Restaurants in San Luis Obispo
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Best Restaurants
“We were immediately greeted and seated (we made reservations online in advance)... our waitress greeted us within a short period of time and took our cocktail order... I'm happy they offer my favorite wine, Austin Hope Cabernet by the glass... I've only known Ember to offer it!... My son ordered a Ni Rada? Martini that tasted how I imagine a household cleaner to taste, he reluctantly sucked it down... we didn't bother to complain but we wouldn't recommend it... he later ordered a Paper Plane Martini which he liked better... After reading other reviews, I see we didn't get the initial bread w/Ricotta offering, probably for the best since we've cut down on gluten and wanted to try a pasta dish... We started with a (not pictured) POLPETTE (large meatball) and it was moist, flavorful, & yummy... alongside PAPPARDELLE RAGU, I was hesitant about it due to not being a fan of lamb... however, it was cooked perfectly without any hint of the game flavor I dislike... my only complaint is there isn't a gluten-free pasta substitute option... It may not be Michelin standard... but it would be great to have some gluten-free Ancient Harvest pasta with any of those yummy ragu/pasta sauces available for the many people with gluten sensitivities... MARY'S 1/2 CHICKEN was flavorful and yummy with the silky mashed potatoes... and the melt-in-your-mouth OSSO BUCCO and tasty polenta did not disappoint!... The atmosphere is cozy with home-style elegance... From the initial welcoming greeting, the friendly & timely food service, the "in-tune" staff that directs you to the restroom without having to ask, the constant spotting of Nate's friendly smile as he ensures his operations are running smooth and the thanks for your patronage as you leave... our experience was pleasantly memorable... This was my 2nd visit to Nate's... the first time I had the pork chop which was flavorful, tender and simply superb... We will return!”
“Amazing service, fantastic food. Highly recommend starting the meal with a Pisco Sour (even the virgin ones are great) and a skewer of grilled pork in addition to anything thing else you think might be enjoyed by your table. All the main dishes are soo good, so go with what sounds good yo you or one of the specials. And consider at minimum sharing the sweet potato flan (which comes with a scoop of ice cream too. You cannot help but enjoy the meal, and service provided by the owners is a simply top notch. A full meal like above with cost a little more than maybe some other restaurant but the food is of a significantly higher standard and deliousness (is that a word?) compared yo most restaurants in the county. A treat just waiting for you discover and enjoy.”
“This is my absolute favorite BBQ in town! Portion sizes could be better, but sooo delicious! The baby back ribs fall off the bone!! And I’m obsessed with all their sides, especially the chili beans. Tip: ask for the spicy BBQ sauce.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Fun family owned winery. Great wine, great people and good location. They do a buttery Chardonnay, a killer petite sirah (inky) and a unique varietal called Teroldego. Buy it if you can get it. The do fun events and Friday Sunset in the Vineyards during the summer with music and food trucks”
“I’ve watched C&C grow from really small to a thriving winery over 25 years. It has been a tasty and beautiful experience. Each quarterly shipment brings up wonderful delicious memories.”
“There Does Not Exist is an absolute labor of love for craft beer fans to enjoy on the Central Coast. I've tried many beers made in SLO county over the years, but since trying TDNE for the 1st time in 2020, they take the cake when it comes to the best varietal beers top to bottom.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“We were immediately greeted and seated (we made reservations online in advance)... our waitress greeted us within a short period of time and took our cocktail order... I'm happy they offer my favorite wine, Austin Hope Cabernet by the glass... I've only known Ember to offer it!... My son ordered a Ni Rada? Martini that tasted how I imagine a household cleaner to taste, he reluctantly sucked it down... we didn't bother to complain but we wouldn't recommend it... he later ordered a Paper Plane Martini which he liked better... After reading other reviews, I see we didn't get the initial bread w/Ricotta offering, probably for the best since we've cut down on gluten and wanted to try a pasta dish... We started with a (not pictured) POLPETTE (large meatball) and it was moist, flavorful, & yummy... alongside PAPPARDELLE RAGU, I was hesitant about it due to not being a fan of lamb... however, it was cooked perfectly without any hint of the game flavor I dislike... my only complaint is there isn't a gluten-free pasta substitute option... It may not be Michelin standard... but it would be great to have some gluten-free Ancient Harvest pasta with any of those yummy ragu/pasta sauces available for the many people with gluten sensitivities... MARY'S 1/2 CHICKEN was flavorful and yummy with the silky mashed potatoes... and the melt-in-your-mouth OSSO BUCCO and tasty polenta did not disappoint!... The atmosphere is cozy with home-style elegance... From the initial welcoming greeting, the friendly & timely food service, the "in-tune" staff that directs you to the restroom without having to ask, the constant spotting of Nate's friendly smile as he ensures his operations are running smooth and the thanks for your patronage as you leave... our experience was pleasantly memorable... This was my 2nd visit to Nate's... the first time I had the pork chop which was flavorful, tender and simply superb... We will return!”
