Central Coast Restaurants BACK TO TOP
Crow's Nest - Santa Cruz is located on the water at East Cliff Drive and 7th Avenue, in the Twin Lakes region. This seafood restaurant features a laidback surf ambiance with awesome Pacific views. Choose to dine in their 3rd floor bar & grill, 2nd floor lunch room or downstairs dining room. Restaurant menu includes Aloha Burger, Fish Tacos, Seafood Thermidor, Prawn & Spinach Ravioli, Crab Catcher Sandwich, Herb-Crusted Filet Mignon and Broiled Australian Lobster Tail. Entertainment most nights in the Bar & Grill on the third floor. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Crow's Nest
2218 E. Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, California 95062
(831) 476-4560
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O'Mei - Santa Cruz is located on Mission Street just east of Swift. This Chinese restaurant serves specialties from their restaurant menu like Prawns with Tofu & Peas, Red-Oil Dumplings, Seafood Sizzling Rice, Smoked Chicken with Rosemary, Crisp Rockfish in Lemon Sauce, Kung Pao Pork, Black Pepper Beef and Garlicky Baby Bok Choy. Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner only. Dress is business-casual.

O'Mei
2316 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
(831) 425-8458
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Hindquarter Bar & Grille - Santa Cruz is located on Soquel Avenue between Ocean and Front. This is barbeque restaurant features choices like Cajun Blackened Chicken, Texas BBQ Burger, Jack's Pepper Steak, Steak Salad, Fettucini with Shrimp and Snow Crab, Texas Baby Back Beef Ribs and the H.Q. Smokey Platter from their restaurant menu. Great vegetarian choices are also available like Eggplant Parmesan, Greek Salad and Garden Burger. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Hindquarter Bar & Grille
303 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, California 95062
(831) 426-7770
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The Crépe Place - Santa Cruz is located on Soquel Avenue just west of Seabright. They serve many varieties of gourmet crepes as well as other specialties. Restaurant menu choices include Spiced Apple Crepes, Seafood Crepes, Zorba the Greek Crepes, Boston Clam Chowder, California Benedict and more. Live entertainment most nights. Open for brunch and dinner Monday through Thursday and breakfast Saturday & Sunday.
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The Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, California 95062
(831) 429-6994
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Phil's Fish Market - Moss Landing is located between Santa Cruz and Monterey off Highway 1. Situated on the peninsula of the Elkhorn Slough, they double as a fish market and seafood restaurant. Their restaurant menu is loaded with fresh seafood choices including the daily local catch as well as those flown in special. Choose from swordfish, albacore, octopus, dungeness crab, mahi mahi and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
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Phil's Fish Market & Eatery
7600 Sandholdt Road
Moss Landing, CA 95039
(831) 633-2152
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Old Fisherman's Grotto - Monterey is situated over the water at Fisherman's Wharf. Absorb breathtaking harbor views while watching otters play in the surf below. Family-owned for over 50 years, this well-known and popular seafood restaurant offers selections like King Crab Legs, Crab Cakes, Seafood Linquini and so much more from their restaurant menu. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Old Fisherman's Grotto
39 Fishermans Wharf
Monterey, California 93940
(831) 375-4604
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Stokes - Monterey is situated in an old adobe landmark with a decorative, hand-painted, stenciled interior. They offer Mediterranean-style cuisine with inspiration from coastal Spain, France and Italy. This Mediterranean restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike and features unique restaurant menu items like Monterey Bay Sardines, Crispy Polenta with mushrooms and Pancetta, Spanish Chorizo and Farro on Endive, Pan Roasted Duck Breast with root vegetables and Bradley Ranch Onglet Steak with grilled winter vegetables and tarragon béarnaise. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is business-casual.
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Stokes
500 Hartnell Street
Monterey, California 93940
(831) 373-1110
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The Sardine Factory - Monterey is situated in the old Sardine Factory along Cannery Row. This primarily seafood restaurant offers a fine-dining experience that is popular with the tourists. The lounge was featured in the 1970's Clint Eastwood film, 'Play Misty For Me'. Restaurant menu choices include Abalone Medallions, Monterey Bay Clam Chowder, Duck & Pappardelle Pasta, Lobster Pasta, Filet Mignon and more. Open daily for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to formal.
