Restaurants in San Luis Obispo
Best Restaurants
“This place lived up to the hype! I got the Dutch Punch and loved it. The dutch crunch bread added the sweet, bacon added the savory, avocado added the creamy, and the spicy mayo brought a slight heat. Such a unique combination that totally works! Ordering ahead saved me the wait and my orderly was perfectly made. Highly recommend for those in search of fresh, local sandos!”
“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.”
“Service and taste of food was excellent! Value when it came to the salad price fell short. $15.00 for a Cesar salad that only filled half the small bowl, to say this a shareable salad is a joke!! Add more lettuce!!! For the salad to be $15 and a big pizza be $20-25 just doesn't make sense. Food was excellent. Bit noisy as well but fun atmosphere.”
“Good food, good ambience. People who’re visiting SLO and would like some authentic northern Italian cuisine should try this place out. They’ve got a good selection of wines as ”
“Novo made my partner and I's two year anniversary feel special even though the weather was so bad. We didn't special request anything, we just put in our reservation that we were there for an anniversary, and they went above and beyond. Our waitress, I do not remember her name, was extremely friendly and helpful. She checked in on us frequently enough that we didn't feel forgotten about, but infrequently enough that we didn't feel put upon. It was a busy night and, with the rain, everyone was sat in their downstairs dining room. I'm amazed no one dropped anything going up and down those stairs! Big thank you to the staff at Novo for making our night memorable!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Mistura is Amazing, very highly recommended. I have been a frequent customer at Mistura over the last few years and it never disappoints me. Everything on their menu is delicious! Ambiance is great, very friendly staff and specially the chef and owner Nicola Allegretta is always very kind and makes us feel welcome every time.Mistura is a modern Peruvian restaurant that offers traditional elements of Peruvian Cuisine by using Peruvian ingredients and also locally sourced, natural and organic ingredients.My favorite dishes are Arroz con Marisco, Escabeche and Muy Machito (Fresh White Seabass Fillet cooked with spicy Aji Amarillo, Clams, Mussels, Shrimps, Calamari and White Wine served with Peruvian White Rice) love it! ? and Rompe Muelle one of their cebiche. Everything is so DELICIOUS.”
“Great beer and food that reminded us of hanging out at Gasthause in Germany during our trips there. I also appreciated that the mostly closed-in/covered patio was warm and dry during this heavy rain season, but was still dog friendly (as any authentic Biergarten would be).”
“A highlight of our trip to the Central Coast! While it doesn't have a stunning view, it is a pretty, rustic, relaxing and charming place. Excellent wine! Excellent service too - nice people! What we especially like about Sextant is that instead of just serving bread or cheeses, you can actually get a meal here - and the food is very good - highly recommend!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“A+. This place was amazing! The steak, the brussel sprouts, the service. All of it. It was all fantastic! I highly recommend stopping in and giving this place a try. We stopped in while on vacation from Oklahoma and we were happy that we did.”
“This place lived up to the hype! I got the Dutch Punch and loved it. The dutch crunch bread added the sweet, bacon added the savory, avocado added the creamy, and the spicy mayo brought a slight heat. Such a unique combination that totally works! Ordering ahead saved me the wait and my orderly was perfectly made. Highly recommend for those in search of fresh, local sandos!”
“Mushroom Burger (Impossible), tator tots, avacado egg rolls. Sauce with the egg rolls, on point! Very yummy! Service was awesome! Take out. Definitely will stop again. ?”
“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.”
“We have always been fans of the SLO location but always take out. We decided to visit Osos today and we’re not disappointed.Firstly they have additional menu items including a fantastic burger. We just had a plain cheese burger for my toddler and it was fantastic. We got our usual Dutch punch crunch (never disappoints). The Strauss soft serve ice cream was a nice surprise!Downsides were no big bags of chips and a really small selection of non alcoholic bottle/can drinks.There is a large gift shop area and a large selection of bottle wines. Both beer and wine on tap too!TLDRBurgers! Lots of seating, kid friendly.We will absolutely be coming back to this location.Kid-friendliness: Lots of high chairs available. Play kitchen space outside.”
“They’ve got happy hour!! Plus their premium club membership is a steal. Idk how this place isn’t always packed, our favorite spot to start the evening or grab a glass after work.”
“Went here on a Sunday afternoon. We were greeted right away. Everyone who works there is so nice. One of the ladies from the back brought out some egg rolls for our daughter. This is a great place to take the whole family. I felt like I a regular. After going, I will be. The food not only tastes great, but the portions are great. They also have plenty of parking which is hard to find in SLO.”
“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.”
“Always a great place for deli salads, pizza, and pasta. I ordered a slice of Margarita pizza, the Caprese salad with ripe grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, olives, red peppers, and sliced jalapenos, and lemonade. This combo is less than $13. Fresh ingredients are brought in daily for their dishes. Service is fast and friendly. Plenty of parking in this strip mall and outdoor seating. Highly recommend it!”
