The following is a partial list of restaurants in San Luis Obispo and the immediate vicinity. Downtown San Luis Obispo has numerous restaurants with many lined up along Higuera Street. San Luis Obispo also seems to have an inordinate amount of small family owned high quality chain restaurants – usually chains under 10 restaurants with one branch located here. Also plenty of gastropubs, Italian restaurants, burgers and BBQ. In short, this is a restaurant town.
We have eaten at many of the restaurants listed below. All restaurants are in San Luis Obispo; for select regional restaurants read outside of San Luis Obispo, read our Nearby Destinations page, within this article.
All phone numbers are in the 805 area code unless otherwise noted.
Aisuru – Sushi seems to be a popular culinary option in San Luis Obispo these days and compared to some of the other Sushi restaurants in town, this is among the newer sushi spaces.
Located directly next to the Fremont Theatre on Monterey Street. Conveniently located if you want sushi and don’t want to walk to far to get it. We have tried most of the sushi restaurants in SLO but haven’t yet eaten here. Have heard service is mediocre and food while cheap, doesn’t stand out. For basic information visit: www.aisurusushibar.com- Apple Farm click link to the left for more information
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Bang the Drum Brewery is located in a series of metal buildings at 950 Orcutt Road near Broad Street. The focus as of our last visit is on beer and music, but mostly beer. The space is somewhat eclectic but very welcoming. Both inside seating with outdoor seating in their patio – along with outdoor heaters, used as needed. Unfortunately they don’t serve any food whatsoever (perhaps this will change when they get a permit to do so).
In the meantime, they encourage you to call in take out orders from one of the local restaurants, or simply bring your own food. Some board games on site for use by patrons. Also very pet friendly. Visit: www.bangthedrumbrewery.com 
Benjamin Franklin’s Sandwiches is located south of downtown at 313 Higuera Street. Open daily from 9 to 6pm except Sundays which are 10 to 5pm. This well established sandwich joint was founded in 1969 – and has served generations of Cal Poly students craving tasty sandwiches at a reasonable price (not to mention all the locals served over the years as well).
Their focus is on a diversity of submarine style deli sandwiches using locally baked breads. Corner location with a small parking lot. This is our go to sandwich shop in San Luis Obispo – we’ve enjoyed many sandwiches here over the years, either here or grab and go – and or for taking on a bike ride. Nice they are a single shop, although if they franchised this deliciousness they would hopefully put Subway Sandwiches out of business with all their nasty sandwiches. The Ben’s Californian is our go to choice – so tasty with the pepperoncini peppers and their oil-vinegar dressing. Visit: www.ben-franklins.com
Big Sky Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are open Monday through Saturday from 7AM to 10PM. They are open on Sunday from 8AM to 4PM. Their prices start around $18 for dinner entrees. Features a number of locally grown and produced wines. Art from various artists is often on display inside.
They are located at 1121 Broad Street in downtown San Luis and their Phone is: (805) 545-5401 Website: www.bigskycafe.com
Blackhorse Expresso & Bakery – now has four locations within San Luis Obispo; this is their downtown location. Located at 1065 Higuera Street on the northern fringes of the downtown. First established in 1995 they focus on using local and natural ingrediants as much as possible. They make their muffins, scones, croissants, cakes, pies and paninis by hand daily.
Specials offered. Plenty of beverages including hot and cold teas, coffees and Italian sodas. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Visit: www.blackhorsecoffee.com
Blast 825 Taproom is located in downtown at 733 Higuera St. They focus on premium pizzas – they hand-stretch the dough that is made fresh daily. Drop by in the early monrings and you might see them unloading wooden logs to be used in their wood burning ovens.
They operate select locations throughout California. Choose from their Signature pizzas or get creative and customize your own. Visit: www.blast825pizza.com
Bon Temps Creole Cafe was located at Olive St. next to the Ramada Inn next to the Southbound 101 Freeway entrance – however they are now located at 1819 Osos St near the Amtrak Train Station. Cajun, Creole, New Orleans style food in SLO? Yes, that’s right and they are not new either. Bon Temps was founded in 1995. The menu’s are varied and are large in selection for both breakfast and lunch. Look for the plethora of Mardi Gras beads hanging inside – counter or table seating is available along with a nice outdoor courtyard for warmer weather dining.
Lots of interesting spicy seafood dishes. If they are not spicy enough for you, then choose from a large lineup of hot sauces available at each table. The Faidoa is a crowd favorite for breakfast (note they changed the name a while back to become more politically correct – yes its California). The Cajun Andouille sausages are spicy and worth a try. Other items worth mentioning are the crawfish, Alligator and frog legs. Live Zydeco music sometimes available. Nice eggs Benedict. Phone: (805) 544-2100
Breakfast Buzz is located at 295 Santa Rosa Street. They are most known for their “Buzz” burritos – choose from a variety of cheeses and meats to make this delectable delight. We love working up an appetite in the early am on one of many area bike trails and then hitting this restaurant immediately afterwards. Breakfast Buzz is very popular with the late teen early 20’s crowd and if you are much older than that you will look out of place.
