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Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in California Central Coast

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OpenTable
Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!


A photo of Passionfish restaurant
Passionfish
4.8
4.8 (7167)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Pacific Grove
About the restaurant
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.
Top review
Johnvip
Dined 4 days ago
Every fish/seafood dish has been outstanding but then everything from starters to dessert is excellent. We get to pacific grove once a year and always dine at passion fish twice in 10 days.
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A photo of Sea Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sea Scallops
A photo of Beet Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Beet Salad
A photo of Maple-Banana Bread Pudding of a restaurant
Popular dish
Maple-Banana Bread Pudding
A photo of Turn 12 Bar And Grill restaurant
Turn 12 Bar And Grill
4.8
4.8 (382)
$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
Cassandra
Dined 2 days ago
It was a very busy lunchtime, and there was only one server in our area. She did the best she could, but service wasn't as good as usual.
A photo of Barbareño restaurant
Barbareño
4.8
4.8 (1850)
$31 to $50
Californian
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work. In all of our efforts, we hope to capture the essence of a particular place or local flavor, embracing the nuances that make our food and drink unique to our home.

Top review
Geoff
Dined 4 days ago
My wife and I celebrated our 10th anniversary at Barbareno last night. This is her review:Bright and refreshing local heirloom tomatoes layered with smokey, herby flavors. The most succulent Santa Maria TriTip with the perfect oak BBQ char paired with an elevated version of the classic garlic bread made in-house with 11-year-old sourdough starter and perfectly seasoned pinquito beans. The whole dish was an elevated modern version of my most favorite memories of TriTip on the grill growing up in Santa Barbara. Paired beautifully with a lovely Nebbiolo from Idlewild Wines. Finished with a wildly creative and delicious “Baked California” - Unexpected and unique flavors that were surprisingly harmonious. All enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. It is clear that they carefully thought through every detail, down to the carved block of wood that delivers the check. Beyond impressed! This is a not-to-be-missed local experience in Santa Barbara
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A photo of Santa Maria BBQ of a restaurant
Popular dish
Santa Maria BBQ
A photo of Baked California of a restaurant
Popular dish
Baked California
A photo of Grilled Avocado of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Avocado
A photo of Secret Bao restaurant
Secret Bao
4.8
4.8 (645)
$31 to $50
Asian
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
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
Top review
Jessica
Dined 7 days ago
Amazing. Only sad thing was that we waited so long to try this place
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A photo of KFC of a restaurant
Popular dish
KFC
A photo of KFC Bao of a restaurant
Popular dish
KFC Bao
A photo of Shrimp of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp
A photo of Pono Pacific Kitchen restaurant
Pono Pacific Kitchen
4.8
4.8 (603)
$31 to $50
Pacific Rim
Pismo Beach
About the restaurant
Pono Pacific Kitchen offers Pacific Rim cuisine that focuses on local favorites with a style of cooking and presenting dishes that combines ingredients, influences and techniques from not only Hawaii but also Asia, California and Mexico and the western coasts in general.
Top review
Kaylee
Dined 1 day ago
The quality of the food, service, and environment was amazing!
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A photo of Blue Crab Cakes of a restaurant
Popular dish
Blue Crab Cakes
A photo of Georges Bank Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Georges Bank Scallops
A photo of Macadamia Nut Crusted Mexican Mahi Mahi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Macadamia Nut Crusted Mexican Mahi Mahi
A photo of Barley & Boar restaurant
Barley & Boar
4.8
4.8 (217)
$31 to $50
Distillery
Atascadero
About the restaurant
Barley & Boar is a cozy boutique pub located in downtown Atascadero. We distill our own liquor, brew our own beer, and craft our own delicious fare from fresh and local ingredients. Dinner is full service, and our bar is open until midnight.

Join us monthly as we change our menu to showcase what’s in season.
Top review
Rolfevip
Dined 4 days ago
Always great food, drinks and service. Everyone is so friendly
A photo of First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn restaurant
First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn
4.6
4.6 (1187)
$50 and over
Californian
Solvang
About the restaurant
We are excited to welcome you to First & Oak! We offer outdoor seating on our heated patio & inside our intimate dining rooms. Seating is limited, a credit card is required & will only be charged for cancellations. Please allow us a minimum of 24 hours prior to avoid any cancelation fees.

