Restaurant guide

the best restaurants in san luis obispo

MK Library

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. 

Off-white Location

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.

Off-white Location

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.

Off-white Location

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.

Off-white Location

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.

Off-white Location

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.

Off-white Location

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.

Off-white Location

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!