“Cool SLO vibe up in here, delicious coffee and pastries - there's a line to order and a line to pick up when it's busy. Looks like a good place to study and visit, too. Friendly & studious counter staff.”
“The baked goods are amazing. The muffins are all recommendable and as an almond lover - the almond marzipan mini pie is phenomenal. The folks working were quick to greet me and were warm and friendly. I don’t know how I just discovered this spot but it will definitely be my new breakfast place.”
“Great little hole-in-the-wall place with amazing food! My kids and I got three different dishes and loved them all. Great customer service and the lady was very friendly and sweet.”
“Service and taste of food was excellent! Value when it came to the salad price fell short. $15.00 for a Cesar salad that only filled half the small bowl, to say this a shareable salad is a joke!! Add more lettuce!!! For the salad to be $15 and a big pizza be $20-25 just doesn't make sense. Food was excellent. Bit noisy as well but fun atmosphere.”
“Good take out and dine in place. Better quality Mexican food than many restaurants. Food comes out quick and meat is good quality. Nacho plate is huge. The pickled carrots and jalapeños were a great touch. We will be back!”
“By far my favorite place to go and have a nice lunch in SLO. The staff here is fantastic, they are always so kind and place the customer first. The food is consistently amazing thanks to Miguel. Jeff and Crystal behind the counter are always super welcoming and have always made sure I am taken care of.”
“Lovely spot, great wine selection, peaceful creekside outdoor seating. A bit in the pricey side for a glass of wine, but you couldn’t find better atmosphere both inside and out.”
“Had an awesome afternoon enjoying some sun and great wine. Got a deli tray from the fridge and some crackers. It was a lovely afternoon. The staff was so friendly. We look forward to coming back.”
“A highlight of our trip to the Central Coast! The view is simply stunning! We sat outside on a clear but chilly day, warmed by the fire pit. The wines were delicious, and were enjoyed even more fully with bread and Edna Valley house olive oil. We happily brought both wine and olive oil home with us!”
Outdoor Dining
“Enjoyed this sweet little spot more than I anticipated. Enjoyed a Cinnamon brown sugar coffee, house specialty, and it was incredibly flavorful; I'm going to try to replicate it at home; such a great twist on my usual drip coffee. Staff was very friendly & hospitable and brought the drink to the table which I appreciate - few spots do that these days. Music was lovely and in the background, not too loud, and had a sweet Latino flair to match the cafe. Sat in a light-filled window seat and started my day perfectly. I didn't order breakfast but they had a beautiful little menu with a lot of hot selections which seemed very substantial - breakfast tortas, quesadillas and burritos.”
“Good food, good ambience. People who’re visiting SLO and would like some authentic northern Italian cuisine should try this place out. They’ve got a good selection of wines as ”
“Novo made my partner and I's two year anniversary feel special even though the weather was so bad. We didn't special request anything, we just put in our reservation that we were there for an anniversary, and they went above and beyond. Our waitress, I do not remember her name, was extremely friendly and helpful. She checked in on us frequently enough that we didn't feel forgotten about, but infrequently enough that we didn't feel put upon. It was a busy night and, with the rain, everyone was sat in their downstairs dining room. I'm amazed no one dropped anything going up and down those stairs! Big thank you to the staff at Novo for making our night memorable!”
“Mistura is Amazing, very highly recommended. I have been a frequent customer at Mistura over the last few years and it never disappoints me. Everything on their menu is delicious! Ambiance is great, very friendly staff and specially the chef and owner Nicola Allegretta is always very kind and makes us feel welcome every time.Mistura is a modern Peruvian restaurant that offers traditional elements of Peruvian Cuisine by using Peruvian ingredients and also locally sourced, natural and organic ingredients.My favorite dishes are Arroz con Marisco, Escabeche and Muy Machito (Fresh White Seabass Fillet cooked with spicy Aji Amarillo, Clams, Mussels, Shrimps, Calamari and White Wine served with Peruvian White Rice) love it! ? and Rompe Muelle one of their cebiche. Everything is so DELICIOUS.”
“Great beer and food that reminded us of hanging out at Gasthause in Germany during our trips there. I also appreciated that the mostly closed-in/covered patio was warm and dry during this heavy rain season, but was still dog friendly (as any authentic Biergarten would be).”
“This place is great.., cute little spot and the food (I had breakfast) was sooo delicious, I've never had a waffle like this and it's by far the best ever! They take your order before you sit and it being my first time here they were amazing at explaining different menu items, shortly after I sat my meal was brought to me, I sat in the window over looking the park across the street and people watched as they went by. Definitely recommend this place.”
“A highlight of our trip to the Central Coast! While it doesn't have a stunning view, it is a pretty, rustic, relaxing and charming place. Excellent wine! Excellent service too - nice people! What we especially like about Sextant is that instead of just serving bread or cheeses, you can actually get a meal here - and the food is very good - highly recommend!”
“Delicious! Like always, as a regular, every time I come here the service is impeccable! The sensation I am afforded by being present in this establishment is perfectly alright. Ambiance is good.”
