Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA

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Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

Name: Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo
Address: 1020 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States, 93401
Telephone: (805) 541-6800
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1479 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

The Rizzo family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in San Luis Obispo's Historic Railroad District for 36 years. Enjoy homemade pastas, steaks, pizza, and seafood made from the finest local ingredients––classic dishes like Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto and Tortelli di Zucca. From a vintage Italian bike hanging from the bar ceiling to the Murano glass chandeliers and Tuscan murals, Café Roma is a celebration of what people love about Italy. The covered garden patio, full service bar, and elegant dining room are popular destinations for local vintners, families, travelers, and professionals alike.
The extensive wine list changes monthly, always with additions of new, exciting Central Coast and Italian finds, while fresh farmers market produce is a part of every meal.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 20, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(805) 541-6800
Website
http://www.caferomaslo.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Owned/operated by
Women
Executive chef
Saro and Maria Rizzo
Catering
Café Roma caters special events on request for groups as large as 500 guests. Each event is extraordinarily custom depending on the customer’s needs for staffing, rentals, service, etc. Planning is orchestrated by Café Roma’s owners, managers, and professional event staff. If you are simply needing food prepared for your special event that you plan to pick up from the restaurant and service yourself, please take a look at the Catering for Pick Up Menu at caferomaslo.com/catering. If you require delivery for your food “To Go” please visit www.caferomaslo.com.
Private party facilities
Café Roma has a variety of event spaces, including the Deruta Banquet Room (capacity 80 lunch/dinner, 100 reception), the Garden Patio (capacity 50), and the Sala (capacity 40). Spaces ideal for wedding rehearsal dinners, celebrations, memorials, company parties, and medical or financial dinners.
Private party contact
Lisa Rizzo: (855) 781-6553

Location
1020 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Neighborhood
San Luis Obispo
Cross street
Santa Rosa
Parking details
Abundant free parking in front of the restaurant.
Public transit
Across the street from the San Luis Obispo Train Station.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Raid The Wine Cellar Tueday
Multiple dates available
Come in and enjoy wine bottles from our wine list at 1/2 the price. Limit 2 per table. Wines to be consumed at the restaurant. Price limit $100.00 wines.

Popular dishes

Mediterranean Olives$6.00
Assorted Mediterranean olives (unpitted) in olive oil, lemon
Bread Dipping Sauce$5.00
Garlic, balsamic, olive oil, parmesan
Beef Carpaccio$18.00
Raw beef w/ capers, light mustard, arugula, parmesan. Gluten Free Available
Prosciuto e Burrata$18.00
Parma Prosciutto & imported Italian burrata with arugula. Gluten Free Available
Caprese$16.00
Italian bufala mozzarella, tomato, basil & olive oil
Escargot$16.00
French style snails in garlic, shallots, parsley & butter. Gluten Free Available
Calamari Fritti$18.00
Fried calamari with hot & spicy tomato dipping sauce
Bruschetta$12.00
Crostini topped with tomato, garlic, basil and EVOO
Fried Mozzarella "Marinara"$14.00
With a San Marzano tomato sauce
Soup of the Day$10.00
Bowl of fresh daily soup
Crostini Trio$16.00
Toasted Sliced of hearty bread topped with spanish anchiovies and salsa verde, portobella mushrooms and tomatoes
Salumi and Cheese Board$18.00
tyrol speck, finochiona salami, mortadella, mixed olives, marinated onions, and truffle pecorino cheese
Vongole al Vino Bianco$18.00
sauteed manila clams in white wine and cherry tomatoes

Salads

Insalata Mista$10.00
Mixed local greens, arrugola, tomato, carrots, fennel. Gluten Free Available
Insalata Bietole$12.00
Red & gold beet salad with blue cheese crumbles, butter lettuce. Gluten Free Available
Insalata Café Roma$14.00
Mushrooms, mozzarella, salami, onion, peppers, garbanzos. Gluten Free Available
Insalata Caesar$12.00
with croutons & shaved parmesan

