The Central Coast Restaurants

The cuisine in Ventura and Santa Barbara is every bit as eclectic as it is in California's bigger cities; fresh seafood is a standout. A foodie renaissance has overtaken the entire region from Ventura to Paso Robles, spawning dozens of restaurants touting locavore cuisine made with fresh organic produce and meats. Dining attire on the Central Coast is generally casual, though slightly dressy casual wear is the custom at pricier restaurants.

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  • 1. Thomas Hill Organics

    $$$$ | Modern American

    The Central Coast's abundance of organic and sustainably sourced bounty—veggies, seafood, meats, and breads—are creatively woven into innovative dishes at this brick-walled downtown favorite. The wine list celebrates local wines; with many by the half-glass, you can sample a good cross-section.

    1313 Park St., at 13th St., Paso Robles, California, 93446, USA
    805-226–5888

    Known For

    • Organic sustainable menu
    • Local-centric wine list
    • Regional locavore pioneer
  • 2. Andria's Seafood

    $$

    The specialties at this casual, family-oriented restaurant in Ventura Harbor Village are fresh fish-and-chips and homemade clam chowder. After placing your order at the counter, you can sit outside on the patio and enjoy the view of the harbor and marina.

    1449 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, California, 93001, USA
    805-654–0546

    Known For

    • Harbor views
    • Plates with locally caught grilled fish
    • Wide-ranging menu of salads, burgers, chicken, and sides

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 3. Harbor Cove Café

    $

    Waterfront views (from beside the Channel Islands National Park Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center), hearty, cooked-to-order meals, and boxed picnic lunches make this casual dockside eatery a popular spot for island travelers and beachgoers. Fill up on a breakfast burrito before boarding the boat; take a boxed deli-sandwich along; and refuel posttrip with a hefty Angus burger, chowder, or fish-and-chips.

    1867 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, California, 93001, USA
    805-658–1639

    Known For

    • Hearty breakfasts
    • Harbor views
    • Seafood tacos

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 4. peasants FEAST

    $$

    This low-key, family-friendly eatery in the heart of town serves up made-from-scratch dishes that showcase seasonal local bounty sourced from trusted fishers and farmers. Feast on soups, beef-and-cheese smash burgers, and various salads and sandwiches in the casual interior or in the cozy brick patio.

    487 Atterdag Rd., Solvang, California, 93463, USA
    805-686–4555

    Known For

    • Tacos with rockfish, gourmet mushrooms, or slow-cooked pork
    • House-cured and smoked bacon, pickled organic veggies, pastrami-smoked salmon
    • Arcade and deli/market attached to restaurant

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Wed. or Sun.
  • 5. The Spoon Trade

    $$

    A silver spoon display at the entrance reflects this casual eatery's mission to "spoon food and trade stories" with diners who indulge in traditional American comfort food that's given a modern twist. Perennial menu faves include tri-tip tartare, grilled artichoke, duck ramen, and fried chicken with sourdough waffles; save room for a root beer float or brown sugar pot de crème for dessert. During the day, pick up fresh goodies at Grover Beach Sourdough, the restaurant's bakery across the street.

    295 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, California, 93433, USA
    805-904–6773

    Known For

    • Pet-friendly patio
    • House-made pastas
    • Lively dining room with open kitchen

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
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