Best American Restaurants in San Luis Obispo

Price: Moderate (12)Price: Expensive (14)

11 restaurants available nearby

1. The Oak Grill

4.4

Awesome(364)

Price: Expensive

• American • San Luis Obispo

Booked 6 times today

Brasserie SLO at Hotel Cerro is highly reputed for its outstanding Bistro cuisine. Customers praise the delightful ambience that complements the fabulous food, with the scallops being a highlight for many visitors. The restaurant showcases a warm patio, an impressive wine list and freshly made desserts. The restaurant’s attention to prep work and presentation has been commended. The staff are always lauded for their professionalism, friendliness, and knowledgeability. Notable mentions include the variety of delicious dishes from oysters, chicken, and short ribs to salmon and mushroom soup. Patrons also delight in the restaurant's "classic bistro food with an extra flavour and flare". All these commendable aspects have created a loyal clientele who constantly express their intentions of revisiting Brasserie SLO.

A photo of Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna Inn restaurant

2. Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna Inn

4.6

Exceptional(4415)

Price: Expensive

• American • San Luis Obispo

Booked 46 times today

Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steakhouse at Madonna Inn has earned rave reviews from patrons for its excellent service and impressive approach to Steakhouse cuisine. The staff, including hostesses, managers, and servers, are frequently praised for their professionalism, attentiveness, and friendliness. The quality of the food is consistently singled out, with diners commending the generous portion sizes, reasonable prices, and succulent tastes. Several reviews highlight the delicious steaks, often described as every bit as good as those found in high-end steakhouses. The atmosphere is also frequently praised, with guests noting the unique, eye-catching decor and live music. The Gold Rush Steakhouse continues to impress, making it a spectacular choice for anyone seeking quality Steakhouse cuisine.

A photo of Copper Café and Bakery, at Madonna Inn restaurant

3. Copper Café and Bakery, at Madonna Inn

4.5

Awesome(1917)

Price: Expensive

• American • San Luis Obispo

Booked 44 times today

Located at the iconic Madonna Inn, the Copper Café and Bakery is a celebrated destination for its quintessential American cuisine. The atmosphere is described as "kitschy" and "welcoming", with "exceptional service" from the efficient waitstaff. The food stands out for its "large portions", "homey" touch, and distinctive quality. Customers rave about the "absolutely fantastic meal" experiences, ranging from "delicious" ham sandwiches and "amazing" burgers to tasty steak and pork chops. The café's desserts, especially the German chocolate cake and Pink Champagne Cake, are highly recommended and seem to be an integral part of the dining experience. The Copper Cafe's mojo lies in its consistently well-reviewed food, service, and magical ambiance, making it a noteworthy representation of good American cuisine.

4. Ventana Grill

4.6

Exceptional(3154)

Price: Moderate

• American • Pismo Beach

Booked 46 times today

Ventana Grill is celebrated for its fresh and creative Latin-inspired cuisine. This unique restaurant offers a compelling twist on South American food with a touch of Mexican fusion and excellent local fish and meats. Customers highly value the creative take on classic dishes, such as the house made tortillas and enchiladas suizas. The addition of seafood to the menu has been hailed as a delightful surprise. Quality and authenticity resonate in the reviews, with comments noting the restaurant's delicious Latin American dishes and the amazing ocean-front location, which adds to the overall dining experience. From the dolphin and whale show visible from the dining area, to the spectacular view of the sunset, the Ventana Grill ensures a memorable dining experience.

5. Oyster Loft

4.9

Exceptional(3570)

Price: Expensive

• American • Pismo Beach

Booked 35 times today

Oyster Loft, located in Pismo Beach, is a seafood cuisine gem that never disappoints. This restaurant is highly praised for its unbeatably fresh oysters, diverse menu, and exquisite presentation of dishes. Customers rave about the varied seafood entrees and appetizing desserts, often stating they're cooked to perfection with unique layers of flavors. Oyster Loft's service is hailed as top-notch, from friendly hosts to knowledgeable serving staff, contributing to an overall excellent dining experience. The location itself offers a stunning ocean view, adding to the charm of this establishment. Whether you're stopping by for the fresh seafood, delicious cocktails, or fine dining atmosphere, it seems Oyster Loft is a must-visit when in Pismo Beach.