Walk in here and you may think the San Luis Obispo demographic sure is young looking. Lots of other good breakfast items – indoor and outdoor seating. Counter seating is also available and there is plenty of parking in the back. Phone (805) 784-0232
Buono Tavola – is a classic 3 star small Italian restaurant located in downtown. This narrow restaurant is nestled next to the historic Fremont Theatre on Monterey Street. The food here is excellent (great salads) with intimate dining – if the weather permits, request seating in the small open air patio in the back of the restaurant. They also operate a second restaurant by the same name in Paso Robles. Phone (805) 545-8000.
We have enjoyed several memorable dinners here over the years based both on the excellent food but also the eclectic characters we have been with at the time. Visit: www.btslo.com- Cafe Roma serves Italian food. They are located at 1819 Osos Street. Their pasta and pizza dishes are relatively inexpensive, mostly under $10. Their meat and fish dishes are priced from $12 to $25. Phone: (805) 541-6800 – Website: www.caferomaslo.com
California Pizza Kitchen is in the location where Fresh Choice used to be right next to the downtown Marsh Street Movie Theatres at 876 Marsh Street (corner of Morro).
They serve California style cuisine. open daily from 11am until 9 or 10pm. Maintains a full bar and also features patio seating. Phone (805) 784-0790. Visit: www.cpk.com
Chili Peppers provides quality inexpensive Mexican food. Their portions quite large. They have two locations, one at 791 Foothill Blvd. and the other at 2121 Broad Street. We have eaten at both locations and we prefer the Broad Street location because it is more secluded then the Foothill one, and they have a covered patio area to eat in.
Tropical plants grow under the patio. The Foothill restaurant has patio seating but it is near the street. Chilie Peppers has food to go and you can call your order in. Dining here has at times been the staple of our lunches over the years. Phone of the Foothill location is: (805) 541-8591. Phone of the Broad Street location is: (805) 541-9154. One photo here of each location.
Chipotle Mexican Grill operates two locations within San Luis Obispo – one in the Madonna Shopping Center south of downtown and this one downtown, located at 853 Higuera Street.
Open daily from 1030am until 10pm. This fast food Mexican styled chain is known for their design-your-own burritos and tacos. A favorite of local college students for decent grub at a decent price. Supposedly this one often has a shorter line then one in Madonna. Visit: www.chipotle.com
Ciopinot Seafood Grille has an appropriate name when you break down it’s meaning and how it relates to this particualr restaurant. Their spelling of Ciopino refers to seafood stew originally developed in San Francisco (which they obviously specialize in) and pinot refers to their excellent wine list which carries a number of Pinot Noir wines.
Located in a brick building on the southern fringes of downtown at 1051 Nipomo St. Owned by second generation restaurant family. In addition to the seafood stew, lots of other seafood options including oysters. Some local wines. Visit: www.ciopinotrestaurant.com
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Crossroads Liquor & Deli is located in front of a small shopping center on the corner of Broad Street and Orcutt (Address: 3211 Broad St. Ste 101). Appropriately named because of their location. Offers a variety of convenience liquors but for those on a tight budget, the real find is their deli.
Very reasonably priced – nothing special about the sandwiches but the portions are rather large – and if you aren’t hungry you can either split a sandwich with a friend or take one half to go. Usually a quiet older woman behind the deli who makes the sandwiches. Several tables are available in their deli area – eat first and pay later. A decent beer and wine selection. -
Del Monte Cafe is located at 1901 Santa Barbara St – not far from the Train Depot. Picturesque old wooden building with the name of the restaurant prominently displayed outside. On weekend mornings – often a line out the door. Not much parking – we often park curbside on nearby streets. Both indoor and cozy outdoor seating. During our latest visit, songs from old country musicians were playing including Johnny Cash and John Conley. An immediate bonus accompaniment to any meal here.
Friendly hosts. Recommended breakfast options include the breakfast burrito and the Linguiça sausage and eggs. They are also open for lunch and dinner although we have never come here for either of those meals. In reality, they are known for their breakfast. 
Eureka Gourmet Burgers is located at 1141 Chorro St in downtown. One of a number of Eureka Burger restaurants spread throughout California and other western states. Corner location – nice building with very high ceilings. Live music in the corner sometimes. Open 11 to 11 or 12pm some days. Happy or as they put it “hoppy” hour 6-9pmand then 9pm till closing.
Focuses on gourmet burgers and craft beer – but also has a diversity of other food options. Visit: www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com/locations/san-luis-obispo
Fattoush is located at 5 Santa Rosa St – near the intersection of Foothill Blvd. We remember this used to be Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant for years – but they have since moved “next door” – slightly further off of Santa Rosa Ave.
