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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in California Central Coast

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OpenTable
Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion 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!


A photo of Japanese Restaurant Goshi restaurant
5.0
5 (551)
$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
Steven
Dined on May 25, 2025
Great food and service . Always a wonderful experience
A photo of Chez Noir restaurant
4.9
4.9 (52)
$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
A photo of Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn restaurant
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!
A photo of Ca' Dario Cucina Italiana restaurant
4.8
4.8 (634)
$31 to $50
Italian
Goleta
About the restaurant
Anything grilled is "divine" and the rest of the menu is "delectable" at the "charming" Italian in Santa Barbara known for its "excellent" execution of "simple" pasta, meats and other classics plus a "fantastic" wine list with many available by the glass; it's a local "favorite", so reservations are a must.
Top review
Amy
Dined on Jun 15, 2025
Our family had a wonderful celebratory dinner here to honor my daughter's UCSB graduation! We took her here the night we moved her in to her dorm and so it was fitting to end her time at UCSB back in the same place! Thank you for being a memory we will never forget! (Food and service were outstanding!)
A photo of Plow & Angel Speakeasy restaurant
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.
A photo of 36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club restaurant
4.8
4.8 (114)
$31 to $50
Californian
Hollister
About the restaurant
The signature restaurant at the newly reimagined San Juan Oaks Golf Club. 36º North brings an upscale ambiance and memorable dining experience through seasonally inspired California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With a dramatic olive tree featured as an iconic centerpiece, the scene is set for gourmet dinners and special occasions.
Top review
Scott
Dined on Jun 21, 2025
The service and cuisine are always excellent!
A photo of Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna Inn restaurant
4.6
4.6 (4651)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
San Luis Obispo
About the restaurant
Enjoy an award winning dining experience in our world-famous pink and gold Steak House - offering a comfortable and opulent dining atmosphere. Indulge in a delicious oak-pit-barbecued steak, fresh seafood, chicken, or vegetarian entrees. Featuring a superb wine list, decadent world-famous desserts and a whimsical, European atmosphere. Boutique shopping makes for a fun experience before or after you dine with us.

Top review
Christian
Dined 2 days ago
We had a great time here! We really enjoyed the live music and the overall ambience. My steak was cooked to perfection but just needed a little bit more flavor. Our waitress was amazing and even gifted us a massive slice of cake for our anniversary. I would recommended!
A photo of Mission Bistro restaurant
4.6
4.6 (555)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Carmel
About the restaurant
Located on Mission Street between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, in Carmel California. Mission Bistro Restaurant is owned by Shaheen Alnuaimi. Our history-rich location is warm, charming, and above all cozy. We offer brunch, lunch, dinner, local, and import wines. Chef Matt Zimny sources from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches with the goal of serving what is fresh and currently available. At Mission Bistro we do Seafood and Steaks right. Cheers!
Top review
DonielleVIP
Dined on Jun 27, 2025
The staff was so gracious and made our anniversary very memorable.
A photo of Rare Society - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.6
4.6 (22)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
Sink your teeth into Rare Society - a modern homage to the golden age of the American steakhouse. Chef and owner Brad Wise reimagines vintage upscale dining with a bold, contemporary edge: a wood-fired grill fueled by red oak, an in-house dry-aging program, sustainably sourced seafood, and a progressive cocktail menu that nods to the classics while pushing boundaries. The space hums with energy - smoke curling from the grill, the scent of fire and flavor wafting through the air. It’s easy to picture a Rat Pack-era dinner party in full swing: elegant, indulgent, just a little unruly. Rare Society doesn’t just pay tribute to steakhouse tradition - it revives it, reinvents it, and serves it with just a little bit of swagger.
Top review
LauraVIP
Dined on Jun 26, 2025
Superb experience all the way around. The service the quality of food. The bar scene the vibe! 10/10! The hh menu is lovely and the regular menu is great too! When in SB definitely pop in!
A photo of Village Corner California Bistro restaurant
4.3
4.3 (148)
$30 and under
Bistro
Carmel
About the restaurant
Village Corner California Bistro is a dining institution in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, that locals and travelers have been frequenting for 70 years. Experience our new menu as we work to carry on the tradition guests and Locals have enjoyed for decades.

Illy Cafe Full Espresso menu
Full Wine List featuring Local & California Wine
Enjoy Bloody Mary, Bellini, Mimosa
Certified Green Restaurant
Local Fish Specials
Prime Steaks
Wild Foraged Mushrooms
Vegetarian Dishes
Vegan Dishes - Daily Vegan Specials
Impossible Burger
Al-fresco Dining
Outdoor Patio
Dog Friendly
Kids Menus
Gluten Free Menu, Gluten Free Corn Pasta, Gluten Free Hamburger Buns, Gluten Free Breads, Gluten Free Bagels & English Muffins, Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas.
Brunch
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Wine Dinners
Full Beer Selection
We accept We Chat Pay





Top review
Taryn
Dined 4 days ago
Great heated patio. Very dog friendly. Even a dog menu.
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