6. Ada's Fish House

4.7

Exceptional(196)

Price: Moderate

• American • Pismo Beach

Booked 25 times today

Ada's Fish House is a family owned and operated establishment, boasting fresh fish and seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Ada's offers classic coastal dishes with an East Coast influence such as steamed clams and lobster rolls with mouth watering specialties of Pacific Coast Halibut, whole snapper, and seafood pasta. Ada's sources fresh seafood daily in order to provide the highest quality product to their customers. Executive Chef and owner, Douglas MacMillan, is always introducing new and exciting dishes - simple and fresh. A mostly local wine list and full bar await your arrival.

A photo of Marisol at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa restaurant

7. Marisol at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa

4.7

Exceptional(1341)

Price: Moderate

• American • Pismo Beach

Booked 17 times today

Marisol at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa is a gem for Contemporary American cuisine. According to numerous customer reviews, the restaurant consistently delivers excellent service and exquisite food. "The food was amazing. Halibut cooked to perfection. Dessert was decadent," one reviewer wrote, indicating the high quality of their menu. Another mentioned, "My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Marisol restaurant. Everything was very good...The food was tasty and nicely presented." The captivating ocean view and attentive service contributes to the restaurant's overall appeal. With an ambiance that makes any occasion special, from anniversaries to graduation brunches, Marisol evidently succeeds in providing memorable dining experiences.

8. Sea Venture

4.7

Exceptional(2363)

Price: Moderate

• American • Pismo Beach

Booked 21 times today

Sea Venture is a standout destination for Contemporary American cuisine, renowned for its idyllic location and an incredible selection of dishes. The menu encompasses everything from "Hash Brown Omelet" and "Pismo Beach Burger" to "Grilled Swordfish" and "Pistachio Crusted Halibut", showcasing the breadth of American culinary traditions. Reviews laud the restaurant for the beautiful ocean views and solid, consistent service. Their cocktails, particularly martinis, are highly appreciated by customers. One reviewer praised the “salmon with creamed spinach and root vegetables” for tasting delicious and being cooked to perfection. Another loved the “breakfast burrito” for being juicy and well-spiced. The restaurant's dedication to quality definitely makes it a must-visit!

9. Ocean Grill

4.1

Excellent(49)

Price: Expensive

• American • Avila Beach

Booked 5 times today

Just steps from the sand, Ocean Grill Avila Beach offers pristine ocean views paired with the best of California Coastal Cuisine.

10. Custom House

4.1

Excellent(124)

Price: Moderate

• American • Avila Beach

Booked 15 times today

Custom House is a standout seafood restaurant celebrated for its incredible cuisine. From the delicious Clam Chowder, clams, and mussels in white wine, customers have hailed their food as some of the best. Customer reviews suggest that each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant also takes pride in its exceptional service, with the manager, Fabian, receiving high praise for enhancing the dining experience. Furthermore, special occasions such as anniversaries are made even more memorable with complimentary desserts. This, along with the great service and delightful ambiance, makes Custom House a top choice for seafood lovers.

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Discover best American restaurants in San Luis Obispo

Discover the vibrant American dining scene in San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles, nestled in California's picturesque Central Coast. This region is celebrated for its eclectic range of American cuisine, offering everything from classic steakhouses to innovative eateries that fuse traditional flavors with local ingredients. The area's restaurants are known for their commitment to quality and service, often featuring locally-sourced produce and a warm, inviting atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Food enthusiasts can expect to enjoy a variety of dishes that are both comforting and inspired, with menus that cater to all, from hearty breakfasts to sophisticated dinners. Each establishment in San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles is dedicated to providing a memorable culinary journey, making it a prime destination for those seeking to explore the best of American cuisine on the Central Coast. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, these restaurants offer a unique taste of American hospitality and culinary excellence.

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