber already waiting, we didn’t have time to get it fixed, and frankly, it didn’t feel worth the hassle. Water refills? Non-existent. The staff didn’t really check in on us after dropping the food. Speaking of which, the food was just okay—steak came out slightly over temp, and the seafood paella was underwhelming, with the rice undercooked and the flavor just kind of flat. The burger and pasta weren't bad, just not really what our expectations for how much they charge. Not the worst experience I’ve had, but definitely not one I’d recommend, especially at the price point. Gala has potential, but the service and execution really need work.

Wendy Edmunds

Google
I have had dinner at Gala twice this month, once on Mother's Day and again on Saturday night with girlfriends. Both meals were excellent. Mother's Day dinner started with the best margarita, followed by Spiny Lobster Paella for two, ending with their Basque style cheesecake. It was a perfect evening on their patio. Last Saturday night, we started with a new wine they are carrying, Picpoul by Story of Soil. It was excellent and a great price. We had the duck and the steak, both were cooked to perfection. The ambiance was fun and lively. They have some excellent deals; $2.50 oysters all night, happy hour margaritas for $9 and their olives are the best you will find outside of Spain.

Kara Cronin

Google
Very solid food and a beautiful upscale atmosphere, which is why I will return. The bar service was quite slow while I was there during off-hours when it was not busy at all.

Thomas Webber

Google
Absolutely our favorite new restaurant. Just opened several months ago. Do yourself a favor and visit Gala restaurant for a remarkable dining experience! We met the restaurant owner, Tara, and she is really lovely. The food was exceptional, we ordered the duck confit, steak, and mushroom risotto. And you absolutely have to try the berry cheesecake, it is the best I have ever had. Also recommend getting drinks from Pasquale! The atmosphere is super cool, and has inspiration from their sister restaurant in Barcelona, which feels right at home in Santa Barbara.

Amanda Lavoie

Google
Ooweee Gala is quite the treat! It is truly a fantastic restaurant ... I now make it a point to go anytime I am in Santa Barbara... and I daresay I believe every time it has gotten better! The decor is beautiful & classy with a Mediterranean vibe... the perfect backdrop to the gorgeous cocktails and swoonworthy food. The chef adds fresh flowers to every plate ~ making it as appealing to the eyes, as it is to the taste buds! The cocktails are delicious & extremely balanced... I ordered a mezcal drink that was divine. Service is exceptional ~ staff was on point! The cheesecake for dessert was absolutely delicious, sweet ending to an awesome eve out. I definitely recommend....

Sean Eberz (Mammoth Moving & Storage)

Google
I am a Santa Barbara local and this restaurant is next level. The oysters (so fresh), halibut crudo, and silky cigar old fashioned is so good. Place has a great atmosphere and very attentive staff. A restaurant you can see the kitchen cooking is so magicial. This is my new go to Friday night spot.

Erich Schaefer

Google
Wonderful restaurant with amazing dishes that all tasted fantastic! Gerramo, our server, was exceptional. He handled every request with a servants heart, eager to please. We will definitely be back.
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Rebecca H.

Yelp
Tara and Jamie at Gala are absolute pros and such gifts to our local restaurant scene. The service, hospitality, inventive food, upscale ambiance yet warm, neighborhood vibe is unlike anywhere else in SB. From the hug we got from you upon arrival, to the sweet sounds of Spanish guitar, the picture perfect cocktails, and show-stopping fried zucchini blossoms, to the last bite of that heavenly basque cheesecake, everything was executed with attention and grace. We were left in awe of what my mom and sister keep referring to as "the meal of a lifetime." Their steak frites are the best I've ever had and I love their passion for local, bright, and beautiful flavors. I cannot wait for another evening at this heavenly space :)
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Emalee K.

Yelp
Came on a Saturday night, got seated very quickly. They were definitely busy with it being Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, but staff was friendly and helped as much as they could. Ambiance was okay, couldn't hear any music, definitely loud with conversation and cold. Got seated outside with a tall table, no heater nearby or offered to us. Food was really disappointing to me. It was just bland/boring. I thought flavors were pretty much nonexistent, cocktails were way too sugary, and portions were super small for pricing. All the food was good quality but just didn't have the flavor for me. Wouldn't go back and wouldn't recommend them either if you like flavor.
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Summer S.

