“This is one of those "hidden gem" spots! We've even stayed at the San Luis Inn that is right next door and hadn't noticed it. It is down the hill and next door to the pro shop for the golf course. There are large menu boards up next to the entrance and above the bar. You place your order at the bar and then go find a seat. We found a great spot in the shade outside and didn't have any problems with insects. Our lunches (salads and sandwiches) were good and tasty. The view of the ocean was great! A nice, relaxing spot for lunch, especially during the week (apparently it is a lot busier on weekends).“
“I had the pleasure of getting lunch with my parents and my girlfriend here. The food is nothing short of delicious idyllic French cuisine.Between the 4 of us we had the French onion soup, the Niçoise salad, and two trio combos ( croque monsieur, salad and chowder)In short, the view is heavenly, the service is impeccable, and the food is fabulous.Wheelchair accessibility: It’s all one level. You shouldn’t have trouble. Getting the bathroom may be a bit more difficult, as it is around the corner and through a door with a bit of a lip.“
“Friendly fast service. Delicious food, and a beautiful view on the patio. Thanks Jordyn! We had the western BBQ burger and sweet potato fries. They're Rancho was amazing! We've been coming to Avila for years bit this was our first time here and we will be back!“
“Rachel was super sweet and very helpful and attentive, the crew here was kind and friendly willing to help even if we weren't there table. 5/5The beet salad was definitely shareable dressing was alittle tart for my taste, but fresh, and beets cooked perfect. 4/5The crispy calamari filled its plate and the aoili was yummy. 5/5The fish and chips were ok, battered nicely but catfish a bit soft and mushy for my taste, however, we really enjoyed the fritz 3/5Ambiance is kept dim, but warm for 815pm. ??“
“Crab soup was wonderful. Scallops were fine/nothing special. The purple sweet potatoes were pureed and tasted like snotty, runny baby food.The swordfish served with bordelaise sauce didn't work. The crabcake lillikoi pepper jelly was way too overwhelming.Sadly disappointed.“
“My mother and I visited SLO a few days back and thoroughly enjoyed eating here. As a result of my mother's recent medical complications, she has had to abide by a severe diet that often precludes her from enjoying restaurant meals with friends and family. The NOVO staff, however, were unbelievably accommodating, sitting down with me prior and going in detail over what ingredients she can and can't intake, before prescribing potential substitutions and offering her not just one, but a few options. She LOVED IT! It has been incredibly hard to find restaurants that have been so willing to provide a warm and tailored meals. So thank you to everyone!“
“The food is amazing!! Antionette, Raul and the staff are amazing. Great service!!! Antionette and the staff were so great doing what they do!!!! We loved the fact when we learned they are now dog friendly. Truly was the reason we came because we could bring our Berne-doodle. Sadly when we asked for a piece of grilled chicken for her, they accepted the order and then came back with it had to be at the same price as the chicken breast on the menu. We sucked it up, and it came with all the seasoning whereby she could not eat it. Almost $40 for something she could not eat. We travel all of California. EVERY dog friendly restaurant has a plain burger or chicken breast they can make for your dog in the $5-$8 dollar range. So they may say they are dog friendly, it appears they are merely dog tolerant which in California seems out of touch. Sad to waste such great food and service at those prices when you can't make reasonable exceptions for your dog.“
“Driving through town, we needed a bite and want to thank all you 5-star reviewers of Spoon Trade for steering us here because the food was fantastic! It was a busy Saturday afternoon and we got one of the last tables available. Super friendly service straight away and a great vibe all around. Very interesting menu! A diner for foodies. Wife had the vegetarian Tikka with a side sausage patty, which she loved, and my son had the Benedict, which of course I tasted via dad tax and it was rich and yummy. I was going to get the chicken and waffles, which looked delicious on other people's tables, but opted for the duck noodle soup, which was a tasty ramen. It was on the pricy side, but everything was such great quality, original recipes, and made to order. We look forward to visiting again!“
American • $$$
