Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in California Central Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery

4.9

4.9 (965)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Los Olivos

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

DianeVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a fabulous meal at Petros! We were visiting family over the holidays and decided to treat our extended family to dinner. Since no one had ever been to Petros, we decided to give it a try.... A marvelous find in the Santa Ynez Valley! The restaurant is beautiful- set down Foxen Canyon in the midst of wineries. All the wine is from the Petros vineyards - and i must say the Pinot Noir was excellent. We had the three dips for a starter with pita bread (very yummy), greek & super salads, and some great entrees. I had the lamb chops that were cooked to perfection. My husband and his sister in law had the salmon which they said was superb. My mother in law had the short ribs and raved about them all the way home in the car. For dessert we had baklava and a chocolate desert- very delicious. While we ate dinner inside due to the weather, next time i would like to go for lunch and sit on their big covered porch. I highly recommend Petros and hope to eat there again on our next trip to Santa Ynez.

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Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.8

4.8 (2638)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

The Stonehouse, located in a beautiful 19th-century citrus packing house, offers an unparalleled dining experience. Guests can unwind in a relaxing lounge with full bar service or enjoy the ambiance of the separate dining room, complete with a crackling fireplace and world-class views. Chef Matthew Johnson creates evocative regional cuisine, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden. The Stonehouse boasts the only Grand Award-winning wine program in Central California, ensuring an unparalleled selection of wines to complement your meal. For a unique twist, visit the restaurant's speakeasy for before or after dinner drinks, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, nostalgic setting.

Top review

Brian

Dined 2 days ago

This place is top notch!!!! Romantic and just all out wonderful…

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Popular dish

San Ysidro Ranch Meyer Lemon Tart

Popular dish

Blackened Ora King Salmon Salad

Experience

Sunday Champagne Brunch

36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club

4.8

4.8 (57)

$31 to $50

Californian

Hollister

About the restaurant

The signature restaurant at the newly reimagined San Juan Oaks Golf Club. 36º North brings an upscale ambiance and memorable dining experience through seasonally inspired California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With a dramatic olive tree featured as an iconic centerpiece, the scene is set for gourmet dinners and special occasions.

Top review

Juli

Dined 1 day ago

Beautiful place. The Food & service was outstanding!

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Experience

New Year's Eve

Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn

4.7

4.7 (1227)

$50 and over

Organic

Big Sur

About the restaurant

Offering spectacular, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn is a farm-driven restaurant that celebrates the coastal bounty of Big Sur and our neighboring communities. Our dishes are centered around the dialogue of balance: on the plate, between sea and land, with sustainability always in mind. Selections from our Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list enhance the inspired cuisine.

We have a family-style lunch experience for $75 per person. Our dinner experience is priced at $175 per person. Lunch and Dinner is available to the general public, however space is limited and reservations in advance are required. The minimum age for guests is 18 years old and pets are not allowed.

Non-hotel guests will be welcomed at the gate house no more than 30 minutes prior to their reservation.

Top review

Deepak

Dined 6 days ago

Absolutely out of world and loved to dine and we were back for lunch too

Gardens of Avila Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (943)

$31 to $50

Californian

San Luis Obispo

About the restaurant

The Gardens Restaurant at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, a favorite spot for locals as well as travelers, is situated in a beautiful garden setting in the Avila Valley. Savor the flavors of the award-winning contemporary California cuisine inspired by the surrounding local wine country.

Top review

Sandra

Dined 5 days ago

We had a wonderful evening. Our waitress was sweet and so helpful. The chef accommodated special diet needs of one in our party. It was a lovely Christmas Eve dinner.

Pizza Heaven

5.0

5 (28)

$30 and under

Pizza Bar

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Rica

Dined 6 days ago

Our best meal in the USA so far! Very friendly staff, passion for good food and good customer service. We will definitely be back.

Olivella - Ojai Valley Inn

4.9

4.9 (465)

$50 and over

Californian

Ojai

About the restaurant

Ojai Valley Inn’s signature dinner restaurant, Olivella, holds the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star and Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence designations. Chef Andrew Foskey is proud to present a seasonally driven menu with a commitment to valley-grown ingredients and techniques inspired by Italian tradition. As a complement to our cuisine, the award-winning wine program showcases expertly curated discoveries and classic bottlings from notable California and Italian producers.

Guests are invited to enjoy our multi course dining experience starting at $125/ person, plus tax and gratuity. Please note that a la carte dining is not available.

We kindly ask that any updates or cancellation to your reservation be made no less than 24 hours prior. Should you not cancel your reservation within 24 hours, or do not arrive for your reservation, you will be subject to a fee of $75 per person.

In keeping with the atmosphere, Olivella is intended for guests 10 years and older.

Top review

Irma

Dined 2 days ago

The staff were very helpful and friendly. Beautiful property. Excellent service. Wonderful selection of wine and the food was great. Overall wonderful experience.

Far Western Tavern

4.8

4.8 (1190)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Orcutt / Santa Maria

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Far Western Tavern—California ranch cuisine inspired by local traditions.

Our restaurant is recognized as a landmark of Santa Maria Style Barbecue, a renowned regional fare rooted in native ingredients and methods that were first popularized by 19th century rancheros.

Our menu blends this local barbecue style with other dishes that reflect our family’s heritage in the Santa Maria Valley’s Swiss-Italian ranching community, all prepared with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches and vineyards.

Top review

WendyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful food, spirits, deserts, and service as well!!

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Popular dish

Fwt Bay Shrimp Cocktail

The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

4.5

4.5 (534)

$50 and over

American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Named “Top 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America” by OpenTable, The Bistro offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere to dine and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline. Local produce and sustainable seafood highlight an acclaimed menu of traditional bistro favorites, including brick oven flatbreads, seasonal salads and the signature Santa Barbara burger.

Please note that holiday reservations are only available for in-house guests. Room confirmation number is required to officially confirm your dining reservation during these times.

Marriott Bonvoy Members can earn points when staying with us. Please enroll here: https://www.joinmarriottbonvoy.com/uscanqr/s/EN/ch/sbarz

For parties with 6 guests or more a 26% service charge fee will be added to your final bill. For all guests there will be an 8.75% California State tax added to the final bill.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

Amazing food. Everyone amazingly polite and professional.

The Oak - Ojai Valley Inn

4.7

4.7 (666)

$50 and over

Californian

Ojai

About the restaurant

The Oak offers daily breakfast, lunch and dinner experiences featuring locally sourced products and ingredients.
Guests have a choice of indoor dining or al fresco dining under the pergola. The Oak offers dramatic views overlooking 200-year-old oak trees and our championship golf course.

In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant, the dress code is Resort Casual. We kindly request no pool wear.

Top review

Richard

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

Richard was a knowledgable and outstanding server.

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