Yelp
Came here on a Wednesday evening with some coworkers looking to try out a new restaurant. We were seated indoors and were presented with the happy hour menu. We were a bit confused as happy hour had ended a few minutes prior to us arriving so we double checked with our server. He assured us that on slower evenings, they opt to extend the time frame and encouraged us to order from the happy hour menu. Unfortunately, it was only until after we had ordered drinks and a few appetizers that another waiter informed us that our previous server was mistaken and that we would be charged the full price for those items. While it wasn't the end of the world, it would have been nice to know that happy hour was indeed over after we had double checked to confirm before ordering off of its menu. The food itself was delicious! I highly recommend the oysters (both the fresh and the baked) and the halibut crudo as appetizers! The seafood was incredibly fresh and had a beautiful presentation. We did have the cornbread skillet and while it was delicious, it was comparable to a Trader Joe's cornbread box mix. The mushroom risotto was good, but be aware that it has an incredibly smoky flavor to which I was not expecting but as an avid mushroom fan, appreciated it nonetheless. We had the cheesecake for dessert and it was probably one of the highlights of the entire meal. The berries were fresh and the cheesecake itself was not too sweet. If you order a dessert at Gala, get the cheesecake!! Overall, Gala was a lovely restaurant and is a great place to go after work or to take your friends and family visiting from out of town. I look forward to dining here in the near future but would probably order a different entree.
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Andrew C.

Yelp
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.
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A. M.

Yelp
A truly stunning interior complements a sophisticated menu with fresh seafood and an al dente mushroom risotto. Elegant and delicious.
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Shelby S.

Yelp
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.
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Sungani D.

Yelp
I recently dined at Gala Restaurant in Santa Barbara and had a bit of a mixed experience. The ambiance was alright, but on the noisy side, making conversation a challenge. The food, however, was a definite bright spot. The black charcoal mezcal margarita was unique and flavorful, a great start to the meal. For my appetizer, I enjoyed perfectly cooked scallops. My entree, the lamb, was delicious even though I forgot to take a picture (by the time I remembered it was almost gone). My partner also enjoyed his branzino. Unfortunately, the service wasn't up to par. Our server seemed inattentive and slow throughout the meal. It took a while to get their attention for refills and other requests. Overall, Gala has the potential to be a great dining spot with some improvements to service and ambiance. The food was delicious, but the inattentive service brought down the experience a bit.
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Secil O.

Yelp
Gala has a wonderful ambiance that transported us back to Barcelona. The pan con tomate was delicious, with tomato sauce just as good as what we enjoyed in Barcelona. We began with olives, oysters, calamari, and seared scallops, all of which were exquisitely prepared and presented like art pieces. We finished with mushroom risotto, which the group found a bit too cheesy; we would have preferred it with smoked cheese, but by then, we were full and becoming a bit picky. We also tried the squash flowers; despite not usually being a fan of fried foods, I found them quite good. Our dogs rested under our table on the patio, and we appreciated the nice touch of being able to drink vermouth again.
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Ingrid V.

Yelp
Gala is a top spot for me in SB. The food is delicious, portioned well and great flavors. The servers are all so nice and attentive and the ambiance is the perfect mix of romantic, relaxed and welcoming. The decor is so chic.
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Hanna S.

Yelp
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
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Joan M.

Yelp
One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in Santa Barbara, and I love many of them. Gala has an upscale, sophisticated vibe and the food is superb! Highly recommend! Can't wait to go back;it will soon become one of my go-to spots!
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Elena M.

Yelp
My husband and I made reservations and got sat immediately during busy time! This is a great place for bites, cocktails or full service dinner. This is the spot to sit back and enjoy your beautiful surroundings! The waiter we had was in lala land half the time and couldn't make eye contact but that didn't ruin our experience.
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Stephanie L.

Yelp
I absolutely loved the ambience and setting of this restaurant. The bar seating looks out into this large window and the decorations felt very elevated. My personal favorite was the scallops which were a seasonal item. Our server was polite but the place was quite busy so he wasn't hovering 24/7 (which I liked). I would definitely come back to try other things on the menu.
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Katie S.

Yelp
I went to Gala to celebrate my sisters pregnancy with my mom and sister. We enjoyed our dinner (where we spent over $250 for 3 of us), and were wrapping up our conversation when the owner came up to our table and asked us to leave for the incoming reservation. We had only been at the table for an hour and fifteen minutes. We would have graciously left, but the owner was incredibly snarky and rude to my mother while asking us to leave. When we left we went back up to the owner to express that we had only been there an hour and fifteen minutes and did not deserve that treatment after spending so much on our evening and tipping incredibly well. She did apologize and admit she'd thought we'd been there longer, but said "I'm already worried about the review you'll write." What happened to doing the right thing because you want to not because of the potential review someone may write?? We would have gone back to Gala, but after that customer service, from the owner especially, we have a horrible taste left in our mouth and will let our friends know as well. Disrespecting your customer (especially my mom!) is never ok.

