Business Details
Experience Seasonal Culinary Artistry at First & Oak
At First & Oak, we curate a dining experience centered on seasonal ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and culinary artistry. Our menu emphasizes local and organic produce from the Santa Ynez Valley, complemented by responsibly sourced meats and seafood. Our dishes evolve with the seasons to ensure the freshest flavors and most expressive meals. We prioritize partnerships with small farms and local ranches that share our commitment to quality. Our sommelier hand-selects organic, natural wines that harmonize with our cuisine, enhancing each course with balanced pairings. Recognized with a Michelin Plate designation, our team brings decades of expertise in hospitality and fine dining.Our service philosophy combines warmth, attentiveness, and a passion for creating unforgettable culinary journeys. We operate within The Mirabelle Inn, offering both intimate dining and event catering in Solvangs wine country. Our culinary team, led by award-winning professionals, crafts tasting menus that encourage exploration and personalization. From weddings to corporate events, we extend our dedication to detail and innovation beyond our restaurant into every catering experience.
Services
Seasonal Menus
Wine Pairings
Catering Services
Tasting Menus
Private Events
Highlights and features
- We offer seasonal tasting menus crafted from Santa Ynez Valley's freshest ingredients.
- Our sommelier curates organic, natural wine pairings to elevate every dish.
- We maintain a Michelin Plate designation for culinary excellence and service.
- Our team includes award-winning chefs with experience at Eleven Madison Park and NoMad.
- We provide customized catering for events using the same quality standards as our restaurant.
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Plate
What people say
Exceptional cuisine
Attentive service
Memorable wine pairings
Beautiful presentation
Seasonal creativity
Services
Seasonal Menus
Our seasonal menus feature multi-course tasting experiences crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Each dish highlights the freshest produce, meats, and seafood available in the Santa Ynez Valley. The ever-changing offerings allow diners to explore new flavor combinations while supporting sustainable farming practices. Our culinary team designs each menu to balance innovation with tradition, ensuring a cohesive and memorable dining journey.
Wine Pairings
Sommelier-curated wine pairings complement every menu item with organic and natural selections from regional vineyards. We prioritize small-batch producers who align with our commitment to quality and sustainability. Each pairing enhances the dish's flavors through careful consideration of acidity, body, and aroma. Our wine list evolves alongside the seasonal menu to maintain perfect harmony between food and beverage offerings.
Catering Services
Customized catering services bring our culinary expertise to weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. We create menus tailored to client preferences while maintaining our standards of quality and sustainability. Our team executes every detail with the same precision as our restaurant service, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. We incorporate seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques to ensure exceptional dining experiences beyond our dining room.
Private Events
We host exclusive events in our restaurant space and through off-site catering arrangements. Our team specializes in creating memorable experiences for weddings, winery celebrations, and corporate functions. We offer full-service coordination including menu customization, wine pairings, and staffing solutions. Every event benefits from our Michelin-recognized culinary standards and attention to detail.
Hospitality Training
Our hospitality training programs develop service teams through structured mentorship and hands-on experience. We emphasize warm, attentive service that enhances the dining experience without being intrusive. Training covers wine knowledge, menu presentation, and customer engagement techniques. This expertise extends to both our restaurant operations and event catering services, ensuring consistent quality across all guest interactions.
People
Jonathan Rosenson
Director of Hospitality
Level 2 sommelier with 13+ years in hospitality. Manages boutique hotels and serves as Creative Director for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards. Former roles include Wine Cask and Bernard's Wine Gallery. Focuses on wine education and exceptional guest experiences.
Chef Chris Flint
Culinary Director
Led kitchens at Eleven Madison Park and NoMad hotels. Maintained Michelin-starred status at Maude restaurant. Oversees culinary operations for multiple properties including First & Oak. Brings global fine dining expertise to local cuisine.
Matt Pierga
Restaurant & Catering Manager
Hospitality professional with experience at Malibu Farm, Four Seasons Lanai, and Rosewood Miramar. Trained under award-winning chefs. Combines luxury service standards with passion for local Santa Ynez Valley wines in his current role.
Questions
How do I make a reservation at First & Oak?
Reservations can be made through our website's OpenTable system or by calling 805-688-1703 during operating hours.
What type of menu does First & Oak offer?
We provide seasonal tasting menus with small plates that change based on local ingredient availability in Santa Ynez Valley.
Do you offer catering services for private events?
Yes, we provide customized catering for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations using our same quality standards.
Are wine pairings available with meals?
Our sommelier curates wine pairings specifically designed to complement each seasonal menu offering.
What makes First & Oak unique compared to other restaurants?
Our Michelin Plate recognition, focus on hyper-local ingredients, and integration of curated wine experiences set us apart in Solvang.
