Central Coast Restaurants
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Edna
$$$$•Contemporary American•5(23)Edna is a premier culinary destination on California’s Central Coast. Offering a tasting room, daytime market, distillery, as well as full-service dining at the Restaurant at Edna. The Restaurant at Edna is guided by Partner and Culinary Director Jeremy Fox’s longstanding culinary ethos of sustainability and seasonality, while Executive Chef Matthew Schaler leads the kitchen at the Restaurant at Edna. Highlighting local agriculture, regional wines, and a focus on craft.
Edna provides a warm and welcoming space for guests to come and linger against the beautiful backdrop of the San Luis Obispo Valley.
While here, discover the craftsmanship of celebrated SLO Coast producers Dunites, Greengate and Vestre in our tasting room. Together, we pour small‑production wines rooted in integrity and balance, each a genuine reflection of the land and season that shaped it.Sushi Table
$$$$•Sushi•5(71)Tucked away inside the vibrant San Luis Ranch Market, our speakeasy sushi bar offers an intimate, 12-seat experience designed to bring people together as a community. Inspired by the mission of the marketplace, we focus on serving high-quality food crafted with the freshest ingredients, sourcing locally whenever possible. Every visit to our hidden sushi bar is meant to feel personal, authentic, and rooted in a shared appreciation for exceptional flavors and genuine connection.
Pono Pacific Kitchen
$$$$•Seafood•4.9(999)Pono Pacific Kitchen delivers an elevated farm-and-boat-to-table experience rooted in the vibrant flavors of the Pacific Rim. Anchored by year-round signature favorites and complemented by a rotating seasonal menu, our kitchen pairs daily catches and peak harvests with creative coastal techniques. We seamlessly blend influences from Hawaii, California, Mexico, and East Asia to reimagine regional classics. Join us for thoughtful hospitality, craft cocktails, and a meal that balances familiar comforts with fresh seasonal surprises.Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn
$$$$•American•4.9(1,616)The Nichols brothers, Matt & Jeff, grew up in Ames, Iowa where their love of cooking, good food and a sense of family and community was nurtured.
The 2013 opening of their second Santa Barbara Wine Country restaurant, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez, allows them to offer visitors and locals alike great food, wine and hospitality. The brothers strive to have legendary service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that causes you to return time and again.
As chefs, the brothers continue to experiment with new dishes and cuisine, but always with that “from scratch”, homemade element. Fresh ingredients from local producers, a wine list that showcases the region’s award-winning wines and a comfortable and historically interesting atmosphere that takes you back to the romance of the old west. They want you to feel at home, and experience all the best of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.
Le Soufflé
$$$$•French•5(558)WE SERVE LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN
We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.
Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn
$$$$•Californian•4.9(569)Ojai Valley Inn’s signature dinner restaurant, Olivella, proudly holds the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star distinction and Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Chef Andrew Foskey presents a seasonally driven four-course menu rooted in valley-grown ingredients and refined techniques inspired by Italian culinary tradition. Complementing the cuisine, our award-winning wine program features expertly curated discoveries alongside classic bottlings from renowned California and Italian producers.
We kindly ask that any updates or cancellation to your reservation be made no less than 24 hours prior. Should you not cancel your reservation within 24 hours, or do not arrive for your reservation, you will be subject to a fee of $75 per person.
In keeping with the atmosphere, Olivella is intended for guests 10 years and older. Pets are not permitted in the restaurant. Trained service animals assisting guests with disabilities are welcome.
The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch
$$$$•American•4.8(73)For over a century, San Ysidro Ranch has been a haven for those seeking tranquility amidst the captivating landscapes of Santa Barbara. This historic hideaway effortlessly weaves together natural beauty, romantic heritage, and classic luxury, welcoming discerning travelers to experience a retreat like no other. Experience indulgence through Afternoon Tea, where an enticing array of tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, and house-made pastries promise to elevate your senses. As the day transitions to night, immerse yourself in a clandestine world within our speakeasy, named one of the 37 Best Bars in the World by Forbes Travel Guide, where crafted cocktails and an intimate ambiance transport you to a bygone era. Enjoy live music nightly at 7pm. San Ysidro Ranch invites you to become part of its storied history, where the past meets the present in an atmosphere of natural beauty, culinary delights, and timeless moments.Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn
$$$$•Organic•4.8(1,580)Offering spectacular, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn is a farm-driven restaurant that celebrates the coastal bounty of Big Sur and our neighboring communities. Our dishes are centered around the dialogue of balance: on the plate, between sea and land, with sustainability always in mind. Selections from our Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list enhance the inspired cuisine.