“Nate’s on Marsh was a truly delightful experience. The food was absolutely delicious, the ambiance was both cozy and elegant, and the owner and server went above and beyond to accommodate our celiac dietary restrictions. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a fantastic dining experience in the area.Dietary people in our family have celiac disease, and our waiter and the owner personally made sure that our dishes were prepared gluten-free. They even called the maker of one of their products to ensure it was 100% gluten-free. We have eaten at Nate’s on Marsh several times, and none of our celiac family members have gotten sick.The servers and owner make you feel welcome and are very supportive of your dietary restrictions, and open to making food substitutions for you.Parking: Plenty of paid street parking is available, and there is limited free parking in their parking lot. We have eaten at Nate’s on Marsh several times, and we haven’t had any issues with parking.“
“This restaurant was so amazing! Upon arrival Chris greeted us with a smile and sat us with him by the window. We ordered filet bites to start with as an appetizer which was so tasty and fresh. Chris guided us towards selecting dinner and he sure didn't disappoint. He recommended the SeaVenture seafood dish and it was so fresh with zero fishy flavors throughout the meal. The swordfish was delectable as well. The caeser salad came with the best thick dressing I've had and even better than the Madonna inns steakhouse! The salad comes with two pieces of fresh anchovy on it sliced thin and so fresh. Dessert was just unbelievable; the Bananas Foster was even better than that of Commanders Palace in New Orleans! Please come on by and request to sit with Chris he was so on it!“
Hamburger • $
“We pulled this place up on Google Maps because we were looking for fish n chips. Well, they don't serve that at this location and good thing because I never would have tried The Duke, which was FANTASTIC! My kid got the Bogy Burger and a custom shake, both delicious. I would highly recommend this 50's themed diner. Our waitress Sarah was cool and friendly. Oh, and the custom mixed Cola was good, which is a lot from this Coca Cola forever fan.“
“Stopped by this taqueria tonight, our first night in Pismo Beach. This is a family owned business and we were immediately greeted by everyone there. The prices here seem excellent. I enjoyed my meal here and it was very filling after a long day of driving and hiking.I had the quesabirria tacos, chips and salsa, and a Mexican Coke. The portions were excellent and the food didn't disappoint. The quesabirria tacos tasted like the ones I had in Mexico and were very authentic. I would've liked to try some different salsas with the quesabirria tacos. I saw some in other pictures here but mine didn't come with any.Chips and salsa are not included with the meal and had to be purchased separately. The chips were made fresh and warm when I received them. For a single person, the portion size of the chips was a bit much. I would've preferred an option to purchase a half size or have some included with the meal.Looking forward to coming back soon to try their burrito!“
“This was our first time. The burgers were fantastic. The service was even better. I discovered the separate milk shake menu with multiple delicious combinations for great shakes. The who experience was terrific and a real find. We will certainly be returning.“
“Good Mexican food. I especially like the chili Colorado plate or burrito. Tender chunks of beef are coated with an authentic and delicious sauce. My wife always enjoys the hearty taco salad with shredded chicken. We’ve been going there for years. It’s reassuring to see many of the same wait staff. It’s busy much of the time, a testament to its popularity with locals and tourists alike. We discovered Zorro’s in 2011. We go there every time we come up to our timeshare. We established a friendship with a wonderful waitress that endures to this day. Good people, good food and good vibes.“
“The day was long and I was starving I had two dog in the car not a very warm day but still needed to watch the animals bouncing around it my new car this girl had to eat Can't say I would go again can't say I would not but I can say what I got that day sat well with me So I would say try because it was a healthy environment and a lot of times that's the best thing for good food thank you and I think l'll go back . Because I just need to make sure it is what I thought it was lol. Love the little beach front towns in California Cheers“
“Best breakfast EVER! The avo toast and salmon bagel were out of this world and the colors were like a summer California sunset. Not only were the flavors insane, they were IG-worthy. The restaurant was full of light, comfortable seating and the fiber art gives the vibe of a cool art exhibit. Chef Matti knocked it outta the park and Hakeem was so sweet, attentive and honestly, allowed us in for breaky right under the wire. Thank you!“
New American • $
“you gotta check out Finney's Crafthouse in San Luis Obispo!!. This place is all about the vibes, with drinks that pack a punch and an atmosphere that screams good times. And let me tell you about the food—it's straight fire. I chowed down on the smash burger and it was next-level delicious. Meanwhile, my wife went for the tri-tip tacos and they were a total game-changer. Whether you're looking to grab some grub or kick back with a few drinks, Finney's has got you covered. Trust me, you'll be coming back for more.“