“Parking sucks - all spots in the small lot were taken when I pulled in and I never saw anyone pull out within the 30 minutes I was here, after having paid for parking down the street.The line was long and didn’t move fast.The environment is hip, but loud. Don’t expect to get work done here.The coffee is great - five stars here.”
“Lovely spot, great wine selection, peaceful creekside outdoor seating. A bit in the pricey side for a glass of wine, but you couldn’t find better atmosphere both inside and out.”
“Great atmosphere and filled with people who enjoy their unique menu of ciders. Need to try their base (dry) in a flight along with other flavors that are based on this.Really enjoyed the unfiltered dry, and think my favorite flavored version was the cranberry.Vegetarian options: It's cider ?”
“Had an awesome afternoon enjoying some sun and great wine. Got a deli tray from the fridge and some crackers. It was a lovely afternoon. The staff was so friendly. We look forward to coming back.”
“Mia was our server and she was fantastic. The food was surprisingly enjoyable. We aren't familiar with Peruvian food and the experience at Mistura made us want to come back and possibly travel to Peru! So thank you”
“A highlight of our trip to the Central Coast! The view is simply stunning! We sat outside on a clear but chilly day, warmed by the fire pit. The wines were delicious, and were enjoyed even more fully with bread and Edna Valley house olive oil. We happily brought both wine and olive oil home with us!”
“Located in the Public Market, the food there was good and tasty, though the quesadilla was bit oily.All in all it was a good meal and recommended to try. You order at the reception desk then you are paged to get your order. The staff were friendly and ”
“Ask to be seated with waiter Doug. I recommend this quiet, relaxed atmosphere restaurant. The drink and food was hit and miss. But overall the “hits” is worth returning. You step out of the restaurant into the buzz of morro street. It's nice to able to walk around the shops and bars and other places while you walk off the dinner and alcohol. It's located beside the Granada Hotel. The interior and exterior design is worth the visit. The patio and dining room is well designed. Except for the small tables. However is does rave as a “bistro “ If you love raw fish do not leave without trying the Albacore Cherry Crudo. I love beets and thoroughly enjoyed the beet salad. The hubby smacked his lips to the Leboke Seabass. I ordered the Wagyu Tri tip; although very flavorful it was difficult to swallow after chewing on the slice of meat. For beverage I enjoyed the Fresh start cocktail with elderflower.”
“BELLA! It's rustic and charming with a taste of Italy all around you. There's an excitement in the air along with the smell of the delicious food we waited with anticipation. Servers never missed a beat! Never had an empty glass of water. Never had an empty glass of wine. Will definitely be returning! Thank you for the beautiful ambience and memorable food.”
Online Reservation Available
“Our brunch was delicious and our server Colton was attentive, friendly, and an absolute delight. Thanks for a wonderful experience! Fried chicken and waffles can’t be beat!”
“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.”
“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.”
“Oishi Goshi! Goshi takes the spot for best Asian food in SLO, and that's not just because there are a grand total of less than 10 Asian food places in SLO. They offer a fanfare of great tasting Japanese dishes, from sushi to donburi to udon. Service is impeccable and impressive considering how busy this place gets relative to the wait staff here. It's apparent that they take the extra step to try to source quality, fresh fish and ingredients where they can. I like to order from the colored "specials paper" which has seasonal fish and chef's specials that try to incorporate recent catches/shipments. I will say this, though: Goshi is not a super high-end establishment that crosses every T and dots every I. Just today I had a piece of lotus tempura that was notably old/sour, and that's okay! For the overall quality and cost, I don't think there's a better deal around, and I'm certain that there's nothing comparable as far as JP food goes within an hour's drive. The interior of the restaurant feels nice and vibrant, in no small part due to the crazy hecticness that I mentioned earlier. It's notoriously difficult to get a seat here, so if you're doing a walk-in, come early at the start of lunch/dinner service and expect a 90 minute wait. Otherwise, get a headstart with a reservation online.”
“Absolutely perfect service, steak, and eclectic atmosphere! Not sure to call it a time warp of just a one of a kind experience. We went for a wedding anniversary and left glad that we did. It's a must do if you're looking for great food, service, and location for a special occasion. Oh, make sure to check out the waterfall urinal in the downstairs men's room... LOL”
“Highly recommend! It was our first time here. Brandon and Becks were the best! We sat at the bar and it was amazing customer service! Highly recommend the bison burger!”
“This pizza spot is amazing! CASH was an astonishing server with good customer service!!! I will be coming back it was my first time here and I was very pleased. Cash You Da Man!!! Thank you for showing me and my date a good experience”
“Wow how fantastic !!! The Chicken Pot Pie was amazing!! So was the Mac and Cheese Pot Pie. The crust was probably the best I've ever had. No shit !!! WoW !! If you haven't gone it's time to go .”
“Great place in the SLO Public Market. It has a nice classy feel & is tastefully appointed inside. I was greeted by the wonderful owner at the door and we chatted for awhile one day.They have a full range of Mexican foods and an expansive drink selection as well. The upscale bar takes dinning and snacking to the next level...so that one cannot even guess that one is in a complex.If one wants a more formal sit down dinner in SLOPM, this is it.Outside dinning is also an option as well.It is nice to have Mexican food done right in this market.Mucho Gracias!”
