Central Coast Restaurants
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Check out diners' favourite restaurants in Central Coast
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Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn
Price: Expensive•American•5(1,397)The Nichols brothers, Matt & Jeff, grew up in Ames, Iowa where their love of cooking, good food and a sense of family and community was nurtured.
The 2013 opening of their second Santa Barbara Wine Country restaurant, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez, allows them to offer visitors and locals alike great food, wine and hospitality. The brothers strive to have legendary service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that causes you to return time and again.
As chefs, the brothers continue to experiment with new dishes and cuisine, but always with that “from scratch”, homemade element. Fresh ingredients from local producers, a wine list that showcases the region’s award-winning wines and a comfortable and historically interesting atmosphere that takes you back to the romance of the old west. They want you to feel at home, and experience all the best of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.Pony Cocktails + Kitchen
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.8(33)Owner & Mixologist Battaglini Alberto redesigned this iconic Santa Ynez landmark into something unique, elevated yet comfortable.
Situated in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley and, with Chef Jonny McDermott on the helm of the kitchen, Pony COCKTAILS + KITCHEN has a comfortable yet upscale feeling with a super friendly approach to food reflecting globally inspired dishes and fresh farm produces. The cocktail program follow the same ideology of the food giving every cocktails a unique flavor and personality.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner this hybrid Cafe/Cocktail Bar Restaurant integrate the Santa Ynez Valley style with modern comfort style food and unrealistic Cocktails.
Na Na Thai
Price: Moderate•Thai•4.9(17)A Taste of Bangkok in the Heart of California.
A vibrant restaurant in Buellton, California, inspired by the owners' time living in Thailand. The menu features a diverse selection of elevated street food dishes.
Step inside and be transported to a lively atmosphere. The colorful decor and friendly staff create a welcoming ambiance.
Start your culinary journey with a selection of small plates, like the crispy lumpia, filled with curried beef, or the light and flavorful por pia tofu spring roll, bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs. For a main course, indulge in the pad thai, a classic dish elevated with perfectly grilled shrimp and a symphony of textures. The deep-fried whole fish with fried garlic sauce is a showstopper, offering a crispy exterior and succulent, flaky fish.
Na Na Thai's commitment to authentic flavors extends to their use of locally sourced ingredients. They work closely with farmers and ranchers to ensure the freshest, highest-quality produce and meats.Spotted Duck
Price: Expensive•Bistro•4.9(179)Join us at our welcoming establishment and indulge in the captivating flavors and unmatched ambiance that can only be found under the guidance of Chef Jerry Regester.
Small Restaurant, with BIG flavors!
From our beloved Duck liver pate, seasonal salads, to seared Duck Breast, or Caramelized Sea Scallops, Chef Jerry personally creates your dinner.
Come into a restaurant that cares for you from the front staff to the kitchen. We look forward to meeting you!
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.9(1,387)We are currently open for dine-in and outdoor heated sidewalk/patio.
We are always available for curbside pickup.
Welcome to Mezzaluna Pasteria and Mozzarella Bar. Chef Soerke and Amy invite you in to enjoy daily house made Pasta, Mozzarella and Gelato.
We offer a full bar with specialty cocktails.
Chef’s Specialties include
Buccatini Al’Amatriciana
Linguini alla Vongole
Chicken Sausage Lasagne
Spaghetti Carbonara
Grilled Octopus
Lamb Meatballs
House-made Charcuterie
Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle Oil
Little Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano
Raviloi di Manzo
Pate di AnatraCoastal Kitchen Monterey
Price: Very Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.7(339)NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH!!
The Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations.
Chef Michael Rotondo’s multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course.
Additionally, we are also offering our Champagne Brunch on Sundays for 10am to 2pm.
Dinner Menus: Multiple Course Tasting Menu starts at $145 per person (Tuesday to Saturday Evenings)
3 Course Prix Fixe Menu $85 ( Tuesday to Thursday evenings)
Champagne Brunch Prix Fixe Menu: $75 per person (Sundays from 10am to 2pm)
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.
Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery
Price: Moderate•Mediterranean•4.9(1,002)Our menu is a combination of the best ingredients that Greece and California cuisine have to offer. We import olive oil, feta, honey and oregano from Greece, the freshest organic vegetables from our farms in Los Olivos and wineries of our great state. Come enjoy lunch, dinner and wine indoors or on our beautiful patio. We can also host your next event!La Mia Cucina
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.9(1,044)Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.
Pizza Heaven
Price: Moderate•Pizza Bar•4.7(39)Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Carmel-by-the Sea, Pizza Heaven entices both locals and tourists with its welcoming atmosphere and delightful menu.
Our delightful restaurant features a dog-friendly heated patio, where four-legged friends are invited to join their owners in indulging in a variety of culinary delights. From specialty pizzas brimming with distinctive flavors to timeless favorites that never disappoint, Pizza Heaven caters to all tastes.
In addition to pizza, the menu offers an enticing selection of options including pastas, salads, and Mediterranean pies, ensuring there's something for everyone. To elevate the dining experience, carefully chosen local and regional wines are available, adding a touch of sophistication to every meal.
Whether you're in search of a laid-back lunch spot or an intimate dinner setting, Pizza Heaven guarantees a taste of culinary delight amidst the coastal allure of Carmel, California.Ellie's Tap & Vine
Price: Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.7(715)Welcome to Ellie's Tap & Vine... Join us for seasonal cuisine, elegant ranch ambiance and great wine! We are Valley to Table dining, working with many local farms and purveyors; We look forward to seeing you soon! Our menu changes regularly, so please feel free to visit our website: www.elliestapandvine.com or follow us on IG and/or FB.
Our restaurant is located in the heart of Santa Ynez. We boast amazing outdoor seating with great views and because it is often a little chilly in the evening, we have heaters. We are also dog and cat friendly.
We know re-adjusting to dining out is a strange experience for everyone and we are all slowly returning. For now, we will be suspending lunch service.
See what locals rave about in Central Coast
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- DDaveSan Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoGreat food and great waitress. Great selection of wines and cocktailsMore infoLure Fish House - San Luis ObispoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• San Luis Obispo•4.5
- SStuartCalifornia Central Coast •39 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoWe split the large portions of the Swordfish that provided plenty of delicious tasty food for two seniorsMore infoAlex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna InnPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• San Luis Obispo•4.6
- MMarkVIPLos Angeles •39 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoGreat everything. Very great everything. Really great.More infoBear & The WrenPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• San Luis Obispo•4.8
- RRaySaarland •4 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoWe chose the classic Turkey Sandwich and the selection, as always, never disappoints!More infoCopper Café and Bakery, at Madonna InnPrice: Expensive• American• San Luis Obispo•4.5
- WWilliamVIPCalifornia Central Coast •16 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoExcellent, as always! Our favorite restaurant, anywhere in the world!More infoMisturaPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• San Luis Obispo•4.6
Restaurant experiences trending in California Central Coast
Discover California Central Coast
The California Central Coast is home to beautiful beaches, and it is also a major source of fresh seafood for local restaurants. Enjoy a locally caught Cajun-style Albacore tuna steak, panko-crusted and topped with wasabi coleslaw and sliced avocado. Elsewhere, you may prefer the halibut, which is in season year-round in the area and guaranteed to be fresh. Order it lightly cooked in lemon and butter, sauteed in wine, butter, garlic, and capers and served over pasta or with potatoes. The coast has more than seafood, as residents and visitors can relish a California beet salad made with sliced beets over butter lettuce and liberally sprinkled goat cheese dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Central Coast is Japanese Restaurant Goshi
The best vegan restaurants in Central Coast are Il Vecchio, Bibi Ji and Convivo
The best vegetarian restaurants in Central Coast are Rosine's Restaurant, Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove and Bibi Ji
The restaurants with the best service in Central Coast are Le Soufflé, CaliPaso Winery and International Cuisine
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Central Coast are Guest House Grill, Enoteca - La Bellasera Hotel and Ojai Food + Wine with OpenTable
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