Restaurants in San Luis Obispo
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Best Restaurants
“The owner, Kiko, is incredibly passionate in his description and recommendations. Everything was topnotch! Good sized portions and a fair price for the quality you get.
Splendid!”
“We were immediately greeted and seated (we made reservations online in advance)... our waitress greeted us within a short period of time and took our cocktail order... I'm happy they offer my favorite wine, Austin Hope Cabernet by the glass... I've only known Ember to offer it!... My son ordered a Ni Rada? Martini that tasted how I imagine a household cleaner to taste, he reluctantly sucked it down... we didn't bother to complain but we wouldn't recommend it... he later ordered a Paper Plane Martini which he liked better... After reading other reviews, I see we didn't get the initial bread w/Ricotta offering, probably for the best since we've cut down on gluten and wanted to try a pasta dish... We started with a (not pictured) POLPETTE (large meatball) and it was moist, flavorful, & yummy... alongside PAPPARDELLE RAGU, I was hesitant about it due to not being a fan of lamb... however, it was cooked perfectly without any hint of the game flavor I dislike... my only complaint is there isn't a gluten-free pasta substitute option... It may not be Michelin standard... but it would be great to have some gluten-free Ancient Harvest pasta with any of those yummy ragu/pasta sauces available for the many people with gluten sensitivities... MARY'S 1/2 CHICKEN was flavorful and yummy with the silky mashed potatoes... and the melt-in-your-mouth OSSO BUCCO and tasty polenta did not disappoint!... The atmosphere is cozy with home-style elegance... From the initial welcoming greeting, the friendly & timely food service, the "in-tune" staff that directs you to the restroom without having to ask, the constant spotting of Nate's friendly smile as he ensures his operations are running smooth and the thanks for your patronage as you leave... our experience was pleasantly memorable... This was my 2nd visit to Nate's... the first time I had the pork chop which was flavorful, tender and simply superb... We will return!”
“The food was amazing we really loved the quality and flavors. While the service wasn’t excellent and our server seemed a bit rushed, we still had a wonderful overall experience.”
“First time in SLO and tried several wineries and I have to say this one was by far my favorite! From the wine itself to the hospitality, everything was top notch. Tara was an absolute delight and really took the time to go through the wine making process with us. I can’t recommend visiting this adorable winery enough!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“When visiting SLO, we always make sure to dine at Mistura. Great food, great service, great ambiance, and no better place to celebrate my wife's birthday. Can't wait to go back.”
“Fun family owned winery. Great wine, great people and good location. They do a buttery Chardonnay, a killer petite sirah (inky) and a unique varietal called Teroldego. Buy it if you can get it. The do fun events and Friday Sunset in the Vineyards during the summer with music and food trucks”
Restaurants with Delivery
“We were immediately greeted and seated (we made reservations online in advance)... our waitress greeted us within a short period of time and took our cocktail order... I'm happy they offer my favorite wine, Austin Hope Cabernet by the glass... I've only known Ember to offer it!... My son ordered a Ni Rada? Martini that tasted how I imagine a household cleaner to taste, he reluctantly sucked it down... we didn't bother to complain but we wouldn't recommend it... he later ordered a Paper Plane Martini which he liked better... After reading other reviews, I see we didn't get the initial bread w/Ricotta offering, probably for the best since we've cut down on gluten and wanted to try a pasta dish... We started with a (not pictured) POLPETTE (large meatball) and it was moist, flavorful, & yummy... alongside PAPPARDELLE RAGU, I was hesitant about it due to not being a fan of lamb... however, it was cooked perfectly without any hint of the game flavor I dislike... my only complaint is there isn't a gluten-free pasta substitute option... It may not be Michelin standard... but it would be great to have some gluten-free Ancient Harvest pasta with any of those yummy ragu/pasta sauces available for the many people with gluten sensitivities... MARY'S 1/2 CHICKEN was flavorful and yummy with the silky mashed potatoes... and the melt-in-your-mouth OSSO BUCCO and tasty polenta did not disappoint!... The atmosphere is cozy with home-style elegance... From the initial welcoming greeting, the friendly & timely food service, the "in-tune" staff that directs you to the restroom without having to ask, the constant spotting of Nate's friendly smile as he ensures his operations are running smooth and the thanks for your patronage as you leave... our experience was pleasantly memorable... This was my 2nd visit to Nate's... the first time I had the pork chop which was flavorful, tender and simply superb... We will return!”
