Restaurants in San Luis Obispo, CA
Restaurants in San Luis Obispo, CA have the advantage of being close to Pacific seafood and on the edge of San Joaquin Valley’s farmlands. From your hotel room, find comfort food made with locally-grown and sourced ingredients, served in vibrant and eclectic atmospheres.
Our hotel is on Madonna Road, just down the street from the eclectic and famous Madonna Inn, a standout of classic California kitsch. Head up the road to dine at their elaborately decorated Steakhouse, Café, Lounge, or bakery. No matter what time you’re visiting or when you’re heading out, make sure you stop in at this San Luis Obispo icon.
Here is our guide on some of the best places to eat in San Luis Obispo. From artisanal Californian, high-end Italian, and fast-food favorites, we have all your culinary bases covered.
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In Walking Distance
IHOP
Sometimes an old favorite is all that will do: IHOP is right next door. We serve a breakfast buffet onsite, but all-day pancakes are hard to argue with. Get stacks of fluffy all-American pancakes right outside your door.
212 Madonna Road | Website
Buffalo Wild Wings
This all-around restaurant has established itself as a go-to spot when staying at our hotel. Enjoy one of their wing bundles paired with an ice cold brew or choose to dine on one of their many other savoury menu items.
309 Madonna Rd | Website
And more:
Chipotle
Starbucks
Sushiya
Burgers, Barbecue, And More
Firestone Grill
There are many things on the menu at the best barbecue spot in the Central Coast, but it’s all about the tri-tip sandwich. As featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, the sandwich is piled high with thinly sliced grilled steak on a fresh bun slathered in sauce.
1001 Higuera Street | Website
Frank's Famous Hot Dogs
This straightforward local stand-by has been slinging burgers and hot dogs since 1977. The interior is straight out of the 70s, but luckily so are the prices. It can get quite busy around lunch time, but the service is quick and the food is great!
950 California Blvd
Eureka Burger
Eureka Burger has transformed a former bank into a spot for craft beer and burgers. Eureka Burgers are creative and feature special toppings made with locally-sourced ingredients and are paired with specialty cocktails and beer.
1141 Charro St | Website
Pacific-Inspired Seafood
Ada's Fish House
Visit Ada's Fish House and enjoy classic coastal dishes with an East Coast influence such as steamed clams and lobster rolls with mouth watering specialties of Pacific Coast Halibut, grilled swordfish, and seafood pasta. Ask Front Desk for a rideshare option.
558 Price Street |Website
Ciopinot Seafood Grille & Oyster Bar
For a fine-dining take on seafood, Ciopinot is the best restaurant in San Luis Obispo for seasonal seafood, oysters, and their Cioppinos. This fish stew is an Italian-American standard, made here with the freshest fish, prawns, calamari, and mussels. Order it with or without shell, always topped with cheese.
1051 Nipomo St | Website
Artisanal and Fine Dining
Luna Red
Luna Red is located in downtown SLO but draws global inspiration for its small plates. Their menu changes seasonally, but always feature lunch and dinner which are perfect for special occasions. Their elevated tapas are frequently accompanied by live music as well.
1023 Charro St | Website
Buona Tavola
Inventive Northern Italian cuisine located right in the heart of downtown. Sit in the intimate indoor area or charming garden seating; beautiful backdrops for a monthly prix fixe or their carefully-selected lunch and dinner menus.
1037 Monterey St | Website
Giuseppe’s
Superb Italian food, Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica is modern Italian restaurant in San Luis Obispo, CA with an emphasis on food from Puglia. They serve farm-to-fork fare and nearly everything (bread, sauce, pasta, desserts) is made in-house or grown in the SLO area.
849 Monterey St. | Website
Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated