Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

4.7

1773 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

For over four decades, the Rizzo family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in San Luis Obispo. At Café Roma, you can indulge in homemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood. Don't miss classic dishes like Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto, shortrib pappardelle, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Inside Café Roma and you'll feel like you've been transported to Italy. From the vintage Italian bike hanging above the bar to the Murano glass chandeliers and Tuscan murals, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to celebrate Italian culture.

Pair your meal with one of the many wines on Café Roma's extensive list, which changes monthly to include new and exciting Central Coast and Italian finds.

Café Roma is a popular destination for locals, vintners, families, travelers, and professionals alike. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot or a gathering place for friends and family, you'll find it here.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(805) 541-6800
Website
https://caferomaslo.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Saro and Maria Rizzo
Catering
Planning is orchestrated by Café Roma’s owners, managers, and professional event staff. If you are simply needing food prepared for your special event that you plan to pick up from the restaurant and service yourself, please take a look at the Catering for Pick Up Menu at caferomaslo.com/catering.
Private party facilities
Café Roma has a variety of event spaces, including the Deruta Banquet Room (capacity 80 lunch/dinner, 100 reception), the Garden Patio (capacity 50), and the Sala (capacity 40). Spaces ideal for wedding rehearsal dinners, celebrations, memorials, company parties, and medical or financial dinners.

Location
1020 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Neighborhood
San Luis Obispo
Cross street
Santa Rosa
Parking details
Abundant free parking in front of the restaurant.
Public transit
Free Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Cal Poly Graduation
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
Congratulations Cal Poly Grads and Families . We are featuring a limited special menu for Friday Saturday and Sunday. Please see our website for detailed menu. https://www.caferomaslo.com/specialty-menus

Offers

Martini Monday
Multiple dates available
Mon - 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join us every Monday for Martini Mondays at our restaurant! Start your week on a sophisticated note with our handcrafted martinis expertly mixed by our talented bartenders. Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and relaxation as you sip your martini in our cozy bar. Make your Monday memorable with Martini Mondays – the ideal way to kick off your week with style. Cheers to a great start! All Martinis $10.00
Raid the Wine Cellar Tuesdays
Multiple dates available
Tue - 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Indulge in a little midweek magic at Cafe Roma every Tuesday! Join us in raiding the wine cellar for a heartwarming evening filled with half-price wine bottles, where every sip is like a journey to the vineyards of Italy and California. It's a perfect excuse to savor delicious cuisine, share laughter, and create unforgettable memories. Join us for this enchanting tradition that's bound to make your Tuesdays a little more special!

Popular dishes

Mediterranean Olives$6.00
Assorted Mediterranean olives (unpitted) in olive oil, lemon
Carpaccio$18.00
Raw beef w/ capers, light mustard, arugula and parmesan
Prosciutto e Burrata$18.00
Parma Prosciutto & imported Italian burrata with arugula
Mozzarella Caprese$16.00
Fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, basil & olive oil
Escargots$16.00
French style snails in garlic, shallots, parsley & butter
Calamari Fritti$18.00
Fried calamari with hot & spicy tomato dipping sauce
Steamed Clams$18.00
Sauteed manila clams in a white wine, cherry tomato sauce
Bruschetta$12.00
Crostini topped with tomato, garlic, basil and EVOO
Fried Mozzarella "Marinara"$14.00
With a San Marzano tomato sauce
Bread Dipping Sauce$5.00
Garlic, balsamic, olive oil and parmesan
Antipasto Cafe Roma$25.00
prosciutto, calabrian salami, speck, caprese, bruschetta, percorino cheese, roasted peppers and eggplant, olives

Salads

Insalata Mista$10.00
Mixed local greens, olive oil and vinegar
Insalata Bietole$12.00
Red & gold beet salad with blue cheese crumbles, butter lettuce
Insalata Café Roma$14.00
Greens mushrooms, mozzarella, salami, onion, peppers, garbanzos
Insalata Caesar$12.00
with croutons & shaved parmesan