“We met up with 2 other couples for a 2 night getaway in SLO. It’s a charming well appointed boutique hotel. Our room #4 was small but with upscale details. Minor negative: there is no closet just a couple of hangers in front of a mirror. The first night we did hear water noises in the middle of the night in the wall near our headboard. The good news was that it did not repeat the next night. Our friend’s rooms were slightly larger and they did not have any noise issues.The hotel manager was friendly and accommodating. The complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival was a nice touch. We visited the onsite bar for pre dinner drinks which was cozy and the bartender was knowledgeable and business like. Afterwards we had dinner in the restaurant. We brought our own bottles and corkage was reasonable. We also ordered several appetizers of which only the roasted Brussels sprouts was a standout that I remember. I had the hamburger as a main and it was delicious. Service and food prep were excellent.We enjoyed the upstairs lounge with the continental breakfast. WiFi reception was spotty up there though.Parking can be challenging if you want to park behind the hotel. It seemed like there was only 6” of clearance for our wheels on either side of the car when driving down the narrow driveway.We definitely would go back. We all had a great time.Noteworthy details: Nice details showing a wonderful design aesthetic.“
“Amazing atmosphere, and friendly staff. The chicken Parmesan was phenomenal. the tortelli De Zuca was good, but it was way too sweet it’s ravioli filled with a candied squash. But aside from that I truly enjoyed my visit and will return when I come back to the area.“
“The vegetarian paella was amazing, and it was such a fun meal to share with the table. The place was busy, the service was good, and the food came out more quickly than expected.Vegetarian options: Having a veggie paella is incredible! And there were options for veggie tacos and other items as well.Dietary restrictions: Great options for vegetarians, dairy-free, gluten-sensitive“
“I didn't eat here so I'm not going to leave a negative star review. Why didn't I eat here? Their menu posted outside on the sidewalk is out dated. Like pre Covid; pre inflation outdated. I believe outside menu had Eggs Benedict @ $10.95 but when you sat down and received "toaday's" menu the price is $14.95 - almost a 40% increase. Hard pass and departed restaurant due to bait and switch on menu pricing.“
“Delicious BBQFirestone has a wonderful varied menu of BBQ items. Beware that the servings are pretty large, and in a number of stops, the food is delicious. If you like ribs, they are wonderful and not fatty at all. I've dealt mainly with the bar staff and they are great and for as busy as they are, pretty attentive. A must stop when in or near SLO“
“It's a beautiful, serene space with an extremely comfortable ambiance and our dishes were well executed and delicious. But the gracious, friendly staff are the main reason why I will return whenever I am in the area again. My only regret is that our late dinner meant that we didn't get to enjoy the view at sunset or linger after eating.“
“Great food, great beers, great ambience!They have a lot of good options on the menu. The pretzel it’s really good. Lots of beers to choose from. Perfect place to go enjoy live music. Super clean. Employees are super cool and friendly.Good to go with family or friends.“
“First stop when we come through the Pismo area. Everything is delicious! My favorite thing is the octopus appetizer with a glass of wine. Seasoned to perfection. Service is fantastic as well. This would be my regular place if I was a local.“
“Great spot. They have plenty of outdoor seating which is nice and super family and dog friendly. Staff was very nice and helpful. Breakfast was soo good. The poppyseed waffle omg so good. And bacon was delightful. We will definitely come back. Thank you everyone.“
“Saw the billboard on 101 so we thought we'd stop in and give it a try. Excellent waitress; knowledgeable and professional. I had Clam chowder and it was outstanding, Then I had the calamari strips, which were pretty good but the batter did not stick when you cut off a piece, so I had to scramble to get a bite of both. My wife had the Coconut Shrimp. It was cooked in old oil and was way to brown, not golden. As well, we both could taste the older, going off flavor of the coconut and macadamia nuts. Excellent wine list with fair pricing. If we come back, we'll probably go for the Crab.“