“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!”
“Great food. Be careful about the level of spice you request because they take their seasoning seriously here. Limited drinks menu but plenty of other options, none more than 10 ft away!”
“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.”
“Needs to be open later to love up to its name but it's a gorgeous spot. Bartenders seem like they're just trying to get out of there but they're nice enough.”
“My partner and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary here as well as our domestic partnership! The food and service were truly amazing and delicious. We've eaten at this establishment numerous times, even before the recent remodel and every time it has been amazing. The famous Mac and cheese plus the ossobucco are our to go dishes. Favorite restaurant in San Luis Obispo.”
“We had Valentine lunch and from the sweetest little hostess Gigi, to our server Osvaldo, it was a great experience. The manager checked on us twice with a pretty full restaurant. The meal was top notch. Even as we left, the girl behind the desk said thanks for coming and have a nice day. Thank you slo Olive garden. That is service very much appreciated.”
“La Palapa is an excellent Mexican Restaurant situated near the pier in quaint Baywood Park. They make their own tortillas and serve them freshly warm. They have a great variety of dishes including a nice selection of local seafood. Their vegetarian enchiladas with mole sauce (not on the menu) are incredible! They don't charge extra for the house made chips and salsa that start off the meal. All the entrees I have sampled there have been good or better. The ambiance of the place is colorful Mexican with local artist (like John Ramos) works on the walls. The service is efficient and friendly. La Palapa is our regular local spot for an affordable and tasty dinner in a warm and comfortable restaurant. This place is a gem.”
“No food. But that's not why I came. Beer. Beer me! lol they have a Roomba going around. It reminds me of a little pet lol it got stuck under my chair and made me giggle lol.. I have a half pour of view from tomorrow and a half pour of sky view. Feeling better and better. Beer-tender, she was nice and smiley! Made me smile back lol good service and would come back when around!”
“The sesame crust will keep you coming back for more! Very friendly service and everything is clean. We haven't done buffet but there seems to be 3-4 offerings available. A new regular place for us! Maybe for you too;)”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Surprisingly to my taste, a very great build sandwiches ? ? ? ? ? ? everytime I could I'll be there to enjoy another of the many choices the have...Juan Carlos Martinez Flores”
“Great spot to stop for a bite. Just off the 101 freeway. Easy to find and right next to a gas station. Food is decent and service is great. Good family environment. The restaurant is clean and welcoming. Rarely have any issues with our food or service. The smoothies are top notch.”
“Okay; I go to McD's pretty much every morning for my usual hot mocha (winter) or hazelnut iced coffee (summer) plus strawberry banana smoothie with an occasional order of hot cakes (once a week).Since O'Reilly owns about 20 franchises here and there in Collin County, I can only comment on my usual spots and they vary. My fave is off Stacy Rd/75 bc every employee knows their customer service and are super friendly; especially Mizz Penny. She always wishes everyone a good day and has never had a bad day that I can tell. Winston is also a very happy guy that hands each customer their order with his usual big smile and friendly self. The other fave spot is off Allen Heights/Bethany as my dad (RIP) requested we go there after every dialysis treatment bc he loved his mocha frappe & fries on MWF. Our regular window server was "Em-ya" for years but she is no longer there and neither is my dad so it's hard to go back.Em-ya recognized my voice and knew exactly what we would order every time and greeted us so warmly. When dad passed, she was SO empathetic and was genuinely sad, sharing in our loss....The last and probably first McDs in Allen (McDermott/75) is probably my least favorite bc it seems like a training restaurant. The workers come & go so the consistency & CSR is not that memorable. There's a couple people there that should not be waiting on humans. Enough said.My all time fave server is named Justin. He is kinda on the spectrum which made me respect whoever hired him. He's uber friendly and doesn't forget a face. I've seen him in several McD's in Allen & Plano. He never disappoints! As for the food? OMGee it's McDonald's for goodness sakes!”
“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.”
“So what is going to happen now the Rossi is going remove the parking lot at La Esquina Taqueria? He's going to build 34 stack & pack apartments soon, there will be no more parking at the Creamery anymore and there'll be a noise control because they'll be residents living there too. I mean what is Rob Rossi thinking by hurting business like this? I remember this location used to be Tortilla Flats and it was always crowded and a great location but I can just see it now all gone. It is shameful what these downtown business owners are doing especially Rossi”
“Not bad at all. Not 5-star dining, but why would you expect that ar a glorified bar. Games and activities for your kids if hitting it in the afternoon. Good food and drink. Casual, laid back atmo.”
Takeout Restaurants
“SO good!! The pizza by the slice is fantastic, and other spots in town don't compare IMO. The slices are thicker than the typical New York style, but zero complaints. It tasted homemade in the best way. Chef's kiss! The place is also super clean and you can tell they care about their business.”