“Sam and Mariah are such exemplary and loving community members that their bread is as good as it is. And Mariah just started making the best scones on top of all the love and work she pours into bread all morning!! Her and Sam work as crazy hard as they do because they love it and we love you bread bike!!”
“We love Ziggy’s!! GREAT delicious plant-based comfort food and warm, fast, friendly service! I love the spicy Buffalo Chicken sandwich, the Avalon burger with arugula and Gouda, the Black Bean Taquitos, and the Avocado Tacos. Ziggy’s is absolutely awesome! Live long and prosper, Ziggy’s!”
“Fun family owned winery. Great wine, great people and good location. They do a buttery Chardonnay, a killer petite sirah (inky) and a unique varietal called Teroldego. Buy it if you can get it. The do fun events and Friday Sunset in the Vineyards during the summer with music and food trucks”
“There Does Not Exist is an absolute labor of love for craft beer fans to enjoy on the Central Coast. I've tried many beers made in SLO county over the years, but since trying TDNE for the 1st time in 2020, they take the cake when it comes to the best varietal beers top to bottom.”
“Best cappuccino in 3000 mls. Were on a road trip through the southwest and had the best coffee of the whole trip here. Good pastries. Prices as usual high, but delicious. You get into good conversation with the mostly younger audience here. Were there twice - on the way to Hgwy 1.”
“We were here for the first time, and it won't be the last! Great food & beers & service!”
“Lure has been one of my favorite seafood restaurants in California. So excited to see that they opened up one in San Luis Obispo. Had to try it out. The oysters are always fresh and did not disappoint. They usually have a fairly decent price on their whole lobster, although I did not have it for lunch that day. In addition to the oysters, I had the fresh ceviche. It was really good. Check it out when you’re in the area!”
Outdoor Dining
“Amazing service, fantastic food. Highly recommend starting the meal with a Pisco Sour (even the virgin ones are great) and a skewer of grilled pork in addition to anything thing else you think might be enjoyed by your table. All the main dishes are soo good, so go with what sounds good yo you or one of the specials. And consider at minimum sharing the sweet potato flan (which comes with a scoop of ice cream too. You cannot help but enjoy the meal, and service provided by the owners is a simply top notch. A full meal like above with cost a little more than maybe some other restaurant but the food is of a significantly higher standard and deliousness (is that a word?) compared yo most restaurants in the county. A treat just waiting for you discover and enjoy.”
“I love the coffees and the staff is so fun to talk to. The menu can be a little confusing. The sizes, for example, aren’t uniform. I can get a large of certain ones but not of others. The sweetening is also curious. There is simple syrup on the counter but baristas won’t sweeten a buen dia.”
“Lure has been one of my favorite seafood restaurants in California. So excited to see that they opened up one in San Luis Obispo. Had to try it out. The oysters are always fresh and did not disappoint. They usually have a fairly decent price on their whole lobster, although I did not have it for lunch that day. In addition to the oysters, I had the fresh ceviche. It was really good. Check it out when you’re in the area!”
“Lovely place to visit if you are in the area.