“This is a healthy casual food option. There were bowls and sandwiches and soups, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. With the oven making fresh focaccia up front, I ordered a sandwich. The banh mi was tasty and unusual with a focaccia bun. It was messy (needed two napkins and a fork), but I would order it again. The salad that accompanied it was so much better than the typical free side salad. It was dressed with a fresh herbal vinaigrette and not a single leaf was wilted or past its prime. There is indoor seating, which has that fast food vibe, and a covered outdoor area, where you are mostly protected from the occasional rain shower.“
“I just love this place. I love the fresh and very tasty food. I come all the time and love the warm welcome when I come in. Because I eat there so I’ve met the regular great staff Jose, Rosie, Annette, Manuel and Miguel. They all seem to take pride in customer service, keeping the place clean and inviting. Thank you all!Dietary restrictions: They have no issues with me asking for substitutions for some items I can’t eat.“
“Easily the BEST brewery in the 5 cities!! They've been around for a while and I can certainly understand why! Their beers are tasty. Food is delicious. Staff is so friendly. They have great deals basically every day of the week. And the atmosphere just feels like you're chilling in your backyard with good people. Love this place and will certainly be back!“
“Been here twice now and I will definitely be retuning...let's just say it's my family's new go to when we are SLO!!! Everything we have tried from the main dish to the smoothies have been made to order fresh and delicious, served to perfection.“
“Went early in the afternoon on a Friday. We were seated quickly by a young man who seemed he didn't want to be working that day. Before our food came, we saw the same young man that seated us, cleaning tables with dirty towel and bucket, then leaving the dirty towel on top of the table before removing it. Our server was nice, and the food was tasty. Lastly, they could have had the place warmer, it seemed cooler inside than outside, and outside, it was in the 60's at best. With all that said, we all would go back, as the food was prepared well, and presented nicely.“
“There was a bit of wait to be seated but that is the first sign of good food. The quality was very good. The kids had pancakes and eggs and they loved it. We had omelette and bacon and sausage and it was all very good. The sausage was especially good. It wasn't too sweet or too much hickory flavor and just right. The seats were a little tighter fit if you are on the larger side. But still comfortable enough. It gave me a feeling of an old breakfast place which is exactly what I was looking for.“
“This place was fantastic. We stopped in SLO on our road trip to Monterey Bay. The food and service were excellent. I'm stilling thinking about the sandwich I had. My family and I all swapped half of the sandwiches we ordered and couldn't decide which we liked the most. My son also had the kale salad which was wonderful too. We loved the outdoor patio because we were traveling with our dog. If I'm ever in SLO again we will definitely be returning.“
“I was just passing through and ordered to go but when I came to get my food I could tell that this place was one of those solid local diners with good prices but about as good of a product that you can expect. Thick juicy chicken on the sandwich and perfectly cooked fries with some tasty BBQ sauce to dip with. They were very busy and I could see why. Friendly service.“
“Lil Bits but not lil portions! The breakfast was delicious! You get plenty of food and quickly. The service was great. They have a lot of choices for breakfast. Home made salsa and jam, bomb!! It’s a small place but we had no problem getting a seat.“
“Nice ambiance with the beautiful wooden bar, copper tables and fireplace. We enjoyed our server: she was friendly and fun! She helped us decide on 1/2 order of the bacon and jalapeño Mac and cheese (delicious and verrry filling) and nachos (good) to share.“
“My husband is a huge fan of Chicken Fried Steak and he said this was the best he has ever had today. Savy and Jesus were our servers and kept the coffee flowing. I had the 2+2 breakfast and the pancakes were super puffy and delicious! The decor is old school western with photos and tools. This is our new SLO breakfast spot for sure! Bonus:Easy on and off Hwy 101 and clean bathrooms.“
Barbecue • $
“Quick pit stop on way to Bay Area from Santa Barbara! Came with a friend who lives in Slo and this is his go to for bringing guests from out of town. I got the fish and chips combo which was PLENTY of food. I loved the clam chowder since it was so creamy and had so many clams. The beer battery fish was amazing. The portion of fries was so much but was perfect for roadtrip snack. The burrito was also good, wish we tried the tri tip. The inside had alot of seating but sat outside since was such a sunny day. Was fun to watch workers season and grill in front of you. Good SLO req!“