Bethany Z.

Yelp
We had an amazing dinner at Gala with the potatoes with caviar, broccolini, duck confit and other dishes followed by the crème brûlée. The staff works as a team and management checks in. We were cozy outside u see the heaters. My only complaint was that the drinks are measured and very weak, so I'd go with wine next time if I chose to imbibe.
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Ann D.

Yelp
The ambiance of this restaurant is spectacular it looks so much different than when it was a crepe place. They have an open concept. The service is pretty good and I think it would be good to make reservations for this restaurant. We didn't and we were able to get in but maybe we wouldn't have.
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Nick P.

Yelp
The casualness (carelessness?) of service delivery in the seemingly upscale American dining experience has become something of a chronic infection plaguing the entire US service industry. The symptoms of this infection seem to acutely manifest themselves in "recently" opened sort-of upscale themed establishments (this place tries to be Spanish or something, but kinda fails at it) that in the last decade may have been considered novel as some Bourgeois/hipster amalgamation. Millennials (of which I am one) frequent these places, but their wine lists tend to be sub-par and often they, then, fail to deliver on basic service expectations. Indeed, Santa Barbara is littered with these places that try to wow you with aesthetics of place while failing to deliver on the basics (see, e.g. Barbareno, Black Sheep, Costa, Finch and Fork, etc.). Regarding service, take for example the fork and knife placed on the starter plate. Starters come and are consumed. Starter plates are removed and THEN the fork and knife are taken away and replaced by a new fork and knife for the entree, right? WRONG! They are placed directly on the table, the assumption being we should pay over $40 for a few "lollipops" of lamb (that's how the server described it) and consume it with a dirty fork that has been just casually sitting on the table. Imagine this happening at a steakhouse ... the Boomers would be mortified! And so am I. The lack of couth is frustrating. Also, you could ask if we want more wine before the main course comes out. My glass sat empty, then the food came out and we ordered drinks and waited 10 mins to get them. Snap snap! Service should be more attentive and the drinks should come out faster. No more excuses about being short staffed or taking your time to make things "special." As for the food/ drinks ... let me start with the cocktails ... if you're into creative combinations of activated charcoal and liquor this place is for you. Indeed the mezcal margarita with aforementioned ingredients was rather refreshing! But, an old school palette may not appreciate such creative cocktail machinations: their version of the old fashioned was so syrupy that it drowned out the smoky flavor of the whiskey. Too bad. As for the food ... it's actually the bright spot! Keeps me from giving them a 1/5. But the entire experience was frustrating and detracted from the quality meal. I suggest that for a quality night out you avoid this place. Ca'Dario, Toma, Lucky's, Secret Bao even ... more places for better food and service than here
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Tam W.

Yelp
Second time here. First time was divine. Second time dropped the ball. We were sat at 7:25 for a 7:00 reservation & nobody apologized, or mentioned it. Our server was so unenthusiastic. She really was just an "order-taker." Food came out fast. Drinks slow, took forever to get our check & our table was crammed...CRAMMEd into the back corner outside so none of us could move. Noisy guy behind us. It's a bummer because because at over $500 pre-tip I expected better. I think they were overbooked for a Friday night. Bummer.

Jenny U.

Yelp
I hosted my post-small wedding lunch here (total 13 people) last Thursday. I was looking around Santa Barbara for a restaurant to book. I liked that Gala opens at 4pm instead of 5pm like majority of SB restaurants. The decor/ambiance is lovely and beautiful. When I inquired through text about the booking, I received a fast and friendly response. The food was great, staff was great. I would knock off half a star for the cocktails though, they were too sugary imo. However, overall had a 5 star experience here. Thank you, Gala!
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Sylvia K.

Yelp
Overall, the food was excellent, the setting was lovely. The reviews for only four stars because I thought the service was a little lacking. We were sat on the patio and not really acknowledged for 10 minutes, then the next table was sat and the server, came out and took their order before us and still was not acknowledging until I called them over. After that, service improved.
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Mickey A.

