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Central Coast Restaurants

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Central Coast

Updated on

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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Le Soufflé
Diners’ top pick
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Price: Very Expensive
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French
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN**
We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.
Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch 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 AronHill Vineyards Bistro & Tasting Room restaurant
AronHill Vineyards Bistro & Tasting Room
Price: Moderate
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Contemporary American
We are a Paso Robles area winery that offers a wonderful dining experience. At the AronHill Bistro you will enjoy fresh dishes made from seasonal and local ingredients, all paired with stunning hilltop views and even better wines.
The AronHill Bistro & Tasting Room is the Paso Robles wine country’s dining discovery, where you will enjoy fresh dishes made from seasonal and local sources, all paired with estate wines and stunning hilltop views.
A photo of Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn restaurant
Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn
Price: Expensive
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American
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.
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Secret Bao
Top-rated food
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Price: Expensive
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Asian
Modern Asian American Restaurant from Chefs Peter Lee & Felicia Medina.
"Consider the bao. Chinese in origin, it’s most easily described as a steamed bun filled with something savory. Yet, like the American concept of a sandwich, the bao exploded into a flexible format of untold bounds — served at any meal, filled with you-name-it, completely closed or wide open, with endless regional variants from across Asia and far beyond." - Matt Kettmann (SB Independent)
1 Block From State Street, Easy Parking, Public Lot Nearby, Free 75 Minute Parking, Walking Distance, El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, Superior Court, Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Courthouse Gardens, Bell Tower, Bao, Food, Restaurant, Asian, American, New, Modern, Fried, Chicken, Octopus, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paelo, Friendly, Dog Friendly, Outdoor Patio, Heaters, Warm, Inviting, Hospitable, Modern Design
A photo of Pizza Heaven restaurant
Pizza Heaven
Price: Moderate
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Pizza Bar
Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Carmel-by-the Sea, Pizza Heaven entices both locals and tourists with its welcoming atmosphere and delightful menu.
Our delightful restaurant features a dog-friendly heated patio, where four-legged friends are invited to join their owners in indulging in a variety of culinary delights. From specialty pizzas brimming with distinctive flavors to timeless favorites that never disappoint, Pizza Heaven caters to all tastes.
In addition to pizza, the menu offers an enticing selection of options including pastas, salads, and Mediterranean pies, ensuring there's something for everyone. To elevate the dining experience, carefully chosen local and regional wines are available, adding a touch of sophistication to every meal.
Whether you're in search of a laid-back lunch spot or an intimate dinner setting, Pizza Heaven guarantees a taste of culinary delight amidst the coastal allure of Carmel, California.
A photo of Japanese Restaurant Goshi restaurant
Japanese Restaurant Goshi
Price: Moderate
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Japanese
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!
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Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Very Expensive
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Californian
Ojai Valley Inn’s signature dinner restaurant, Olivella, holds the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star and Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence 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.
A photo of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar restaurant
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar
Price: Moderate
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Italian
We are currently open for dine-in and outdoor heated sidewalk/patio.
We are always available for curbside pickup.
Welcome to Mezzaluna Pasteria and Mozzarella Bar. Chef Soerke and Amy invite you in to enjoy daily house made Pasta, Mozzarella and Gelato.
We offer a full bar with specialty cocktails.
Chef’s Specialties include
Buccatini Al’Amatriciana
Linguini alla Vongole
Chicken Sausage Lasagne
Spaghetti Carbonara
Grilled Octopus
Lamb Meatballs
House-made Charcuterie
Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle Oil
Little Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano
Raviloi di Manzo
Pate di Anatra
A photo of Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant
Ellie's Tap & Vine
Price: Expensive
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Farm-to-table
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.
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Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery
Great vibe
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Price: Moderate
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Mediterranean
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 Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
Price: Very Expensive
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Contemporary American
The Stonehouse, located in a beautiful 19th-century citrus packing house, offers an unparalleled dining experience. Guests can unwind in a relaxing lounge with full bar service or enjoy the ambiance of the separate dining room, complete with a crackling fireplace and world-class views. Chef Matthew Johnson creates evocative regional cuisine, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden. The Stonehouse boasts the only Grand Award-winning wine program in Central California, ensuring an unparalleled selection of wines to complement your meal. For a unique twist, visit the restaurant's speakeasy for before or after dinner drinks, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, nostalgic setting.
A photo of Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn restaurant
Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn
Price: Very Expensive
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Organic
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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La Mia Cucina
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Expensive
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Italian
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 Dametra Cafe restaurant
Dametra Cafe
Price: Expensive
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Mediterranean
Dametra Cafe is a casual Mediterranean restaurant. Here, diners can expect high-quality healthy food delivered quickly in a relaxed atmosphere. The decor and styling of the dining room is distinctly Greek, specifically like one of the many coastal cities that the country is known for. Between that and the hearty portions and prompt service, Dametra Cafe sits nicely between an upscale restaurant and quick-service places.Dametra's Cafe features primarily Greek cuisine, with some Italian and Spanish thrown in for good measure. Appetizers include hummus with pita bread, fried calamari, grilled jumbo prawns and steamed mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce. The meals are split between sandwiches, pasta and entrée offerings and features dishes such as shrimp and crab ravioli, a salmon burger with red onion and tomatoes, lamb shish kebab and a Greek style lamb shank with rice pilaf and fresh vegetables.
A photo of Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo restaurant
Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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.

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 Maverick Saloon

The best vegan restaurants in Central Coast are Convivo, OKU and Bibi Ji

The best vegetarian restaurants in Central Coast are Passionfish, Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar and Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

The restaurants with the best service in Central Coast are Pizza Heaven, Maverick Saloon and The Pocket

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Central Coast are The Pocket, Woodstock's Pizza - Isla Vista and Bacara Wine Tasting Room

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