They have very nice ambience with outdoor sitting on deck, surrounded by flowers. The staff is very curtious and helpful.
We went for wine tasting combined with lunch and picked the place due to multiple food options and it did not disappoint.
Wine flight had great selection from Paso robles area wines and the panini and flatbread were just a perfect pair.”
“When we have family or friends in town, this is where we bring them. The Bee Stang Detroit style is off the hook (and I don't like Detroit or Chicago styles)! When it comes to their seasonal pies, we ask the server what their favorites are-- that hasn't steered us wrong yet!”
“Benny’s Pizza Palace is the real deal! Amazing Detroit-style pizza with that perfect crispy edge, a cool laid-back atmosphere, and a staff that makes you feel right at home. It’s the perfect SLO spot to grab a slice, sip something cold, and vibe with the locals. Highly recommend! 🍕🍻”
“Lovely place to visit if you are in the area.
They have very nice ambience with outdoor sitting on deck, surrounded by flowers. The staff is very curtious and helpful.
We went for wine tasting combined with lunch and picked the place due to multiple food options and it did not disappoint.
Wine flight had great selection from Paso robles area wines and the panini and flatbread were just a perfect pair.”
“We found a great older bottle of Pinot on the wine list, so started with that. Out food was excellent- we shared ceviche, a potato dish, and a Peruvian roll. All of the food was amazingly fresh and flavorful. The entire meal was terrific. Highly recommend!”
“When we have family or friends in town, this is where we bring them. The Bee Stang Detroit style is off the hook (and I don't like Detroit or Chicago styles)! When it comes to their seasonal pies, we ask the server what their favorites are-- that hasn't steered us wrong yet!”
Online Reservation Available
“Service was great and food excellent. We always make reservations so there was no wait. We ate in the bar as we had a choice. It was nice. We ordered spumoni to go after being assured they now used cherry ice cream. When we got it home, it was good but was definitely strawberry. My husband's nonna was an Italian from Luca, and was a professional cook. He knows the trio of flavors well.”
“We simply loved our first time at Kitchen & Vine today! (SLO Public Market). I enjoyed the classic breakfast. Hearty, high quality bacon! Delicious. The potatoes were awesome. I grew up on a farm, and on breakfast like this, and I love that I can find it "farm fresh" here in SLO. The sourdough bread was fantastic! It had us ask "do you make your bread or who does?" Back Porch Bakery was the response. So great. Peter said to me, "please get some." 😊 We also loved the setting, the spaciousness of the place. Really big patio and outdoor space. And, a wonderful woman took our order. She totally heard me, got us and delivered. See, my husband likes his hot food really HOT in temperature and his cold food really COLD. So when we order we always make a special request about it. She was so great AND when she brought his Carnitas Scramble out it was STEAMING. 🥰 It was also delicious. Finally, our dog Sophie was seen and appreciated. A server came by and asked if he could bring her a bowl of water. A big bowl came and she lapped it up appreciatively. We'll be back. We already know it's going to be a favorite. Wonderful energy. ❤️”
“Service was great and food excellent. We always make reservations so there was no wait. We ate in the bar as we had a choice. It was nice. We ordered spumoni to go after being assured they now used cherry ice cream. When we got it home, it was good but was definitely strawberry. My husband's nonna was an Italian from Luca, and was a professional cook. He knows the trio of flavors well.”
“Awesome food, they have one of my favorite dishes: butternut squash ravioli with a white sauce. I finish the whole plate even if I’m so full I could pop! Outstanding service and a great atmosphere. I love Giuseppe’s 💖”
Takeout Restaurants
“The food was incredible. Full of the flavor and wonderful spices. Portions were plentiful.
Service from the staff was very welcoming and nice. Was patient while we were trying to decide.
Small dining section for smaller groups, including small sidewalk section.