“Really liked my two visits to Ziggy's! The staff was friendly and the food was hitting all the right strides for a comfort vegan meal. Between my two visits I was able to try the nashville chicken sandwich, the crunch wrap supreme, their version of animal style fries, a milkshake, the horchata, onion rings, a cauliflower bowl, and some taquitos. All of the food was really good and had no complaints about it. It's great that Ziggy's commits to being a fully vegan restaurant and being one of two only vegan restaurants in SLO. Will definitely be coming here next time I am in the area.”
“Easily has become one of our favorite takeout spots in town on the weekends. Definitely was a much needed addition to this town for high quality fast casual Hawaiian BBQ food.
We've been loving the chicken katsu, loco moco, short beef ribs, spam masubi, and mac salad here. Everything has been amazing across our several visits! The prices have been extremely reasonable for the giant portions of food we've received across all of our visits here. Parking is easy and it's in a nice lot in SLO.
The staff is always working their tails off in the kitchen every time we come in and the place is clean/inviting although we usually take the items to go. Glad to see this place in town and doing well from the looks of it!”
“Centrally located in the quaint historic downtown, on a side street with little traffic. Handicap parking spot right in front of the shop. A few tables and chairs to sit outside and enjoy your coffee in the sun. Large, bright interior with bright sunlight shining through the window. Plenty of seatings with high top and regular chairs. While busy when visiting there was basically no wait. Served quickly by a young, friendly and attentive associate. Good selection of hot and cold beverages and nice pastries. Counter area and tables were kept very clean. Great quality and reasonable pricing. Excellent find, will be our must stop when coming to or passing through SLO!”
“The custom cake I ordered was soo good. I got a 6 inch lemon cake with vanilla buttercream frosting and raspberry mousse. The 6 inch may seem small, but it was enough for 5 people and we had leftover cake afterwards that we ate the next day.
I wanted to put some nautical decor on that I made myself since we were eating it on a boat, and they were able to make the outside smooth & plain for me. I’m not sure that I did a great job with decor, lolll..I would probably ask them to do the decor themselves next time.
The lemon with the raspberry mousse was so good though. I might try a cream cheese frosting if I ever go back since I’m in LA, but the buttercream wasn’t too sweet.”
“Personally I haven't tasted the wines but I was there with my group, the owners who do the tastings themselves are very friendly and enthusiastic, you can feel their passion in their way of explaining things.
Since I didn't drink they offered me a rose lemonade, it's a little extra but for me it makes a difference.
Thank you to them for their kindness and their passion!”
“There Does Not Exist is an absolute labor of love for craft beer fans to enjoy on the Central Coast. I've tried many beers made in SLO county over the years, but since trying TDNE for the 1st time in 2020, they take the cake when it comes to the best varietal beers top to bottom.”
Outdoor Dining
“First time in SLO and tried several wineries and I have to say this one was by far my favorite! From the wine itself to the hospitality, everything was top notch. Tara was an absolute delight and really took the time to go through the wine making process with us. I can’t recommend visiting this adorable winery enough!”
“Sam and Mariah are such exemplary and loving community members that their bread is as good as it is. And Mariah just started making the best scones on top of all the love and work she pours into bread all morning!! Her and Sam work as crazy hard as they do because they love it and we love you bread bike!!”
“Fun family owned winery. Great wine, great people and good location. They do a buttery Chardonnay, a killer petite sirah (inky) and a unique varietal called Teroldego. Buy it if you can get it. The do fun events and Friday Sunset in the Vineyards during the summer with music and food trucks”
“Personally I haven't tasted the wines but I was there with my group, the owners who do the tastings themselves are very friendly and enthusiastic, you can feel their passion in their way of explaining things.
Since I didn't drink they offered me a rose lemonade, it's a little extra but for me it makes a difference.
Thank you to them for their kindness and their passion!”
“Sequel doesn't disappoint with quality and service!
I've visited many boba places across the Central Coast, and there's none quite like this!
Sequel is one I keep coming back to, especially if I'm in SLO.
There's lots of combinations for different tastes, whether you like green matchas or extra sweet jasmines! 🧋 It's definitely worth a visit!”
“I love Petra’s! We found this place at the beginning of Covid and have been going ever since. Last week driving from northern to southern CA we stopped for lunch(of course). I got distracted and left my purse…didn’t notice until Santa Maria. Called, of course they had my purse…AMAZING CREW AMAZING FOOD! Thank you”
“Where do I start?! Thai Palace has been my wife and my favorite restaurant for well over a decade. The food is always delicious, Ti Ti (the owner) is always friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant itself is well decorated. Each dish that I have tried is a culinary delight and we are nicer disappointed. We’ve been there for birthdays, anniversaries, and any other excuse we can come up with to visit! Tee-tee, keep up the good work my friend!”