“This is the junk food place we needed but didn't ask for - Wonderful grub and great staff - Will continue to love the garlic steak :DParking: Parking kinda weird not horrible but just deal with it, well worth it.”
“What a cute wonderful bakery set in the heart of SLOtown! Quality baked creations right on our Main Street. Super nice establishment that cares about the environment, thus they also participate in “ Too Good to Go”. TGTG helped motivate me to finally visit & grab a fresh baked bag of yummy goodies. Very friendly & pleasant inside.”
“I came in for a basic brioche & it just so happened to be the special for that night! Unfortunately as I was making dinner I noticed it was actually a cinnamon raisin so I had to shift plans..It was a delicious bread for a different meal, I would have preferred to know what I was purchasing at the counter.”
“Five stars for all… price tend in the high end… if u want to try turkish sweets then u can come to here.. the tea feels not authentic n feel pricy if u have been to Istanbul…”
“A little pricey, but then again, what isn't expensive now?Parking: Just like anywhere else in downtown SLO you need to be ready to walk from a parking area and that parking will cost unless you are lucky.Kid-friendliness: It's ice cream. Of course it's kids friendly!”
“OMG - so happy to have just discovered this on a recent trip to SLO. This will be our go to brewery when we come up in the area. Not only is the beer phenomenal but also the food and the service. I discovered some of my favorite types of beer that no one in Southern California is brewing English ESB, Bock and English brown. He nailed all of these. And the hoppy otter ipa is outstanding. my husband and I took lots of crawlers home and looking forward to enjoying them. There was a really nice menu that featured several items I can eat, and being vegan, that’s not always the case. Best salsa we’ve ever had.”
“This is EASILY the best coffee and cafe in SLO. Although a bit hidden to the native and tourist eye, it’s definitely worth the find. The cafe itself is located inside the city courthouse. The craft espresso beverages are always superb. I usually get The Elvis, blended. I think about this beverage often and if I could I would have it every day of my life until death do us part. The food is also great. Just like the coffee, most of the menu is fresh and made to order by the chefs and owners themselves. You can also grab a tasty pre-made snack, breakfast or lunch from one of their fully stocked fridges. I usually go for a breakfast sandwich made with one of their homage savory jalapeño cheddar scones. Please make the time to stop here and check it out. Ownership is local, wholesome and skilled at what they do. The courthouse may be an uncommon place to stop for a pick-me-up. But if you want quality coffee in SLO, without a line out the door, and at a reasonable price—this is the place for you.”
“Great food, and awesome catering experience. Highly recommend connecting with their team if you have an event coming up and you'd like to feed noteworthy and delicious food, served by kind people with smiling faces!”
“I had a medium hot caramel sutra and a navy special. The drink was great; it made me wish I had gotten a larger size. I never had a bagel with lox before, so I didn't know what to expect. The capers in it were a bit too salty for me. But overall, good. Service was good. I would come back here next time I'm in town and need coffee.”
“I always love coming here and today was no different. Got to try the new Dave’s bite which were awesome. Sal helped me out today and did a great job. Staff is friendly and attentive. Will definitely be coming here again and recommending to others!”
“Oh my goodness! I stopped in on whim this week while picking up Jamba Juice. This shop is absolutely adorable . There are so many different macaroons to choose from and they are all beautifully decorated! It was hard to destroy them by eating them!The employee who’s name I did not get, was super attentive but not pushy and made the experience very pleasant.Parking: The only issue with parking is that it’s in the same lot as several other businesses that are pretty busy, so it can be a challenge to find parking during breakfast and lunch rush-hours”
“BELLA! It's rustic and charming with a taste of Italy all around you. There's an excitement in the air along with the smell of the delicious food we waited with anticipation. Servers never missed a beat! Never had an empty glass of water. Never had an empty glass of wine. Will definitely be returning! Thank you for the beautiful ambience and memorable food.”
“How many times have you been to a small, but unique, dessert destination, that takes you to another place? How about another country and city? Walking in to Cafe Crepes in SLO, you are immediately transported to Paris, France. The eatery is a small space, serving basics, notably, both savory and dessert crepes. Then, paninis also (yes, Italiano too). I must say, I came here mainly to admire and photograph the inside decor (yes, homework). On that front, I must say it was extremely well appointed (see my pictures), excellent taste in murals, oozed romance, magnetic and nostalgic (reminded me of my trip to Paris, and the south of France, years ago). I had already had lunch elsewhere, so I ordered the Strawberry and chocolate chip crepe. It would have been nice if banana was part of the concoction. Anyway, it was good, and luckily, I had room for it, and a little bit more. So I headed to another location in the vicinity, for another sweet treat.”
“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.”
“The Obe Egusi is a delicious stew with pumpkin and veggies over brown rice. I added marinated tofu. Very delicious and the employee was very friendly. There are also places right nearby in the market with beer and other foods and drinks to choose from.”