Pizza

Margherita "Classica"$18.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella (fior di latte), olive oil and basil
Burrata Prosciutto e Arugula$22.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella burrata, prosciutto
Calabrese "Pepperoni" $21.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella & spicy salami
Dolomiti Bianca$22.00
fontina cheese, wild mushrooms, speck

Pasta

Cappellini Pomodoro$18.00
Thin spaghetti with a cherry tomato sauce with fresh basil
Bucatini Carbonara$22.00
Thick spaghetti, creamy sauce with guanciale, pecorino cheese
Linguine alle Vongole$26.00
Linguine & sautéed clams with a red or white wine sauce
Lasagna Bolognese$24.00
House made with béchamel & Bolognese ragu
Tortelli di Zucca$22.00
House made squash filled ravioli with parmesan cream sauce
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina$22.00
Potato gnocchi with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil
Ravioli della Casa$22.00
House made beef filled ravioli with a Bolognese ragu
Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu$26.00
wide fettucine style pasta with wine braised short rib ragu

Meats & Fish

Filet Mignon$48.00
8 oz. prime filet with cabernet reduction & gorgonzola sauce
Veal Marsala$38.00
Sautéed veal scaloppini with marsala wine sauce
Chicken Parmigiana$28.00
Breaded chicken breast with tomato sauce, mozzarella, served with a side of fettuccine Alfredo
Osso Buco Milanese Style$38.00
Braised veal shanks served over saffron risotto
Scampi Piccata$32.00
Shrimp sautéed with wine, lemon, capers and linguini pasta
Salmone alla Griglia$32.00
herbed grilled salmon medallion with lemon butter sauce and garlic spinach
Pollo alla Valdostana$28.00
breast of chicken with prosciutto, fontina cheese and sage with a mixed mushroom sauce

Sides

Sautéed Spinach$10.00
Fettuccine Alfredo$10.00

Dessert

Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake$14.00
Chocolate cake made with cocoa, filled w/ chocolate & hazelnut creams and a hazelnut crunch, covered with chocolate glaze
Torta della Nonna$12.00
Pastry cream on a base of short crust pastry, with pine nuts, almonds and powdered sugar
Sorbetto di Limone$14.00
Classic Tiramisu$12.00
Sicilian Cannoli (2)$12.00
Chocolate Mousse$12.00
Spumoni Bomba$14.00
Ice cream in a chocolate shell
Classic Crème Brulle$12.00

What 1,773 people are saying

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Overall
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Food
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Service
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Value
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Good for groups
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Neighborhood gem
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Great for fine wines
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Great for outdoor dining
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Good for special occasions
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cafe Roma in San Luis Obispo offers a "wonderful meal" with "fantastic food" and "outstanding service." Known for its "authentic Italian atmosphere," the restaurant provides a welcoming experience with "friendly and attentive staff." The menu features delicious options like the "Pappardelle short ribs" and "osso buco milanese style," complemented by a "great wine selection." Perfect for special occasions or casual dining, the patio adds to the cozy charm of this local treasure.

