Diners' Choice: American restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in California Central Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

4.9

4.9 (1360)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Ynez Valley

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

PatriciaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Always lives up to exoectations. We eat here whenever we are close enough.

Turn 12 Bar And Grill

4.6

4.6 (390)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Due to limited seating during this time we are only accepting phone in reservations.
Our outdoor patio is open and we are doing take-out.

Turn 12 Bar and Grill waved the green flag on October 1, 2013. The modern and sporty decor surround a spectacular 50 foot custom zinc bar top with tire tread inlay. Vintage motorcycles, historic racing artwork, and multiple televisions capture your attention upon entering. With a menu that serves a little of everything, from steaks and pasta, to pizza, burgers and salads Turn 12 is a casual American Bar and Grill with something for everyone.

The name Turn 12 is related to the famous Laguna Seca Raceway that has 11 turns and meant to invite guests to visit us at the corner of Tyler and Franklin as the last turn of the day.

Top review

Allyson

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

Food was 5/5, highly recommend the corkscrew burger. Service was 5/5, the server was attentive and friendly. The drinks were 2/5. A margarita is not complicated to make, yet this one seemed to be missing both the flavor of the lime juice and the tequila. There was a sour taste to it. It was a birthday celebration not sure if anything special is done but it wasn’t acknowledged. Other than that, I do recommend coming to eat here but hold off at the cocktails.

Tarpy's Roadhouse

4.6

4.6 (3584)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Relax in this 1917 Roadhouse and enjoy creative, Five Star American Country Cuisine. The wood-burning grill provides wonderful flavors for the freshest seafood and prime steaks. Set on five landscaped acres, the patios and extensive gardens provide a refreshing backdrop for hearty sandwiches, vegetarian entrees and tempting salads. Reservations are recommended.We are limited to outdoor seating. Please wear warm clothes for dinner. Not all tables have heat. All tables of 4 we allow 1 hour 30 minutes. Parties of 6 or more 2 hours. If you need more time please let us know. We require credit cards for parties over 6. All guests must wear a mask while entering the restaurant. You may take it off once seated. If your late for your reservation, please call we allow 15 minute grace period.
Tarpy's also offers affordable off-site catering drop offs

Top review

ColleenVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food was delicious as always and our waiter Thomas excellent and attentive. Perfect night.

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Popular dish

Crispy Calamari

Popular dish

8 oz Filet Mignon USDA Prime

Popular dish

Chili-Crusted Chicken

Mattei's Tavern

4.6

4.6 (384)

$50 and over

American

Los Olivos

About the restaurant

Recently opened on November 16, 2022, The Tavern continues her legacy as Santa Ynez Valley's beloved social hub. This California ranch-inspired restaurant highlights flavorful dishes and honest ingredients, many of which are harvested from Mattei’s on-site garden and surrounding local farms. Paying homage to its century old roots, the menu is elevated yet unfussy, offering grilled dishes and vegetables alongside seasonal specialties. The exceptional wine program is a singular and definitive draw of The Tavern. The comprehensive list features a California focused glass list which is complimented by an extensive cellar of Old World favorites.

For informal fare join us at The Bar, Mattei’s Tavern’s most authentic hangout. With a roaring fireplace and fixtures dating back to its 1886 origins, the historic bar and lounge space offers local craft beer and wine, amber hued cocktails and a snacks menu that ranges from bite sized to burger dinners.

Top review

Garth

Dined 3 days ago

We dined at Matties last nite for their "Feast of the Seven Fishes". EXCELLENT! The chef delivers each course, talks with you, and is very interested your comments. The waiter was great, very friendly, and attentive. It was a wonderful holiday evening. We suggest you try it! And its very well-priced!

Finch & Fork

4.7

4.7 (1764)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company.

Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.

Top review

CynthiaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

I have Christmas lunch with my dear sister & our 95 dear Mom every year…..we had a great experience at the Finch & Fork this year. Wonderful attentive server, Jamey & most delicious food. Thank you!