Focus of the cuisine is on Mediterranean bites – order at a window, take the food from the window. A few seats are available. Gyros, various salads, pitas and shawarma sandwiches available (wraps). Open every day from 10am to 9:30pm. Conveniently located near a bunch of off campus housing. Own small parking area available. Easy access.
Firestone Grill is located at the corner of Higuera and Osos Street near downtown almost across from Woodstock’s Pizzeria. Address: 1001 Higuera Street. This is an extremely popular restaurant especially with the young hip college crowd. Large screen TV’s blast out the latest sporting events – a long bar serves almost any drink you want mixed. As far as food goes, the must try is their tri-tip sandwich and especially their seasoned curly fries.
Hamburgers are popular here as well. Lines can snake out the door during busy times such as Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Heat lamps sit above outside tables and indoor dining is separated from the bar area – although you can certainly use any of the tables near the bar for eating as well. The outdoor seating was recently renovated. Phone (805) 783-1001. www.facebook.com/FirestoneGrill
Frank’s Famous Hotdogs is a small diner located at 950 California Blvd just before you hit Monterey Street. This is a red and white building – about 10-15 parking spots are available in their own parking lot – however if that is full, there is curb parking along side streets. Aside from serving hot dogs, breakfast is very popular here – try the breakfast burritos.
This is a local hangout even though the food is basically average – and often people come to eat here week after week. For more information call: Phone (805) 541-3488 www.facebook.com/franksSLO
Frog n Peach is one of our favorite watering holes in San Luis Obispo. Founded in 1994. We come here for one thing and one thing only – the pear cider. Course if you are with friends and you are lucky enough to slide into one of their dingy 4 seater tables – the conversation soon flows encouraged by the wonderful pear cider. And yes there are some darts you can throw at a dartboard on the wall. And they have a creekside patio in case it gets to crowded or stuffy inside.
Great college hangout – with a mix of non college students as well. Loud live music at times every evening – located in the corner on the tiny plank they call a stage near the window. Also serves craft beers. Just tell people you are going to 728 Higuera Street for a drink. Open from about noon until 2am. Visit: www.frogandpeachpub.com
Giuseppes Cucina Rustica is now located at 849 Monterey St. in the historic and charming Sinsheimer Building in downtown (named after the family that still owns it – built in 1884). The original restaurant began as a Cal Poly Senior Project (sound familiar? ie, Jamba Juice!). They moved from their also downtown Court Street location in late 2016.
The owners, the DiFronzo’s maintain a 12 acre farm in Edna Valley (also one of San Luis Obispo’s wine regions – if its good enough to grow premium grapes, it can certainly good plenty of good ingredients – which they use in the various dishes here). Italian with a California touch. Visit: www.giuseppesrestaurant.com
Golden Gong is located directly across from the Madonna Shopping Center in the south part of town – address: 290 Madonna Rd. Opened in 2003 – known for their spicy Kung Pao and Peking Duck. Makes for easy walking access from next door Best Western guests.
Family friendly comfortable atmosphere – plenty of parking. Takeout is a big part of their business as well – they also offer a banquet facility and catering services. www.goldengongslo.com
Goshi Japanese Restaurant (formerly Tsurugi) is a wonderful Sushi Restaurant. The women waitresses are goddesses, the food is excellent, and the dining atmosphere is cozy and casual.
This restaurant is tucked away – located at 570 Higuera Street. You enter the restaurant through a simple cloth that parts in the middle as you walk through. A good variety of dishes is available. For more information call: Phone (805) 543-8942.
Granada Hotel & Bistro – has a storied history. Located at 1130 Morro Street in downtown, the hotel was originally built in 1922. In the 1920’s supposedly rooms here were rented by the hour as part of a lively brothel. Great location – within easy walking distance of many downtown shops and restaurants.
The bistro is French influenced. Plenty of seafood, also cheese and charcuterie. Open for brunch and dinner. Both indoor and limited outdoor seating available. A stellar wine list including wines from around the world. Also known for their cocktails. Truly one of San Luis Obispo’s most charming locales. Visit: www.granadahotelandbistro.com
Jamba Juice we list this particular Jamba Juice because of its heritage as it relates to the entire Jamba Juice franchise. They maintain two locations in San Luis Obispo – one on Marsh Street across from the Marsh Street Cinemas and one located on Foothill Blvd – about 6-8 minutes from downtown. The Jamba Juice located on Foothill Blvd is Jamba Juices’s first ever store.
This particular Jamba Juice is quite special considering that Jamba Juice now has many locations in most US states. Jamba Juice began as a “Senior Project” for several students while they were at Cal Poly.
For more information please visit their website at: www.jambajuice.com
Kreuzberg Coffee. In the tradition of select San Luis Obispo food & beverage companies being founded by Cal Poly students, Kreuzberg Coffee was started by two Cal Poly college roommates. Both enjoy coffee and became smitten with the cafe culture in Europe. The name Kreuzberg comes from a small neighborhood in Berlin, Germany.
