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Best of SLO County 2025: Eats 

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Best North County Restaurant

The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar

835 13th St., Paso Robles

(805) 221-5727

maggie@hatchpasorobles.com

hatchpasorobles.com

@thehatchrotisserie

facebook.com/hatchpasorobles

Best North Coast Restaurant

Robin’s Restaurant

4095 Burton Drive, Cambria

(805) 927-5007

anthony@robinsrestaurant.com

robinsrestaurant.com

@robinsrestaurant

facebook.com/RobinsRestaurant

Best San Luis Obispo Restaurant

Nate’s on Marsh

450 Marsh St., SLO

(805) 544-4454

natesonmarsh.com

@natesonmarsh

Best South County Restaurant

Ember

1200 E. Grand Ave., suite 101,

Arroyo Grande

(805) 474-7700

info@emberwoodfire.com

emberwoodfire.com

@emberrestaurant

facebook.com/emberrestaurant

Best South Coast Restaurant

Marisol at The Cliffs

2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach

(805) 773-5000

marisol@cliffshotelandspa.com

cliffshotelandspa.com/dine

@thecliffshotelandspa

facebook.com/thecliffshotelandspa

Best Breakfast

Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe

1804 Osos St., SLO

(805) 545-5895

hello@sallyloos.com

sallyloos.com

@sallyloos

facebook.com/sallylooswholesomecafe

What’s that I smell? Maybe Sally Loo’s Blue Berrymore Waffles, a signature waffle batter with blueberry-thyme compote, lavender-honey mascarpone, sliced almonds, and orange zest? Possibly an Egg Sando with fried egg, bacon, cheese, veggies, and aioli? Naturally, you could wash either down with a beautifully steamed cappuccino poured to perfection. Not to mention the space’s quaint, inviting, mosaic atmosphere is a treat in itself. That’s just how it is at Sally Loo’s Wholesome Café—The Best Breakfast in SLO County. With extensive breakfast and lunch menus, Sally Loo’s has you covered for something fresh, sweet, refreshing, or all of the above. Do yourself a favor and check it out at 1804 Osos St. daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

—Libbey Hanson

Best Weekend Brunch

Lido Restaurant & Lounge

2727 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach

(805) 773-8900

info@thedolphinbay.com

thedolphinbay.com

@dolphinbay.lido

facebook.com/LidoAtDolphinBay

Best Family-Friendly Restaurant

Klondike Pizza

104 Bridge St., Arroyo Grande

(805) 481-5288

klondikepizza.com

@klondikepizza

facebook.com/klondikepizza

Best Place to go on a First Date

Novo Restaurant & Lounge

726 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 543-3986

info@novorestaurant.com

novorestaurant.com

@novorestaurant

facebook.com/NovoRestaurant

Best Outdoor Dining

Novo Restaurant & Lounge

726 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 543-3986

info@novorestaurant.com

novorestaurant.com

@novorestaurant

facebook.com/NovoRestaurant

Tree limbs stretch high above the outdoor tables, providing shade by day. At night, the same branches, wrapped in warm lights, create a cozy ambiance for evening dinners. With the creek right below, people dining at Novo Restaurant & Lounge can enjoy dishes from around the world with a view. If you’re planning a first date, Novo is the place to book because of its variety of food options, ranging from Korean short ribs to mushroom beef risotto. Not to mention, if you’re unsure of your date’s dietary needs, Novo has vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. If a dinner date seems too formal, wait until Sunday to go to brunch or maybe catch a late lunch any day of the week. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the drink menu for wines, beers, spirits, craft cocktails, and house-made nonalcoholic sodas.

