Central Coast Restaurants
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Le Soufflé
Price: Very Expensive•French•4.9(464)**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 2/17-2/21)**
We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.
Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.Pony Cocktails + Kitchen
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•5(27)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.
Bell’s
Price: Very Expensive•French•4.8(51)Based in Los Alamos, CA, Bell’s is a French-inspired bistro from Per Se alums Daisy and Greg Ryan. Earning one Michelin Star since 2021 as well as Food & Wine Best New Chef, and Esquire’s Best New Restaurants and James Beard nominations for Best Chef California and Outstanding Restauranteurs. Bell's is a reimagined bistro fare with eclectic wine selections from independent local producers and select European estates.
LUNCH is served from 11:00am - 3:00pm, Thurs - Mon.
Walk-ins welcomed
PRIX FIXE DINNER is reservation only, from 5:00 - 8:30pm, Thursday - Monday.
Dinner is $110, menu price does not include SERVICE FEE AND TAX.
On Thursdays, we will be offering L'EXPRESS DINNER MENU an abbreviated menu (salad and bread course, choice of entree, choice of dessert) for $65/pp - both menus will be offered those nights so no need to make a note, just book as you normally would.
On Monday evenings all wines over $60 are half price!
Please note the number below is TEXT ONLYBrothers Restaurant at Red Barn
Price: Expensive•American•5(1,393)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.
La Mia Cucina
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.8(1,035)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.Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.9(1,374)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 Anatra
36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club
Price: Expensive•Californian•4.6(87)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.Coastal Kitchen Monterey
Price: Very Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.7(331)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.
Pizza Heaven
Price: Moderate•Pizza Bar•4.7(37)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.Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
Price: Moderate•French•4.6(453)Reservations accepted for dinner only.
Fifty eight years ago, Elaine and Pierre Boissiere established their eponymous restaurant at its current location, years before Carmel Plaza shopping center was built around it. They sought to offer the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea a relaxing and comforting venue modeled after a European chateau where tables are thoughtfully spaced and fresh flowers, fireplace, candles and soothing musical notes are integral part of the dining experience. The ambience sets the tone for French country food served with a great deal of care for detail and pastries baked daily on premises. It is a testament to their far sightedness that Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant continues to fulfill their vision to this day.
See what locals rave about in Central Coast
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- WWendyVIPCalifornia Central Coast •134 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoBeautiful restaurant with fabulous food, spirits, and service! The best tiramisu!More infoCafe Roma - San Luis ObispoPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Luis Obispo•4.7
- KKathleenCalifornia Central Coast •2 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoGreat food love the vibe. Glasses are incredible and delightfulMore infoCopper Café and Bakery, at Madonna InnPrice: Expensive• American• San Luis Obispo•4.3
- HHannahLos Angeles •1 review5.0Dined 2 days agoSharon took great care of us! Thank you as always.More infoAlex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna InnPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• San Luis Obispo•4.6
- SSerimCalifornia Central Coast •3 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoGreat sea food, nicely served, good experience, as we expected. Thank you.More infoLure Fish House - San Luis ObispoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• San Luis Obispo•4.5
- JJennieCalifornia Central Coast •2 reviews4.0Dined 4 days agoWe love Bear & The Wren and have enjoyed dining here on multiple occasionsMore infoBear & The WrenPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• San Luis Obispo•4.8
Restaurant experiences trending in California Central Coast
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 Il Vecchio, Sur at The Barnyard and Convivo
The best vegetarian restaurants in Central Coast are Rosine's Restaurant, Il Vecchio and Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove
The restaurants with the best service in Central Coast are Le Soufflé, Ojai Food + Wine with OpenTable and Albatross Ridge Tasting Room - Downtown Carmel
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Central Coast are Stella Mare's, CaliPaso Winery and Ojai Food + Wine with OpenTable
Explore OpenTable
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