The space is inviting and welcoming – when you enter you cannot help but notice the intriguing and fun murals on their walls. Customers come here for their coffees (they roast their own beans daily) and assorted drinks but also for their food. They feature a cafe and lounge menu. The cafe menu offers breakfast items, soups and salads while the lounge menu offers up various snacks and a good selection of California and German produced beers. And aside from the food and drink, this is just a cool place to hang out.
Visit: www.kreuzbergcalifornia.com
La Locanda Restaurant is a boutique restaurant tucked away at 1137 Garden Street. La Locanda means ‘the inn’ in Italian and features hand made Northern Italian cuisine in an intimate space.
They source ingredients from local farmer’s markets. Often a number of specials are presented daily. Open kitchen. Owner and chef Luciano Bardinelli made his mark in the Seattle Italian restaurant scene. San Luis Obispo is lucky to have him! Open for lunch and dinner, closed Mondays. Known for their pastas and pizzas, reservations recommended. Visit: www.lalocandaslo.com
La Palapa is long time Mexican restaurant located at 3820 Broad Street (in the north west corner of the Marigold Shopping Center). We ate here many years ago and enjoyed the food.
Seems to have gone downhill in the past several years, both in quality of service and food. There are certainly better Mexican food choices in San Luis Obispo.
Laguna Grill is located in the popular Laguna Village Shopping Center at 11560 Los Osos Valley Rd – near the intersection of Madonna Road. One of a number of restaurants in this shopping center.
Come here to hang out and have fun and watch a variety of sports on one of their ten large flat-screen TVs – also a 159 inch HD projector. Bunch of draft beers on tap. Their burgers are popular. Family owned and open daily from 9am until 10pm (9pm on Sundays). Visit: www.lagunagrillslo.com
Le Ciel Crepe Cafe – is located in the tiny one story Crossroads Shopping center on Broad Street – in the south part of town. This center also features several other small restaurants. Parking can be a bit tight to find during busy hours.
We first visited this restaurant many years ago, soon after they opened. Nice to find a cuisine in town that is a bit different from the norm.
Good drinks – especially the lemon gingerade. All the crepes are creatively named after local landmarks. They also serve several soups, salads and sandwiches.
Libertine Brewing Company – is a sizable restaurant and brewery an easy to remember address of 1234 Broad Street. Founded in 2012 in Morro Bay they now feature two locations – their original brewpub in Morro Bay and this awesome 9,000 square foot space in downtown San Luis Obispo. Can be a happening places at times with a nice indoor/outdoor vibe. Also check out their coffee bar on the corner – right next door to the brewpub.
Focus is on brewing unique beers including their Wild Ales (using local wild yeasts for the fermentation). They also brew coffee that is aged in bourbon and used wine barrels and then infused with local ingredients found in San Luis Obispo County. Their producs are selectively distributed in California including at Whole Foods and BevMo! Visit: www.libertinebrewing.com
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Lincoln Market Deli is located at 496 Broad St (on the way to downtown from Foothill Blvd) in a neighborhood that backs up to Madonna Mountain. This is one of our favorite neighborhood eateries in town – we first discovered them more then 15 years ago. This corner located business was originally known as Ellsworth’s Market – built in 1941 and housed San Luis Obispo’s original grocer and butcher.
Today it is a full service deli with a wide variety of sandwich selections – all using locally baked breads. Decent size portions. Also a great selection of locally crafted and brewed beers as well as wine grown on the Central Coast. We’ve only eaten here for lunch – but in the morning they provide pastries from Backporch Bakery, breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Visit: www.lincolnmarketanddeli.com
Louisa’s Place serves great breakfast – in fact they have been voted one of the best breakfast spots in San Luis Obispo.
This restaurant is quite small and you might have to eat at the counter. Often a line on the sidewalk when we pass by. They are located at 964 Higuera Street and their Phone is: (805) 541-0227 www.louisasplace.com
Madonna Inn serves meals. Click here for more information about this property. Its been a number of years since we have eaten here but we fondly remember sitting at the bar on one of their red leather barstools on Christmas day enjoying grub while everyone around us was celebrating the spirit of the day.
The Copper Cafe is their well-known dining spot – visually this is just as unique as the rest of the property. Patrons enjoy their meals seated in red leather seats overlooking copper tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. Decent American cuisine. Like drinking out of their water and wine goblets? You can take one home as a souvenir – sold on site. Also the Gold Rush Steakhouse on site but we have not yet eaten here.
Mama’s Meatball is located in the old SLO Creamery behind Spikes and next to the Goshi Japanese Restaurant – address: 570 Higuera Street, Suite 130. This restaurant opened in mid 2006 and already is a San Luis institution. Its entirely family owned, sometimes the parents of the owners come over from Italy to help out the rest of their family with this restaurant. This is the type of restaurant that could be built into a chain of restaurants, but would probably lose the unique individuality that it now posses.