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Popular dish

Short Rib & Sweet Potato Hash

Popular dish

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Popular dish

King Salmon

Rosine's Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (573)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Rosine's Restaurant turns traditional American comfort food into an art form. This local family-owned and operated casual dining restaurant has been open for 43+ years. The Culcasi family, owners of Rosine's, have received a bit of national fame as it has appeared on Guy Fieri's show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". Rosine's offers indoor and outdoor (pet friendly) dining serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, beer wine and signature craft cocktails. Breakfast offers include Eggs Benedicts, Omelets and a variety of other breakfast specialities. As for lunch and dinner, there is a mix of American and Italian dishes. Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include their Beef Minestrone soup, Chicken Parmesan and Lasagna. Scrumptious sandwiches, fresh salads and burgers are also elevated. They are known world wide for their award-winning house made desserts. A consistent winner with the locals for Best Comfort Food, Best Family Restaurant, Best Desserts + more.

Top review

CarolynVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Decorated beautifully for Christmas. Service was attentive and polite. Food portions were generous and delicious. Ordered veggie burger (loved the mushrooms and avocado on it), lamb shanks (2 shanks with mashed potatoes and veggies - yum), lasagna (perfection) with minestrone soup - yum), and blacked chicken (dry). Black Forest cake (delicious, not too sweet just right).

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Popular dish

Hearty Homemade Beef Minestrone Soup

The Lantern Room - Monterey Beach Hotel

4.4

4.4 (18)

$31 to $50

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Nestled right on the Monterey State Beach, The Lantern Room offers a dining experience like no other, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a menu inspired by the rich offerings of Monterey County. Our dishes celebrate the flavors of the region, each crafted with ingredient sourced from local vendors, ensuring that every bite supports our vibrant community. Complement your meal with a selection of wines and beers exclusively from Monterey County, all while enjoying the calm, nautical ambiance that perfectly frames the ocean’s horizon. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil evening or a memorable meal with a view, The Lantern Room invites you to savor the best of the coast!

Top review

AnneVIP

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

This is a spectacular place to dine with beachfront view of Monterey Bay from every window! It's on the top floor of the Monterey Beach Hotel. The restaurant was recently remodeled with cool decor and very comfortable seating. The wait staff was very attentive. The cuisine was delicious, especially the grilled Ad Astra bread, brussels sprouts and pasta dishes. Great cocktails too. We will return again very soon.

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Experience

Christmas with The Lantern Room

The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

4.6

4.6 (531)

$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

CATHYVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

This is a beautiful venue. Inside and outside dining with gorgeous views. The food is fantastic and our service was top notch. Thank You Dulce !! We enjoyed it so much we made reservations for breakfast for the next day. Thank You Graice!!

Pacific's Edge

4.5

4.5 (3381)

$50 and over

American

Carmel

About the restaurant

Nestled on the craggy bluffs of Carmel Highlands and offering spectacular views of the California coastline, Pacific’s Edge lives up to a well-earned reputation as a destination restaurant. Using ingredients inspired by the local bounty from land and sea, a creative culinary team curates seasonal menus complemented by a storied wine list. Where California casual meets refined dining in a one-of-a-kind location, Pacific’s Edge will surely delight all the senses.

Top review

David

Dined 4 days ago

The greens salad was supposed to have crispy sunchokes but they were not included. The fish and chips were delicious, as was the chicken sandwich. The fries were excellent. You pay for the view.

Sur at The Barnyard

4.6

4.6 (503)

$31 to $50

American

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

Voted "Best Restaurant in Carmel Valley 2023"!

Located in the picturesque Barnyard Shopping Village just off of HWY 1 between Rio Rd and Carmel Valley Rd. Sur at the Barnyard is where foodies, beer lovers and families escape the stresses of their day-to-day lives to enjoy a great meal!

If you don't see a reservation available give us a call anytime and we will be happy to assist!

Need a reservation for 7 or more? Give us a call at 831-250-7188 or email us any requests at reservations@suratthebarnyard.com

Top review

LouiseVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent meal! Great options and well prepared and displayed. Austin was energetic, attentive and downright entertaining! Finished the meal with the Arctic Bomb. Not to be missed!

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