Sample the local restaurants we recommend below to get a taste of life in San Luis Obispo. Once you know you never want to leave, the real estate agents in the Weber Team can help you find your new home in town.
For Breakfast Crepes: Mon Ami Crepe Bar
Mon Ami Crepe Bar has been spinning fresh crepes for over 15 years. Whether you're looking for a delicious weekday breakfast or a fun brunch venue, this small business specializes in authentic French crepes with local fruits and vegetables. Enjoy sweet modern classics like banana and strawberry crepes with Nutella or creatively savory options like the Benedict crepe. The crepe bar also has hearty, veggie- and meat-filled menu options for a fun lunch.
While you're there, order a cup of organic coffee or fresh-pressed juice. Find all your favorite like blended frappes, espresso drinks, and smoothies. If you have an upcoming event, Mon Ami Crepe Bar also offers catering services.
For Brunch: Highwater SLO
Enjoy a trendy brunch this weekend by reserving a table at Highwater SLO. Start your meal with a unique cocktail from Robin, a mixologist who creates rock-inspired cocktails for patrons of this musically inspired restaurant. Every cocktail features notes from an iconic band, whether you order a glass, a bottle, or a party bowl. On the brunch menu, you'll find savory and indulgent options like a bagel and lox platter, duck confit egg tacos, and huevos rancheros. Pair the dishes with Highwater's hot sauce for extra spice (and take a bottle of the hot sauce home with you). Brunch-goers with a sweet tooth will also enjoy the waffle board with seasonal fruit and their incomparable strawberry gazpacho.
If dinner is more your jam, Highwater SLO also has a full dinner menu and frequently hosts local bands and artists for live performances.
For Seafood: Ciopinot at La Esquina Distillery
Ciopinot began as a family-owned seafood restaurant that you won't want to miss, whether you're hosting out-of-town visitors or you're looking for another reason to make San Luis Obispo your next hometown. The menu starts with a wine list of white and red Pinots and continues on to highlight fresh oysters, grilled seafood, and a classic cioppino stew full of fresh mussels and bright flavors. Start your evening with a round of fresh oysters or stuffed prawns, and then move on to seasonal favorites like Wild King Salmon, Alaskan King Crab legs, and Petrale Sole that's fresh — and locally — caught. You can also end your evening with a sweet dessert wine. Today, La Esquina Distillery serves its original Ciopinot menu one night a month, so you'll want to reserve your table in advance!
For Mediterranean Food: Petra
Mediterranean food is a perfect fit for California's Mediterraneanesque climate, but it's never better than with a cool autumn breeze cutting through the warm sunlight. At Petra Mediterranean Grill, you have a wide array of classics, fusion dishes, and Mediterranean-American entrees. USA Today ranked Petra's among their top 25 destinations for the best pizza, and you can order a Greek feta pizza, a tri-tip pizza, and countless other options (including a customized pie). They also serve more classic fare, such as kofta kabob, tabouleh salad, falafel, and shawarma. You can bring a large group of people with diverse palettes or reserve a table for a tasty date night. Choose a table under the well-lit canopies so you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of the mountains along the horizon.
Looking for vegan options that aren't bland and boring? Petra offers five-star appetizers and entrees for both meat-eaters and vegans, so everyone will be happy when you reserve a table for a family dinner or a fun night out with friends at Petra.
For Vegan Comfort Food: Ziggy's
But when you're looking for a restaurant where everything on the menu is vegan, you won't want to miss Ziggy's. This restaurant serves savory favorites like hamburgers — including their unique Avalon Burger and wide range patty options like black bean, mushroom, and Impossible meat — and zesty egg rolls. The kitchen also serves a wide range of tacos like Baja Cali tacos, tacos with fried avocado, and other flavorful options that are a perfect lunch or dinner for dedicated vegans or anyone on the fence. You can try an Impossible Burger, satisfy your cravings with fried cauliflower bites, and enjoy a fun dinner out.
This restaurant is usually packed during lunch and dinner hours, so we recommend you reserve a table or opt for their outdoor seating. Everything is vegan, so you never have to worry about non-vegan ingredients sneaking into the sides, sauces, or condiments. It's a great option for a stress-free meal or snack. And if you're hungry for dessert, Ziggy's fans love the apple pie rolls that are equally delicious at your table or on the go. You also can't go wrong with any of their plant-based milkshakes!
For Peruvian Seafood: Mistura Restaurant
Introducing someone to Peruvian seafood for the first time or planning a perfect dinner? Reserve your table at Mistura Restaurant, a local restaurant that specializes in perfection. Not only are the ingredients organic, but many of them are grown right in the restaurant's garden. The poultry, fish, and meat are also locally-sourced and only come from sources that adhere to the restaurant's strict sustainability standards. But these standards never limit the menu, as patrons can order dishes featuring octopus, Alaskan King crabs, and grilled racks of lamb. If you want to experiment, choose from their 'catch of the day' selections or order from their Peruvian sashimi or Peruvian roll options. Just be sure to save room for a Peruvian-inspired dessert like the La Flor flourless cake or the Papaya Crème Brûlée.
For Tapas: Luna Red
The next time you're in downtown SLO, pick up the phone to reserve a table at Luna Red, where they serve small plates to patrons on their festive outdoor patio. Your table can enjoy shareables ranging from spicy potatoes in a sambal aioli to lamb lollipops from New Zealand. When you're too hungry to share, order a plate of street tacos with fillings like beef birria or rockfish. You can start a multi-course meal with house-selected cheese on their signature cheese board or try a tasty adventure of paella made to order with saffron or squid ink rice.
When you love enjoying a meal outdoors, Luna Red should be at the top of your list. They offer plenty of outdoor seating that stays comfortable all year round. Order your tapas on their outdoor patio with a beautiful canopy of warm lights, a view of the towering trees and vibrant flowers nearby, and plenty of shade until the sun sets.
For a Wine Bar for Dates and Business Meetings: Park 1039
As the evenings get shorter and autumn sunsets begin to radiate across the horizon, spend an evening at Park 1039. Find your favorite wine bar that serves a wide variety of red and whites, gourmet drinks, and small plates that pair well with each bottle. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, patrons can enjoy Park 1039's a la carte menu, and lunch options are available Friday through Sunday in the early afternoon. The venue also has an international gourmet marketplace full of fancy cheeses, boutique charcuterie options, and more. Wine aficionados can join the restaurant's Contemporary Club, which focuses on natural wines. Subscribing members receive three bottles a month to find new favorites. Whether you want to enjoy a glass of new-to-you wine on your outdoor patio, want to invite friends or clients to a quick get-together in the evening, or you want a fancy date night dinner, make sure you visit Park 1039 this autumn.
Live Near San Luis Obispo's Culinary Hubs
There's nothing like a well-cooked meal and a beautiful view to make you welcome. San Luis Obispo is home to cultural attractions of all sorts, a famous farmers' market, historical sites, and more. Ready to start looking at homes for sale in San Luis Obispo? Weber Team of SLO real estate agents is here to help you find a home with the features, proximity to key destinations, and price point you're looking for. Contact us today to enjoy a curated home-buying experience and start touring San Luis Obispo luxury homes or condos that have your wish list and must-have features.