You order from behind the counter in a small room – and if you want to eat on location, you walk outside to their dining location next door. The pizzas are awesome – also good salads. The prices are very reasonable with most main dish items between $8 to $10. They also have a restaurant booth at Farmers Market on Thursday nights. Open M-Sat from 10:30am to 9pm. Closed Sundays. Phone: (805) 544-0861 Visit: www.mamasmeatball.com
Mandarin Gourmet is located in the Laguna Village Shopping Center at 1316 Madonna Rd (near the intersection with Los Osos Valley Road). Not many Chinese restaurants in San Luis Obispo – this is supposed to be among the better of them (we will eat here as soon as we get the chance).
Their focus is on Szechwan and Hunan Cuisine – with over 100 dishes offered. A diveristy of soups, beef and poultry dishes. They can even deliver within San Luis Obispo if you order at least $25 and do not live on the Cal Poly campus. Plenty of parking next to the restaurant. Closed Tuesdays. Visit: www.mandaringourmetslo.com
McCarthy’s Irish Pub is a favorite local ‘watering hole’ not to be confused with McCarthy’s Used Cars, also in San Luis Obispo. Located on the southern fringes of downtown at 600 Marsh Street.
Not sure how long they have been here, but it seems like forever. Note, they actually have been in business since 1952! An impressive bar inside with a real pub like feeling. Check out their Dublin Coddle – only served on special occasions and or during major holidays. Happy hour offered. Visit: www.mccarthysirishtavern.us
Mee Heng Low Noodle House opened in 2009 at 815 Palm St next to the Palm Street Theatre – the theatre’s box office sits right next to the restaurant – and across the street from the Palm Street Garage (parking is either curbside on nearby streets or in the aformentioned garage). This is historically part of San Luis Obispo’s tiny Chinatown – the building that contains the restauarant is historic as is the more recognizable historic Ah Louis Store just down the street.
Known for their twice cooked pork and dumplings. Menu is fairly basic and focuses on just a few dishes. Upstairs dining also available.
McLintocks Cafe is located on at 686 Higuera Street – this is one of several McLintock restaurants in the county (the original one is in Pismo Beach). This is a small restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We’ve enjoyed breakfast here. The breakfast dishes are not small by any stretch of the imagination and will probably leave you full most of the day! Our favorite is “Joe’s Special” but there is a really good selection of specialty dishes. Visit: www.mclintocks.com-
Milestone Tavern opened in 2016 (not to be confused with Firestone) and is located in the University Square Shopping center next to the Chevron Gas Station near the corner of Santa Rosa (Highway 1) and Foothill Blvd – 972 Foothill Blvd. Located in an old Bank of America building in this nicely renovated shopping center. Popular with students and locals alike, it can be very busy on certain evenings. Monday is Cal Poly night – wear your green Cal Poly colors and receive a 20% discount – or just bring your student or faculty id to receive the same discount. With that said, we found people of all ages eating here.
An exceptional selection of beers – offering the largest number of draft beers in San Luis Obispo County. Known for pizzas, burgers and salads. Also very good tacos – our choice is the ahi taco (2-3 makes a good meal depending on appetite). A square bar forms the centerpiece of this restaurant and is a very popular place to be seated. Sizable interior. For more information visit: www.milestonetavern.com 
Mo’s Smokehouse is located downtown at 1005 Monterey St. We first became acquainted with thier BBQ meets at the Thursday Night Market – passing by smoke got in our face and the smells turned us around – placing us in the rather long line that had formed in front of their BBQ.
Known for their pork ribs. They also maintain a location in Pismo Beach and Chico, California. Visit: www.mosbbq.com As they say at Mo’s – “MO BBQ Please”!
My Thai is a small little restaurant located next to Bon Temps Creole Cafe near the Amtrak Station at 1815 Osos St.
This family owned restaurant servces a variety of soups and curries among other dishes. No MSG and vegan options also available. Takeout available within a 3 mile radius. Closed Tuesdays. Can order online, visit: www.onlinemythai.com
Novo Restaurant & Bakery, awarded the Dave’s Pick is a real find. Located at 726 Higuera Street they have cozy dining inside and wonderful outside dining on their own deck overlooking the San Luis Creek – across from the Mission grounds. On a warm day their outside dining is a beautiful place to enjoy their excellent international styled entrees.
The great atmosphere is only the beginning – the food is really what sets this restaurant apart. The grilled salmon salad & Bisque soup are out of this world. Thai, Malay, Korean, Moroccan, Brazilian and other country specific dishes are listed on the menu. Reservations suggested for dinner. For more information call Phone: (805) 543-3986 or visit their website: www.novorestaurant.com
Oasis Restaurant serves a great blend of Mediterranean & Moroccan food. Be sure to try their lamb dishes and their small cups of Turkish Coffee – and if you have ever been to Morocco – talk to the owner as he is from Casablanca and has traveled throughout Morocco.