Pizza

Margherita "Classica"$16.00
Tomato & fresh mozzarella
Pepperoni "Diavola"$18.00
Tomato sauce, mozzarella & spicy salami
Salsiccia e Funghi$20.00
Fresh mozzarella, sausage, mushrooms, and tomato
Gorgonzola e Cipolle "The Mason"$20.00
Fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola cheese and caramelized onions

Pasta

Gluten free option available for some pasta dishes $2

Cappellini Pomodoro$18.00
Thin spaghetti with a cherry tomato sauce & basil. Gluten Free Available
Bucatini Carbonara$20.00
Thick spaghetti, egg, house made pancetta & pecorino cheese. Gluten Free Available
Linguini alle Vongole$24.00
Linguine & sautéed clams with a red or white wine sauce. Gluten Free Available
Lasagna Bolognese$22.00
House made with béchamel & Bolognese ragu
Tortelli di Zucca$20.00
House made squash filled ravioli with parmesan cream sauce
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina$22.00
Potato gnocchi, toma to sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil
Ravioli della Casa$20.00
House made meat filled with Bolognese ragu
Eggplant Parmigiana$22.00
House-made baked eggplant with fresh mozzarella & tomato sauce
Orecchiette con Rapini$22.00
Orecchiette pasta, pork sausage, broccoli rabe, tomato sauce, garlic and chili flake

Meats & Fish

Scampi Piccata$32.00
Shrimp sautéed with wine, lemon, capers on spinach or linguini. Gluten Free Available
Salmone con Lenticchie Toscane$32.00
Grilled salmon with Tuscan lentils and lemon citrus sauce. Gluten Free Available
Filet Mignon$42.00
8 oz. prime filet with cabernet reduction & gorgonzola sauce. Gluten Free Available
Veal Scaloppini$34.00
Sautéed veal scaloppini with marsala wine or piccata sauce. Gluten Free Available
Veal Parmigiana$32.00
Breaded scallopini w/ tomato sauce, mozzarella & served with a side of fettuccine alfredo
Osso Buco Milanese Style$36.00
Braised veal shanks served over saffron risotto
Suprema di Pollo$28.00
Pan roasted double breast of chicken with rosemary and lemon. Gluten Free Available
Barolo Wine Braised Short Ribs$32.00
Braised and served with a creamy parmesan polenta
Bistecca alla Fiorentina (for 2)$125.00
Rosemary, olive oil, sage and sea salt

Sides

Sautéed Spinach$10.00
Sautéed in olive oil with garlic. Gluten Free Available
Fettuccine Alfredo$10.00
Fettuccine with cream & parmesan cheese

What 1,479 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

California Central Coast
Good for special occasions
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Overall
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Food
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Service
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Ambiance
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Value
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Good for groups
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Neighborhood gem
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Great for fine wines
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Romantic
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Good for special occasions
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Most Booked