We have a family-style lunch experience for $85 per person. Our dinner experience is priced at $185 per person. Lunch and Dinner is available to the general public, however space is limited and reservations in advance are required.
Non-hotel guests will be welcomed at the gate house no more than 30 minutes prior to their reservation.
Japanese Restaurant Goshi
$$$$•Izakaya•4.7(574)Located in the heart of San Luis Obispo downtown, this location is Izakaya style restaurant serving Japanese food starting from Rolls and A La Carte. Don't forget to enjoy soothing sake and Japanese beer!NORA'S
$$$$•Comfort Food•4.8(432)Welcome to Nora’s Carmel
Tucked away in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Nora’s is a cozy, family-owned gem serving up elevated comfort cuisine with a Carmel twist. Located on San Carlos Street between Ocean Avenue & 7th Street, our charming space features warm, inviting colors, intimate booth seating, and a beautiful outdoor patio complete with a gentle fountain, perfect for a relaxed lunch or romantic evening under the stars.
Chef-crafted dishes reflect the culinary expertise honed at the renowned Anton & Michel, bringing both creativity and comfort to every plate. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll feel right at home with our friendly service, homey ambiance, and heartfelt food.
Come experience comfort, charm, and community – the Nora’s way.
Outdoor dining in California Central Coast
See what locals rave about in Central Coast
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- SSandyGoldCalifornia Central Coast •45 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoWonderful food, service, ambience....one of our favorites.More infoNicola Restaurant$$$$• Italian• San Luis Obispo•4.8
- SsherylCalifornia Central Coast •3 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoDelicious meal! Everything we ate was fresh, seasoned well and the Senor Romo with steak that was so tender and yummy!More infoMistura$$$$• Peruvian• San Luis Obispo•4.7
- CCindyGoldMinneapolis - St. Paul •12 reviews5.0Dined on Oct 28, 2026When guests are visiting us in Santa Barbara we like to drive along the coast up to San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery stopping at scenic sites along the way. We ALWAYS end the day with dinner at Madonna Inn and we absolutely love our usual waitress, Sharon! She is such a delightful lady and the meals are always excellent, as are the desserts! It’s such an iconic place and we love to show them around! It’s an unforgettable experience!More infoAlex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna Inn$$$$• Steakhouse• San Luis Obispo•4.7
- MMarkGoldDallas - Fort Worth •13 reviews5.0Dined on Oct 27, 2026Service was great and the food excellent. Will visit again.More infoNate's on Marsh$$$$• American• San Luis Obispo•4.8
- SSarahLas Vegas •1 review5.0Dined on Oct 26, 2026We had a lovely time celebrating my 14 year old's birthday. The food was tasty, the service was excellent, and the bonus candle (but no singing!) on our cake slice at the end was perfect. Would absolutely go again for another celebration meal.More infoCopper Café and Bakery, at Madonna Inn$$$$• American• San Luis Obispo•4.6
Restaurant experiences trending in California Central Coast
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Discover California Central Coast
The California Central Coast is home to beautiful beaches, and it is also a major source of fresh seafood for local restaurants. Enjoy a locally caught Cajun-style Albacore tuna steak, panko-crusted and topped with wasabi coleslaw and sliced avocado. Elsewhere, you may prefer the halibut, which is in season year-round in the area and guaranteed to be fresh. Order it lightly cooked in lemon and butter, sauteed in wine, butter, garlic, and capers and served over pasta or with potatoes. The coast has more than seafood, as residents and visitors can relish a California beet salad made with sliced beets over butter lettuce and liberally sprinkled goat cheese dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Central Coast is Le Soufflé (opens in a new tab)
The best vegan restaurants in Central Coast are Hula's Island Grill - Monterey (opens in a new tab), The Lark - Santa Barbara (opens in a new tab) and Secret Bao (opens in a new tab)
The best vegetarian restaurants in Central Coast are Secret Bao (opens in a new tab), Convivo (opens in a new tab) and Loquita (opens in a new tab)
The restaurants with the best service in Central Coast are Bare Bones Eatery (opens in a new tab), Sushi Table (opens in a new tab) and The Gig (opens in a new tab)
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Central Coast are Edna (opens in a new tab), Enoteca at Bellasera Hotel & Suites (opens in a new tab) and Maverick Saloon (opens in a new tab)
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