Highly recommend”
“We had the most tasty Peruvian food in downtown San Luis Obispo at Coya in their new location at 851 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The chicken saltado one of the best I have ever had. The beef empanada large. The passion fruit drink, Maracuya, refreshing. All house made authentic Peruvian food. I hope you will visit Coya and enjoy the food as much as we did. The ambience beautifully decorated with traditional Peruvian products, clothing, hats, purses, dolls, cookies, coffee and lamas. Large dinning room and outdoor seating nice. We can’t wait to visit again to try More Peruvian food. Catalina the owner, very welcoming and took good care of us. Thank you 🥰”
“This place is a local favorite! The photos are of the oreo bing soo shaved ice. It was absolutely amazing, not too sweet, but just enough. Love it, and I can't wait to try more. My kid loves to order the Taiyaki with chocolate... yuuuummmmm. I've tried the iced matcha latte, and it did not disappoint. I needed a pick me up one day and tried the Dalgona Iced coffee - perfectly made, the pick me up I needed.”
“I love Petra’s! We found this place at the beginning of Covid and have been going ever since. Last week driving from northern to southern CA we stopped for lunch(of course). I got distracted and left my purse…didn’t notice until Santa Maria. Called, of course they had my purse…AMAZING CREW AMAZING FOOD! Thank you”
“Kumi ko is a Japanese restaurant in San Luis Obispo across from the Damon Garcia sports field. I ordered the spicy ramen bowl and the broth had a slow-building heat with good flavor. We came for my brother’s birthday and the staff actually made it feel like a celebration. They brought a complimentary dessert with a sparkler candle and the whole place joined in to sing. The service moved quickly without feeling rushed, and everyone was attentive without hovering. The food felt thoughtfully made and the atmosphere worked just as well for a special occasion as it would for a simple dinner. It stands out as some of the best Japanese food and sushi in SLO.”
“Kumi ko is a Japanese restaurant in San Luis Obispo across from the Damon Garcia sports field. I ordered the spicy ramen bowl and the broth had a slow-building heat with good flavor. We came for my brother’s birthday and the staff actually made it feel like a celebration. They brought a complimentary dessert with a sparkler candle and the whole place joined in to sing. The service moved quickly without feeling rushed, and everyone was attentive without hovering. The food felt thoughtfully made and the atmosphere worked just as well for a special occasion as it would for a simple dinner. It stands out as some of the best Japanese food and sushi in SLO.”
“We had the bacon wrapped dates, Brussel sprouts and coconut shrimp tacos with key lime pie for dessert. Perfect amount shared by two. Every bite was delicious! Very creative drink menu, non alcoholic. Lovely outdoor seating and dog friendly.”
“Awful service!!! We needed a table for 2 and was told 5 minutes so we put our name on the list. Another server came to the next couple in line. Asked how many and the server took them straight to a table. At one point there were no servers on the floor for a solid 10 minutes. Nobody checked on us and we wanted another beer. I went to the bartender to order the beers, having to pay separately because they can't transfer the tab to the table. Not to mention that the bathrooms had ZERO toilet paper. None of the stalls. Not a good experience”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Awful service!!! We needed a table for 2 and was told 5 minutes so we put our name on the list. Another server came to the next couple in line. Asked how many and the server took them straight to a table. At one point there were no servers on the floor for a solid 10 minutes. Nobody checked on us and we wanted another beer. I went to the bartender to order the beers, having to pay separately because they can't transfer the tab to the table. Not to mention that the bathrooms had ZERO toilet paper. None of the stalls. Not a good experience”
“Finally had the chance to visit Jan's Place in San Luis Obispo. Went with a friend and what a cool, chill place to go to grab a drink and here some awesome vinyl on the turntable. Food menu is a little eclectic and focuses on tinned fishes and pate style snack. Im not a big fan of fish although the menu offerings did seem paired well together. Place kinda had a Tokyo feel to it and and awesome little tucked away lounge seating towards the back if you wanted a more intimate experience and not join in on the conversations upfront. Definitely recommend checking it out for the vinyl selections alone.”
“Sidecar is a must here in San Luis Obispo! The staff and the owners and everything about the place will knock your socks off. I think it’s high time. You guys open a second Sidecar by me in So Cal!”