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JL
JamiL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice atmosphere, food and service! Parking is easy. Would definitely recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great spot! Delicious and good energy!
JZ
JimZ
Las Vegas
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of favorite places to go to when we need a night out. The food is amazing especially the pastas. It is just good honest Italian food that is consistent. My favorite is the bucatini carbonara. And to have to try the fettuccini Alfredo. Absolutely amazing.
T
Tents1
Los Angeles
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
First time to this resturant, will be adding it to my favorites list. Parking is also very easy as the location is just a bit outside the downtown area were parking is always a problem.
S
Sharon
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always enjoy our meals at Cafe Roma. First of all, the staff is very friendly and accommodating. The menu is varied. Last night the guys had chicken parm and I had eggplant parm. Everything comes to the table hot and flavorful. There is an outstanding wine selection featuring local wines. We always enjoy service and food at our favorite SLO restaurant!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely fire meal! Best Italian food in slo!!!!
EG
EGCayucan
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience3
The food was delicious and the menu selection was extensive. Friendly waiter, good service. We arrived at 5:30 pm and by the time of our departure it was quite noisy although not actually full of diners.
CS
CliftonS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great restaurant. Very loud when it’s busy. Food is fabulous. Everyone having a great time.
M
Momsnightout
Denver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Took our college daughter and roomies
JK
JeffK
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Although it was very busy, we were seated within 15 minutes of our reservation. The waitstaff and service was great and the food was outstanding…. Outstanding!!! Every course was cooked perfectly. Our only frustration was that we wanted to taste everything on the menu… So we look forward to returning in the near future to explore and enjoy dishes we missed and revisit dishes we loved. If you love Italian food and are in the area, I strongly suggest that you experience Cafe Roma.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Great food and service. Loud dining experience. A SLO institution, will return.
T
Thrill
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Cafe Roma never disappoints! Food was delicious!
RC
RoseC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, very friendly, service, or relaxed. Wonderful dinner. Thanks.
MV
MarcosV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our dining experience at Cafe Roma! We had late reservations but I arrived early and we were greeted and seated quickly per our request. Excellent food and service for a good price! We look forward to our next visit!
SG
SamG
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I enjoyed the food and excellent service. Very satisfied with the overall experience.
C
Clementine
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Marco and all the staff were so kind, the food was excellent, like fine dining at my nona’s house (Italian grandmother).
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful ambience and food. Owner stopped by to say hello. Great place - shouldn’t be missed:)
R
Ricardo
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and friendly owners
MB
MarbleBoy
Los Angeles
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
alwAys good love 1/2 price wine Tuesday’s.
MM
MichaelM
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Grace L was an exceptional server. Bus boys were on top of things. Lamb came medium rear not rare as requested. Didn’t really distract from the over all dining experience. Half price Tuesday on wine. What a deal. I’m visiting from Tennessee and will visit this restaurant next time on the central coast.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great experience! The food was delicious and the service was excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took my daughter here for her bday. Our waiter was amazing, food was delicious.
S
Sandy
Baltimore
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
We waited a long time for our drinks from the bar. Other than that it was a great meal. Waiter was fantastic
M
Minou
Charleston
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jackson was our server this time and he was on top of everything..timely, personable and always checking to see if we needed anything..we enjoy the food and will be going back again for the Tuesday wine night..
L
Larrybbaldwin
New York Area
50 reviews
vip
4.0
50 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
This is a comfortable place for good pasta and attentive service. The food rarely is exciting but it is a nice location to spend an hour for dinner. The noise level can make it difficult to carry a conversation, however
J
Jerry
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Shrimp seemed to have been cooked previously then just heated
KW
KathleenW
Central Coast
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Third time is the charm. First visit in 2022 the waitress ignored us and the food was cold; second visit we were rushed and the waiter nearly tore the wine list out of our hands without asking if we wanted any (we did). We were pleasantly surprised on New Years Eve to have a lovely waitress who gave us time to look at the menu and was cheerful in spite of the place being packed. The food was delicious and hot. The only negative was the noise level, but everyone was happy and it was to be expected on a holiday when there were big parties of guests present. I swore I would never go there again, but have changed my mind!
S
Susan
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and customer service. Love this place.
JF
JimF
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Very busy with families enjoying the holiday season!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Food was very mediocre.
FC
FredC
Central Coast
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
A great restaurant for locals to feel at home and visitor to feel the warmth of our community. We love the hospitality. The food is great!!
F
Frankie0
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great long time family owned restaurant!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
94 reviews
vip
4.0
94 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
We brought our dog and they were very accommodating. The food was delicious. I was very disappointed, however, in the osso bucco as the portion was sizable but it was mostly fat and there was very little edible meat. The flavor was lovely and the server was adorable.
S
Susan
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always enjoy Cafe Roma. Food, service always excellent.
JB
JudyB
Central Coast
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always excellent service and food.
CD
CindyD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love seeing the owners grandkids there working. Only complaint is using you for a reservation.
KC
KarinC
Central Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We come for Christmas Eve dinner every year! We wouldn't go any where else. Dinner was exceptionally good this year! The lobster special was amazing and all our other dishes were amazing as well! We were also there for Thanksgiving dinner but for some reason, it wasn't as tasty as usual. Not sure why. We will be back next year!! Love you guys!!! Thanks Marco and Sal and Marco's adorable daughters! The whole staff is amazing!
JH
JimH
Jackson Hole
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We live out of the area, so we haven't dined at Cafe Roma in many years. It is still such a special place! From the incredible food to the wonderful service to the pleasant atmosphere, it couldn't be better!
SC
SilCad
Central Coast
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
We went there with our house guests from Washington. The food was excellent, as it always is.
OT
OpenTableDiners
Orange County
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our server was friendly, personable and knowledgeable about the menu. The Bolognese sauce with the lasagna was lacking the expected meatiness and otherwise had a good flavor. The linguine and clams was a good portion with quality clams and sauce. The calamari was breaded nicely but lacked some flavoring. The only dish that really failed was the lemon sorbetto which was still rock hard from the freezer.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo using the Order Online button. Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 541-6800.

