San Luis Obispo is home to many fantastic places to eat. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the area for a romantic getaway, wine tasting event, Cal Poly graduation, or destination wedding, then you’re bound to grab a bite at one of these local hot spots. To make your dining choices easier, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite restaurants in SLO, with notes as to whether they are good for romantic date nights, families with kids or for hosting groups.
BREAKFAST AT LA LOMITA
If you’re staying with us at La Lomita Ranch, then your morning meal is taken care of. You’ll be treated to a European-style breakfast, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s the perfect way to start your day in the beautiful Edna Valley wine country.
THE BEST DINING IN DOWNTOWN SLO
San Luis Obispo is a casual town, which adds to its relaxed atmosphere. Many of these restaurants listed below lean towards premium-casual or even fine dining, where you’ll find high-quality food and service, but they won’t refuse you if you show up in flip-flops. Downtown SLO is just a few minutes from our wine country bed and breakfast.
Novo
Great for Couples, Families & Larger Groups
Reservations Accepted
Everything they serve at Novo is top notch, but it’s even better when paired with the ambiance. Their expansive patio on the creek is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner in San Luis Obispo, allowing you to get cozy under the giant lighted oak trees and warm heaters. Their globally inspired menu offers everything from Lettuce Wraps to Lavendar Lamb, along with a wonderful wine list and uniquely crafted cocktails. They are happy to host your group event on the patio, but they also offer a private space below the restaurant for larger celebrations.
Luna Red
Great for Couples & Larger Groups
Reservations Accepted
A sister restaurant to Novo, Luna Red offers equally delicious Spanish inspired food with indoor and outdoor dining available as well. Their Spanish style building is adjacent to Mission de Tolosa, in the heart of downtown SLO. Their fun tapas menu is even better when shared with your date or group of friends. Speaking of groups, they are able to arrange private gatherings for up to 49! If you’re planning a SLO getaway midweek, then we recommend that you take advantage of their daily specials, including Taco Tuesday and Oyster Wednesday. In San Luis Obispo, the weekend typically gets started on Thursday nights after their infamous Farmer’s Market. Join in on this tradition at Luna Red where you’ll find an All-Day Happy Hour. On weekends, you can enjoy a boozy brunch on the patio, or stay after dinner to party the night away with live music or a DJ in the bar.
Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica
Great for Couples & Larger Groups on the Patio
First-Come, First-Served
If you love Italian food, then a trip for date-night to Giuseppe’s is in order. You can’t get more farm-to-fork, since owner Joe DiFronzo produces much of the ingredients on his own farm! This area favorite, which started as a Cal Poly Senior Project, has blossomed into one of the most popular places to eat in San Luis Obispo, and at their original location in Pismo Beach. In SLO, the restaurant is beautifully designed, has a vibrant bar that serves a full menu, and a delightful patio for outdoor dining – with plenty of space for larger groups. Their menu changes seasonally, and everything on it is delicious, especially the Frutta di Mare, Ravioli di Zucca and the “Prime” Rib-Eye. Be sure to save room for dessert – our favorites include the Tiramisu, Carrot Cake and homemade Gelato! If you’re just looking for a quick bite, or to grab something to go, their deli counter up front offers a variety of tasty options. Our tip is to get there a bit early to get your name on the list, as they don’t accept reservations.
Goshi Sushi
Great for Couples & Small Groups
Reservations Accepted for Tables up to 10, Sushi-Bar is FC, FS
For the most authentic sushi in San Luis Obispo, check out Goshi’s in the Creamery in downtown SLO. They definitely have the hook-up where fish is concerned (pun intended). Their ingredients are always fresh and delicious, and they offer daily specials based on what was available that day. For special evenings out, their sushi boat is a crowd pleaser. Pair that with a traditional Sake or Japanese beer for a true taste of Japan. The staff is always friendly and happy to guide you to something you’ll love. For non-fish-eaters, their veggie tempura or ramen and rice bowls will please anyone’s palate. Kanpai!
Ciopinot Seafood Grille
Great for Couples, Families & Groups
Reservations Accepted
When it comes to seafood restaurants in San Luis Obispo, there’s no better place than Ciopinot. The owners have been in the seafood restaurant business for two generations. They have great relationships with local fishermen, and always get the best of the best. Their menu is very seafood-heavy, with several fish and shellfish to choose from, as well as their signature cioppino – they even have an oyster bar! Those who don’t love seafood have several delicious options including salads, chicken Marsala and high-quality steaks. As their name suggests, their wine list offers sever Pinots to choose from, as well as several other varietals. Though if you find a wine you love while tasting in the area, they don’t charge a corkage fee for the first four bottles!
