The Central Coast Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Central Coast - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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80 Recommendations
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1. Café Zack
$$$ | |A local favorite for anniversaries and other celebrations, Zack's serves classic European dishes in an intimate, two-room 1930s cottage adorned with local art. Entrées of...
A local favorite for anniversaries and other celebrations, Zack's serves classic European dishes in an intimate, two-room 1930s cottage adorned with local art. Entrées of note include seafood specials (depending on the local catch), slow-roasted boar shank, and filet mignon, the latter typically crusted in peppercorns or topped with porcini mushrooms.
1095 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, California, 93001, USA805-643–9445Known For
- Personal service
- House-made desserts
- Excellent California wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat. -
2. Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
$$$ | |The candle-lighted, creaky-floor restaurant in the main house at the historic inn of the same name is a Big Sur institution. It serves spicy seafood...
The candle-lighted, creaky-floor restaurant in the main house at the historic inn of the same name is a Big Sur institution. It serves spicy seafood paella, grass-fed filet mignon, and rack of lamb for dinner and flavorful eggs Benedict for breakfast.
Big Sur, California, 93920, USA831-667–2378Known For
- Rustic, romantic setting
- Ingredients from sustainable purveyors
- Stellar weekend breakfast
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Weds. and Thurs. No lunch., Credit cards accepted -
3. Ember
$$$ | |A barn-style restaurant with high ceilings and an open kitchen, Ember enjoys a red-hot reputation for Italian-inflected dishes prepared in an authentic Tuscan fireplace or...
A barn-style restaurant with high ceilings and an open kitchen, Ember enjoys a red-hot reputation for Italian-inflected dishes prepared in an authentic Tuscan fireplace or a wood-burning oven. Chef-owner Brian Collins, a native of Arroyo Grande, the town bordering Pismo Beach, honed his culinary skills at Berkeley's legendary Chez Panisse Restaurant. Ember doesn't accept reservations, so come before 6 or after 8 to avoid a wait.
1200 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande, California, 93420, USA805-474–7700Known For
- Seasonal menu changes monthly
- Wood-fired flatbread pizzas
- Long lines during prime time (no reservations)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations not accepted -
4. First & Oak
$$$$ | |Create your own custom tasting menu by choosing among five different groups of eclectic California--French dishes paired with local wines at this elegant farm-to-table restaurant...
Create your own custom tasting menu by choosing among five different groups of eclectic California--French dishes paired with local wines at this elegant farm-to-table restaurant inside the Mirabelle Inn. The seasonal menu changes constantly, but regulars include smoked sweet-and-spicy duck wings, truffle-roasted cauliflower, local spot prawns, short rib bourguignonne, and pears poached in red wine from the sommelier-owner's organic Coceliquot Estate Vineyard.
409 1st St., Solvang, California, 93463, USA805-688–1703Known For
- Intimate fine-dining setting
- Sommelier-owner selected wine list
- Complex dishes and presentation
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5. Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica
$$$ | |The younger sibling of the hugely popular Guiseppe's restaurant in Pismo Beach, this lively downtown eatery serves up authentic southern Italian fare in the historic...
The younger sibling of the hugely popular Guiseppe's restaurant in Pismo Beach, this lively downtown eatery serves up authentic southern Italian fare in the historic Sinsheimer Bros. building, originally constructed in 1884. Dine in the spacious main restaurant amid high ceilings, fireplaces, and bar, or in the courtyard beneath strings of twinkling lights.
849 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, California, 93401, USA805-541–9922Known For
- Bread, sauce, pasta, gelato and other desserts made in-house
- Organic ingredients from the owner's 12-acre farm or sourced from local purveyors
- Historic ambience
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Madeline's
$$$ | |Dine on stellar French-American delights at a romantic, candlit table in this tiny restaurant within a tasting room and wineshop in Cambria's West Village. The...
Dine on stellar French-American delights at a romantic, candlit table in this tiny restaurant within a tasting room and wineshop in Cambria's West Village. The menu changes seasonally, but you might start with diver scallops or stuffed quail, then move on to Louisiana seafood gumbo or Long Island duck breast, and bananas foster or crème brûlée for dessert.
788 Main St., Cambria, California, 93428, USA805-927–4175Known For
- Lamb osso buco, octopus, and other unusual dishes
- Excellent selection of local wines
- Bread pudding and other house-made desserts
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7. Nepenthe
$$$$ | |It may be that no other restaurant between San Francisco and Los Angeles has a better coastal view than Nepenthe, named for an opiate mentioned...