—Emma Montalbano

Best Chinese Food

Mei’s Chinese Restaurant

1759 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach

(805) 773-2908

meischineserestaurants.com

Best Indian Food

Shalimar

3820 Broad St., SLO

(805) 781-0766

asim@shalimarslo.com

shalimarslo.com

@shalimarindianrestaurant

facebook.com/shalimarslo

Best Italian Food

Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica

891 Price St., Pismo Beach

849 Monterey St., SLO

(805) 773-2870

jamie@giuseppesrestaurant.com

giuseppesrestaurant.com

@slogiuseppes

facebook.com/PismoGiuseppes

Best Japanese Food

Goshi

570 Higuera St., suite 155, SLO

772 Pine St., Paso Robles

(805) 543-8942

goshislo.com

@goshislo

facebook.com/GoshiSLO

Best Mediterranean Food

Petra Mediterranean Pizza & Grill

1210 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 439-1999

eatpetra.com

@eatpetra

click to enlarge TALENTED TAQUERIA With a sweep of Best Mexican Food, Best Food Truck, Best Taco, and Best Burrito, Taqueria El Guero is a one-stop shop if you're craving something that comes with salsa, such as this burrito plate with a margarita or the Birria Quesa Taco Platter. - PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
  • Photo By Jayson Mellom
  • TALENTED TAQUERIA With a sweep of Best Mexican Food, Best Food Truck, Best Taco, and Best Burrito, Taqueria El Guero is a one-stop shop if you're craving something that comes with salsa, such as this burrito plate with a margarita or the Birria Quesa Taco Platter.

Best Mexican Food

Taqueria El Guero

SLO, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach

(805) 904-0104

taqueriaelguero.com

@taq.elguero

facebook.com/taq.elguero

Best Thai Food

Thai Boat

3212 Broad St., No. 140, SLO

(805) 594-1638

slothaiboat@gmail.com

thaiboat.menu11.com

Best Seafood

Lure Fish House

1101 Monterey St., SLO

(805) 586-1356

info@lurefishhouse.com

lurefishhouse.com

@lurefishhouse

facebook.com/LureFishHouse

Best Sushi

Goshi

570 Higuera St., suite 155, SLO

772 Pine St., Paso Robles

(805) 543-8942

goshislo.com

@goshislo

facebook.com/GoshiSLO

Best Poke

Pokirito

848 Foothill Blvd., SLO

(805) 439-2541

pokirito.slo@gmail.com

poki-rito.com

@pokirito.slo

facebook.com/pokirito

click to enlarge MEATY MENUAt Old SLO BBQ, the meat's always hot and fresh off the oak-fired barbecue. The Best Barbecue spot serves up coastal classics like the tri-tip sando, indulgent platters like the pork rib plate with corn pie, and healthier options like the Strawberry Field Salad. - PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
  • Photo By Jayson Mellom
  • MEATY MENUAt Old SLO BBQ, the meat's always hot and fresh off the oak-fired barbecue. The Best Barbecue spot serves up coastal classics like the tri-tip sando, indulgent platters like the pork rib plate with corn pie, and healthier options like the Strawberry Field Salad.

Best Barbecue

Old SLO BBQ Co.

670 Higuera St., SLO

3870-3 Broad St., SLO

(805) 285-2473

info@oldsanluisbbq.com

oldsanluisbbq.com

@oldslobbq

facebook.com/oldsanluisbbq

Best Vegan Food

Ziggy’s

594 California Blvd., SLO

1227 Pine St., Paso Robles

(805) 439-4399

ziggysvegan@gmail.com

eatziggys.com

@eatziggys

facebook.com/eatziggys

Best Vegetarian Food

Ziggy’s

594 California Blvd., SLO

1227 Pine St., Paso Robles

(805) 439-4399

ziggysvegan@gmail.com

eatziggys.com

@eatziggys

facebook.com/eatziggys

Best Food Truck

Taqueria El Guero

SLO, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach

(805) 904-0104

taqueriaelguero.com

@taq.elguero

facebook.com/taq.elguero

Best Chef

Garrett Morris - Sichuan Kitchen SLO

977 Foothill Boulevard, SLO

(805) 888-7752

gmorris123@yahoo.com

sichuankitchenslo.com

@sichuankitchenslo

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076593596132

Best Caterer

TASTE! Craft Eatery

2900 Broad St., SLO

810 11th St., Paso Robles

(805) 200-2978

info@taste2900.com

taste2900.com/events

@tastecrafteatery

facebook.com/taste2900

Best Butcher

Arroyo Grande Meat Company

120 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande

(805) 489-2693

info@agmeatcompany.com

agmeatcompany.com

@arroyograndemeatco

facebook.com/AGmeatco

click to enlarge HERE, FISHY FISHY The fish is always fresh and sometimes fried into delectable delicacies at Giovanni's Fish Market and Galley in Morro Bay, home of the Best Fish Market in SLO County. - PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
  • Photo By Jayson Mellom
  • HERE, FISHY FISHY The fish is always fresh and sometimes fried into delectable delicacies at Giovanni's Fish Market and Galley in Morro Bay, home of the Best Fish Market in SLO County.