“I had the breakfast of brisket Benedict. It was satisfying but the brisket had a salty crust. My partner ordered from the lunch menu and had the patty melt. 5 stars for the melt also.Being a viewpoint and adjacent to the airport adds interest but also noise. Our patio seat was a big factor for the noise but you roll the dice on seating for the great food and hospitality from the owners.“
“Second time here, though first visit was several years ago so I had forgotten. Then I remembered I liked it. And I still do. Their specialty for their own brews is sours. And they have a really nice range of those, from berry to citrusy, salty to sweet. If you don't like sours, have no fear: They have a huge range of other beers and ales on tap. Again, a really nice range, one that favors California breweries. The food is very good, a step up from standard bar food. They have good burgers and sandwiches, of course, and various fries. But also really good salads, tater tots, and more. Pleasant open space, and very friendly, helpful waitstaff. SLO has a few other good, local brewery restaurants, including Antigua and Central Coast, but Libertine should be on your go-to list as well, and if you're a bit foodie at the top.“
“Had the onion rings for appetizer and they were very good…I had the fish n chips and they were so deelicious…restaurant was clean & all the servers were nice…they have a great selection of beers…the restroom was clean & even smelled “
“One of my favorite spots for a classy drink+nice atmosphere in dt SLO. The dinner menu provides pretty decent options that accompany the cocktails well. Their kitchen isn’t unlimited, however, and I’d recommend arriving before 6 if you want variety in the menu as they run out of options quickly. They are currently serving Chinese fusion courses. I’ve attached a picture of the happy hour specials!“
“Sylvester's is definitely an iconic restaurant here in Los Osos. The food is solid, and the atmosphere fits in well with the relaxed beachy vibe of Los Osos. I took a star away for two reasons: 1) the online ordering system often does not work, and 2) this place feels expensive for a burger joint.“
“We tried this out on a whim. My girlfriend and I loved the ambiance, the food, the service was great and we still left with food for the next day.I love how they give you options to choose and try multiple things and we were both surprised at how big the portion sizes were!I would highly recommend it and we will be going back the next time we head down to the SLO area!“
“This place rocks. Spicy chicken all the way every time I come here. I'll admit I have a tendency to overeat a bit when I go here, but I regret nothing except the heartburn I have afterwards ?. I usually have the mac daddy sandwich which is a spicy chicken tender sandwich with creamy mac and cheese on it. Their spicy fries are also quite delicious.“
“A perfect inexpensive lunch stop after walking on the beach! Clean, bright, and friendly. Wife enjoyed a tuna melt with fries and ranch dressing.Charming Melissa recommended their signature gyros on corn tortillas, 3-servings, spicy. I was very satisfied. Recommend!“
“I went in for the happy hour specials. I got the brussel sprouts and the cheeseburger for $10 each. The service was great and the food was delicious. Almost forgot to mention the beignets, they are amazing and moist. I cant wait to go back.“
“I grew up next to a Me n Eds in Fresno, it's what pizza is supposed to taste like. They've reproduced both the restaurant and the pizza exactly as I remember it.If you've never tried this place, do it. It's a unique pizza, sooooo good“
“The Shuck Shack is just that, a place where you can shuck, or have shucked, your oysters, but it's not a shack at all. It's a sunny, airy and modern space in the heart of Avila Beach where we enjoyed a sublime and leisurely lunch.Come for the wine, stay for the menu. We were on an oyster hunt and arrived just as it opened, and Evan welcomed us in. The Shuck Shack is a dining outgrowth of the Sinor-LaVallee Winery.What followed was an amazing dining experience. We ordered a dozen oysters of course, and to save a bit of $, but more to learn how, I shucked our dozen successfully (well except for a few stubborn ones I let Evan wrangle) and we enjoyed them with a savory house-made mignonette.With that we got the charcuterie board, which along with a splurge of caviar, was heavenly. I enjoyed a sparkling pinot noir and we grazed away on amazing cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts all fresh and leaving us happy and full. Evan explained every dish, and was delightful company as we dined.So the Shack has a "limited" menu: oysters, a charcuterie board, and a special bread. And the caviar, served with blini, crackers, creme fraiche, potato chips (which is A Thing with caviar, apparently) and minced chives.We had everything but the bread and if that's a good as the rest of their offerings, well, we'll be back to find out I hope.(As for parking, there's a pay public lot just a block or so away with plenty of spaces.)“