Central Coast Culinary Road Trip
PART TWO: San Luis Obispo Region
The Central Coast is a destination that can take your breath away and give you time to breathe all at once. Its 350-mile stretch of California coastline allows memories to be made, rewards curiosity, is rich with flavor and ultimately revitalizes the spirit like nowhere else. It’s culinary offerings are just one of the tempting reasons to explore.
Here are some of the culinary highlights in the SAN LUIS OBISPO REGION:
- Oyster Adventures – The cool waters of Morro Bay set the stage for oyster harvesting starting in the early 1900’s. Today, Morro Bay is known for cultivating two types: Pacific Gold and Grassy Bar, both with distinct flavors you cannot find elsewhere. Watch as local fishermen unload their treasures and prepare them for purchase right at the dock, for sale at the markets, or as the catch of the day served in restaurants throughout town. A few must visit oyster hot spots include: Morro Bay Oyster Company, Grassy Bar Oyster Company, Tognazzini’s Dockside Too Fish Market and Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley.
- The Papagallo II – Morro Bay’s 72-foot luxury cruise yacht is the ultimate event venue, particularly for foodies. Owner/Executive Chef Leonard Gentieu is an honor graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York and has a loyal following who deeply savor his creative wine and food pairings.
- AWARD WINNER – Il Cortile: Enjoy fine Italian dining Italian in Paso Robles. Featuring seasonal menus, homemade pastas, antipasti, top-quality meats, local produce and award-winning wine lists. Il Cortile has won Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence six years in a row.
- AWARD WINNER – La Cosecha: A fusion of Spanish, South America and Latin flavors, the seasonal culture-specific dishes use market-fresh ingredients. The locally-sourced artisanal spirits have made for an award-winning wine menu. La Cosecha has won Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Award of Excellence for four consecutive years.
- AWARD WINNER – Somm’s Kitchen: Guests appreciate a regularly varying menu in this 14-seat restaurant, savoring 10 courses paired with 10 different wines. Owner Ian Adamo’s approachable food-wine experience earned him Wine Educator of the Year, by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
- HISTORIC MEETS ECLECTIC – Luna Red: Located in the heart of downtown SLO and next to the Mission de Tolosa, Luna Red’s patio and outdoor cabana bar makes for the ideal dining experience in SLO’s beautiful year round weather. From brunch to dinner, Chef Shaun Behren has carefully created a truly unique menu focused on local farm to fork small plates and family-style entrees that are intensely flavorful and appeal to any palate. The restaurant has become a beloved space for both visitors and locals to enjoy live music, seasonal dishes, handcrafted cutting-edge cocktails and award-winning wines showcasing the best of the Central Coast.
- NEW – Mestiza Bar y Cocina: blends the indigenous European, Spanish and American influences that forged today’s vibrant, modern Mexico. From menu items to cocktails, Mestiza celebrates the complexities of taste and texture originating in the heart of Mexico. The restaurant cherishes old world Mexican techniques such as making stone ground corn masa and handcrafted Mezcal cocktails.
See Central Coast Culinary Road Trip: PART ONE – Monterey Bay Region
See Central Coast Culinary Road Trip: PART THREE – Santa Barbara Region
See Central Coast Culinary Road Trip: PART FOUR – Ventura Region
Download or request a Central Coast Visitors Map here.
To further assist you in planning your Central Coast Road Trip, check out this helpful Itinerary here.
Discover all of California’s Central Coast Regions here.
December 2019
