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Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

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Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

4.8
4.8
1569 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Top Tags:
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.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Wed 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (805) 541-6800
  • Website
    https://caferomaslo.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Saro and Maria Rizzo
  • Catering
    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.
  • 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
    Free Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, 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.

What 1,569 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Best Value

  • California Central Coast

    Italian

  • 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 business meals

  • 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

    Great for outdoor dining

  • San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles

    Romantic

  • San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles

    Good for special occasions

  • San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles

    Most Booked

1,569 Reviews

  1. punkin

    Las Vegas

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a lovely Italian restaurant in San Luis Obispo, off the beaten path. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Our meal started with a delicious bread basket. My husband had chicken parmesan which was delicious and I had ravioli with meat sauce that was also very good. We each had a salad, which were fresh and nicely presented. Our service was spot on, but never intrusive. We ended our meal with creme brulee---scrumptious. There is indoor and outdoor seating available.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Larry

    Central Coast

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best Italian restaurants in SLO COUNTY. Food and wine is exceptional. Wish they opened at 4:30 pm on weekends, since some of the live theatte is over at 4 pm. At least the bar .

    Is this helpful?

  3. RobertB

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful Birthday dinner. Our waiter was fabulous.

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  4. Hamster

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This is one of our favorite places in San Luis Obispo. Architecturally pleasing and joyful atmosphere. Authentic Italian food. A small town treasure.

    Is this helpful?

  5. CalPolyFam

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this restaurant and the service is amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  6. ConnieB

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The restaurant was charming, and the service was great. My dinner was great, my husband's was slightly less so, but not horrible. There were seven of us, and we felt well taken care of. It was a little loud in there, and so hard to talk.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Fenner

    Charlotte

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Roma always pleases! I visit several times per year when here in business. My colleagues and I always make time for this treat.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Mimi

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always feel welcome and comfortable there. Five stars for every category.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Gianni

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Was a good time! Had a great hostess and the meal was good!

    Is this helpful?

  10. PamMc

    Sacramento

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely enjoyed our evening. Our server was Greg and he was friendly, efficient and respectful. He has a wonderful calm demeanor. Everyone enjoyed their meals especially the pasta with fruit-a de mare and the halibut special with lemon piccata sauce, veggies and an wonderfully delicious zucchini soufflé which perfectly complimented the meal.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Vsop

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I live in Southern California and have traveled extensively throughout different parts of the country and this is my favorite Italian restaurant! I was first introduced to the original location in 1988. I’ve been coming here since. We came up for a weekend in the local wine country and dinner was absolutely fantastic.  From the great service to the well decorated dining room, we ate outside in the patio area and it was a beautiful evening to sit outside. The Carpaccio was fantastic as always the Osso Bocco perfect and my girlfriend had the Linguine fruitti mare. She commented how perfectly cooked the dish was - it was her first time here. She is Northern Italian, so she’s had her fair share of great food as well as disappointments, and she told me it was some of the best food she had ever had at a restaurant. The prices are extremely fair. Will be back again next year for the music festival and definitely for another great meal. You’re missing out if you’re in the area and don’t stop in for a meal!

    Is this helpful?

  12. PasoRoblesDining

    Central Coast

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The pasta was cooked to perfection and our server was very helpful and friendly

    Is this helpful?

  13. Hamster

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Roma is the place to go. The service is impeccable; the food is outstanding; and the atmosphere is friendly, warm, and welcoming. This is an authentic Italian place - a step into all that Italy encompasses.

    Is this helpful?

  14. GaryD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice menu and quality. Ambience is outstanding. I had veal and best I had in years.

    Is this helpful?

  15. JoeW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Very delicious Italian dishes, although some of our choice were a bit saltish.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Merlin

    Phoenix

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    It would have been 5 stars across the board but for being seated near a table of men who were boisterous to be polite. This was disappointing since when we arrived the restaurant was fairly empty and we could have been seated away from that table as they were noisy when we arrived and were noisy when we left.

    Is this helpful?

