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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11 Recommendations
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1. Nepenthe
$$$ | |The coastal views are utterly spectacular from Nepenthe, named for an opiate mentioned in Greek literature that would induce a state of "no sorrow." For the best vistas, settle on the terraced deck in the late afternoon, order a glass from the extensive wine list, and watch the sun slip into the Pacific Ocean.
48510 Hwy. 1, Big Sur, California, 93920, USA831-667–2345Known For
- Ambrosia burger, fresh fish, hormone-free steaks
- Multiple view decks
- Brunch and lunch at casual outdoor Café Kevah
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted -
2. The Stonehouse
$$$$ | |The elegant Stonehouse—consistently lauded as one of the nation's top restaurants—is inside a century-old granite former farmhouse at the San Ysidro Ranch resort. The menu changes constantly but might include pan-seared abalone or classic steak Diane flambéed table-side, and the Plow & Angel pub downstairs serves casual bistro fare.
900 San Ysidro La., Montecito, California, 93108, USA805-565–1720Known For
- Ingredients from on-site garden
- Heated ocean-view deck with fireplace
- Elegant dining room
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential -
3. Thomas Hill Organics
$$$$ | | Modern AmericanThe Central Coast's abundance of organic and sustainably sourced bounty—veggies, seafood, meats, and breads—are creatively woven into innovative dishes at this brick-walled downtown favorite. The wine list celebrates local wines; with many by the half-glass, you can sample a good cross-section.
1313 Park St., at 13th St., Paso Robles, California, 93446, USA805-226–5888Known For
- Organic sustainable menu
- Local-centric wine list
- Regional locavore pioneer
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4. Corazón Comedor
$ | |Born from the hankerings for food from the owner’s childhood haunts—the streets, markets, home–in Guadalajara, Mexico, this casual eatery (order from the counter) in the Arts District serves authentic south-of-the-border soul food, much of it derived from longtime family recipes and made with fresh local ingredients. Feast on everything from huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and churro French toast for breakfast to tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and pozole for lunch and dinner.
29 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, California, 93101, USA805-679–5397Known For
- Excellent service
- House-made salsas
- Specialty ice creams and other desserts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
5. La Cosecha
$$$ | |At barlike, tin-ceilinged La Cosecha (Spanish for "the harvest"), Honduran-born chef Santos MacDonal faithfully re-creates dishes from Spain and South America. Noteworthy starters include pastelitos catracho, Honduran-style empanadas in a light tomato sauce served with queso fresco (fresh cheese) and micro cilantro.
835 12th St., Paso Robles, California, 93446, USA805-237–0019Known For
- Fusion of Latin spices and fresh local fare
- Daily paella special
- Artisanal cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Luna Red
$$ | |A spacious, contemporary space with a festive outdoor patio, this restaurant near Mission Plaza serves creative tapas and cocktails. The small plates include birria-braised beef tacos, avocado-tuna ceviche, and crispy Brussels sprouts.
1023 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, California, 93401, USA805-540–5243Known For
- Excellent Valencian paellas
- Craft cocktails
- Lively music scene
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7. Novo Restaurant & Lounge
$$ | |In the colorful dining room or on the large creek-side deck, this animated downtown eatery will take you on a culinary world tour. The salads, small plates, and entrées come from nearly every continent. The wine and beer list also covers the globe and includes local favorites.
726 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, California, 93401, USA805-543–3986Known For
- Patio seating
- Savory curry and noodle dishes
- Local farmers' market ingredients
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8. Robin's
$$ | |An international, vegetarian-friendly dining experience awaits you at this cozy East Village cottage. Dinner choices include chiles relents, grilled Skuna Bay salmon, lamb curry, and grilled pork chops. Lunchtime's extensive salad and sandwich menu embraces burgers and tofu alike.
4095 Burton Dr., Cambria, California, 93428, USA805-927–5007Known For
- Savory curries
- Top-notch salmon bisque
- Secluded (heated) garden patio
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9. Rumfish y Vino
$$ | |The sibling of a popular namesake restaurant in Placencia, Belize, Rumfish y Vino serves up zesty Caribbean fare with a California Wine Country twist in a courtyard venue just off Main Street near the mission. Eat in the beach-chic dining room or on the heated patio with a roaring fireplace, and perhaps enjoy one of the live music shows offered several nights a week. The seafood-heavy menu changes depending on the local catch.
434 N. Palm St., Ventura, California, 93001, USA805-667–9288Known For
- Delectable fish tacos and flatbreads
- Happy hour and creative cocktails
- Caribbean fish stew
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10. The Dutchess
$$ | |A bakery, shop, and café by day, this lively locals hub, run by longtime friends, morphs into a Burmese-Californian restaurant and bar by night. Menu items range from croissants, flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads to tandoori chicken or seafood dishes, and most ingredients used to make them come from eco-minded purveyors within 50 miles (some from a co-owner’s family farm).
457 E. Ojai Ave, Ojai, California, 93023, USA805-640–7987Known For
- Live music Thursday night, happy hour specials weeknights
- Spicy Burmese rice bowls
- Nearly everything made in-house
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
11. Ventana Grill
$$ | |Perched on a bluff at the northern edge of Pismo Beach, Ventana Grill offers ocean views from nearly every table, unusual seafood-centered Latin American–California fusion dishes, and more than 50 tequilas plus craft cocktails at the bar. Reservations are essential—this place is almost always packed, especially during the weekday happy hour.
2575 Price St., Pismo Beach, California, 93449, USA805-773–0000Known For
- Happy hour with sunset views
- Sunday brunch buffet
- House-made tortillas
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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