Yelp
Have had a couple opportunities to experience Gala, and both the food and cocktails will definitely keep drawing me back. And of course the staff were very helpful with recommendations, and giving us the lowdown on the delicious dishes. Can't even say enough about the cocktails and how tasty they all are. The group favorites have been the Silky Cigar (bourbon), Campanelli (Italian Margarita), and the Gala's Beet Margarita. Still another half dozen to try, looking forward to that. And their del jardin, mar & montaña menu just keeps getting tastier and tastier. Group favorites, and so happy we all got to share, are potato & quinoa hashbrowns, shrimp croquetas, crunchy 'coca' (catalan flatbread), and the kusshi oysters (from the Pacific Northwest and DELICIOUS). And still nine new dishes to try next. A fun and tasty new addition to the Santa Barbara food scene, and centrally located downtown. Right across the street from La Paloma Cafe, and plenty of parking at the Ortega Street Garage.

Mark D.

Yelp
The food is good but the service is not. The waitress was inattentive. My biggest problem was the portions, which were tiny, and the prices. I paid $40 for about two bites of cod. I was unaware of the price because they ran out of specials menus. And to top it off, we were asked to leave at 7:08 because there was a reservation for our table at 7:30. I won't be back and don't recommend

Justin J.

Yelp
While my mom visits, she likes to take me to places in Santa Barbara I haven't been before. I immediately knew I wanted to try Gala restauarant. It always looked like it had a beautiful ambience, good food, and had nice music I could hear while passing by. I was not disappointed at all! The owner, Tara, welcomed us in and was very sweet. Our server was Genarro, a kind Italian man who gave us excellent service and great recommendations! My mother and I tried out a bunch of their small dishes, the zucchini flowers and croquetas were my favorite! Overall a really good experience. Good service, food, and setting. Really nothing else you could ask for! They accomodate to walk-ins but are mostly reservation based so be sure to make one!
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Paula T.

Yelp
Awesome addition to Santa Barbara! The aesthetics of this place is to die for. The food is a mix of cuisines, ranging from Spanish to Mediterranean. The chef here is cooking up some incredible items like the potato and quinoa hash brown with salmon. It reminded me of a fancy samosa and it absolutely blew my mind. I loved the spin on the zucchini flower with the halloumi cheese.The duck confit was also really nice and tender. Can't wait to try the smash burger next time.
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Erika S.

Yelp
I was sad when I heard that Low Pigeon (the coffee shop that used to be in this space) was closing, but after my great experience at Gala this week I'm feeling a lot better! I only tried one drink this time, but I'm eager to go back and taste the food. We sat at the bar- the staff were super friendly and helpful, and the drinks were very tasty and pretty affordable for such a nice restaurant! This would be the perfect spot to enjoy some post-work drinks with friends on the patio. Looking forward to coming back.

Lulu C.

Yelp
Beautiful place. Nice ambiance and great service. The portions are good and there is a nice selection of appetizers, salads and entrees. Service was fantastic all the waiters, buss boys and runners were very nice and attentive. I order the mushroom risotto and was really good. We also ordered the steak it was tasty but a little salty to my taste. The charcuterie was also good but it needed a little more crackers. Definitely will try again!!
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Chris H.

Yelp
There are certain things that make me happy when I go out. Good times, good vibes, good food and no heroics. That's exactly what Gala has brought to the table. Using the freshest ingredients and unique takes of classic Spanish and Mediterranean dishes the have successfully achieved my goals for a night out. This place is inviting for a solo dinner at the bar...a group of good friends/family or an intimate date. The kitchen sits behind glass windows which allows you to see an intense and busy kitchen without the direct noice. The decor is rad and I wish my house had half the furniture. Bar seats are super comfortable and it's great when they have the bar windows open. --- cocktails and wine list are delicious and creative. Great vegetarian options and they are always mixing the menu up. Check this place out! Cheers.
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Wendy N.

Yelp
Nice restaurant for dining. Went with my 3 friends and although there seemed to be an event right next to us (mingling and being served drinks/appetizers) we were still able to enjoy our evening. The food was delicious and the pricing was reasonable for the area.

James I.

Yelp
Ambiance is good, pasta tagliatelle dish made or son and daughter in law sick with stomach issues and the runs. Son also found a hair in his pasta but may have been his daughters...anyhow duck was good and steak was ok but had some gristle in it.

Laura K.

Yelp
I never write reviews, but feel that a review is necessary after the poor experience we had at gala on Friday night. We are Santa Barbara locals and this was the second time we have eaten here. The first time the service and food was subpar. They had given us free Prosecco for the inconvenience the first time and we wanted to give it another chance since the aesthetic is nice. We had a reservation at 7pm on Friday. We arrived on time, but had to wait outside and were seated at 7:10 (totally fine, this is not where my issues lie). We were seated at a table right next to the bar. It seemed to be an added table with no white table cloth, unlike the others. My husband got bumped serval times by a waiter or waitress running drinks or a bar back coming through. We had to get up and ask the people sitting at the bar to scoot in to give a little more room to prevent the bumping. Our waiter could have cared less about us and was very unapproachable. At this point we contemplated getting up and leaving, but decided to try and make the most of it as we were celebrating a late Valentine's Day. We asked to do our dinner "shareable" style, which seemed appropriate given the menu. When we asked if we should order the food at once or in increments, the waiter responded by saying "order all at once, I won't rush you." I kid you not, 3 minutes later 4/5 dishes we ordered were on the table. I mentioned to one of the gals serving food that we were told we would not be rushed, which she responded by giggling, shrugging, and setting the food down. We were served water once at the beginning of the meal. All other tables seemed to have a carafe of water, we did not. We went without water for the duration of our meal but luckily had wine. The food is good, but not worth the service or money. We were incredibly uncomfortable all evening and will not be back. Gala should be ashamed.

Thomas H.

Yelp
Good atmosphere, great aesthetic, but service needs some work. The server took our order and mid order walked away to another larger table. No reason. The server said they were done taking our order and we hadn't even ordered main courses. I was never given a plate so used the main course entree plate to eat off. I ordered mussels and wasn't given a bowl to discard my shells. We ordered the bread to start (warmed) and the butter was ice cold on top, like it came out of the fridge right before delivery. Overall, the place needs some work on staffing and service, but the food is solid and the drinks are great. I assume it's hard to find great service with such a high cost of living in Santa Barbara and difficulties keeping great staff. Overall, it's a nice spot to go for a drink and dish, but I may reconsider a date night visit.

Dianna R.

Yelp
Gala is aesthetically pleasing. I enjoyed my margaritas, bruschette and fries!! However, this place gets a 1 star from me due to the customer service. I did a walk in with my girlfriend on 5 de de Mayo. A party had missed their grace period for their reservation, so we were given their table. 25 minutes after being sat, the host comes up to us and asks to move us to move to another table because the reservation, who had obviously missed her grace period had apparently been waiting at the bar. So we moved outside, only to observe the reservations "friend" walk in late. In short, the person who made the reservation waited until her friend was near to claim her table and we were forced to move to a table outside. As a woman of color, it was very disappointing to be asked to move my table for a non-colored women. I don't want to compare this to Rosa parks, but it certainly rings a bell. I will not be retuning to this place, ever again.
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Jane N.

Yelp
Good vide. Drink is ok. Zucchini flowers appetizer is surprisingly good. Staffs are friendly.
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Tash M.

Yelp
I came here with high hopes...but unfortunately they did not come to fruition. We came for a birthday party and we're accommodated at a lovely dining table. The decor of the restaurant is airy and modern, although it does get rather loud. But the food was inconsistent. I enjoyed my "flatbread" which came with an assortment of raw and cooked veggies. The broccolini was tasty but too saturated with the soy glaze. My friends were very disappointed with their smash burgers. Service was trying hard but disorganized. Perhaps it was a really off night- hopefully with more time Gala will rise to its potential.
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Kirsten P.

Yelp
Wow. Dining here was an experience I will repeat over and over. From the craft cocktails with unique ingredients to the farm to table fresh menu, I was in awe every minute of my visit. I was able to enjoy the Pisco Sour as well as the tasty guava cocktail - so fresh. The mushroom risotto is an absolute must, I almost ordered a serving to go. Do not leave without tasting the cheesecake - one of the best I have ever had. Again, the menu does change depending on the freshest farmers market ingredients so I do hope these items are available again. Compliments to the staff and the amazing chef for the meal and experience I had! I will be back very soon!

Cristina O.

Yelp
I went to visit my son who goes to school in the area. He suggested we go to Gala because he hadn't been there yet and wanted to try it. We were greeted by the owner who was very sweet and friendly. The restaurant is quaint but I hear they want to expand. The menu is tapas style so my son & I tried several different items. The zucchini blossoms and the croquettes were our favorites but everything was delicious. When I go back to visit, I'll be sure to go back.

Paige L.