Cheap Eats
“Solid Cali taco spot, I had the lengue, carne asada, and shrimp tacos. Liked the flavor of the carne asada tacos the best, but their chips and salsa bar is LEGIT. They have 5 different salsas, lime, and pickled veggies that all come for free with your meal. Definitely want to try more of their taco flavors next time.”
“I can definitely tell a difference as the coffee is a lot stronger than espresso but that makes it amazing. The treats, presentation, and overall atmosphere of the shop is amazing and definitely one of the highlights of visiting San Luis Obsibo. Would definitely recommend!”
“I can't say enough good things about the food here, ordered from Postmates while here on vacation and it exceeded my expectations! Hardshell shredded beef tacos were so delicious! Fresh and flavorful. The salsa is my new obsession! The rice is perfect, Fluffy and flavorful the way Mexican rice should be. I will definitely be ordering again when I'm back in town.”
“I've been eating at Kona’s Deli since the 1990s, and it’s still one of my favorite sandwich spots in San Luis Obispo. The quality has always been consistent—fresh ingredients, generous portions, and unbeatable flavor. My go-to orders are the tuna with cheddar and the Pipeline—both are absolutely delicious. The bread is especially great, soft with just the right amount of chew. My only complaint is that I wish they had longer hours during the week—I can only make it in on weekends due to my work schedule. Still, always worth the wait. Kona’s is a true SLO staple.”
“Good mex...no frills here. Portions ate more than adequate. They make there own mild salsa, but options with more spice are bottled. The cleanliness could use some support. I would opt for food to go next time. The better news is I would come back. Lots of mex choices on the central coast. This one is not on the main drag but their prices reflect that...good value for money. They have a few standard mex beers on tap including Negra Modello.”
“Great vibe immediately upon walking in the door. First rate service. Might be the best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had. Outstanding coffee…medium americano. Killer art. Skater/surfer/local artist/inclusive tags galore. They’re doing it right and the comfort, along with the smiles, of the patrons was clearly evident and confirming.”
“Good concept, menu could be more varied without adding more complexity…”
“The place is a gem in downtown San Luis Obispo. Great food. Amazing service and phenomenal cuisine. I suggest the Escargot as a starter and the rest of the food options will not disappoint the lover of the fine dining experience. Highly recommend.”
“Great little find in slo. Was bummed that they didn't get their fish order when I was there. Was very much looking forward to the red snapper ceviche. They did, however, have some delicious prawns. I had one of the best Chile rellenos stuffed with cheese and large prawns. Shredded beef tacos are highly recommended. The Baja fish tacos are flavorful and large. And our waiter was very attentive and friendly. Will be back again”
“I recently stopped in and had a crepe with berries, and espresso for breakfast. The crepe was delicious, generously filled and nicely sized. The espresso, too, was perfect. The owners/operators are friendly, helpful in making selections. I will be back to sample for of their menu selections.”
Latest Reviews
“We had the most tasty Peruvian food in downtown San Luis Obispo at Coya in their new location at 851 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The chicken saltado one of the best I have ever had. The beef empanada large. The passion fruit drink, Maracuya, refreshing. All house made authentic Peruvian food. I hope you will visit Coya and enjoy the food as much as we did. The ambience beautifully decorated with traditional Peruvian products, clothing, hats, purses, dolls, cookies, coffee and lamas. Large dinning room and outdoor seating nice. We can’t wait to visit again to try More Peruvian food. Catalina the owner, very welcoming and took good care of us. Thank you 🥰”
“Owners and staff are all amazing--always sincerely welcoming; they like people! They go out of their way to accommodate orders, making sure you get the heat level you want. The chicken is expertly cooked--always moist and tender, so good. The spice blend has tons of umami--layers of flavor that take the chicken to another level. And you get to customize it by heat level and dip choices. AB FAB. If I lived in SLO I'd be there every week.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“We had the most tasty Peruvian food in downtown San Luis Obispo at Coya in their new location at 851 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The chicken saltado one of the best I have ever had. The beef empanada large. The passion fruit drink, Maracuya, refreshing. All house made authentic Peruvian food. I hope you will visit Coya and enjoy the food as much as we did. The ambience beautifully decorated with traditional Peruvian products, clothing, hats, purses, dolls, cookies, coffee and lamas. Large dinning room and outdoor seating nice. We can’t wait to visit again to try More Peruvian food. Catalina the owner, very welcoming and took good care of us. Thank you 🥰”
“My girlfriend and I had an amazing experience eating at the Gardens of Avila . I had the Pacific Halibut . the fish was cooked to perfection and was fresh and very tasty. My girlfriend had the salmon and it was equally delicious . The vegetables are so fresh and great tasting that accompanied our meals. we loved the ambience of the restaurant as it is part of the Sycamore hot springs resort hotel . We had a great waitress who recommended coming to stay at the hotel that has hot spring tubs in each room . We were presently surprised by this and will very much make reservations to stay at the resort in the very near future. So weather or not you stay at the hotel or not the Gardens of Avila is a great restaurant Overall a very spectacular restaurant to eat at and at a great value.”