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The Sardine Factory
701 Wave Street
Monterey, California 93940
(831) 373-3775
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Passion Fish - Pacific Grove is one of Monterey Bay's newest additions but is quickly gaining notoriety as being a great seafood restaurant. The restaurant menu changes daily according to season and the types of fish available from a 'sustainable' ocean resource. Unique restaurant menu samples include Oysters in a Carrot-Ginger Vinaigrette, Warm Brussel Sprout Salad with Korobuta Ham Grapes & Ricotta Salata, Fish Stew and Duck Confit. Open nightly for dinner. Dress is business-casual.
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Passion Fish
701 Lighthouse Avenue
Pacific Grove, California 93950
(831) 655-3311
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Hog's Breath Inn - Carmel is located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is the first of two locations, the second being in Old Town La Quinta outside of Palm Springs. The Carmel location was previously owned by Actor/Director and former Mayor, Clint Eastwood. The restaurant menu features an Old West ambiance with a steak & seafood focus of Humongous Fungus, Prime Rib, Dirty Harry Bacon Cheeseburger, Fish Tacos, Hog Chops and a Hog's Breath Pale Ale. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Hog's Breath Inn
San Carlos Street & 5th Avenue
Carmel, California 93923
(831) 625-1044
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Katy's Place - Carmel is located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea on Mission Street, between 5th & 6th Streets. This is the spot for breakfast. This unsuspecting little restaurant will most likely have a line out the door and down the street when you visit. It's worth the wait. Their specialty is Eggs Benedict, of which they offer 16 different varieties. Other restaurant menu choices include Belgian Waffles, Corned Beef Hash 'n Eggs, Huevos Rancheros, Bay Omelette, Lobster Bisque Sandwich and Shrimp Salad Sandwich. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Katy's Place
Mission Street between 5th & 6th
Carmel, California 93921
(831) 624-0199
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Mission Ranch - Carmel is located on the southern edge of Carmel. The Mission Ranch Resort is owned by Actor/Director and former Mayor, Clint Eastwood. Situated on a bluff overlooking Carmel River State Beach, the Mission Ranch Restaurant offers seating in a ranch-style restaurant or outdoor deck. A piano bar provides entertainment nightly and Clint Eastwood is rumored to play for guests occasionally. Restaurant menu includes steak and seafood fare with choices like Baked Goat Cheese, Prawns with Tagliarini Pasta, Roasted Maple Leaf Duck and Prime Rib Sandwich. No cell phones are allowed and they don't take reservations. Open Sunday for Jazz Brunch and nightly for dinner. Dress is business-casual.
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Mission Ranch Restaurant
26270 Dolores Street
Carmel, California 93923
(831) 625-9040
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Bahama Billy's - Carmel is located in 'The Barnyard', which is an upscale center with restaurants, galleries and boutiques. This steak & seafood restaurant has a tropical island theme and features caribbean-style restaurant menu items like Paradise "Puu-Puu" Platter, Teriyaki Skirt Steak & Coconut Prawns, Kahlua Pork, Hoison Glazed Salmon and Crab Mango Bisque. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Bahama Billy's Island Steakhouse
3690 The Barnyard
Carmel, California 93923
(831) 626-0430
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Forge in the Forest - Carmel is located at the corner of Junipero & 5th Avenue. "The Forge", as it's known by locals, has been in operation since 1944. This historic Carmel restaurant has been voted the best place for outdoor dining several years running. Restaurant menu includes traditional American fare like ribs, burgers, pizza, pasta, seafood, salads and more. This dog-friendly place even has a menu for dogs with everything from dog biscuits to New York steak. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Forge in the Forest
Junipero Street & 5th Avenue
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-2233
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Cielo - Big Sur is situated in the Ventana Inn & Spa, one of California's most exclusive and expensive resorts. The dining area includes an outdoor deck and patio overlooking some of California's most breathtaking coastal scenery. They offer a seafood & game selection with a touch of Italy. Restaurant menu includes Glazed Sonoma Duck Breast, Sautéed Venison Loin, Serrano Ham Wrapped Pheasant Breast and Duo of Sautéed Sweet Hawaiian Prawns. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is business-casual to semi-formal.