We offer two dining experiences: Traditional Three Course or a Chef's Five Course Tasting Menu.
Parties of 6 or more please call. When reserving standard (indoor) or outdoor seating (Please be mindful regarding the weather, it tends to get chilly as the night goes on), please choose which experience you would prefer & let us know of any dietary restrictions, Vegan request needs a days advance notice.

First and Oak is located inside the Mirabelle Inn, & was awarded a Michelin Plate designation in 2022. We offer a seasonally-inspired menu that highlights local & organic ingredients prepared in a thoughtful manner. Our dining room operates with the mindset of warm compassionate attentive service.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
It was our first time here. We did the 5-course Chefs tasting menu with wine pairing. Each dish was so creative with its ingredients, but still recognizable for a person who just enjoys food! The balance between the different textures, savories, the sweet, and everything else in between was incredible The presentation was delicate, intentional, beautiful, mouth watering to say the least. My personal favourite dish was the Hamachi Crudo. The presentation was so beautiful, I can’t forget what it looked like. The color palate of the dish and the delicate flowers paired with the slices of fresh plum! The fish was so delicate and paired wonderfully with the stone fruit aguachile and pickled red onion. It is my first time tasting a stone fruit aguachile! The flavours were distinct and complimented each other beautifully. The textures of the crunchy plum and the delicate fish were so enjoyable. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Part of the 5 -course was a choice of a main entree, I chose the tenderloin. While it was delicious, it wasn’t entirely memorable for me. I liked that the truffle came through in the potato purée. The tenderloin itself was well made, but it left me wanting. The wine pairing were selections from their sister winery in Los Olivos. They were chosen well and worked wonderfully with each dish! None of the choices overpowered the flavors of the dish, rather they really highlighted the highs and lows of each dish. I would strongly recommend a weekday reservation! 😊🥰
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A photo of TRUFFLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER of a restaurant
Popular dish
TRUFFLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
A photo of CHOCOLATE & HONEY of a restaurant
Popular dish
CHOCOLATE & HONEY
A photo of PASSIONFRUIT TART of a restaurant
Popular dish
PASSIONFRUIT TART
A photo of Lilac Montecito restaurant
Lilac Montecito
4.6
4.6 (128)
$50 and over
Contemporary European
Montecito
About the restaurant
A new gluten-free fine dining experience.

Now open!
Top review
Jamesvip
Dined 6 days ago
It was very nice and we definitely go back. We chose to have breakfast which was outstanding.
A photo of Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette restaurant
Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette
4.5
4.5 (1272)
$30 and under
Unspecified
Marina
About the restaurant
Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is an award-winning upscale seafood restaurant in Marina, CA. Indulge in a culinary experience like no other with a live show kitchen, tantalizing oyster bar, and perfectly cooked steaks. Join us for daily happy hour and enjoy our carefully crafted cocktail and wine program. Savor weekend brunch while relaxing on our pet-friendly patio. Whether you're planning a wedding, memorial, or business dinner, our private dining spaces are available to create a memorable event. Come and discover why our seafood restaurant is a top choice for those seeking exceptional cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences in Marina, CA. Open Monday - Friday from 2 PM- 9:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10AM - 9:30PM.
Top review
Lynn
Dined 1 day ago
We love coming to this restaurant when traveling in the area. The food and service are great.
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A photo of Grilled Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Oysters
A photo of Annual Thanksgiving Buffet of a restaurant
Experience
Annual Thanksgiving Buffet
A photo of Bibi Ji restaurant
Bibi Ji
4.4
4.4 (299)
$31 to $50
Indian
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
Modern Indian food featuring local produce and seafood paired with a robust low-intervention wine program curated by Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award winner Rajat Parr. Located directly across the street from the historic Granada Theatre in the heart of Santa Barbara's ARTS District. Join us in our lively, signature pastel pink dining room.

Michelin Guide Central Coast Selection 2021, 2022 and 2023
Top review
Stevevip
Dined 1 day ago
One of the most innovative Indian restaurants I’ve been to. Great presentation and so delicious. Nice variety and a beautiful space . very hip and cool crowd! This is my new favorite!
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A photo of Crispy Cauliflower of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Cauliflower
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