Opal

Open

Closed

$

$$$$

🍴 Contemporary

Santa Barbara

fine-dining

4.6
Globally influenced Californian fare and drinks with bustling street views in Santa Barbara Downtown.

$

$$$$

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fine-dining

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Opal

Santa Barbara

$

Enjoy upscale Californian cuisine, inventive seafood dishes, and crafted cocktails with bustling downtown views at Opal in Santa Barbara.

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About
4.6
(
709
)

Opal delivers a refined dining experience featuring globally influenced Californian cuisine and specialty cocktails. Guests enjoy an upscale yet cozy atmosphere with indoor, bar, and outdoor patio seating, ideal for both solo diners and groups.

What to Expect:

    🍸 Expertly crafted cocktails and extensive wine list
    🦐 Creative seafood and pasta dishes like Coconut Shrimp and Mushroom Risotto
    🍮 Delectable desserts including Crème Brulee and Chocolate Cake
    🎶 Occasional live music enhancing the vibrant downtown atmosphere

Important Information:

    Reservations recommended for dinner service
    Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restrooms, and parking
    Outdoor seating available
    Catering and private dining options offered

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry
🔊
🔊
🔊

📍 Local Insights

🍸 Cocktail Excellence: The skilled bartenders craft standout cocktails; the Old Fashioned and Blackberry Jalapeno Margarita are favorites.

🍽️ Try the Seafood Specials: Guests rave about Coconut Shrimp and Chilean Seabass for fresh, flavorful seafood.

🎟️ Reservations Recommended: Particularly on Fridays and weekends, booking ahead secures prime seating and avoids waits.

🌿 Dietary Flexibility: The kitchen accommodates gluten and dairy sensitivities with thoughtful modifications.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Tuesday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Wednesday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Thursday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Friday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM

Saturday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM

Sunday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

👉 Best For

Dinner, seafood lovers, date nights, solo dining, small groups

Opal

1325 State St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Opal impresses with outstanding food quality, creative globally influenced dishes, and attentive, friendly service. Guests appreciate the elegant yet cozy ambiance with bustling street views. Some reviewers note occasional inconsistencies in food and service, but the majority find it worth the premium pricing for a memorable dining experience.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Go For

The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Filet Mignon, Mushroom Risotto, Paella, Coconut Shrimp, Angel Hair Pasta with Beef Tips, Penne Chicken Piccata, Pesto Shrimp Pizza, Chocolate Cake, Panna Cotta, Creme Brulee, Flatbread, Specialty Cocktails, Extensive Wine List

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit Tuesday to Thursday around 5-6 PM to avoid peak crowds; Fridays and Saturdays get very busy starting 7 PM; reserve early to secure outdoor seating.
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