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Cielo at Ventana
48123 Hwy 1
Big Sur, California 93920
(831) 667-4242
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Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant - Big Sur is situated off Highway 1 just a short distance south of the Big Sur Post Office. The Bakery resides in a cozy home that has operated as a restaurant since 1936. Comfortable ambiance among its wood-beamed ceilings and pine shaded patio makes the predominantly healthy menu seem even better for you. Restaurant menu includes 9-Grain Pancakes with Seasonal Berries, Wood-fired Bacon & Egg Breakfast Pizza, Wood-grilled Hamburger, Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Potato Frittata. Open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.

Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant
Highway 1
Big Sur, California 93920
(831) 667-0520
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Deetjen's Restaurant - Big Sur is located off Highway 1 in the heart of Big Sur. Watch for the 'Big Sur Inn' sign. The restaurant features a rustic country atmosphere with aged pine siding and beams throughout. Restaurant menu choices include Organic Filet Minon, New Zealand Venison, Scottish Salmon, Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros and Homemade Granola. Breakfast and dinner is available daily either indoors in cozy dining rooms or outside on their patio deck. Dress is casual.
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Deetjen's Restaurant
48865 Highway 1
Big Sur, California 93920
(831) 667-2377
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Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill - Cambria is located on Moonstone Beach Drive overlooking the Pacific Coast. This primarily seafood restaurant includes an outdoor heated patio including a bar that faces the sunset. Restaurant menu includes choices like Oysters Rockefeller, Cilantro Swordfish Rotelle, Blackened Rib Eye and Seafood Pasta. Open daily for lunch and dinner and Sunday Brunch. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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TIP: If you like fishy dishes with mussels, clams, calamari, etc., try their Seafood Cioppino. It's one of their most popular dishes.
Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill
6550 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, California 93428
(805) 927-3859
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The Sow's Ear Cafe - Cambria is located on Main Street along with many other restaurants, boutiques and galleries. This is a small intimate steakhouse & grill. Restuarant menu specialties include Steamed Clams Portuguese, Lobster Pot Pie, Chicken and Dumplings and Pork Loin with Olallieberry Chutney. Open nightly for dinner only. Dress is business-casual.
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The Sow's Ear Cafe
2248 Main Street
Cambria, California 93428
(805) 927-4865
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The Sea Chest - Cambria is located along the quaint and picturesque, Moonstone Beach Drive along with other restaurants, galleries and hotels. Situated in a turn-of-the-century Victorian home, The Sea Chest is popular with locals and tourists alike, sometimes resulting in lines developing outside the restaurant. They are known for their simple seafood restaurant dishes. Restaurant menu choices include Lobster Tail, Steamed Crab Legs, Clams Linguini and Boston Clam Chowder. Check the chalkboard for current fresh fish selections. Open nightly for dinner only. Dress is business-casual. Bring cash because they do not accept credit or debit cards.
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The Sea Chest Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurtant
6216 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, California 93428
(805) 927-4514
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Panolivo - Paso Robles is located off Highway 101 at the corner of Park and 14th Streets. Panolivo features a restaurant, bakery and small wine bar. Restaurant menu choices include various quiches, paninis, Crab Cake Salad, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Seafood Croustade, Butternut Squash Ravioli and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Panolivo
1344 Park Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 239-3366
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Artisan - Paso Robles is located off Highway 101 at the corner of Park and 14th Streets. Artisan is a fine-dining restuarant in the heart of Central Valley Wine Country. Restaurant menu choices include Jalapeño Cornbread, White Anchovy Ceasar Salad, Cuban Sandwich, Cayucos Red Abalone, Dixon Lamb Rack, Pan Roasted Arctic Char and more. Open daily for lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch. Dress is business-casual to semi-formal.