“Bliss makes wonderful, nourishing vegan food and the owners are lovely and passionate, both about the food they serve and connecting with the local community. (Big shoutout to Dara and Kyle!) The quality of the food at their Thursday SLO Farmer's Market booth is fantastic and portions are generous. I can easily get two meals out of the small, and three or more meals out of the large! My husband loves the Protein Buddha, and I am a recent convert to the fabulously lemony Banzo Bowl, but you can't go wrong with any of the options from Bliss :)We also ordered their prepared multi-course holiday meal for a special Christmas dinner in December (2023), and it was delicious! So many amazing flavors and dishes that satisfied vegans and non-vegans alike. I highly recommend ordering catered food from Bliss if you have the opportunity, and stopping by their booth on Thursdays!”
“Oishi Goshi! Goshi takes the spot for best Asian food in SLO, and that's not just because there are a grand total of less than 10 Asian food places in SLO. They offer a fanfare of great tasting Japanese dishes, from sushi to donburi to udon. Service is impeccable and impressive considering how busy this place gets relative to the wait staff here. It's apparent that they take the extra step to try to source quality, fresh fish and ingredients where they can. I like to order from the colored "specials paper" which has seasonal fish and chef's specials that try to incorporate recent catches/shipments. I will say this, though: Goshi is not a super high-end establishment that crosses every T and dots every I. Just today I had a piece of lotus tempura that was notably old/sour, and that's okay! For the overall quality and cost, I don't think there's a better deal around, and I'm certain that there's nothing comparable as far as JP food goes within an hour's drive. The interior of the restaurant feels nice and vibrant, in no small part due to the crazy hecticness that I mentioned earlier. It's notoriously difficult to get a seat here, so if you're doing a walk-in, come early at the start of lunch/dinner service and expect a 90 minute wait. Otherwise, get a headstart with a reservation online.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“The sesame crust will keep you coming back for more! Very friendly service and everything is clean. We haven't done buffet but there seems to be 3-4 offerings available. A new regular place for us! Maybe for you too;)”
“Stopped on Sunday 9/27 around 12:45 counter associate was wonderful...he was polite, I was greeted with a smile and told to have a great day. It's really rare to get that type of service anywhere today.....the lobby is clean, bathroom was just as clean...grat experience...”
“This restaurant has friendly staff, good food, and clean bathrooms. I would recommend coming to this restaurant if you are looking for a good food at a great price. This is the only Taco Bell in San Luis Obispo to go to at night.”
“Good options.Of you are hyperglycemic or just looking for keto options, they have a low carb “FIT Menu”. Most are dishes with very low carbs and no rice. The burrito in the FIT menu is a tasty option. Kind of small but again, this is the low carb menu.”
“Workers are friendly, engaging and attentive. Food was great, this location is very clean. We will make it a point to stop there whenever we are hungry and in the area. We live in San ”
“Good place for classic Italian favorites.* The warm bread and fresh service of oil and vinegar was a nice treat* Tortellini in brodo was delicious, as was the arugula salad for starters. Bravo!* Lasagna amazing, pillow soft, we’d pull the nutmeg in the sauce back just a touch* would be good if you could pour the WBTG at the table. A little more work, but feels more sincere. Selection of by the glass is good* Tap water seemed chlorinated; Recommend you either filter it or not make tap an option, tap is not pleasant.* Carbonara was excellent, maybe make the pasta a little more al dente?* Tiramisu was soft and delicious, lovely texture and moist* Overall the price for pasta is reasonable for the quality, frankly a good value for the overall experience”
“Absolutely perfect service, steak, and eclectic atmosphere! Not sure to call it a time warp of just a one of a kind experience. We went for a wedding anniversary and left glad that we did. It's a must do if you're looking for great food, service, and location for a special occasion. Oh, make sure to check out the waterfall urinal in the downstairs men's room... LOL”
Cheap Eats
“Very good food experience. Service is efficient. The killer menu item is the Grilled Cheese, I’m craving it and it deserves many return visits. Quality ingredients. Line can be longer during busy times.”
“Fresh, fast, healthy and delicious! Lots of vegetables available. Also a bargain! Half the price of anywhere else you'd go for lunch. Wish north county had one of these!”
“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.”
“Cute place inside. Good vibe. Espresso drinks made with expertise. A bit warm inside on a hit day because the historic garage door is also the front door, which is open. All-gender bathroom is a single, spacious room. Toilet barely flushed.Wheelchair accessibility: The floors and entrance are flat and spacious.”
“Pretty place, really nice outdoor seating but I've never had more watered down cold brew in my life. Gonna come back and try a craft beverage but disappointed”
“I like the sandwiches here, although I don't get a chance to go very often. The gobbler and the Tuscan turkey are both quite good. The seating area is kept pretty relaxing and the employees are nice.”
“Delicious! I stopped by to pick it up last Wednesday to get beef shawarma. It was all very reasonably priced. The side salad was perfectly marinaded. Definitely the best hummus I've ever had.”
“Friendly coffee shop, good decaf espresso (yes, it can be good). Plenty of indoor and outdoor seats on relatively quiet street.Parking: Parking lot about 80% full at 10am mid-weekKid-friendliness: Plenty of outdoor seating off the parking lot to sit with kids.Wheelchair accessibility: At street level and curb drop ramp from parking lot.”