Belly Dancing is available on Friday and Saturday nights – however reservations are recommended. For more information call Phone (805) 543-3600 or visit them directly at 675 Higuera Street or on the web at: www.oasisrestaurantslo.com
Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant is located near the intersection of Santa Rosa and Foothill at 13 Santa Rosa Street. They used to be located in the front restaurant but have since moved to the “back” – slightly further from Santa Rosa St- hidden near the Shell Gas Station.
Reasonably priced Mexican fare including decent burritos.
Pepe’s Delgados has been here for years – located at 1601 Monterey St just north of downtown. Real Mexican feel both inside and out – although its been years since we’ve been inside.
Open daily from 11am until 9pm – closed on Mondays. Known for their Margaritas and enchiladas. Large selection on their menu including their combination dinners. Lunch specials offered. Phone: (805) 544-6660
Royal Thai is a very good Thai restaurant located in the South East corner of the Foothill Shopping Center off of Foothill Blvd (777 Foothill Blvd). Its a very small restaurant, barely seating 40-50 people.
The Tom Yum soups are quite good as well as the noodle dishes. Service is fast and efficient. Recently underwent a major renovation. Phone (805) 544-9778 Visit: www.royalthaislo.com
Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe is located in the Railroad District (near the Amtrak Station) at 1804 Osos St (several other small restaurants are also immediate neighbors).
Founded in 2009 by Brandon and Jen Manuele; they named this restaurant after one of their pit bulls! The use locally grown ingredients and source from farmer’s markets and try to use organic ingredients as much as possible. A creative menu with a diversity of both breakfast and lunch items to chose from. Also known for their coffees. Visit: www.sallylooswholesomecafe.com-
San Luis Fish and Barbeque is a mom and pop Fish restaurant. It is short on atmosphere but what its missing in atmosphere it more than makes up with the great food and wine (and that’s what is important anyways)! The fish selection is excellent – you can have them BBQ it up for you, or you can buy fresh fish to take home. Besides their fish BBQ dishes they also serve fish and chips. Prices are very reasonable. Consider stopping here to pick up BBQ fish to take with you on a picnic during your stay in the San Luis Obispo area.
Several tables are available for indoor dining. A good wine selection – often contains wines of older vintages that you can no longer find at the actual wineries. An additional nominal fee applies for drinking wine at the restaurant versus if you take the bottle with you. Owners are always willing to show you large receipts from recent wine purchases earlier in the day! Visit: www.sanluisfish.com 
Shalimar Indian Restaurant – is located at 2115 Broad Street – in the same little complex as Chili Peppers. A welcoming restaurant that features authentic Indian & Pakistani Food (certainly quite rare for San Luis Obispo)!
The name comes from the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, Pakistan. A rather diverse menu with a wide variety of options. Offers delivery in the local radius. Visit: www.shalimarslo.com
Spikes is located downtown at 570 Higuera St. We have spent many a weekend at Spikes – mostly for drinking. They do have food but its merely an accompaniment to the primary attraction – the beer. American comfort food. Any trip to Spikes should be accompanied with your little Round the World card that you have punched after you have consumed all of their 40 individual international beers. 40 punches presumably still equals a beer mug with your name on it!
Open daily from 3pm until 2am. Sunday hours differ slightly. Visit: www.spikespub.com
Spirit of San Luis more information is located at the San Luis Obispo Airport at 925 Airport Dr a very short walk from the main terminal.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner – they serve a variety of American comfort foods (hamburgers, sandwiches and salads among others). Cute aviation themed menu. Diversity of choices. Intimate restaurant with nice outdoor patio seating overlooking the runway. Good place to watch planes land and take off. Visit: www.sloairport.com/dining-options
Splash Cafe & Artisan Bakery was a big hit as soon as they opened. During the first few months at times, the lines would snake out the cafe and down the corner. This is the sister restaurant of the Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach. They serve excellent breakfast, lunch & dinner and is a happening place to be for these meals. Indoor and outdoor seating available. A small parking lot wraps around the building in the back. Breakfast stops serving at 11am. For lunch consider their famed Clam Chowder or try one of their sandwiches.
Dave’s pick is the Ahi Tuna sandwich. Great selection of deserts also – be sure and try the fruit cheesecake! This brightly decorated restaurant is located at 1491 Monterey Street on the corner of California Blvd. Open 7 days a week starting at 7am each day. Visit: www.splashcafe.com or Phone 805-544-7567
Sumo Sushi is a surprisingly delicious addition to the already well stocked SLO Sushi Restaurant scene. The menu is huge with photos of each dish to make ordering that much easier. The owner and staff very friendly and attentive to customer concerns and appetites. They are located at 667 Marsh Street #C near the corner of Broad Street near Mountain Air Sports. This restaurant has excellent sashimi and salads – especially the seaweed salad.