Best Fish Market

Giovanni’s Fish Market and Galley

1001 Front St., Morro Bay

(805) 772-2025

sales@giovannisfishmarket.com

giosfish.com

@giovannis_fish_market

facebook.com/GiovannisFishMarket

Best Burrito

Taqueria El Guero

SLO, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach

(805) 904-0104

taqueriaelguero.com

@taq.elguero

facebook.com/taq.elguero

Best Breakfast Burrito

Lincoln Market & Deli

496 Broad St., SLO

(805) 543-3443

lincolnmarketanddeli@gmail.com

lincolnmarketanddeli.com

@lincolnmarketdeli

facebook.com/LincolnMarketandDeli

Best Taco

Taqueria El Guero

SLO, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach

(805) 904-0104

taqueriaelguero.com

@taq.elguero

facebook.com/taq.elguero

Best Burger

Sylvester’s Burgers

Los Osos, Atascadero, Oceano

sylvestersburgers@gmail.com

sylvestersburgers.com

@sylvestersburgers

facebook.com/sylvesters.burger

click to enlarge FAST AND SATISFYING Firestone Grill might be one of the fastest affordable lunch spots downtown when the line isn't halfway down the sidewalk—which is rare. But people like it, you know? Our readers like it so much, they voted Firestone Best Fries, Best Salad, and Best Sports Bar. - PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
  • Photo By Jayson Mellom
  • FAST AND SATISFYING Firestone Grill might be one of the fastest affordable lunch spots downtown when the line isn't halfway down the sidewalk—which is rare. But people like it, you know? Our readers like it so much, they voted Firestone Best Fries, Best Salad, and Best Sports Bar.

Best French Fries

Firestone Grill

1001 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 783-1001

contact@firestonegrill.com

firestonegrill.com

@firestonegrill

facebook.com/FirestoneGrill

Best Sandwich

High Street Deli

350 High St., SLO

1326 Second St., Los Osos

(805) 541-4738

eat@highstdeli.com

highstdeli.com

@highstreetdeli

facebook.com/highstreetdeli

I can’t imagine capping off a swim in the ocean on a sunny beach day in SLO County without a sandwich, and High Street Deli delivers. The almost 100-year-old market and deli evolved from carrying essentials like milk, chewing tobacco, and fishing gear to the famed sandwich joint that draws in locals and tourists alike. Avoid the lunch rush and order tried-and-true hits like Dutch Punch, turkey pesto, Highzenburger, and Beef Dip Doobie Style online. But you can save your wallet and curb your High Street craving, if you drop in at 4:20 p.m. when the price drops to $8.50 a sandwich. The offer runs until 5:30 p.m. For more of a kick, you can ask to make your sandos “stoney"—sandwich makers will load your orders with the extra ingredients of their choice. SLO visitors can also admire the iconic Eskimo Pie mural on the outer wall on the side of the shop. Check out High Street Deli’s Baywood Park location for the exclusive burger sando menu.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Best Steak

Jocko’s Steakhouse

125 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo

(805) 929-3686

jockossteakhouse.com

Best Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken

299 Madonna Road, SLO

(805) 706-0600

daveshotchicken.com

@daveshotchicken

facebook.com/ToLiveandFryInLA

click to enlarge BEST PIZZA Riley Sennes makes a couple of pizzas at My Friend Mike's on Broad Street in San Luis Obispo. The pizza joint took the Best Pizza crown from Woodstock's for the first time in more than three decades. It's that good. - PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
  • Photo By Jayson Mellom
  • BEST PIZZA Riley Sennes makes a couple of pizzas at My Friend Mike's on Broad Street in San Luis Obispo. The pizza joint took the Best Pizza crown from Woodstock's for the first time in more than three decades. It's that good.