“We love Ziggy’s!! GREAT delicious plant-based comfort food and warm, fast, friendly service! I love the spicy Buffalo Chicken sandwich, the Avalon burger with arugula and Gouda, the Black Bean Taquitos, and the Avocado Tacos. Ziggy’s is absolutely awesome! Live long and prosper, Ziggy’s!”
“Breakfast at the Oak Grill was delicious!! I started with a latte and ordered the avocado toast with an egg on top. Every component was very good...the bread was fresh, there was plenty of avocado, arugula and tomato and the balsamic drizzle tied it all together. The egg was cooked just the way I like it. It was a very hearty meal!! Our server was very attentive and upbeat. Everyone else in my party enjoyed their meals as well...the garden eggs Benedict looked so good and they didn't skimp on the hollandaise sauce. The breakfast sandwich on a brioche bun looked very appetizing and they served both of those entrees with perfectly cooked baby potatoes. We will be back again!!”
“I love Petra’s! We found this place at the beginning of Covid and have been going ever since. Last week driving from northern to southern CA we stopped for lunch(of course). I got distracted and left my purse…didn’t notice until Santa Maria. Called, of course they had my purse…AMAZING CREW AMAZING FOOD! Thank you”
New Restaurants
“Love this shop! Great place to get some work done or chat with a friend over a solid cup of coffee, tea, or matcha.
I have to respond to the most recent review by Claudia Hochschild though, I was present during her interaction with the very helpful and kind service of the woman behind the counter which she somehow believes earns this establishment 2 stars. For context, Claudia was having trouble joining the wifi and her review likely reflects impatience.
Bravo to the barista for handling a difficult situation with abundant generosity!”
“I live out of the area but I come here every chance I get! Their ice cream has the best consistency and they truly have great flavors. Once, I even tried their sugar free ice cream and i didnt want to believe it was sugar free! It tasted so delicious! They are ao incredibly friendly also! But besides their ice cream and friendliness, im really wanting to post this because of their customer service!!! My father is a regular. He had been looking for a place to replace old doc Bernsteins ice cream and he found it here! Every Thursday night during farmers market, he goes there and gets the black raspberry ice cream. He absolutely loves it! We found out that when they get close to running out of that ice cream, they would save a scoop of it just for my dad. How amazing is it to find service like that. Someone that would go out of their way to save some for a customer.”
“Ive been here a couple times and every single time it is amazing! I love the energy and vibe of all the workers, the coffee AND food is great (lots of places make me feel like i have to pick good food OR good coffee, but not here!) i plan on coming back often!”
“We dropped in for dinner and enjoyed an asada quesadilla and luckily Happy Hour so enjoyed a $5 draft Cali Squeeze. Fun to enjoy a great meal in the foothill neighborhood where I worked at Chapter One Restaurant years ago.
The quesdilla was delicious with meat, rice and cheese. It normally comes with Pico de gallo but unfortunately raw onions and I don't get along, so I choose to leave that out. The cream and avocado sauces are our favorite.
If you haven't tried it we highly recommend!”
“Great food with an easy atmosphere!”