Korbel at Blue
Great for Couples and Groups
Call 805.783.1135 for Reservations
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate your love, or gather for a special occasion, Korbel at Blue offers the perfect setting. Their historic brick building, with elaborate bar and exquisite wine-country menu are sure to please even the most discerning guest. No matter which delicious entrée you choose, though we recommend the duck, make sure to pre-order the chocolate lava cake – you’ll thank us! Their top-shelf bar offers an extensive wine list and cocktail menu to pair with your meal. Plus, if you don’t feel like dressing up for the dining room, you can order their full menu from the bar, or just grab a few appetizers to share. We like the pulled pork “cohibas” and buffalo and butternut squash empanadas.
Mistura
Great for Couples and Small Groups
Reservations Accepted
You hear, “Italian,” “Mexican,” “Burgers,” and “Seafood” all the time – but when was the last time someone said, “I feel like Peruvian food.” Well now is your chance to try it, and you should take it. Formerly located in Paso Robles, this gem of a restaurant now calls San Luis Obispo home. The blend of high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors will take you on a dining adventure not to be forgotten. While everything on their extensive menu is amazing, we love the Grilled Octopus and Rib Eye with Chimichurri.
TOP SLO RESTAURANTS IN OTHER AREAS
Even though metered-parking in downtown San Luis Obispo is free after 6pm, sometimes you just want to know that you can pull up close to the front door of the restaurant. These are some of our favorite places that aren’t located in downtown, and several are the closest options to La Lomita’s inn and wedding venue.
Alex’s Gold Rush Steakhouse at Madonna Inn
Great for Couples, Families & Groups
Reservations Accepted
A landmark in San Luis Obispo, the Madonna Inn is home to Alex’s Gold Rush Steakhouse – named after the man who started it all, Alex Madonna. Still run by the Madonna family, this classic California steakhouse offers the finest steaks cooked over an oak-pit barbecue. They also offer chicken, seafood and vegetarian dishes that are equally tasty. Since their entrées come with all of the starters and sides, you’re guaranteed to not leave hungry. If you just find yourself there to check out their infamous waterfall-urinal and trademark pink décor, they also offer their casual Copper Café, where you can try their popular Pink Champagne Cake. Also, check their website to view their live music schedule where you can swing, tango, or waltz the night away to classic musicians in their bar with spacious dance floor. It’s a classic date-night destination.
These three last restaurants are very close to the inn and all wonderful in their own ways:
Farmhouse Corner Market
Great for Couples, Families & Small Groups
Reservations Accepted
The owner and head chef at this charming restaurant and gourmet market started this unique establishment after his successful stint as the acclaimed head chef at Justin Winery. Dinner is currently only served on Fridays and Saturdays, but worth the visit if you’re in town for a romantic weekend getaway in SLO. They serve lunch daily, and offer pre-packed meals, as well as gourmet goods, like meats and cheeses, making it a great place to start your wine country adventure or pick up something to take along with you for a wine tasting trip. Everything about this place screams “fresh” from the ingredients to the décor – where else can you eat at a yellow flat-bed truck table?
Taste! Craft Eatery
Great for Couples, Families & Small Groups
Reservations Accepted
If you’re just looking for a great meal, in a comfortable setting, with food that’s even more comfortable, then a visit to Taste your best bet. Their location is convenient to La Lomita Ranch, but that’s not the only reason to grab a bite there. Their menu is set up in a fun and interesting way, allowing you to get “tastes” of everything you want to try! No longer do you need to swipe a bite off your date’s plate – you can just create your own perfect mix of small burgers & sliders, gourmet mac n’ cheeses, unique salads and more! They offer a lovely wine and beer list to pair with your plate too. If you want a private table, we suggest making a reservation, though they usually have space available at shared tables for walk-in guests.
The Rock – SLO Brew
Great for Couples, Families & Groups
Open Seating
Sit back, relax, and grab a pint and a bite at The Rock. Tucked off the main road, this is a great casual place to get a good burger and locally brewed beer or glass of wine. Their menu is bigger than burgers though, as they also offer smoked ribs, chicken and brisket, fresh salads, flatbread pizzas and tasty appetizers. If you’re looking for a place with a fun and lively atmosphere, where the kids and adults can play a variety of outdoor and board games, you’ve found it! Plus they have a new whiskey distillery called Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills right next door for those who crave a bit more kick. They also host several concerts and events that may be worth checking out during your next vacation in San Luis Obispo. This is a fun place to hang out and kill some time with your partner or friends.
STAY IN EDNA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY
When you stay at La Lomita Ranch for a romantic wine country getaway, or while hosting your dream wedding in San Luis Obispo, we are here to help make your stay one to remember. That includes getting a true taste of the area at our many wonderful restaurants and eateries. Get out to experience all of the flavor SLO has to offer, then retreat to your luxury accommodations at our peaceful and private bed and breakfast. Cheers!