Best Pizza

My Friend Mike’s

2324 Broad St., SLO

(805) 464-6438

mike@myfriendmikes.com

myfriendmikes.com

@myfriendmikes

Best Wood-Fired Pizza

Flour House

690 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 544-5282

flourhouseslo@gmail.com

flourhouseslo.com

@flourhouseslo

facebook.com/Flour-House-SLO-1103189849695534

Best Salad

Firestone Grill

1001 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 783-1001

contact@firestonegrill.com

firestonegrill.com

@firestonegrill

facebook.com/FirestoneGrill

Best Chowder

Splash Café

197 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach

(805) 773-4653

splashcafe.com

@splashcafe

facebook.com/SplashCafeChowder

Best Ramen

Raku Ramen

799 E. Foothill Blvd., suite A, SLO

(805) 439-3088

rakuramen.slo@gmail.com

raku-ramen.com

@rakuramen.slo

facebook.com/rakuramenslo

Best Fish & Chips

Splash Café

197 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach

(805) 773-4653

splashcafe.com

@splashcafe

facebook.com/SplashCafeChowder

Best Mac & Cheese

Black Sheep Bar & Grill

1117 Chorro St., SLO

(805) 544-7433

info@blacksheepslo.com

blacksheepslo.com

@blacksheepslo

facebook.com/blacksheepslo

click to enlarge DELICIOUS New Times readers agree with John Skow, who wrote a very long piece for Time magazine in 1981 about ice cream: "The best ice cream in the world, as anyone who has tried it will argue, is sold by McConnell's, in California." Since 1949, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams has kept its flavors simple, fresh, and local. - PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
  • Photo By Jayson Mellom
  • DELICIOUS New Times readers agree with John Skow, who wrote a very long piece for Time magazine in 1981 about ice cream: "The best ice cream in the world, as anyone who has tried it will argue, is sold by McConnell's, in California." Since 1949, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams has kept its flavors simple, fresh, and local.

Best Ice Cream

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams

868 Monterey St., SLO

(805) 439-5055

info@mcconnells.com

mcconnells.com

@mcconnellsicecreams

facebook.com/mcconnells.icecream

Best Froyo

SLO Froyo n’ Italian Ice

956 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 437-0166

admin@slofroyo.com

slofroyo.com

@slofroyonice

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073203202519

Best Doughnut

SloDoCo

Atascadero, SLO (two locations)

(805) 782-9766

slomanager@slodoco.com

slodoco.com

@slodoco

facebook.com/slodoco

Best Dessert

Madonna Inn

100 Madonna Road, SLO

(805) 543-3000

info@madonnainn.com

madonnainn.com

@madonnainn1958

facebook.com/MadonnaInn

While walking into the Madonna Inn can be an experience in itself, nothing tops sinking into one of the padded, spinning coffee bar chairs at the Copper Cafe and indulging in a slice of Pink Champagne cake the size of your face. Now, if cake doesn’t tickle your fancy, the menu includes several pie options from banana cream to cherry, as well as options for milkshakes and sundaes. Diners can order dessert from those pink bar chairs or straight from their table at the Madonna Inn Copper Cafe or Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House. Whether you’re craving some color and nostalgia or just something sugary, dessert at the Madonna Inn is a sweet memory in the making.

—Emma Montalbano

Best Pie

Linn’s Easy As Pie Cafe

4251 Bridge St., Cambria

(805) 924-3050

mail@linnsfruitbin.com

linnseats.com

@linnsfruitbin

facebook.com/linnseasyaspiecafe

Best Bread

Bread Bike Bakery

2060 Parker St., SLO

(805) 242-1588

hello@slobreadbike.com

slobreadbike.com

@bread.bike

facebook.com/slobreadbike

Best Bakery

Bread Bike Bakery

2060 Parker St., SLO

(805) 242-1588

hello@slobreadbike.com

slobreadbike.com

@bread.bike

facebook.com/slobreadbike

Best Olive Oil

SLO Olive

958 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 439-2455

info@sloolive.com

sloolive.com

@slo.olive

facebook.com/SLOOLIVE ∆

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(Sorry, no information is currently available for other years in this same award category.)

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