Between fine dining, craft cocktails, extensive wine lists, and locally sourced and organic foods, you’ll find an incredibly diverse selection of restaurants in San Luis Obispo. These are only some of the restaurants that have elevated SLO’s food scene and have made the city worthy of culinary acclaim.
Mistura
Artfully-plated Peruvian dishes.
570 Higuera Street, SLO
If you come with friends, order the Muy Machito special, with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari for the entire table. The Ravioli de Champignon filled with shiitake and portobello mushrooms is also a must-try.
Flour House Pizza Bar + Pastaria
Naturally leavened thin-crust pizzas, handmade pastas and craft cocktails.
690 Higuera Street, SLO
Flour House bakes their thin-crust pizzas in an imported Italian wood-fired. Enjoy a classic Margherita pizza made with Italian tomatoes in their sophisticated dining room, or outside on their cozy heated patio.
Ember
Italian-inspired Californian dishes made over a wood fire.
1200 E Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande
Chef Brian Collins at Ember is dedicated to fresh, hyper-local cuisine, creating seasonal dishes every month on a rotating menu. Dishes include a dream-inducing wild chanterelle mushroom and artichoke cream pizza.
Luna Red
Globally-inspired plates and family-style entrées in a festive setting.
1023 Chorro Street, SLO
The paellas are a must-try at Luna Red, along with the bacon-wrapped dates. With a pitcher of Sangria on their vibrantly lit patio, you can easily pretend you’re on your dream Spanish vacation.
Novo Restaurant& Lounge
Latin-inspired dishes made with locally-sourced produce.
726 Higuera, SLO
Novo has been dubbed one of the best outdoor eating experiences in SLO. Located near Mission Plaza, their raised patio is built around a towering oak tree and overlooks a picturesque babbling brook.
Highwater
Retro music-themed comfort food menu and aptly-named craft cocktails.
1127 Broad Street, Suite B, SLO
In addition to the retro swank and welcoming vibes, Highwater’s innovative dishes are delicious enough to hold their own. The fried chicken with pickles, mac n’ cheese, and apple butter is to die for.
Bear & The Wren
Wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas and deep dish Detroit pies.
570 Higuera Street #2, SLO
Be sure to try the Mushroom + Sausage pizza with fontina cheese and the Bee Stang bear square, with mozzarella, spicy calabrese salami, ricotta, basil, and hot honey. Don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of local wine.
Visit MK Library for more incredible restaurants in San Luis Obispo!