Online Reservation Available
“Can't remember the name of the pizza we got, but it was yummy. We split one appetizer, one pizza, had some cocktails and sat on the patio in the back. It's a great casual restaurant. Some people were dressed up for dates, but you could also come in jeans and t-shirts. The waitress was helpful, bathrooms are clean, I like that it's part of a little development that also had an ice cream shop, other food and a bar. A nice place for strolling after our meal.”
“Kayden was a terrific host. She was warm and kind and filled with info. The setting was gorgeous and with all the lavender, we felt we were in Provence! It was on the expensive side, but we have no regrets. The charcuterie came in a plastic container but it was absolutely delicious and was more than it first appeared. Thank you Tolosa and Kayden❤️❤️”
“Great burger with lots of options for vegans, vegetarians, and people with allergies. They do a great job of ensuring their vegan products aren’t nut-based (a win for vegans with nut allergies) and don’t use sesame on any of their burgers. Will definitely be back!”
“We simply loved our first time at Kitchen & Vine today! (SLO Public Market). I enjoyed the classic breakfast. Hearty, high quality bacon! Delicious. The potatoes were awesome. I grew up on a farm, and on breakfast like this, and I love that I can find it "farm fresh" here in SLO. The sourdough bread was fantastic! It had us ask "do you make your bread or who does?" Back Porch Bakery was the response. So great. Peter said to me, "please get some." 😊 We also loved the setting, the spaciousness of the place. Really big patio and outdoor space. And, a wonderful woman took our order. She totally heard me, got us and delivered. See, my husband likes his hot food really HOT in temperature and his cold food really COLD. So when we order we always make a special request about it. She was so great AND when she brought his Carnitas Scramble out it was STEAMING. 🥰 It was also delicious. Finally, our dog Sophie was seen and appreciated. A server came by and asked if he could bring her a bowl of water. A big bowl came and she lapped it up appreciatively. We'll be back. We already know it's going to be a favorite. Wonderful energy. ❤️”
“As usual true authentic Japanese food - wait staff very polite and at ready to help and serve you. Mistro is an awesome Sushi Chef. Could not have had a better experience anywhere. And the best part is that it's always consistent.”
“Such a great way to taste wines from all over our area. 2-ounce tastes are great. I enjoyed a couple of whites, then a flight of reds from DRNK for $25. Best tasting variety.”
“Can't remember the name of the pizza we got, but it was yummy. We split one appetizer, one pizza, had some cocktails and sat on the patio in the back. It's a great casual restaurant. Some people were dressed up for dates, but you could also come in jeans and t-shirts. The waitress was helpful, bathrooms are clean, I like that it's part of a little development that also had an ice cream shop, other food and a bar. A nice place for strolling after our meal.”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Working around the corner last week, I decided to pop in for lunch. I only get 30 min so time is of the essence. I was greeted with a smile immediately, seated and drink order taken. Once my lunch order was taken it took literally 5 min to receive it-this is what I call top service. The place was remarkably clean, staff was super friendly and great, and to top if off, I was out of there within 20 min. I have a have had bad experiences at other Dennys, but this one changed my thought about it all together. I will defiantly be back when working in SLO again. Thanks Dennys team!”
“a great venue for all ages, families and dogs. Staff and service is great.”
“Awful service!!! We needed a table for 2 and was told 5 minutes so we put our name on the list. Another server came to the next couple in line. Asked how many and the server took them straight to a table. At one point there were no servers on the floor for a solid 10 minutes. Nobody checked on us and we wanted another beer. I went to the bartender to order the beers, having to pay separately because they can't transfer the tab to the table. Not to mention that the bathrooms had ZERO toilet paper. None of the stalls. Not a good experience”
Takeout Restaurants
“There Does Not Exist is an absolute labor of love for craft beer fans to enjoy on the Central Coast. I've tried many beers made in SLO county over the years, but since trying TDNE for the 1st time in 2020, they take the cake when it comes to the best varietal beers top to bottom.”
“We had the most tasty Peruvian food in downtown San Luis Obispo at Coya in their new location at 851 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The chicken saltado one of the best I have ever had. The beef empanada large. The passion fruit drink, Maracuya, refreshing. All house made authentic Peruvian food. I hope you will visit Coya and enjoy the food as much as we did. The ambience beautifully decorated with traditional Peruvian products, clothing, hats, purses, dolls, cookies, coffee and lamas. Large dinning room and outdoor seating nice. We can’t wait to visit again to try More Peruvian food. Catalina the owner, very welcoming and took good care of us. Thank you 🥰”
“Where do I start?! Thai Palace has been my wife and my favorite restaurant for well over a decade. The food is always delicious, Ti Ti (the owner) is always friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant itself is well decorated. Each dish that I have tried is a culinary delight and we are nicer disappointed. We’ve been there for birthdays, anniversaries, and any other excuse we can come up with to visit! Tee-tee, keep up the good work my friend!”