1,773 Reviews

G
Gail VIP
Central Coast133 reviews
5.0
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food. The best Italian food around. Our server was exquisite
Is this helpful?
B
Beverly
Sacramento3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved it. the food was AMAZING. Thank you for showing us the room downstairs and for cooking the buffet Chicken Marsala for us for tasting for our possible upcoming rehearsal dinner.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Sacramento3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was very good, had a great time with friends! The owner is so nice and friendly! Great service.
Is this helpful?
L
Laird
Central Coast2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were greeted and seated by the most amazing and friendly hostess. Our waiter was also fantastic as well as everyone that brought our food to the table. The food was delicious and we’ll definitely be back to try different dishes. I have only great things to say about the evening.
Is this helpful?
R
Renee
Central Coast3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Everything was wonderful - they were very accommodating to us as a large party of 10! Food was outstanding, a delightful evening all around.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
Puerto Vallarta3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love Cafe Roma . Greg was an outstanding waiter and the food was great as always!
Is this helpful?
S
Sharon VIP
San Francisco16 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been to Cafe Roma frequently over the last 12 years. First of all, the staff is always extremely friendly and accommodating. The food is A+ as well. Lots of good choices with fresh ingredients and great flavor. We enjoy our experience each and every time. One suggestion-bring back eggplant parmigiana onto your menu. It’s my favorite dish!
Is this helpful?
e
ehud
Orange County2 reviews
2.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We were 4 people dining, bread served to the table was not fresh. We all ordered different pasta dishes. Quality was medium, greasy and oily. Desert was ok. Low quality food. Would not go again
Is this helpful?
D
Diane VIP
Los Angeles4 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 21, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Asked early on Open Table for a booth ~ was very specific about this as it was a special occasion. The Host looked around before he seated us and let out a big sigh after seeing all the booths were taken. No apologies were given and we were seated next to one of their window seats, which I would request in the future definitely NOT to sit. The curtains smell musky and take up a significant amount of your small space. Sever was outstanding ~ super sweet older gentleman who was quite attentive and friendly. Food was okay ~ my pork chop was not cooked enough and actually bright red in the center near the bone ~ ugh! I ate all around it as we didn't want to stay any longer than necessary, frankly. I did have a terrible stomach ache for the rest of the evening and I'm sure it was the undercooked abundant in size pork chop. Sadly, hubby and I won't be returning anytime soon. Very mediocre food and ambiance - like a slightly step up from Marie Calendars.
Is this helpful?
C
Charles
Central Coast2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great service . Convenient location, good menu selection
Is this helpful?

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo using the Order Online button.

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo is rated 4.7 stars by 1773 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

1020 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Santa Rosa
Neighborhood
San Luis Obispo
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Abundant free parking in front of the restaurant.
Public transit
Free Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Saro and Maria Rizzo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://caferomaslo.com/
Phone number
(805) 541-6800
Catering
Planning is orchestrated by Café Roma’s owners, managers, and professional event staff. If you are simply needing food prepared for your special event that you plan to pick up from the restaurant and service yourself, please take a look at the Catering for Pick Up Menu at caferomaslo.com/catering.
Private party facilities
Café Roma has a variety of event spaces, including the Deruta Banquet Room (capacity 80 lunch/dinner, 100 reception), the Garden Patio (capacity 50), and the Sala (capacity 40). Spaces ideal for wedding rehearsal dinners, celebrations, memorials, company parties, and medical or financial dinners.

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Cal Poly Graduation

Martini Monday

Raid the Wine Cellar Tuesdays

Lasagna Bolognese

Caesar Salad

Bucatini Carbonara

Starters

Mediterranean Olives$6.00

Carpaccio$18.00

Prosciutto e Burrata$18.00

Mozzarella Caprese$16.00

Escargots$16.00

Calamari Fritti$18.00

Steamed Clams$18.00

Bruschetta$12.00

Fried Mozzarella "Marinara"$14.00

Bread Dipping Sauce$5.00

Antipasto Cafe Roma$25.00

Salads

Insalata Mista$10.00

Insalata Bietole$12.00

Insalata Café Roma$14.00

Insalata Caesar$12.00

Pizza

Margherita "Classica"$18.00

Burrata Prosciutto e Arugula$22.00

Calabrese "Pepperoni" $21.00

Dolomiti Bianca$22.00

Pasta

Cappellini Pomodoro$18.00

Bucatini Carbonara$22.00

Linguine alle Vongole$26.00

Lasagna Bolognese$24.00

Tortelli di Zucca$22.00

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina$22.00

Ravioli della Casa$22.00

Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu$26.00

Meats & Fish

Filet Mignon$48.00

Veal Marsala$38.00

Chicken Parmigiana$28.00

Osso Buco Milanese Style$38.00

Scampi Piccata$32.00

Salmone alla Griglia$32.00

Pollo alla Valdostana$28.00

Sides

Sautéed Spinach$10.00

Fettuccine Alfredo$10.00

Dessert

Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake$14.00

Torta della Nonna$12.00

Sorbetto di Limone$14.00

Classic Tiramisu$12.00

Sicilian Cannoli (2)$12.00

Chocolate Mousse$12.00

Spumoni Bomba$14.00

Classic Crème Brulle$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo restaurant rated?

Is Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information