I lived in San Luis Obispo (SLO) for 4 years while I completed my undergrad degree at Cal Poly! SLO is a hidden gem on the central coast of California. There is so much to do from hiking in the lush green hills, soaking up the sun at the beach, enjoying wine at the many wineries and eating at all the amazing restaurants! Even for such a small town, they hold their restaurants and food to a high standard. Some of my favorite restaurants in California are in SLO! Also, since it is not a major city, prices here are very reasonable.
Dinner Spots
Flour House - Italian
This is the most delicious Naples-style pizza, and one of my favorite restaurants in SLO, hands down. In addition to the fabulous food, it has a good date night ambiance and great espresso martinis. They serve other items besides pizza, but you’d be missing out if you got anything else. Keep in mind they don’t take reservations, so you will need to put in your name and wait (it’s very worth it). It is in the heart of downtown SLO, so there is plenty to do nearby while you wait for your table. If you read my San Diego Restaurant Guide, this has a similar feel to Buona Forchetta. If you are gluten free, they have a fantastic GF crust that is unbeatable.
My Favorites: queen margarita, calabrese, burrata antipasto, espresso martini
Giuseppe’s - Italian
I love this restaurant so much that I even worked here for a bit in college! The owner takes great pride in serving authentic, Italian-style dishes and puts in a lot of effort to get the best ingredients. The staff provides top-notch service with a smile. You can only make a reservation for parties of 8 or more. The building itself is an old bank they refurbished into a restaurant with a lovely garden patio. I dream of the pasta from here!
My Favorites: chopped salad, Bolognese pasta, risotto
*My rule of thumb: Go to Flour House for the pizza and Giuseppe’s for the pasta (even though they both serve pizza and pasta)
The Bear and the Wren – Pizza
This is a newer place that opened right before I graduated. Although I haven’t been here as many times as some of the other restaurants, I had an extremely memorable meal! It is a more casual spot from the above-mentioned Italian places. I would say it is more NY/American style pizza than true Italian with a more modern ambience. They have some large tables which are great for group dining. This is on the further end of DT and there are some cute places to check out neighboring it.
My Favorites: sausage + pepperoni pizza
Luna Red - Spanish
I love this spot for Taco Tuesday and happy hour! They have tacos, paellas and great tapas. The patio is gorgeous and it is a good spot for groups if you want to dine family-style. Its upbeat, Spanish-style ambiance always fills the bill!
My Favorites: paella, bacon wrapped dates, street tacos
Novo - Upscale American Fusion
This is a nicer restaurant that sits right on the creek and has a whimsical garden patio. It is the perfect date night spot and great for special occasions. Their unique menu offers a wide variety of food options. There is everything from steak to curry to pasta. If you are looking for a nicer sit-down, this is your spot!
My Favorites: filet mignon, green curry, cocktails
Breakfast and Lunch
High Street - Sandwiches
This is a must visit and a classic spot in SLO! It is an old house they transformed into a timeless deli and is everyone’s local favorite. High Street is a pay at the counter spot with a very casual atmosphere. This is my first pick if I need to grab a quick bite or take lunch to-go before going to wineries or the beach! They serve generously large sandwiches with boar’s head meat and unique menu items. Beware, it can get very busy during lunch time, so if you are on a time constraint, I would place your order ahead online. The vibe, the food quality and the merchandise make it worthwhile to visit!
My Favorites: Dutch crunch, California turkey, spring club (sub lettuce wrap for GF)
Lincoln Deli - Sandwiches
Another very popular deli in SLO is Lincoln Deli. Within the deli, there is a cool marketplace where you can get alcoholic drinks, snacks, or even shop for little boutique items. Lincoln has a larger sitting area than high street which makes it easier to find seating if you are trying to have a sit down lunch. They are known not only for their sandwiches, but also for their breakfast burritos!
My Favorites: walk of shame breakfast sandwich, tassajara delite
Big Sky Cafe - Brunch
If you are looking for a hearty, sit down breakfast, this is your spot! They have generous portions and an amazing homestyle breakfast. They focus on healthy and good-for-you ingredients, so you should leave feeling good and fueled. Their breakfast potatoes are so delicious (especially if you hit the bars the night before). I also love their vegan chopped salad and posole if you are more in the mood for lunch. It has a modest ambiance, so no need to dress up!
My Favorites: vegan chopped salad, posole, Greek omelet
Avila Market - Breakfast and Lunch
If you want to see Avila beach and grab a bite to eat, this is the perfect option! Avila Market is right on the beach in Avila and has a wide variety of food options. It is a casual, pay-at- the counter option, so you are welcome here even in your flip flops after the beach. I will say it is not my favorite spot in SLO, but if you are near the beach looking for a bite, this is your best option. It is a great breakfast or lunch option, and even has a cute little marketplace.
My Favorites: peanut butter acai bowl
Granada - Brunch
For a nicer, aesthetic, sit-down brunch, this is your place! The ambiance at the Granada has a cute rustic feel, and not to mention their food is amazing. They also have delicious, well-put-together breakfast cocktails if you are in the mood. Granada is picture perfect.
My Favorites: the seasonal menu changes often, but if they have it, the grilled cheese or avo toast are great
Neighborhood Acai and Juice Bar - Smoothie/Acai
Neighborhood is my favorite acai place! The bowls are so creamy and delicious, and they have a variety of options. It is a casual, small spot, so no need to dress up. The Neighborhood is a great place to stop by for a quick bite before or after a hike. They also have fresh pressed juices if you are looking to detox after a fun weekend at the bars.
My Favorites: prefumo canyon, morro bay
Firestone Grill – BBQ
This is the staple BBQ place in downtown SLO and it is popular for good reason. Firestone is causal, cheap and tasty. Their tri-tip will really give you a true taste of the central coast. The atmosphere is energetic and fun. It is a great spot to stop with a group. The portions are generous and the menu is extremely expansive, so there is something for everyone here. Notable mention to their happy hour, Monday through Friday with drinks as cheap as $4!
My Favorites: cobb salad with tri tip, fries
Finney’s - American
Finney's is one of my favorite true “American” spots. It has a great vibe and is fun for a group outing. Finney’s is very accommodating to allergies if you have any dietary restrictions as well. Whenever you are craving a good burger or wings, this is your place! They also make delicious cocktails and have an extensive beer list if you are looking for drinks to go with your meal.
My Favorites: buffalo cauliflower, wings, burger
Cocktails
High Bar @ Hotel SLO - Cocktails
This rooftop bar gives you stunning views of the rolling green hills and is part of a newer hotel in downtown SLO. It is a great place to have a drink with friends. High Bar is a little pricier since it is part of a hotel and a rooftop, but it is worth it for the view. The cocktails do not disappoint either!
Nightcap @ Granada - Cocktails/Wine
Nightcap is a cute, moody bar that is part of the Granada hotel. It is a hidden gem perfect for laid back and more intimate vibes. Nightcap is a little pricier than some of the other bars, but is generally off the beaten path of the college-kids. Like the name insinuates, it is great for a nightcap or pre-dinner drink.
There are plenty of dive/dancing bars on Higuera street filled with college kids if you are looking to go out. These places recommended are more for casual cocktails, not for night life.
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