Never one to enjoy a good sushi meal without alcohol we always order the warm Sake. One pitcher turns into two and two turns into three and well…you get the idea. The service is fast. Have a large party? Consider one of their “boat” specials. We’ve found on busy weekends they sometimes are out of select sashimi. Good green tea ice cream is a perfect end to the meal, if you still have space. Phone: (805) 544-1818
Sushiya is located in the Laguna Village Shopping Center at 11560 Los Osos Valley Rd #160. Plenty of parking in this shopping center. Open from 11am until 10pm daily. As the name indicated their focus is on sushi as well as serving various sake’s and for fun, they have a karaoke room. A mix between Japanese and Korean cuisine.
Taco de Mexico Taco de Mexico is located at 374 Santa Rosa St (Highway 1). Offers a tiny indoor space with several tables or weather permitting outside overlooking the passing cars along Highway Santa Rosa Street. Friendly staff and very quick services. Offers a variety of tacos including lengua (beef tongue). Nothing fancy, basic food at affordable prices. Not a lot of taste on the tacos although the several we ordered including the fish tacos were overly salt. And note that their hot sauce is extremely spicy.
- Taco Roco is a Central Coast quickly growing chain of Mexican restaurants. They have two locations in San Luis Obispo: out on Broad Street and on Los Osos Valley Road. Food is inexpensive and tasty – great salsas are available. For more information please visit: www.tacoroco.com
Tahoe Joe’s is located in the SLO Promenade shopping center off of Madonna south of town. This is a very nice popular steak house – which if you have ever been to Lake Tahoe will make you very homesick for “The Lake”. They have several restaurants in the “valley” but none at Lake Tahoe! I suspect if they open and when they open a franchise at The Lake, this will be a very popular restaurant. Excellent selection of steaks and other meats.
Huge appetizers. I mean gigantic, especially the nachos. Lots of beer on tap. Too popular on weekends and Friday nights – call ahead of reservations. Sometimes if its crowded you can choose to eat outside in their small patio (hanging heat lamps are provided which work quite well). Lots of Tahoe memorabilia adorn the walls. For more information visit: www.tahoejoes.com
Taste! – is located at 2900 Broad Street in south San Luis Obispo. Offers a wine bar, mini burgers and other California cuisine. In the nicely renovated Brickworks building.
Freshly prepared salads. The owner has lived in San Luis Obispo since 1998 and has worked at a number of fine dining establishments up and down the state of California. This restaurant was voted best new restaurant in San Luis Obispo in 2014 in a poll by the readers of the New Times SLO newspaper. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11am until 10pm. Visit: www.taste2900.com/www.taste2900.com
Thai Classic is located at 1011 Higuera St just a block or so south of Santa Rosa Street. They’ve been here so long seems like they just blend into the downtown San Luis Obispo landscape. Building and interior not fancy.
Service is very prompt here, the staff friendly and attentive – the food is decent. Lunch special offered. One level dining in a large room. Pretty good Tom Yum Gai (Thai chicken soup). Good choice for vegetarians and vegans. For more information call: Phone (805) 541-2025
Thai Palace is an ok Thai restaurant located at 1015 Court Street just off of Higuera Street – formerly next to the Irish McCarthy’s Brew Pub (but now in the Court Street Shopping Center).
Nicely decorated with items shipped over from Thailand. Well laid out restaurant. When the tables start filling up, service can be a little slow. Family owned – co-owner grew up working in his family restaurant in Thailand. For more information Phone (805) 594-1744 or visit: www.thaipalaceinslo.com
Thai-Rific Restaurant is a pretty good Thai restaurant in San Luis Obispo. This small Thai restaurant is located at 208 Higuera Street just immediately south of Hayward Lumber. Long standing Thai restaurant in town – they opened in 1985.
They serve a great variety of dishes and the flavors are pretty good. Seating is in a small room. Look for all the green growing on their building. Parking is on the side of the restaurant. Phone (805) 541-8424 Visit: www.thai-rrific.com
The Carrisa is located downtown at 736 Higuera St. The Carrisa is synonymous with San Luis Obispo and the local beer scene – seems like they have been here for years – they actually have, having opened their doors in 1988 for the first time as Slo Brew. We first discovered this happening place for lunch in the mid 1990’s – they were located on Garden Street (their original location) until moving to Higuera Street in 2016. Supermodel Kathy Ireland was one of the original owners and founders.
Their new location is equally as fun a place to hang out – good food, atmosphere and live entertainment. It is a bit larger as well and features patio dining in the back overlooking the bucolic San Luis Obispo Creek. Nice hamburgers and some seafood dishes. Their brewhouse called the Rock is located near the San Luis Obispo airport and provides the locally crafted beers served at the restaurant downtown. Unique and well decorated lofts located above the restaurant can even be rented out on a nightly basis.