“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”
“This is my favorite Scout location. Plenty of parking in the plaza and the surrounding area. There are lots of good things in the surrounding plaza and across the street too. This location is very close to the campus and is almost always busy. There lots of space inside and out and the staff is very friendly and can handle the high volume. We got a cheddar and bacon scone , blueberry muffin, matcha Latte, woodlands latte. The cheddar scone was awesome and the muffin was good as well. Matcha was good but slightly milky in flavor. The Almond milk latte I got was their Homemade woodlands flavor. It was a mix of maple , citrus and Douglas Fir. Like as in the tree. I know it sounds crazy, but it was actually subtle and pleasant. I enjoyed the flavor all the way to the bottom of the cup. I also went there another day for a winter seasonal and got the maple and sea salt latte which was great as well. This is my most favorite location and will keep coming back for more.Parking: Lots of parking spaces in the plazaKid-friendliness: Lots of room in here for families”
“Girlfriend is gluten free and reviews said best gluten free pizza. She had a gluten free margherita pizza, 8.5 outa 10 only for it being slightly burnt but the ingredients and flavors were stellar!Mozzarella sticks were crack, I still want moreDietary restrictions: They offer gluten free pizza”
“Got a 14 inch beauty today and a 7 inch to go with her sandwiches were epic! Flavor was fresh and delicious! The young man I spoke with was respectful and the environment was clean and excepting. Would definitely recommend this sandwhich shop! Ask about the chipotle mayo and the pesto sauce.”
“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.”
“Amazing food and service, crapes were fantastic, bagels were beautiful and tasted great. The service was great, a very sweet lady brought out the sweet crape and offered us water. Very sweet family business, their salt and pepper shaker collection was so funHighly recommend!”
“Finally, a Thai restaurant with real Thai food, I had almost lost all hope for Central Cali/San Luis Obispo until I came into Thai Delight. Their food was delicious and hit the spot!Parking: Street parking was luckily available”
“Visiting SLO and looking for a quaint pizza spot and found Flour House Nepoletana pizza in San Luis Obispo. Excellent menu and we chose two unique personal sized Pizzas. So, so good. We were acknowledged immediately on arrival and seated on the creekside patii with a warm overhead heater. Young waiter was great! Chose a craft beer and a mocktail as well.Vegetarian options: 4 vegetarian pizza options plus a vegan cheese offered.”
“Wow. Laura is an amazing bingo host. This place has been one of my favorite central coast breweries for a while. Unfortunately they are not exactly in my neck of the woods, but anytime I'm out drinking and see their beer on tap I will order whatever it is. I happened to be near their SLO location tonight "Wednesday". Bingo Night!! I will now make my way to Liquid Gravity any Wednesday night I'm free. Amazing beer and wonderful host and a great time. See you next Wednesday!!!”
“Great wines and a super friendly staff. We sat outside even though it was a bit chilly. They turned on a fire pit and gave us a blanket. We felt so welcome! We had a wonderful experience!”
Latest Reviews
“The cream cheese pillow donut is THEE best donut I've ever had in my life. I was visiting SLO for a friend's wedding and on my way out of town stopped to get a donut. I am so grateful while also regretful that I don't live in the same town as this shop. I also ordered a dirty chai late which wasn't the greatest because for my first sip I got a mouth full of powder. I won't dock a star for it though because the donut made everything better ”
“Best bread ever! Must try the Jalepeno sourdough, it's a game changer. I use it for toast in the morning. I've replaced my hamburger buns and sandwich bread. It's absolutely the freshest sourdough I've ever had.”
“The Restaurant Heroes...Able to help local restaurant owners adapt and adjust with a single bound...it is The Restaurant Heroes great power to help local restaurants...it is their great responsibility”
“I always love coming here and today was no different. Got to try the new Dave’s bite which were awesome. Sal helped me out today and did a great job. Staff is friendly and attentive. Will definitely be coming here again and recommending to others!”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Whenever I'm on a road trip I always make sure to stop here. It's just a fun, unique place! The owners clearly love pink! You can see it from the freeway. When you walk in it's like a time warp from the 80's and has that old school diner charm. I have only eaten the breakfast here. I thought it was good. My whole party liked what we ordered. I also make sure to stop at the bakery every time I drive by. The cakes are delicious!! And the prices for these huge masterpieces are amazing! I love the pink champagne cakes and the Black Forest. I still have not been able to get my hands on the carrot cake yet. I hope one of these times. I heard it's delicious. Whenever I stop I always make sure to walk through the entire place. It's just so unique that you want to explore. And I love going to visit all the gift shops. There are a lot and some you have to search to find. Same with the restrooms. I suggest checking them out. They are all unique as well. Completely different just like the rooms of you stay for a night or two. If I did stay it would probably be a one night thing just for the experience. There doesn't seem like much to do on the outskirts of the premises. I just want to stay in one of the cave like rooms and then be able to experience one of their dinners in the grand pink room! I highly Recommend just stopping once at least to see the uniqueness of this property. And you have to buy one of their cool colorful goblets to take home! I buy a set every time!”