  17. DonA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is consistantly great. It is not only family owned, but Italian family owned. If you want to have a special dining experience, this is the place.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ravioli with mushrooms and truffle sauce was a winner.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Minou

    Charleston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Carlos was very attentive to our needs for a party of five..we sat outside on a beautiful evening..zucchini blossoms delicious, best so far we've had this summer..wine menu changed with a price increase for a newer vintage of a super tuscan red..menu changed with fewer substitutions..but all in all love Cafe Roma for their service and food quality..highly recommend this restaurant..

    Is this helpful?

  20. WilliamL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always a very pleasant experience. Love the ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  21. DianaO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this restaurant! The food was outstanding! If you love Italian food, this is the place for you.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at Cafe Roma is amazing. The service was good, the cocktails were great and the food is wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Michela

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love Cafe Roma. Haven’t been there for several years because we haven’t been to San Luis Obispo, but we were happy to have had another opportunity. Marco welcomed us and the service staff were very nice and helpful. The food was delicious as always.

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  24. LoriF

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We made a reservation and walked over to the restaurant. Our table was waiting for us. The server was quickly in attendance and knew the menu well. We ordered the lasagna and carbonara. Both were delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. Will return again. The only thing I can say that was less desirable is the $25 corkage fee for local wine. A bit high. Other than that was a great night.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Rizzo family never fails to give you a high value dining experience

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  27. RichardD

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great dining experience at Cafe Roma. The staff never disappoints with service. Food is as good as any fine dining venue.

    Is this helpful?

  28. LyzV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The owner was amazing. I came in alone and he and ever person who passed me asked how I was today. They make you feel like family.

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  29. OldLasVegas

    Central Coast

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful dinner as always. It was made extra special by our server Perry. Café Roma is a true gem in San Luis Obispo. 

    Is this helpful?

  30. Andy

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience1
    Chicken was over cooked. The noise level was not enjoyable. I guess sitting in the bar area wasn't the best idea. Thought we could sit at the bar, but it was all reserved for the locals. Disappointing!

    Is this helpful?

  31. Marko

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cover roller is a wonderful restaurant with great food. Great service and fair value prices. The ambience is wonderful without being pretentious. They have a lovely small patio. They’re able to do banquets in a very nice room. The bar is cozy and top notch drinks. Another plus is the ample parking. Café Roma is located in San Luis Obispo’s historic railroad District. This is a local treasure.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful atmosphere, friendly and attentive service, delicious Italian food. Loved our first visit to Cafe Roma. We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  33. FredC

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Had a great time as usual our favorite place in town for a special night out.

    Is this helpful?

  34. JohnG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our return to Cafe Roma was not at all disappointing. Matter of fact it was exceptional. Detail to service, entrees cooked to perfection, and special treatment for our guest, an 87 yr. old Sicilian birthday boy, made the entire evening quite memorable. Was happy to find the dining on a Friday night to be busy but not crowded or loud. Kudos to the staff...from the welcoming as we stepped across the threshold to the "Arrivederci" as we left. Ritorneremo sicuramente!

    Is this helpful?

  35. Cher

    Central Coast

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food with ample servings. Everything we four had was superb. Truly appreciated the GF options for my husband.

    Is this helpful?

  36. PamMc

    Sacramento

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect place for a birthday celebration! Excellent service by Keshe!

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was top notch at the food was incredible!

    Is this helpful?

  38. Skip

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We love this restaurant and have been coming her for years. I always recommend this establishment.

    Is this helpful?

  39. JoeD

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    The food was outstanding, but the experience in total was odd. We had reservations early in the evening and were seated immediately. We were served bread quickly, but then waited to have a server take our order. When she finally asked for our drink requests, it took 10 minutes for my daughter's lemonade and 20 minutes for my wine (which arrived in a dirty glass). Our waitress said the chef wouldn't allow me to substitute rice for pasta (I have Celiac disease) and she said the bartender wouldn't allow a half glass wine pour. I understand that it's difficult to accommodate the requests of diners, but with prices like these I expect better hospitality.

    Is this helpful?

  40. EricO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perry was awesome! Food was amazing! Will definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

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 1569 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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–Wed 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
    Free Parking
  • 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, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    https://caferomaslo.com/
  • Phone number
    (805) 541-6800
  • Catering
    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.
  • 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
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