It may be that no other restaurant between San Francisco and Los Angeles has a better coastal view than Nepenthe, named for an opiate mentioned in Greek literature that would induce a state of "no sorrow." For the real show, settle on the terraced deck in the late afternoon, order a glass from the extensive wine list, and watch the sun slip into the Pacific Ocean.
48510 Hwy. 1, Big Sur, California, 93920, USA831-667–2345Known For
- Ambrosia burger, fresh fish, hormone-free steaks
- Multiple view decks
- Brunch and lunch at casual outdoor Café Kevah
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted -
8. Nocciola
$$$ | |Authentic northern Italian dishes with a California twist, a cozy fireplace dining room in a century-old Craftsman-style house, and a covered patio amid the oaks...
Authentic northern Italian dishes with a California twist, a cozy fireplace dining room in a century-old Craftsman-style house, and a covered patio amid the oaks draw locals and visitors alike to this popular eatery, owned by an Italian chef and his American wife (the family lives upstairs). The menu changes seasonally, but regular stars include seared sea scallops with Parmesan fondue and truffle shavings, homemade pastas made with organic egg yolks, and pappardelle with slow-roasted wild boar.
314 El Paseo Rd., Ojai, California, 93023, USA805-640–1648Known For
- Great wild fish and game
- Moment Pink signature cocktail
- Five-course tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch. -
9. Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Restaurant
$$$ | |Cambria's best place for seafood fills up soon after it opens at 5:30 (no reservations taken). Those in the know grab seats at the oyster...
Cambria's best place for seafood fills up soon after it opens at 5:30 (no reservations taken). Those in the know grab seats at the oyster bar and take in spectacular sunsets while watching the chefs broil fresh halibut, steam garlicky clams, and fry crispy calamari steaks; if you arrive to a wait, play cribbage or checkers in the game room.
6216 Moonstone Beach Dr., Cambria, California, 93428, USA805-927–4514Known For
- New England chowder house vibe
- Savory cioppino
- Waiting areas in wine bar, game room, and patio with firepit
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. mid-Sept.–May. No lunch, No credit cards, Reservations not accepted -
10. Sear Steakhouse
$$$$ | |This true farm-to-table restaurant (most ingredients come from the owners’ organic farm, planted with more than 100 varieties of fruits, veggies, and herbs) serves classic...
This true farm-to-table restaurant (most ingredients come from the owners’ organic farm, planted with more than 100 varieties of fruits, veggies, and herbs) serves classic steak house dishes that have a regional flair. Steaks come from high-end purveyors in Colorado and local ranches; seafood from regional waters; and other dishes like watermelon gazpacho, creamed spinach, and sauteed mushrooms showcase seasonal bounty.
478 4th Place, Solvang, California, 93463, USA805-245–9564Known For
- Lively bar scene with dining until 2 am
- Classic and modern cocktails
- Culinary feasts on the farm (check website for schedule)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch. -
11. Sierra Mar
$$$$ | |At cliff's edge 1,200 feet above the Pacific at the ultrachic Post Ranch Inn, Sierra Mar serves cutting-edge American cuisine made from mostly organic, seasonal...
At cliff's edge 1,200 feet above the Pacific at the ultrachic Post Ranch Inn, Sierra Mar serves cutting-edge American cuisine made from mostly organic, seasonal ingredients, some from the on-site chef's garden. The four-course prix-fixe option always shines.
Hwy. 1, Big Sur, California, 93920, USA831-667–2800Known For
- Stunning panoramic ocean views
- One of the nation's most extensive wine lists
- Iconic Big Sur farm-to-table experience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential -
12. The Lark
$$$ | |Shared dining—small plates and larger—and a seasonal menu showcasing local ingredients are the focus at this urban-chic restaurant named for an overnight all-Pullman train that...
Shared dining—small plates and larger—and a seasonal menu showcasing local ingredients are the focus at this urban-chic restaurant named for an overnight all-Pullman train that chugged into the nearby railroad station for six decades. Sit at the 24-seat communal table set atop vintage radiators, or at tables and booths crafted from antique Spanish church pews and other repurposed or recycled materials.
131 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, California, 93101, USA805-284–0370Known For
- Social environment
- Wines curated by a master sommelier
- Handcrafted locavore cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
13. The Stonehouse
$$$$ | |The elegant Stonehouse—consistently lauded as one of the nation's top restaurants—is inside a century-old granite former farmhouse at the San Ysidro Ranch resort. The menu...
The elegant Stonehouse—consistently lauded as one of the nation's top restaurants—is inside a century-old granite former farmhouse at the San Ysidro Ranch resort. The menu changes constantly, but might include pan-seared abalone or classic steak Diane flambéed table-side. The Plow & Angel pub downstairs serves casual bistro fare.