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Artisan
1401 Park Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-8084
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Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse - Paso Robles is located off Highway 101 on Spring Street between 10th and 12th. Situated within the historic Paso Robles Inn, the Steakhouse Restaurant offers a fine-dining experience in the heart of Central Valley Wine Country. Restaurant menu choices include a Wild Mushroom Omelet, Prime Rib Au Jus, Grilled Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, Butter Roasted Lobster Tail, Stuffed Quail, Gorgonzola Grilled Chicken Sandwich and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse
1103 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(800) 676-1713
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Taco Temple - Morro Bay is located just a few blocks away from the harbor region where most of the tourists congregate, but is worth a visit. This is not the typical Mexican restaurant fare of greasy tacos and fatty tamales. They specialize in low fat, healthy restaurant menu items containing fresh caught fish from local fishermen and vegetables from the local Farmers Market. Many vegetarian choices are available, but the locals claim that the fish tacos are unbeatable. Don't expect much as far as ambiance because they've poured all their attention into great food. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is definitely casual.

Taco Temple
2680 Main Street
Morro Bay, California 93442
(805) 772-4965
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Windows on the Water - Morro Bay is located along the Embarcadero with many other touristy restaurants and boutiques, and situated over the water. Like many of the restaurants along Embarcadero, Windows on the Water offers expansive views of Morro Bay that is often teaming with kayakers and otters. This award-winning seafood restaurant is our top choice for a sunset dinner on the bay. Restaurant menu selections include Pan Roasted Salmon, Duck-Two Ways, Local Sand Dabs, Wood-Fired Pizzas and Oak Grilled Rib Eye Steak. Open nightly for dinner only. Dress is business-casual.
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Windows on the Water
699 Embarcadero #7
Morro Bay, California 93442
(805) 772-0677
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Dorn's - Morro Bay is located one block up from the bay and offers views of the harbor and Morro Rock. A family owned restaurant since 1942, Dorn's is a favorite with the locals. They offer traditional cafe menu items with many additional seafood selections. Restaurant menu choices include Linguica & Eggs Omelette, Lox & Bagel, Buckwheat Pancakes, Crab Louie, Linguine & Clams and Steak & Lobster Tail. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
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Dorn's Original Breakers Cafe
801 Market Avenue
Morro Bay, California 93442
(805) 772-4415
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Pea Soup Anderson's - Buellton is located just a short distance from the heavily touristed town of Solvang. For over 80 years Pea Soup Anderson's has been serving meals to California travelers from multiple locations throughout the state. You can't miss their Dutch windmill building where a trip inside offers not only a great meal, but also a bakery and gift shop. The interior decor is a step into Holland. Their restaurant menu offers traditional American fare like omelettes, pancakes, club sandwich, steak and of course, their award-winning pea soup. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
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Pea Soup Anderson's
376 Avenue of the Flags
Buellton, California 93427
(805) 688-5581
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Olde Port Inn - Avila Beach is situated on the end of a pier, on the west end of Avila Beach. This primarily industrial pier is home to fishing trollers and a seafood restaurant. Take in expansive views of San Luis Bay and the Pacific while dining on restaurant menu choices like Scallops and Chips, Stuffed Prawns, Fresh Fish Vera Cruz and Pasta Pesca. Non-fish choices like Porterhouse Steak, Olde Style Burger and Chicken Tacos are also available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Olde Port Inn
Port San Luis - Unocal Pier
Avila Beach, California 93424
(805) 595-2515
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Novo - San Luis Obisbo is located in downtown San Luis Obispo off Broad Street. Situated alongside a beautiful shaded creek, they offer indoor and outdoor, creekside seating. This Brazilian Portuguese place offers restaurant menu choices like Moroccan Quail Salad, Salmon Bisque, Potato Samosas, Roast Duck Breast and Lavender Lamb Chops. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Novo Restaurant & Lounge
726 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
(805) 543-3986
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Splash Café - Pismo Beach is located one block from the Pismo Beach Pier. This seafood restaurant specializes in Clam Chowder. Their award-winning chowder is also sold at Costco. Other restaurant menu items include Bucket of Clams, Shrimp & Chips, Seafood Salad, burgers, dogs, sandwiches and more. This layed-back cafe restaurant usually has a line out the door and down the street during the summer months. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.