Yelp
We had an absolutely lovely time at Gala. Tera, who greeted us, was so kind, accommodating, and attentive throughout our visit. Our server Liana was also great. We got calamari and tempura zucchini flowers, both came out very quickly and were delicious. Our drinks took a bit longer but were very tasty! Overall we had a great experience here and can't wait to come back.
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Chantal C.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite new restaurants in town. The decor is perfect, the open air bar is wonderful. I've been in 4 times now and the staff has all been hired perfectly. My favorite and repeat orders are the two crudo fish apps, and the fried zucchini flower the fried tomatoes, The steak & frites always a win. The French fries are a perfect side order as well some. The watermelon tomato burrata dish was a wonderfully tasteful surprise.
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Maya R.

Yelp
If you're looking for a cool vibe and delicious food, look no further! Gala has some delicious creative cocktails, my favorite is the Guava Caviar sour, and some unique dishes full of flavor. Order the mushroom risotto and the Gilda oysters, you will not be disappointed! Bring a group and share everything, you'll want to taste all the amazingness this place has to offer. Above all, the amazing service staff is what really makes this place special! Check it out next time you're in downtown Santa Barbara!

Lori T.

Yelp
New favorite place in SB Highly recommend for amazing cuisine , personal attentive service , and romantic setting 5 STARS ALL AROUND !

Jeff P.

Yelp
This is a great find! I went on Friday evening on March 1. I was seated immediately. The interior design and set-up is very inviting. Service was great. I ordered the Pan Co Tomate as a starter and the Tagliateli Pasta which were both amazing. The pasta had an excellent orange sauce with some cheese and other ingredients. It was warm, good portion size and so delicious. I was pleasantly surprised. Highly recommend.

Megs H.

Yelp
We had reservations for 2 on a Friday evening. Dinner was amazing- my friend commented that when she goes out to eat she wants the fanciest, most complex dishes unlike anything she could make at home- the octopus special hit the nail on the head with this one. The heaters, lighting and guitar entertainment really made for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Pricey, but one of those places where you feel as if you're paying for more than just the food.

James S.

Yelp
Excellent establishment, a wonderful welcomed new addition to Santa Barbara - unique dishes - the duck was excellent, appetizers wonderful, drinks in real crystal. Service was par excellent. Fresh, young and inspiring vibe!
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Pamela B.

Yelp
So amazing! Sat at the atmospheric bar in the historic Spanish-sryle building, sipping a phenomenal red blend from Rancho Sisquoc winery. Decided on the filet mignon with chimichurrie and roasted garlic. Served to perfection! Treated myself to THE BEST creme brulee I have ever had. Infused with orange and topped with a crispy sugar layer, it is what all creme brulees should aspire to be. On the way out, I got to meet Jaime the owner who has clearly invested his heart and soul into Gala. Kind and caring employees make Gala what it is- a gem in the heart of Santa Barbara.

Brooke D.

Yelp
Completely disappointing I handsome staff serving pedestrian fare I expected some music being that the owners originate from Barcelona o Lu to find a very local flavor that wasn't my hope foe the evening

Jesus G.

Yelp
Just finished dinner at Gala. This place is amazing! Four of us in our group, what we ate: Oyster on half shell Shrimp croqueta Local ceviche Branzino with polenta Mushroom risotto Wagyu steak with potatoes We had spicy margaritas, could not get enough of them. Chef Jaime came out to chat and inquire about dinner, so happy he opened this beautiful space. Food was absolutely incredible, we all raved about our delicious dinner experience. I wished I took pictures! The food and presentation are delightful. Highly recommend this new restaurant, the ambiance, food and drinks do not disappoint.

Daniela R.

Yelp
Gala has become my husband and I's favorite date night spot. The staff is always so accommodating and we've never had any trouble getting a table - especially when we have a reservation. Amazing ambiance with even better food and cocktails. It's always difficult to not over order from their farm to table menu since everything is always so good. I highly recommend Gala for a nice night out
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Danielle H.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious meal in a beautiful setting with incredible customer service. New restaurant in SB that has been packed since they opened. Cannot go wrong with any of the dishes, and the drinks are incredible as well!
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Caroline H.

Yelp
Much necessary addition to SB dining. Great open layout (you don't feel crammed), exceptional service, and the food was amazing. We ordered the duck and risotto. Two dishes that are very easy to go wrong. They were incredible. The duck was perfectly rendered and the risotto had great flavor. We've had duck at many higher end restaurants and this was easily the best we've had. So excited to have our new "spot"!

Hege N.

Yelp
Gala, our new favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. The decor is beautiful and chic. The ambiance is warm, relaxed and intimate. The service is top notch and the food is delicious absolutely divine. We love Gala!