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Central Coast Restaurants

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Central Coast

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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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Japanese Restaurant Goshi
Diners’ top pick
•
$$$$
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Japanese
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5
(481)
Located in the heart of San Luis Obispo downtown, serving authentic Japanese food starting from Sushi and traditional tei-shoku. Don't forget to enjoy soothing sake and Japanese beer!
A photo of Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel restaurant
Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel
$$$$
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Californian
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5
(1358)
The award-winning, Michelin-starred restaurant Aubergine is located at L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chef Cogley’s cuisine showcases the finest ingredients with a razor-sharp balance of deference and innovation.
For a supplement, course-by-course wine pairings are available. The eight-course menu served nightly highlights the best ingredients of the season, enhanced by skillful technique and an eye toward varied textures and flavors. Desserts, masterfully prepared by Chef Santos, are irresistible complements to Cogley’s savory courses.
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time.
Late Cancellation Fee: $185 per person Cancelling.
Menu: Eight Course Tasting Menu $265 per person, plus tax and service.
Dining Room Attire: Smart Casual. Jackets for gentlemen are encouraged. Ties are optional. No t-shirts, shorts, or open-toed shoes.
A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant
La Mia Cucina
$$$$
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Italian
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4.9
(847)
Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.
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Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn
Top-rated food
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$$$$
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Californian
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4.9
(359)
Ojai Valley Inn’s signature dinner restaurant, Olivella, holds the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star and AAA Five Diamond designations, making it the sole restaurant between Los Angeles and the Northern California region to bear both honors. Chef Andrew Foskey is proud to present a seasonally driven menu with a commitment to valley-grown ingredients and techniques inspired by Italian tradition. As a complement to our cuisine, the award-winning wine program showcases expertly curated discoveries and classic bottlings from notable California and Italian producers. Guests are invited to enjoy our multi course dining experience at $125/ person++. Please not that a la carte dining is not available.
In keeping with the atmosphere, Olivella is intended for guests 10 years and older. Kindly note that jackets are not required, and well-kept dark denim or slacks with a collared dress shirt is appropriate.
A photo of Bear & The Wren restaurant
Bear & The Wren
$$$$
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Pizzeria
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4.9
(23)
A kindly-crafted wood fired eatery combining modern style with an aged finish. Located at The Creamery Marketplace, tucked behind the intersection of Higuera and Nipomo Streets, we offer an experience unlike any other. Our open-concept kitchen boasts an impressive wood fired oven were we craft hand-made Neapolitan style pizzas to order. Soft lighting, low music, and a relaxed atmosphere can be found throughout our indoor dining space. Garage style doors roll up to reveal outdoor dining on our bricked patio where heaters warm up the cooler months and an upbeat, lively feeling resonates throughout the spring and summer seasons. Full service is available at the bar, seating is first come, first serve. We welcome you to join us for dinner, Tuesday-Saturday from 4-10pm.
Please Note: Our seating is a mix of tall tables with barstool style seating, as well as standard height tables with traditional chairs. Our outdoor patio also includes two large tables with bench style seating.
A photo of First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn restaurant
First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn
$$$$
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Californian
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4.8
(991)
We are excited to welcome you to First & Oak! We offer outdoor seating on our heated patio and inside our intimate dining rooms. At the time of reservation, you will select standard (indoor) or outdoor seating. Please be mindful regarding the weather, it tends to get chilly as the night goes on. Seating is limited, if you need to cancel please allow us a minimum of 24 hours prior to your reservation to avoid any cancelation fees. We offer two dining experiences: traditional a la carte or a Chef's Five Course Tasting Menu. When reserving, please choose which experience you would prefer and let us know of any dietary restrictions. We look forward to welcoming you!
First and Oak is located inside the Mirabelle Inn, and was awarded a Michelin Plate designation in 2022. We offer a seasonally-inspired menu that highlights local and organic ingredients prepared in a thoughtful manner. Our dining room operates with the mindset of warm compassionate attentive service.
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Le Soufflé
Top-rated hospitality
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$$$$
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French
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4.8
(345)
**LOCATED IN CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA - INTIMATE INDOOR DINING ROOM CAN ACCOMMODATE PARTIES UP TO 4 GUESTS- MENU CHANGES SEASONALLY- SEE WEBSITE FOR CURRENT MENU**
Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance.
Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé dinner menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A photo of Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn restaurant
Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn
$$$$
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American
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4.9
(1044)
The Nichols brothers, Matt & Jeff, grew up in Ames, Iowa where their love of cooking, good food and a sense of family and community was nurtured.
The 2013 opening of their second Santa Barbara Wine Country restaurant, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez, allows them to offer visitors and locals alike great food, wine and hospitality. The brothers strive to have legendary service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that causes you to return time and again.
As chefs, the brothers continue to experiment with new dishes and cuisine, but always with that “from scratch”, homemade element. Fresh ingredients from local producers, a wine list that showcases the region’s award-winning wines and a comfortable and historically interesting atmosphere that takes you back to the romance of the old west. They want you to feel at home, and experience all the best of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.
