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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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Price: Moderate
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Japanese
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4.9
(509)
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 La Mia Cucina restaurant
La Mia Cucina
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.9
(910)
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.
A photo of Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn restaurant
Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn
Price: Very Expensive
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Californian
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4.9
(405)
Ojai Valley Inn’s signature dinner restaurant, Olivella, holds the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star and AAA Five Diamond designations. 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 starting at $125/ person, plus tax and gratuity. Please note that a la carte dining is not available.
We kindly ask that any updates or cancellation to your reservation be made no less than 24 hours prior. Should you not cancel your reservation within 24 hours, or do not arrive for your reservation, you will be subject to a fee of $75 per person.
In keeping with the atmosphere, Olivella is intended for guests 10 years and older.
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Ellie's Tap & Vine
Top-rated food
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Price: Expensive
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Farm-to-table
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4.9
(523)
Welcome to Ellie's Tap & Vine... Join us for seasonal cuisine, elegant ranch ambiance and great wine! We are Valley to Table dining, working with many local farms and purveyors; We look forward to seeing you soon! Our menu changes regularly, so please feel free to visit our website: www.elliestapandvine.com or follow us on IG and/or FB.
Our restaurant is located in the heart of Santa Ynez. We boast amazing outdoor seating with great views and because it is often a little chilly in the evening, we have heaters. We are also dog and cat friendly.
We know re-adjusting to dining out is a strange experience for everyone and we are all slowly returning. For now, we will be suspending lunch service.
A photo of Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn restaurant
Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn
Price: Expensive
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American
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4.9
(1184)
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 First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn restaurant
First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn
Price: Very Expensive
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Californian
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4.9
(1087)
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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Barbareño
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.8
(1631)
At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work. In all of our efforts, we hope to capture the essence of a particular place or local flavor, embracing the nuances that make our food and drink unique to our home.
A photo of Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery restaurant
Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery
Price: Moderate
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Mediterranean
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4.9
(795)
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 Coastal Kitchen Monterey restaurant
Coastal Kitchen Monterey
Price: Very Expensive
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Farm-to-table
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4.8
(201)
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
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.
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Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
Great vibe
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Price: Very Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.9
(2115)
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 El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Dining Room restaurant
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Dining Room
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.7
(1469)
Enjoy California coastal cuisine with a side of stunning ocean views.
Belmond El Encanto Dining Room features comfortable indoor seating and al fresco indulging on The Terrace. The Wine Room is the perfect venue for your private gatherings.
Light dining, sunset hour cocktails, extensive California wines by the glass and Afternoon Tea happen at The Lounge.
The Bar is your place for handcrafted cocktails complemented by live entertainment.
A photo of Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn restaurant
Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn
Price: Very Expensive
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Organic
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4.6
(997)
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 have a family-style lunch experience for $75 per person. Our flight-style dinner experience is priced at $145 per person. Lunch and Dinner is available to the general public, however space is limited and reservations in advance are required. The minimum age for guests is 18 years old and pets are not allowed.
Non-hotel guests will be welcomed at the gate house no more than 30 minutes prior to their reservation.
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Far Western Tavern
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Moderate
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Steakhouse
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4.8
(1131)
Welcome to the Far Western Tavern—California ranch cuisine inspired by local traditions.
Our restaurant is recognized as a landmark of Santa Maria Style Barbecue, a renowned regional fare rooted in native ingredients and methods that were first popularized by 19th century rancheros.
Our menu blends this local barbecue style with other dishes that reflect our family’s heritage in the Santa Maria Valley’s Swiss-Italian ranching community, all prepared with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches and vineyards.
A photo of Treehouse Cafe restaurant
Treehouse Cafe
Price: Expensive
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Global, International
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4.8
(171)
Treehouse Cafe offers global fare in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A photo of Mama's Meatball restaurant
Mama's Meatball
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.7
(1047)
There are many Italian Restaurants in San Luis Obispo, but if you're looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience, then you should consider Mama's Meatball Restaurant. Rated among the best San Luis Obispo restaurants, Mama's Meatball uses the freshest, quality ingredients grown locally to create some of the most outstanding dishes you could find in San Luis Obispo eateries. For your convenience, Mama's Meatball offers dine-in, takeout and delivery service. Mama's Meatball is one of the few restaurants near Mission San Luis Obispo, and a block away from hotels in downtown San Luis Obispo to offer private dining options and banquet accommodations for corporate parties and family celebrations. Click here to request a quote for your next private event. Check Out Charity Water! https://www.charitywater.org/mamas-meatball

Outdoor dining in California Central Coast

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See what locals rave about in Central Coast

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Restaurant experiences trending in California 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 California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton

The best vegan restaurants in Central Coast are El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Dining Room, Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch and Oliver's

The best vegetarian restaurants in Central Coast are Passionfish, Convivo and Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

The restaurants with the best service in Central Coast are Biddle Ranch Vineyard, Woodstock's Pizza - San Luis Obispo and McClain Cellars - Solvang

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Central Coast are McClain Cellars - Solvang, Al Lago Wines and Albatross Ridge Tasting Cottage - Carmel Valley

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