Central Coast Restaurants
Make a free booking
Visa Dining Collection
Get exclusive access to primetime bookings and access to special events at some of the country's hottest restaurants.
Book for dinner in California Central Coast
View all
Check out diners' favourite restaurants in Central Coast
Updated on
Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.
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(31)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(178)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(1,385)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(1,001)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•4.8(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(712)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.
Outdoor dining in California Central Coast
View all
See what locals rave about in Central Coast
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- BBobAustin •2 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoWe came in for lunch with a party of 9 and were seated without a wait. Our server was friendly and took our drink orders shortly after we were seated. Everyone enjoyed their entrees and sides - sand dabs, shrimp tacos, clam chowder, shrimp salad, salmon salad, sweet potato fries, pineapple slaw were all wonderful! We all appreciated the separate checks and we will be back to try other entrees on the menu!More infoLure Fish House - San Luis ObispoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• San Luis Obispo•4.5
- DDavidSan Diego •9 reviews4.0Dined 1 day agoIf you find yourself in the area this is a must stop. Total tourist stop to visit the bakery gift shop and get a bite to eat. The restaurant transports you to an Alice and Wonderland adventure.More infoCopper Café and Bakery, at Madonna InnPrice: Expensive• American• San Luis Obispo•4.4
- IIsaacFresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review5.0Dined 1 day agoMy wife and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary and will definitely be back. The food was excellent, atmosphere was great. They even blessed us with a free slice of cake of our choice. Did I say, slice? It was a BIG slice.More infoAlex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna InnPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• San Luis Obispo•4.6
- RRichardLas Vegas •7 reviews5.0Dined on 15 Apr 2025Always great food and a very good value for what you get. Overall one of my family’s favorite dining spots in SLO. Never a disappointment..More infoCafe Roma - San Luis ObispoPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Luis Obispo•4.7
- EericSan Francisco Bay Area •1 review5.0Dined on 14 Apr 2025Wipes Flour House out the ballpark. EASILY. Unfortunately they messed up our order which I didn’t mind, but they gave us a pizza and salad on the house and subtracted an item off our check to make up for it. VERY kind. In all my experiences here, all the staff are really friendly and outgoing! Really good food and proportions. If you can’t get a reservation, you can wait to sit at the bar. Great place, great pizza. Must try in SLO fs.More infoBear & The WrenPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• San Luis Obispo•4.8
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 Guest House Grill
The best vegan restaurants in Central Coast are Tarpy's Roadhouse, Il Vecchio and Bibi Ji
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
Explore OpenTable
- University of California Santa Barbara
- Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
- Babcock Winery and Vineyards
- Marina Beach Motel
- Lompoc Vandenberg Air Force Base
- Monterey Conference Center
- Santa Barbara Radio Range Station
- Monterey Marriott
- Wine Trolley Tours
- Window To The Sea Park
- Carmel Plaza
- The Presidio
- Golden State Theater
- Hollister Wayside Park
- Little League Park
- Stearns Wharf
- Goleta Beach State Park
- Ventana Vineyards
- Clarmont Manor Park
- Canary, a Kimpton Hotel