A photo of Coastal Kitchen Monterey restaurant
Coastal Kitchen Monterey
$$$$
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Farm-to-table
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4.9
(150)
Framed by beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the refined dining room at the Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the restaurant’s show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations. Vaulted over the bay and inside the beautiful Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, an exhilarating experience awaits future guests at the Coastal Kitchen Monterey.
Chef Michael Rotondo’s ever-changing multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A supplementary wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course.
Menu: Multiple Course Tasting Menu starts at $145 per person plus tax and service
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time.
Late Cancellation Fee: $95 per guest cancelation.
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Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
Great vibe
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$$$$
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Contemporary American
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4.8
(1881)
Located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, the Stonehouse Restaurant features a relaxing lounge with full bar service and a separate dining room with a crackling fireplace and creek side views. Chef Matthew Johnson evocative regional cuisine is prepared with a palate of herbs and vegetables harvested from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden.
A photo of Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery restaurant
Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery
$$$$
•
Mediterranean
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4.8
(712)
Our menu is a combination of the best ingredients that Greece and California cuisine have to offer. We import olive oil, feta, honey, oregano and wines from Greece, the freshest organic vegetables from our farms in Los Olivos and wineries of our great state. Quality, simplicity, healthy and tasty food is the creation of that combination. Enjoy.
A photo of Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn restaurant
Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn
$$$$
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Organic
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4.7
(835)
Offering spectacular picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn is a farm-driven restaurant that celebrates the coastal bounty of Big Sur and our neighboring communities. Our dishes are centered around the dialogue of balance: on the plate, between sea and land, with sustainability always in mind. Selections from our Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list enhance the inspired cuisine.
We offer a family-style lunch experience for $75 per person. Our dinner experience priced at $145 per person. Both lunch and dinner service is available to hotel guests and the general public on a limited basis. The minimum age for guests is 18 years old and pets are not allowed.
Off-property guests will be welcomed at the gate house no more than 30 minutes prior to their reservation.
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Biddle Ranch Vineyard
Great budget-friendly spot
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$$$$
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Winery
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4.9
(242)
ONSITE ENJOYMENT AT BRV -
Visit us for enjoyment on the outdoor patio! Reservations required, standard and outdoor seating result in the same reservation. Must be 21+ to visit, or accompanied by a parent.
Reservations Available: Thursday - Monday
Tasting Flight: $30.00 waived with (2) bottle purchase
Duration of Reservation: (90)mins
Location: Outdoor Patio*
Guest Count: (8) guest maximum, including children and non-drinkers
To Reserve: OpenTable
Cancellation Policy: (24)hrs advance notice or $20.00 per guest
Group Reservation Inquiries: tastingroom@biddleranch.com
Food Offerings: Wren Foods Snack Box $25, while supplies last. Outside food welcome.
*NOTE: our outdoor patio is uncovered and we do not have heaters onsite, please dress in preparation for the weather. Reservations are subject to change or cancellation due to inclement weather however, we will do our best to accommodate all reservations inside our tasting room.
A photo of Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo restaurant
Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo
$$$$
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Italian
•
4.8
(1524)
For over four decades, the Rizzo family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in San Luis Obispo. At Café Roma, you can indulge in homemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood. Don't miss classic dishes like Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto, shortrib pappardelle, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Inside Café Roma and you'll feel like you've been transported to Italy. From the vintage Italian bike hanging above the bar to the Murano glass chandeliers and Tuscan murals, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to celebrate Italian culture.
Pair your meal with one of the many wines on Café Roma's extensive list, which changes monthly to include new and exciting Central Coast and Italian finds.
Café Roma is a popular destination for locals, vintners, families, travelers, and professionals alike. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot or a gathering place for friends and family, you'll find it here.
A photo of Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant
Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria
$$$$
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Italian
•
4.8
(1128)
Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

Outdoor dining in California Central Coast

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See what locals rave about in Central Coast

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Discover California Central Coast

The California Central Coast is home to beautiful beaches, and it is also a major source of fresh seafood for local restaurants. Enjoy a locally caught Cajun-style Albacore tuna steak, panko-crusted and topped with wasabi coleslaw and sliced avocado. Elsewhere, you may prefer the halibut, which is in season year-round in the area and guaranteed to be fresh. Order it lightly cooked in lemon and butter, sauteed in wine, butter, garlic, and capers and served over pasta or with potatoes. The coast has more than seafood, as residents and visitors can relish a California beet salad made with sliced beets over butter lettuce and liberally sprinkled goat cheese dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

The best reviewed restaurant in Central Coast is Alma Rosa Private Estate Experience

The best vegan restaurants in Central Coast are Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, Convivo and Oliver's

The best vegetarian restaurants in Central Coast are Cielo, OKU and Oliver's

The restaurants with the best service in Central Coast are Alma Rosa Private Estate Experience, McClain Cellars - Solvang and Al Lago Wines

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