Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants 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!

Le Soufflé

5.0

5 (435)

$50 and over

French

Carmel

About the restaurant

**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.

Top review

CindyCvip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

It was my second visit when visiting Carmel. Lisa is a superlative host and our experience was thoroughly enjoyable from the moment we walked in the door. I was visiting Carmel with my future daughter in law as we were wedding dress shopping that day and finished with our lunch experience at Le Soufflé. My daughter in law had never had a Souffle and she loved them!! We will be back!!

Japanese Restaurant Goshi

5.0

5 (535)

$30 and under

Japanese

San Luis Obispo

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

Goshi is a must whenever I’m in SLO. The fish is so fresh, the ambiance is so authentically Japanese, and the chef is kind.

Pizza Heaven

5.0

5 (21)

$30 and under

Pizza Bar

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Kaileyvip

Dined 6 days ago

Definitely stop by if you’re in town! Great pizza! And a cute outdoor seating area

Ellie's Tap & Vine

4.9

4.9 (644)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Santa Ynez Valley

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Tom

Dined 1 day ago

Fantastic food and great service. Chef/owner personally visited with us

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Popular dish

Ellie's House Made Bread Pudding

Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

4.9

4.9 (1342)

$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 4 days 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.

Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery

4.9

4.9 (935)

$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, 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.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

Wow! We had been wine tasting and found Petros. Oh My Goodness! Don’t miss this place if you like Greek food. It is so authentic and delicious! Ricardo was our waiter and was the kindest and sweetest guy! Good wine too but the food was the superstar!

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Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.9

4.9 (2539)

$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

Ralphvip

Dined 5 days ago

Always a wonderful and memorable experience whenever we dine at The Stonehouse. Great property.

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Popular dish

San Ysidro Ranch Meyer Lemon Tart

Experience

The Secret Cellar

Experience

Sunday Champagne Brunch

Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove

4.9

4.9 (1271)

$30 and under

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Audry

Dined 1 day ago

Ever aspect of the evening was wonderful. Everyone made us feel welcome. The service was outstanding and we cannot rave enough about the food! Cocktails were perfect too! Learned of this restaurant from our neighbors in NJ … flew across country and made sure we made the stop. So glad we did!

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Popular dish

Rigatoni alla Buttera

Popular dish

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Popular dish

Ravioli di Spinaci

Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn

4.9

4.9 (451)

$50 and over

Californian

Ojai

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

CathyF

Dined 2 days ago

We went here for our 25th wedding anniversary and my birthday. From the moment we entered the service was incredible. They even printed happy anniversary and happy birthday on our menu. Wait staff were amazing, welcoming and knowledgeable. Food was incredible. The flavors were perfect for each course. What a great experience. We will definitely go again.

AronHill Vineyards Bistro & Tasting Room

4.9

4.9 (307)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Templeton

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Ryanvip

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

LOVE our experience here at AronHill Vineyards! Katherine was a godsend for getting their private room all set up for my large family at such late notice. And she was so friendly and so accommodating about it too, all smiles. The food was just great!...and experiencing their wines was wonderful. Would definitely love to come back to this place. Thanks again Katherine and Sophia for taking care of us!

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