Diners' Choice: American restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in California Central Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

4.9

4.9 (1341)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Ynez Valley

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

KimC

Dined 1 day ago

Best prime rib we’ve ever had! Mud pie is to die for! Cat is an outstanding server! Thank you for a memorable evening.

Turn 12 Bar And Grill

4.8

4.8 (381)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Due to limited seating during this time we are only accepting phone in reservations.
Our outdoor patio is open and we are doing take-out.

Turn 12 Bar and Grill waved the green flag on October 1, 2013. The modern and sporty decor surround a spectacular 50 foot custom zinc bar top with tire tread inlay. Vintage motorcycles, historic racing artwork, and multiple televisions capture your attention upon entering. With a menu that serves a little of everything, from steaks and pasta, to pizza, burgers and salads Turn 12 is a casual American Bar and Grill with something for everyone.

The name Turn 12 is related to the famous Laguna Seca Raceway that has 11 turns and meant to invite guests to visit us at the corner of Tyler and Franklin as the last turn of the day.

Top review

Nancy

Dined on Sep 15, 2024

Got the special. Panko fried red snapper over homemade lobster ravioli with a luscious sauce on top. Yummy.

Mattei's Tavern

4.8

4.8 (361)

$50 and over

American

Los Olivos

About the restaurant

Recently opened on November 16, 2022, The Tavern continues her legacy as Santa Ynez Valley's beloved social hub. This California ranch-inspired restaurant highlights flavorful dishes and honest ingredients, many of which are harvested from Mattei’s on-site garden and surrounding local farms. Paying homage to its century old roots, the menu is elevated yet unfussy, offering grilled dishes and vegetables alongside seasonal specialties. The exceptional wine program is a singular and definitive draw of The Tavern. The comprehensive list features a California focused glass list which is complimented by an extensive cellar of Old World favorites.

For informal fare join us at The Bar, Mattei’s Tavern’s most authentic hangout. With a roaring fireplace and fixtures dating back to its 1886 origins, the historic bar and lounge space offers local craft beer and wine, amber hued cocktails and a snacks menu that ranges from bite sized to burger dinners.

Top review

lestervip

Dined 3 days ago

Great lunch in Los Olivos!! Beautiful setting, great salads and wine!

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Alvarado On Main - Salinas

4.3

4.3 (78)

$31 to $50

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Alvarado on Main is an art deco styled restaurant will revitalize the elegant feel of the 1930s in the center of beautiful Oldtown Salinas. Within its walls, a modern sense of craft beer will be combined with a concentration on fresh and local cuisine that speaks to the Salinas Valley.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 28, 2024

First time I’ve ever been here where it was less than half full. It can get so loud inside when it’s busy, but this was perfect around noon on Sunday. Fantastic pizza, as usual. Friendly service. Will definitely be back!

Rosine's Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (546)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Rosine's Restaurant turns traditional American comfort food into an art form. This local family-owned and operated casual dining restaurant has been open for 43+ years. The Culcasi family, owners of Rosine's, have received a bit of national fame as it has appeared on Guy Fieri's show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". Rosine's offers indoor and outdoor (pet friendly) dining serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, beer wine and signature craft cocktails. Breakfast offers include Eggs Benedicts, Omelets and a variety of other breakfast specialities. As for lunch and dinner, there is a mix of American and Italian dishes. Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include their Beef Minestrone soup, Chicken Parmesan and Lasagna. Scrumptious sandwiches, fresh salads and burgers are also elevated. They are known world wide for their award-winning house made desserts. A consistent winner with the locals for Best Comfort Food, Best Family Restaurant, Best Desserts + more.

Top review

Lesvip

Dined 1 day ago

Rosine's is one of my regular, weekly favorites. :)

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Popular dish

Hearty Homemade Beef Minestrone Soup

4.6

4.6 (1748)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company.

Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.

Top review

Jeremievip

Dined today

Food and service was great! Nice quiet place to end a long travel day.

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Popular dish

Short Rib & Sweet Potato Hash

Popular dish

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Popular dish

King Salmon

Tarpy's Roadhouse

4.6

4.6 (3554)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Relax in this 1917 Roadhouse and enjoy creative, Five Star American Country Cuisine. The wood-burning grill provides wonderful flavors for the freshest seafood and prime steaks. Set on five landscaped acres, the patios and extensive gardens provide a refreshing backdrop for hearty sandwiches, vegetarian entrees and tempting salads. Reservations are recommended.We are limited to outdoor seating. Please wear warm clothes for dinner. Not all tables have heat. All tables of 4 we allow 1 hour 30 minutes. Parties of 6 or more 2 hours. If you need more time please let us know. We require credit cards for parties over 6. All guests must wear a mask while entering the restaurant. You may take it off once seated. If your late for your reservation, please call we allow 15 minute grace period.
Tarpy's also offers affordable off-site catering drop offs

Top review

Jayne

Dined on Sep 30, 2024

Tarpy’s is always great. The food is delicious and the service our party of 8 received from Adam was great!

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Popular dish

Crispy Calamari

Popular dish

Filet Mignon USDA Prime

Popular dish

Chili-Crusted Chicken

Pacific's Edge

4.6

4.6 (3341)

$50 and over

American

Carmel

About the restaurant

Nestled on the craggy bluffs of Carmel Highlands and offering spectacular views of the California coastline, Pacific’s Edge lives up to a well-earned reputation as a destination restaurant. Using ingredients inspired by the local bounty from land and sea, a creative culinary team curates seasonal menus complemented by a storied wine list. Where California casual meets refined dining in a one-of-a-kind location, Pacific’s Edge will surely delight all the senses.

Top review

Richard

Dined 6 days ago

Awesome view and really good food - definitely a bucket list meal 👍

The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

4.4

4.4 (531)

$50 and over

American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Named “Top 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America” by OpenTable, The Bistro offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere to dine and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline. Local produce and sustainable seafood highlight an acclaimed menu of traditional bistro favorites, including brick oven flatbreads, seasonal salads and the signature Santa Barbara burger.

Please note that holiday reservations are only available for in-house guests. Room confirmation number is required to officially confirm your dining reservation during these times.

Marriott Bonvoy Members can earn points when staying with us. Please enroll here: https://www.joinmarriottbonvoy.com/uscanqr/s/EN/ch/sbarz

For parties with 6 guests or more a 26% service charge fee will be added to your final bill. For all guests there will be an 8.75% California State tax added to the final bill.

Top review

Candicevip

Dined on Sep 15, 2024

The views are great and the breakfast/brunch buffet was so delicious. Ozzy and Lucy were wonderful! They treated us so well.

Copper Café and Bakery, at Madonna Inn

4.5

4.5 (1925)

$31 to $50

American

San Luis Obispo

About the restaurant

The Copper Café is popular with tourists and locals alike for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in a warm and charming atmosphere. Copper counters, rich Bavarian woods, and lovely natural lighting will transport you to a quaint European village. Our Madonna Inn Bakery, featuring world-famous cakes, pies, cookies, along with French and Danish pastries remains open and available for walk-in and pre-ordered items.

Top review

Dined 7 days ago

Best coconut pie I've ever had! We made a reservation asking for a booth and got a booth. Service was good. Food is good. Value is good for the area. Overall we definitely recommend eating here. During the week is less busy than weekends (absolutely need a reservation for the weekends!).

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Popular dish

Waffle

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