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The Graduate is a real college hangout. They are open daily from 11AM until 2AM and the kitchen closes at 9PM. Their dance floor has been voted the best in San Luis Obispo county. This very large restaurant is located off of Broad Street towards the airport. Great inexpensive hamburgers available with an excellent selection of condiments. Great atmosphere. You purchase your drinks at a separate location after purchasing your food. Drinks are large but a bit expensive. Each night they have a different genre of music and entertainment.
They are located near the airport at 990 Industrial Way. Their Phone is: (805) 541-0969. Monday is Monday Night Football (21 and over), Tuesday is Country Western (18 and over), Wednesday is Alternative/disco (18 and over), Thursday is Country Western Dancing (18 and over), Friday is Big chill Night on the 1st and 3rd Friday (21 and over), Friday is Retro Alternative on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Fridays (21), Saturday is Country and Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sunday is Salsa/Latin Music.
Website: www.slograd.com
The Habit is another one of quite a few small chains that have a presence in downtown San Luis Obispo. Corner location at 839 Higuera St. Founded in 1969 in Santa Barbara they since expanded to a number of restaurants in the state, select locations across the United States and even one in Dubai.
Focuses on tasty hamburgers. Even a Santa Barbara charburger on the menu. Visit: www.habitburger.com
The Library is located downtown at 793 Higuera St. This is not the library your mother was used to while growing up; it’s not quiet at night either. Rather it is party central for college students and others to vibrate to music until the wee hours of the morning.
They do have “library cards” which will get you discounts on drinks during Happy Hour. Gets very crowded here on Friday nights and the weekends.
The Naked Fish is located downtown at 857 Higuera St. This is one of two locations – the other being their original well established restaurant in South Lake Tahoe. A ski stop up there – it is now a nice stop when craving sushi in sunny San Luis Obispo. Focuses on using mostly local produce and fish. Opened here in 2014.
Happy hour offered from 4 to 6pm and again from 9pm until they close. Plenty of rolls, nigiri and sashimi. Don’t want to sit down at a table – choose from seats at their sushi bar. Visit: www.thenakedfish.com
The Natural Cafe. We first discovered this small collection of restaurants when we stopped into the Natural Cafe in Goleta many years ago. We were quite happy when they opened another branch in San Luis Obispo. Located downtown at 698 Higuera St this is the northernmost of their Southern California restaurants.
First opened in Santa Barbara in 1993. Focus is on salads and sandwiches – they also have a vegetarian menu. The Natural or Albacore salad are our choices. Visit: www.thenaturalcafe.com
Tiki Hut is located in a small shopping center near they freeway exit at 594 California Blvd. This small parking lot fills up very quickly around lunch time.
Their food is a very good value, with most prices between $6 and $10. They have a good selection of rice (Teriyaki) and pasta bowls. Seating is very limited – stools around the counter tops. Several concrete benches are outside near the parking lot should you choose to take your bowl outside. They have some set dishes or you can “build your own bowl”. For more information call Phone (805) 781-8454 (TIKI).
Tonita’s – is located at 1024 Nipomo St just down from the Children’s Museum. Also seems to go by the name NP Grill Cafe. Serves basic and affordable Mexican Food.
Indoor and outdoor seating available – a very nice patio in the back. Known for their breakfast burritos.
Urbane Cafe sports an accessible corner location downtown at 952 Higuera St – formerly in the building that houses San Luis Surf. This is one of their currently all Southern California based locations – and this is their northern most location.
Focuses on sandwiches and salads with fresh baked breads and sauces. First opened in Venture in 2003. Some covered seating available outside the main restaurant overlooking Higuera Street. Visit: www.urbanecafe.com
Village Host Pizza Grill – is located slightly south of town at 2138 Broad St. This restaurant is part of a small family owned chain of restaurants. The first branch opened in Burlingame, Ca in the mid 1960’s.
Focus is on pizza and burgers. They mix and roll fresh dough from scratch daily. They will deliver locally. Visit: www.villagehostpizza.com
Woodstock Pizza Parlor is a real local college hangout. For a “true” college dining experience spend an hour dropping back sodas from the all you can drink soda machine and gorging yourself on pizza. Woodstocks ‘rocks” most days of the week.
Watch the pizza makers toss the dough high into the air right in front of you. They are located at 1000 Higuera Street (805) 541-4420 Free delivery!! Website: www.woodstocksslo.com
Yanagi Sushi is a corner restaurant located on the west side of the what we used to refer to the Scolari’s Shopping Center at 1203 Marsh St (Scolari’s is now closed). This is excellent sushi and is usually very crowded with a line out the door on Thursday through Saturday nights. Great sashimi, especially the yellow tail. Cozy atmosphere and food worth returning for.
We have eaten here a number of times. Parking in front of the restaurant in the shopping center lot. Phone (805) 541-5282 Visit: www.yanagisushigrill.com
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