900 San Ysidro La., Montecito, California, 93108, USA805-565–1720Known For
- Ingredients from on-site garden
- Heated ocean-view deck with fireplace
- Elegant dining room
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, No lunch Mon. and Tues., Reservations essential -
14. Thomas Hill Organics
$$$$ | | Modern AmericanThe Central Coast's abundance of organic and sustainably sourced bounty—veggies, seafood, meats, and breads—are creatively woven into innovative...
The Central Coast's abundance of organic and sustainably sourced bounty—veggies, seafood, meats, and breads—are creatively woven into innovative dishes at this brick-walled downtown favorite. The wine list celebrates local wines; with many by the half-glass, you can sample a good cross-section.
1313 Park St., at 13th St., Paso Robles, California, 93446, USA805-226–5888Known For
- Organic sustainable menu
- Local-centric wine list
- Regional locavore pioneer
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15. Tognazzini's Dockside
$$ | |Captain Mark Tognazzini catches seasonal seafood and delivers the bounty to his family's collection of down-home, no-frills enterprises in the harbor: a fish market with...
Captain Mark Tognazzini catches seasonal seafood and delivers the bounty to his family's collection of down-home, no-frills enterprises in the harbor: a fish market with patio dining and up-close views of Morro Rock (Dockside Too), and the original Dockside restaurant. Local musicians play live music nearly every day at the outdoor patio at Dockside Too.
1245 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, California, 93442, USA805-772–8100-restaurantKnown For
- Fresh-as-it-gets local seafood
- Live music nearly every day year-round
- Front-row seats to Morro Rock views
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16. Toma
$$$ | |Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and softly lit muted-yellow walls evoke the flavors and charms of Tuscany and the Mediterranean at this rustic-romantic restaurant across from...
Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and softly lit muted-yellow walls evoke the flavors and charms of Tuscany and the Mediterranean at this rustic-romantic restaurant across from the harbor and West Beach. Ahi sashimi tucked in a crisp sesame cone is a popular appetizer, after which you can proceed to a house-made pasta dish or rock shrimp gnocchi.
324 W. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, California, 93101, USA805-962–0777Known For
- House-made pastas and gnocchi
- Wines from Italy and California's Central Coast
- Romantic waterfront setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
17. Arigato Sushi
$$$ | |You might have to wait for a table at this two-story restaurant and sushi bar—locals line up early for the wildly creative combination rolls and...
You might have to wait for a table at this two-story restaurant and sushi bar—locals line up early for the wildly creative combination rolls and other delectables (first come, first served). Fans of authentic Japanese food sometimes disagree about the quality of the seafood, but all dishes are fresh and artfully presented.
1225 State St., Santa Barbara, California, 93101, USA805-965–6074Known For
- Innovative creations
- Lively atmosphere
- Patio and second-floor balcony seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted -
18. Barbareño
$$$ | |Determined to push the boundaries of farm-to-table, college friends who worked at the same Los Angeles eatery banded together in 2014 to launch Barbareño. They...
Determined to push the boundaries of farm-to-table, college friends who worked at the same Los Angeles eatery banded together in 2014 to launch Barbareño. They churn their own butter, bake their own breads, make condiments from scratch, and forage mushrooms, eucalyptus leaves, and other ingredients from the wild.
205 W. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, California, 93101, USA805-963–9591Known For
- Youthful, sophisticated vibe
- Chef's sampler plate
- Monthly seasonal menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch. -
19. Big Sky Café
$$ | |Family-friendly Big Sky turns local and organically grown ingredients into global dishes, starting with breakfast. Just pick your continent: braised Argentinian lamb shanks, Southeast Asian...
Family-friendly Big Sky turns local and organically grown ingredients into global dishes, starting with breakfast. Just pick your continent: braised Argentinian lamb shanks, Southeast Asian noodle bowls, Middle Eastern lamb burger, Maryland crab cakes.
1121 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, California, 93401, USA805-545–5401Known For
- Artsy, creative vibe
- Ample choices for vegetarians
- Locavore pioneer
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted -
20. BL Brasserie
$$$ | |Owner-chef Laurent Grangien's handsome, welcoming French bistro occupies an 1890s brick building across from City Park. He focuses on traditional dishes such as duck confit,...
Owner-chef Laurent Grangien's handsome, welcoming French bistro occupies an 1890s brick building across from City Park. He focuses on traditional dishes such as duck confit, rack of lamb, and onion soup, but always prepares a few au courant daily specials as well.
1202 Pine St., Paso Robles, California, 93446, USA805-226–8191Known For
- Classic French dishes made with local ingredients
- Good selection of local and international wines
- Four-tasting menu Thurs
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun., Credit cards accepted
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