“My go-to coffee & matcha spot in SLO. Tiny Cafe provides a great variety of drink options to choose from their seasonal menu. I like how different their coffee and matcha drinks are from other vendors, and how are sustainable they are as a business (they provide discounts if you bring your own cup, and bag for coffee beans).
Tiny Cafe can booked for events too. I’ve booked them for a company event once, and everyone sung praises on how good the drinks and pastries were. If you’re looking for a local coffee spot to support, Tiny Cafe is the place to go!”
“Awful service!!! We needed a table for 2 and was told 5 minutes so we put our name on the list. Another server came to the next couple in line. Asked how many and the server took them straight to a table. At one point there were no servers on the floor for a solid 10 minutes. Nobody checked on us and we wanted another beer. I went to the bartender to order the beers, having to pay separately because they can't transfer the tab to the table. Not to mention that the bathrooms had ZERO toilet paper. None of the stalls. Not a good experience”
“Good concept, menu could be more varied without adding more complexity…”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“I LOVE Bing's Bao Buns. Growing up in a Chinese family, I was raised on bao. And Bing's bao is honestly my favorite I've ever had, anywhere.
First, I love the bun thickness to fillings ratio--it's exactly how I personally like them, with the bun not so thick that it overwhelms the flavor of the filling.
Second, I love that Bing's always offers a variety of plant-based options for both their bao and additional menu items, including Kimchi Fried Rice. Whether you are vegan, or vegetarian, or not, their plant-based options are just as flavorful and satisfying as anything on their menu.
Third, Bing's offers so many amazing items, beyond bao, including Lo Mein Noodles and Tater Tots. I highly recommend the Bing's Seasoning edition of the Tater Tots. It has a very tasty and memorable kick, without being too spicy for those who can't tolerate too much.
And on top of all of that, Bing's always has the best customer service. They make you feel truly appreciated for your patronage, and that is important. They are family-owned, and personally, I love getting to support high-quality businesses that are.
Plus, they have a wide selection of cool imported snacks, and a wide selection of tasty mochi too, including vegan mochi. I feel they go above and beyond at what they do, and are such a true gem in our Central California Coast. In all of my bao from D.C. to SoCal, I still love the ones here at Bing's in San Luis Obispo the best.”
“This place is a diamond in the rough!! Ying gave us amazing recommendations that fit our table’s dietary restrictions (some of us eat only fish, some of us can’t eat any spicy food), and everything came out quickly and piping hot. Food was fresh and seriously so good!! The Pad Thai is the best I’ve ever had. I’ll be dreaming of the Tom Kha soup til I have it again. The spring rolls and cream cheese avocado puffs (so flavorful!!) were unbelievable! This place is 10/10!!”
“Old Slo catered mine and my husbands wedding on September 24, 2022. They delivered and served amazing, quality food. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed their service! Not only does Old Slo provide great service and food but they are also reasonably priced. We are so happy we had old Slo cater our wedding.”
“We had the bacon wrapped dates, Brussel sprouts and coconut shrimp tacos with key lime pie for dessert. Perfect amount shared by two. Every bite was delicious! Very creative drink menu, non alcoholic. Lovely outdoor seating and dog friendly.”
“Great little find in slo. Was bummed that they didn't get their fish order when I was there. Was very much looking forward to the red snapper ceviche. They did, however, have some delicious prawns. I had one of the best Chile rellenos stuffed with cheese and large prawns. Shredded beef tacos are highly recommended. The Baja fish tacos are flavorful and large. And our waiter was very attentive and friendly. Will be back again”
Cheap Eats
“Benny’s Pizza Palace is the real deal! Amazing Detroit-style pizza with that perfect crispy edge, a cool laid-back atmosphere, and a staff that makes you feel right at home. It’s the perfect SLO spot to grab a slice, sip something cold, and vibe with the locals. Highly recommend! 🍕🍻”
“It’s a quaint small cozy place in a neighborhood located near the railroad station; it always has a good crowd in there. It’s probably the only vinyl wine bar in SLO with a rotating crowd on of vinyl DJs. It’s large enough to handle a crowd of 24 and small enough to be intimate. You will always meet someone there. If you want a place to go to after work that doesn’t break the bank and have a good time, this is your place.”
