Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in California Central Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Plow & Angel Speakeasy

4.8

4.8 (13)

$50 and over

American

Montecito

About the restaurant

For over a century, San Ysidro Ranch has been a haven for those seeking tranquility amidst the captivating landscapes of Santa Barbara. This historic hideaway effortlessly weaves together natural beauty, romantic heritage, and classic luxury, welcoming discerning travelers to experience a retreat like no other. In the heart of this timeless escape, experience indulgence through Afternoon Tea, where an enticing array of tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, and house-made pastries promise to elevate your senses. As the day transitions to night, immerse yourself in a clandestine world within our speakeasy, where crafted cocktails and an intimate ambiance transport you to a bygone era. San Ysidro Ranch invites you to become part of its storied history, where the past meets the present in an atmosphere of natural beauty, culinary delights, and timeless moments.

Top review

Bella

Dined 7 days ago

Fabulous setting. Tea and treats were delicious and beautifully presented. Impeccable service. A memorable experience.

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Experience

Plow & Angel Speakeasy

Experience

Afternoon Tea

Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery

4.8

4.8 (1023)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Los Olivos

About the restaurant

Our menu is a combination of the best ingredients that Greece and California cuisine have to offer. We import olive oil, feta, honey and oregano from Greece, the freshest organic vegetables from our farms in Los Olivos and wineries of our great state. Come enjoy lunch, dinner and wine indoors or on our beautiful patio. We can also host your next event!

Top review

BrigidVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Gorgeous setting! Very special. Food was delicious and our waiter was so attentive pleasant. It made for a most memorable afternoon.

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Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.9

4.9 (2810)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

LORIVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Perfection! From the cocktails to the vast wine list to the incredible food!! Service was impeccable!

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Experience

Champagne Brunch

Experience

Étienne de Montille Wine Dinner

Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn

4.8

4.8 (503)

$50 and over

Californian

Ojai

About the restaurant

Ojai Valley Inn’s signature dinner restaurant, Olivella, holds the Forbes Travel Guide Five 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 $150/ 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.

Top review

LeslieVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Was able to sit n the lovely patio and enjoy the tasting menu. So many innovative and tasty dishes to choose from! Everything was relaxed and delicious!

Far Western Tavern

4.8

4.8 (1191)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Orcutt / Santa Maria

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Far Western Tavern—California ranch cuisine inspired by local traditions.

Our restaurant is recognized as a landmark of Santa Maria Style Barbecue, a renowned regional fare rooted in native ingredients and methods that were first popularized by 19th century rancheros.

Our menu blends this local barbecue style with other dishes that reflect our family’s heritage in the Santa Maria Valley’s Swiss-Italian ranching community, all prepared with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches and vineyards.

Top review

Kevin

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent meal, friendly staff, good food with generous portions. Never disappoints!

La Mia Cucina

4.9

4.9 (1063)

$31 to $50

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

RonVIP

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

A wonderful restaurant with gracious hosts and staff.

Bar Le Côte

4.9

4.9 (88)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Los Olivos

About the restaurant

Bar Le Côte is a stylish seafood tavern located in Los Olivos, California. Inspired by the daily catch of the Central Coast and the modern cuisine of Europe’s seaside capitals, our team prepares thoughtful maritime fare in a casual, social atmosphere.

We have very limited patio seating and do not allow dogs to dine indoors. If you would like to reserve an outdoor table please email us at info@barlecote.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

We hold a portion of our tables for walk-ins, however we do recommend a reservation to guarantee being seated. We give all reservations a 15 minute grace period before being released to other guests. Thank you for your understanding!

* Please note that ride shares and taxis can be hard to come by in the valley, especially later in the evening. We will always do our best to assist in getting you a ride, but please plan accordingly *

Top review

RandyVIP

Dined today

We celebrated our anniversary and had a wonderful chef’s tasting menu for two. So fresh and delicious with outstanding service to round out an outstanding experience.

Le Soufflé

5.0

5 (479)

$50 and over

French

Carmel

About the restaurant

**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN (CLOSED JUNE 23-JULY 4)**
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.

Top review

MurrayVIP

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

Outstanding skill to create such delicious food. We will be back again and again.

Na Na Thai

4.9

4.9 (39)

$30 and under

Thai

Buellton

About the restaurant

A Taste of Bangkok in the Heart of California.
A vibrant restaurant in Buellton, California, inspired by the owners' time living in Thailand. The menu features a diverse selection of elevated street food dishes.
Step inside and be transported to a lively atmosphere. The colorful decor and friendly staff create a welcoming ambiance.
Start your culinary journey with a selection of small plates, like the crispy lumpia, filled with curried beef, or the light and flavorful por pia tofu spring roll, bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs. For a main course, indulge in the pad thai, a classic dish elevated with perfectly grilled shrimp and a symphony of textures. The daily changing fried rice is a show stopper!
Na Na Thai's commitment to authentic flavors extends to their use of locally sourced ingredients. They work closely with farmers and ranchers to ensure the freshest, highest-quality produce and meats.

Top review

BradVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Best Thai Food in the whole Central Coast, outstanding quality and nice owners and staff.

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Experience

ASHKAHN WINES by the glass takeover!

Experience

Thai Family Style

Experience

August Omakase Dinner

Chez Noir

4.9

4.9 (54)

$50 and over

French

Carmel

About the restaurant

Chez Noir is Jonny and Monique’s love letter to Monterey County, celebrating its finest ingredients. We offer a $165 four-course menu in the dining room and on our patio. Our wine program focuses on independent producers, with an all California wine pairing, and select bottles from the West Coast, Spain and France.

A no-show fee of $165 per person will be charged to parties who cancel less than 48 hours before their reservation. This policy applies to reductions in party size.

Please note that Chez Noir is designed for adults. While we leave the decision to bring children up to the discretion of the parents, it is essential that all guests, no matter how small, be included in the guest count. We do not offer off-menu dishes or high chairs.

We do not have a phone; for more info, please email info@cheznoircarmel.com.

Top review

Ben

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing and memorable experience, highly recommend

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Experience

Prix Fixe Outdoor Patio

Experience

Prix Fixe Dining Room

Experience

Mes Amis VIII - Joshua Pinsky

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