TIP: Looking for great clam chowder in a casual environment but don't want to wait in line for Splash? Head south two blocks on Cypress Street to Pismo Fish & Chips.
Splash Café
197 Pomeroy Avenue
Pismo Beach, California 93449
(805) 773-4653
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Steamers of Pismo - Pismo Beach is located on the north end of Pismo Beach where Price and Dolliver Streets meet. Steamers seafood restaurant is known for their great food, views and happy hour. Restaurant menu items include "Steamers Original" Steamed Clams, Spinach and Tempura Shrimp Salad, Clam Strips and Chips, Cioppino, Shrimp Jambalaya and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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Steamers of Pismo
1601 Price Street
Pismo Beach, California 93449
(805) 773-4711
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Cracked Crab - Pismo Beach is located in the heart of Pismo Beach at Price and Pomeroy Streets. Cracked Crab is known for its casual seafood restaurant atmosphere, complete with paper table coverings and bibs. Restaurant menu choices include Seafood Gumbo, Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Alaskan Halibut Sauté, Seafood Enchiladas and more. Order a bucket of multiple seafood options that they dump on your table. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
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Cracked Crab
751 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-2722
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Rosa's - Pismo Beach is located in the heart of Pismo Beach at Price and Stimson. Rosa's is an award-winning Italian restaurant. Restaurant menu items include Portobello con Granchio, Pizza Margherita, Spinach Manicotti, Shrimp & Scallops, Veal Piccata, Filet Mignon and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is business-casual.
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Rosa's Italian Restaurant
491 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-0551
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The Palace Grill - Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara's Old Town District. They specialize in Creole, Cajun and Caribbean fare complete with Mardi Gras-style entertainment. Expect to be entertained with some sort of boisterous music or talent show. This is a terrific place for those looking to have a good time and not a romantic evening. Restaurant menu choices include Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffée, New Orleans Bar-B-Que Shrimp, Blackened Filet Mignon and Capellini la Louisianne. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
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The Palace Grill
8 E. Cota Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805) 963-5000
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Olio e Limone - Santa Barbara is located in the heart of Santa Barbara and features Italian and Sicilian dishes. Italian restaurant menu items include Insalata di Spinaci, Parmiggiana di Melanzane and Quaglie in Insalata. Open nightly for dinner and lunch is served Monday-Saturday. Dress is business-casual.
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Olio e Limone
17 W. Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805) 899-2699
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Carlito's Cafe y Cantina - Santa Barbara is located in the heart of Santa Barbara and features Mexican cuisine of Pueblo, Mayan, and Aztec origin. Adobe structure, leather chairs, terra cotta floors and fountains emerse patrons in Latin culture. Mexican restaurant menu items include Taquitos de Tinga, Pozole, Flautas Grandes, Huevos Rancheros and Grilled Giant Prawns with Garlic & Cilantro. Open daily for lunch and dinner, and weekends for breakfast also. Dress is casual.
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Carlito's Cafe y Cantina
1324 State Suite A
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805) 962-7117
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Bouchon - Santa Barbara is located in the heart of Santa Barbara and features wine-country cuisine in a fine dining restaurant. This award-winning restaurant pairs wines with restaurant menu choices like Roasted Citrus-Marinated Quail, Pomegranate-Marinated Char-Grilled Rack of Lamb, Local White Sea Bass and Bourbon & Maple-Glazed California Duck Breast. But this is only a sample of their August menu, which changes each month. Open nightly for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to semi-formal.
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Bouchon
9 W. Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805) 730-1160
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Cold Spring Tavern - Santa Barbara is located off Highway 154 in the foothills between Santa Barbara and Lake Cachuma. This historic restaurant used to be a stagecoach stop in the 1860's. A trip to Cold Spring Tavern is like stepping back in time since the owners have strived to preserve the original heritage of the property. Restaurant menu choices include Huevos Rancheros, Baked Quiches, Buffalo Burger, Wild Game Black Bean Chili, Barbeque Ribs, New Zealand Rack of Lamb and Sauteed Medallions of Rabbit. Open daily for lunch and dinner and on weekends for breakfast. Dress is casual.
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Cold Spring Tavern
5995 Stagecoach Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 967-0066
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