Favorite Restaurants in
San Luis Obispo County
Here's my Top 13 restaurant picks for Special occasions in San Luis Obispo County:
- is a great place for a staycation and dinner. .
- Oyster Loft in Pismo Beach
- Ember Restaurant in Arroyo Grande has a monthly menu with highly creative dishes and indoor and outdoor seating options. See my instagram video reel of our visit at Ember and the dishes we tried.
- Mistura (Peruvian Restaurant in Downtown SLO)
- Vista Steak and Seafood -See pictures of the cliffs and ocean view from Vista from this link
- Kanpai Sushi is my favorite Japanese and sushi bar in all of San Luis Obispo County because it is high quality, located at Shell Beach, and the exterior looks like a lighthouse.
- SeaVenture Restaurant in Pismo Beach, inside of SeaVenture Beach Hotel
- Ventana Grill in Shell Beach(popular choice for Shell Beach)
- La Bodega Tapas (romantic date night option in Pismo Beach)
- Pono Pacific Kitchen (Hawaiian/Pacific fusion)
- Gardens of Avila Restaurant (part of Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort)
- The Galley Seafood and Grill in Morro Bay
- (best dessert options; part of Madonna Inn property)
Tip: Make a reservation online from the restaurant's website or Open Table/Tock, if the restaurant uses any of those services, so that you're not scrambling last minute and to avoid a long wait!
Local Restaurants
1865 Craft House & Kitchen
This restaurant is one of the most creative restaurants in all of San Luis Obispo County. Conveniently located in downtown San Luis Obispo and next door to La Quinta, they have an amazing ambiance and everything that I've tasted there tasted different and top quality.
They are very stroller and wheelchair accessible with a lot of outdoor patio space. Our table even came with fire pit.
The food menu has diverse options. They have a kid's section with several options and you really can't go wrong with any appetizer or entree here.
We ordered wings, risotto, steak, a kid's mac and cheese and a side of sweet potato fries.
I also ordered a special co*cktail for my myself called the Unicorn Paloma that had blue ice!
Read about my staycation at La Quinta in downtown SLO, which is located right next door to this very restaurant.
Address of 1865 Craft House & Kitchen: 1865 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Madonna Inn's Copper Cafe
There are two main dining rooms at the famous Madonna Inn: Goldrush Steak House and Copper Cafe. Goldrush Steak House is a bit more upscale and although kids are allowed there, I feel that Copper Cafe is a bit easier to manage with little ones and you won't feel as bad if they start misbehaving and screaming. The food is still excellent and the ambiance is cute with all the pretty dinnerware. Address:100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
They take reservations. Come here for special occasions like Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays or bringing guests in town. See more pictures of desserts and food we've ordered from the restaurants of Madonna Inn on this blog post.
Huckleberry's
Located right by the Pismo Beach Outlets, Huckleberry's serve southern favorites and breakfast food. They have a kid's menu that includes a kid's drink and has breakfast and lunch options.
They are not open for dinner. I really enjoy their breakfast options because they give you big portions and the servers there are very personable! I really feel like the decor of the place inside makes you feel like you're really on vacation, visiting somewhere different.
Address:300 5 Cities Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
SloDoCo Donuts
This donut shop is your dream donut shop! Located in downtown San Luis Obispo, this donut shop is creative with their selection and open 24 hours! Pick from out of this world flavors like green tea coconut toppings or your traditional favorites. Address: 793 E Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Frutiland
With an outdoor space to eat and located just several minutes (drive) from the beach, your children can stretch their legs while waiting for your food to be ready. Known for their ginormous tortas and tacos, many locals come here for amazing Mexican food.
It's only a 6 or 7 minute drive from Pismo Beach and Grover Beach. Address: 803 E Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Firestone Walker Brewing Company Taproom
It's not often that I get wowed by a brewery, but Firestone Walker Brewing Taproom really did wow me! They are famous for their 805 beer. You may notice many cars with bumper sticks with the number 805 on it. I always thought that it was the city's doing but when you read the smaller print, it is the Firestone Walker Brewing Company's. They also had a nice kid's menu that included ice cream. Address:1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