“The whole family was celebrating my niece’s graduation from Cal Poly SLO on Sat 6/14 and many of the reataurants in downtown were booked. We walked into Moe’s and they were able to accommodate our party of 8. The food and service was fantastic! We shared a couple plates (chicken, beef; sampler, hummus, baba ganush and some bone-in wings). They did not disappoint. And the family was able to celebrate with much joy and merriment. I would definitely eat here again!”
“If you like wood-fired pizza this is the place, with a variety of excellent choices. They go out of their way to make you happy, and it's always an amazing food experience. You can taste their passion for making quality food in every order. Where American Gourmet meets Old World Italian style. This place makes me feel like I'm eating pizza in Napoli. I'm always skeptical about Lasagna, but my friend made me try it and honestly, it's not bad.”
“Lukom, Absolutely delightful! This Turkish sweet store is a hidden gem. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the rich aroma of freshly made baklava and traditional treats. Every piece tastes like it was crafted with love and heritage — the pistachios are generous, the syrup is perfectly balanced, and the textures are just heavenly. The staff is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, always ready to offer samples and recommendations. Whether you’re a fan of classic delights or looking to try something new, this place is a must-visit. A little piece of Turkey right in the heart of Dan Luis Obispo, CA ❤️”
“Walking into the Del Monte Café feels like stepping back in time—in the best way possible. The vintage charm and cozy atmosphere instantly set the tone for a relaxed and nostalgic dining experience. The service was excellent. Our waitress was both friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed without hovering. Food-wise, it was mostly great. The fries were perfectly crispy, and the ranch dressing was surprisingly standout—creamy, flavorful, and clearly homemade. My turkey melt, while tasty, was a little on the soggy side. My companion enjoyed the French dip, though noted the portion size was on the smaller side. Meals were priced around $16–$17, which seems about average for the area. I’d definitely come back to try a burger next time, and I’ve heard their breakfasts are excellent—especially the ones with chili. A solid local spot worth checking out if you’re in the mood for a classic diner vibe”
“Great vibe immediately upon walking in the door. First rate service. Might be the best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had. Outstanding coffee…medium americano. Killer art. Skater/surfer/local artist/inclusive tags galore. They’re doing it right and the comfort, along with the smiles, of the patrons was clearly evident and confirming.”
“My husband and I hosted a rehearsal dinner here a few weeks ago and it was perfect! From the get go, Monica was easy to reach out to, accommodating and went over and above what she said she would do!”
“Kayden was a terrific host. She was warm and kind and filled with info. The setting was gorgeous and with all the lavender, we felt we were in Provence! It was on the expensive side, but we have no regrets. The charcuterie came in a plastic container but it was absolutely delicious and was more than it first appeared. Thank you Tolosa and Kayden❤️❤️”
Latest Reviews
“We had the most tasty Peruvian food in downtown San Luis Obispo at Coya in their new location at 851 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The chicken saltado one of the best I have ever had. The beef empanada large. The passion fruit drink, Maracuya, refreshing. All house made authentic Peruvian food. I hope you will visit Coya and enjoy the food as much as we did. The ambience beautifully decorated with traditional Peruvian products, clothing, hats, purses, dolls, cookies, coffee and lamas. Large dinning room and outdoor seating nice. We can’t wait to visit again to try More Peruvian food. Catalina the owner, very welcoming and took good care of us. Thank you 🥰”
Most Popular Restaurants
“I love Petra’s! We found this place at the beginning of Covid and have been going ever since. Last week driving from northern to southern CA we stopped for lunch(of course). I got distracted and left my purse…didn’t notice until Santa Maria. Called, of course they had my purse…AMAZING CREW AMAZING FOOD! Thank you”
“We had the most tasty Peruvian food in downtown San Luis Obispo at Coya in their new location at 851 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The chicken saltado one of the best I have ever had. The beef empanada large. The passion fruit drink, Maracuya, refreshing. All house made authentic Peruvian food. I hope you will visit Coya and enjoy the food as much as we did. The ambience beautifully decorated with traditional Peruvian products, clothing, hats, purses, dolls, cookies, coffee and lamas. Large dinning room and outdoor seating nice. We can’t wait to visit again to try More Peruvian food. Catalina the owner, very welcoming and took good care of us. Thank you 🥰”
“We love dining here!! They’re super dog friendly and we love our waiters. He’s Italian but not sure of his name but he’s really good. We had the Winter Salad-delicious!! Then the Campeste e Gamberi and it was soo good!! The bread and olive oil garlic tempenade was amazing!!”
“Great food with an easy atmosphere!”