Gala Restaurant
Chic Mediterranean-inspired bistro in Santa Barbara, offering visually stunning dishes, delightful cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Gala Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chic Mediterranean-inspired bistro in Santa Barbara, offering visually stunning dishes, delightful cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
Sit at the Bar
For attentive service, consider sitting at the bar for a more personalized and enjoyable dining experience.
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead, especially for groups, as service can be delayed during peak times.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Spanish / Mediterranean
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mediterranean Ambiance & Decor
Mediterranean-inspired decor with fresh flowers on every plate creates a chic and visually stunning dining experience.
Exceptional Cocktails & Oysters
Enjoy well-balanced, delicious cocktails and fantastic deals like $2.50 oysters all night, perfect for happy hour.
Signature Dishes & Paella
Indulge in expertly crafted dishes such as Spiny Lobster Paella for two, duck, or steak, complemented by quality wines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sit at the Bar
For attentive service, consider sitting at the bar for a more personalized and enjoyable dining experience.
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead, especially for groups, as service can be delayed during peak times.
Check for Specials
Look out for great deals like $2.50 oysters all night or happy hour margaritas.
Try Signature Items
Don't miss signature dishes like zucchini flowers or the highly recommended oysters.
Tips
from all over the internet
Sit at the Bar
For attentive service, consider sitting at the bar for a more personalized and enjoyable dining experience.
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead, especially for groups, as service can be delayed during peak times.
Check for Specials
Look out for great deals like $2.50 oysters all night or happy hour margaritas.
Try Signature Items
Don't miss signature dishes like zucchini flowers or the highly recommended oysters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gala Restaurant is celebrated for its Mediterranean-inspired ambiance and creative dishes, often featuring fresh flowers for visual appeal. Diners rave about the well-balanced cocktails and excellent value, especially for items like oysters. However, some reviews mention inconsistent service, particularly for larger groups, and occasional issues with food preparation or drink consistency.
"Wonderful food and service. The zucchini flowers are what brought me here and they were delicious. I also would highly recommend the oysters"
Corinne Walter
"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."
Subash Chellappan
"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."
Winston Duong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Gala offers a Mediterranean-inspired ambiance with visually stunning dishes, excellent cocktails, and a vibe reminiscent of its sister restaurant in Barcelona.
Reservations are recommended, especially for groups, as service can experience delays during peak dining hours.
Diners highly recommend the zucchini flowers, oysters, Spiny Lobster Paella for two, and signature cocktails.
Yes, Gala frequently offers great deals such as $2.50 oysters all night and happy hour margaritas.
The restaurant features a chic and lively Mediterranean bistro atmosphere, with fresh flowers adorning each plate.
Yes, you can sit at the bar for service. Some suggest it offers a more attentive experience.
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17 Santa Barbara Chefs You Need to Know
Gala uniquely bridges the vibrant flavors of Spain with local California essence, thanks to the vision of husband and wife duo Chef Jaime Riesco and Tara Penke. The Santa Barbara couple, rooted in decades of experience from Barcelona to Manhattan’s esteemed kitchens, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s JoJo and Public, have infused Gala with a spirit that mirrors their adventurous journey. The restaurant’s chic and minimalist interior is a place for locals and visitors to gather to revel in this Spanish-meets-California fare: from oysters and seasonal fresh salads to a melt-in-your-mouth steak with bone marrow butter and chimichurri.
8 of the Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
**Gala offers a unique blend of European and Santa Barbara flavors, transporting you to a charming Mediterranean bistro. Owned by third-generation Santa Barbarian Tara Penke and Chile-born chef Jaime Riesco, Gala is named after Salvador Dalí’s wife, Gala, reflecting their admiration for Cadaqués in Costa Brava, where the Dalís once lived.
Santa Barbara’s First-Ever Sandwich Week
Gala’s offering is no doubt the best deal of Sandwich Week, as it saves you a plane ticket to Spain. Its owners, Tara Penke and chef Jaime Riesco, also own the restaurant Picnic in Barcelona, which has featured a fried chicken sandwich for 15 years. Now you can dive into one right on Anacapa Street.
Santa Barbara Restaurants | 20 Best in 2025
Moments at Gala become a culinary celebration, infusing Santa Barbara restaurants with a festive spirit. This bright bistro brings a touch of continental class to restaurants in Santa Barbara, making the most of the European-like environment.
No Corkage Fee at Santa Barbara's Best Restaurants!
705 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101| (805) 869-2813 Corkage fee waived on 1 bottle from Jamie Slone Wines Casual & fun cocktails 🍸, local & Spanish wines and an eclectic mix of our favorite dishes.
Four Local Experts Tell You Where to Eat and Drink in Santa Barbara
Gala is a new restaurant that I’ve been hanging out at a bit. They do Spanish food and they have a sister restaurant in Barcelona.
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