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo is rated 4.8 stars by 1479 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 20, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Order online

Google Map for Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

1020 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Additional information

Cross street
Santa Rosa
Neighborhood
San Luis Obispo
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Abundant free parking in front of the restaurant.
Public transit
Across the street from the San Luis Obispo Train Station.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Women
Executive chef
Saro and Maria Rizzo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.caferomaslo.com/
Phone number
(805) 541-6800
Catering
Café Roma caters special events on request for groups as large as 500 guests. Each event is extraordinarily custom depending on the customer’s needs for staffing, rentals, service, etc. Planning is orchestrated by Café Roma’s owners, managers, and professional event staff. If you are simply needing food prepared for your special event that you plan to pick up from the restaurant and service yourself, please take a look at the Catering for Pick Up Menu at caferomaslo.com/catering. If you require delivery for your food “To Go” please visit www.caferomaslo.com.
Private party facilities
Café Roma has a variety of event spaces, including the Deruta Banquet Room (capacity 80 lunch/dinner, 100 reception), the Garden Patio (capacity 50), and the Sala (capacity 40). Spaces ideal for wedding rehearsal dinners, celebrations, memorials, company parties, and medical or financial dinners.
Private party contact
Lisa Rizzo: (855) 781-6553

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Additional information

Raid The Wine Cellar Tueday

Eggplant Parmigiana

Bucatini Carbonara

Beef Short Ribs

Starters

Mediterranean Olives$6.00

Bread Dipping Sauce$5.00

Beef Carpaccio$18.00

Prosciuto e Burrata$18.00

Caprese$16.00

Escargot$16.00

Calamari Fritti$18.00

Bruschetta$12.00

Fried Mozzarella "Marinara"$14.00

Soup of the Day$10.00

Crostini Trio$16.00

Salumi and Cheese Board$18.00

Vongole al Vino Bianco$18.00

Salads

Insalata Mista$10.00

Insalata Bietole$12.00

Insalata Café Roma$14.00

Insalata Caesar$12.00

Pizza

Margherita "Classica"$16.00

Pepperoni "Diavola"$18.00

Salsiccia e Funghi$20.00

Gorgonzola e Cipolle "The Mason"$20.00

Pasta

Cappellini Pomodoro$18.00

Bucatini Carbonara$20.00

Linguini alle Vongole$24.00

Lasagna Bolognese$22.00

Tortelli di Zucca$20.00

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina$22.00

Ravioli della Casa$20.00

Eggplant Parmigiana$22.00

Orecchiette con Rapini$22.00

Meats & Fish

Scampi Piccata$32.00

Salmone con Lenticchie Toscane$32.00

Filet Mignon$42.00

Veal Scaloppini$34.00

Veal Parmigiana$32.00

Osso Buco Milanese Style$36.00

Suprema di Pollo$28.00

Barolo Wine Braised Short Ribs$32.00

Bistecca alla Fiorentina (for 2)$125.00

Sides

Sautéed Spinach$10.00

Fettuccine Alfredo$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo restaurant rated?

Is Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Additional information