“Delicious! Like always, as a regular, every time I come here the service is impeccable! The sensation I am afforded by being present in this establishment is perfectly alright. Ambiance is good.”
“Mia was our server and she was fantastic. The food was surprisingly enjoyable. We aren't familiar with Peruvian food and the experience at Mistura made us want to come back and possibly travel to Peru! So thank you”
“Mushroom Burger (Impossible), tator tots, avacado egg rolls. Sauce with the egg rolls, on point! Very yummy! Service was awesome! Take out. Definitely will stop again. ?”
“Delicious Thai tea. Their bahn mis come on freshly baked bread. (Only reason food wasn't a 5 star the pork bologna wasn't to my taste.) Will come again.”
“Casual breakfast and lunch spot with a bar & indoor/outdoor seating! Order at the counter and sit yourself. The service was quick and the staff was very friendly. I ordered the Cali Breakfast Burrito which was super tasty and filling! Two of us split it and were satisfied. Will definitely be back to try other menu items”
“My partner and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary here as well as our domestic partnership! The food and service were truly amazing and delicious. We've eaten at this establishment numerous times, even before the recent remodel and every time it has been amazing. The famous Mac and cheese plus the ossobucco are our to go dishes. Favorite restaurant in San Luis Obispo.”
“Great little hole-in-the-wall place with amazing food! My kids and I got three different dishes and loved them all. Great customer service and the lady was very friendly and sweet.”
“Went there about a month ago as it's on the way home from dog beach and had an amazing meal. Been going for years but it's been hit miss. Lately, just hits The veggie hash is wonderful and the Caesar.”
“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”
“Good take out and dine in place. Better quality Mexican food than many restaurants. Food comes out quick and meat is good quality. Nacho plate is huge. The pickled carrots and jalapeños were a great touch. We will be back!”
“Decided to eat here because of a fundraiser event for Land Conservancy of SLO. The parking lot & restaurant were both clean & well-maintained. The cashiers were very friendly & thorough. We went big & ordered the wagyu burgers to-go. The kitchen staff asked if I wanted to take any sauces to go as well, which was awesome! The food was hot, fresh, and made exactly as requested. Excellent all around! Highly recommend!Parking: Small, free parking lot for several businesses. Spaces can fill up quickly at busy times.Kid-friendliness: Plenty of kid-friendly choices”
“This pizza spot is amazing! CASH was an astonishing server with good customer service!!! I will be coming back it was my first time here and I was very pleased. Cash You Da Man!!! Thank you for showing me and my date a good experience”
“Girlfriend is gluten free and reviews said best gluten free pizza. She had a gluten free margherita pizza, 8.5 outa 10 only for it being slightly burnt but the ingredients and flavors were stellar!Mozzarella sticks were crack, I still want moreDietary restrictions: They offer gluten free pizza”
“I always love coming here and today was no different. Got to try the new Dave’s bite which were awesome. Sal helped me out today and did a great job. Staff is friendly and attentive. Will definitely be coming here again and recommending to others!”
New Restaurants
“Best cannoli I've had in a long time! The minis have the perfect ratio of cream to crunch. Totally worth the trip to the airport area and perfect snack for our drive back to Los Angeles!”
“I came here twice in one week because the tacos are so good. I love that the meat literally falls off the tortilla because there's so much of it and they give you a nice portion of consome to go with it. My son loves rice and beans and he said that they had the best rice and beans he's ever had which is saying a lot because he has pretty much eaten at every restaurant on the Central Coast. I highly recommend this restaurant!!”
“So excited to have this location open. Selection of beer is epic and hear that they have regular rotations so your choices are varied. They have snacks for purchase and food trucks on the weekends. Patio is perfect to enjoy a beautiful day or evening. It's dog and kid friendly so everyone can enjoy.”
“Although I have yet to dine at the new location in San Luis Obispo, I am so excited they now have a location in my area. I LOVE Lure in Ventura. The food was fresh and cooked perfectly, the staff was friendly, helpful and considerate (I dined just after they reopened inside dining in restaurants), and pricing was on par. The menu offers a great selection. I look forward to dining at the new Lure Fish House in SLO.I almost forgot to say - the restaurant itself is beautiful and driving by the new location the building is gorgeous. I see the restaurant responded to other reviews - my only question is where are patrons supposed to park? That is the only drawback - I don’t like going down town because parking is challenging.”
“Had an awesome cocktail (Bees Knees) with their house made gin. The server also whipped up an excellent mocktail Piña Colada for my wife, who isn’t drinking and it was top notch. Paired with a spicy tinned sardine plate sitting in the sun on the patio and it was perfection.”
“A+. This place was amazing! The steak, the brussel sprouts, the service. All of it. It was all fantastic! I highly recommend stopping in and giving this place a try. We stopped in while on vacation from Oklahoma and we were happy that we did.”