Where to eat

San Luis Obispo may be a small town, but the selection of cuisine and restaurants is not. We’ve asked some of our most renown local reviewers to provide you with their suggestions.

Lynn Diehl

Owns Wine Region News in addition to two radio shows -Wine Region News Radio and In The Food Section - and Ten Questions with Lynn Diehl newspaper column.

THE FIERO CAFÉ

Looking for a light breakfast, satisfying made to order sandwich for lunch and the best cookies outside of your grandmother’s kitchen? Tracy Fleming and Glenn Stewart are a find! The lunch specials change daily,the baked goods and handmade marshmallows are just great (take some home or camping – you’ll be the only gourmet in the park). They have extensive culinary credentials (check out Stewart and Clark Fine Foods online) and know how to fill the tummy and the soul. The location is tucked away in an industrial park near the airport, but it’s worth a visit.

CIOPINOT

I’m fond of a good wine list and a place where you can nosh at the bar Tapas style or have a full dinner. Ciopinot ﬁts the bill on all counts. I like sitting in the bar looking out on the street, fun stuff. Whether you’re in the mood for a bowl of Clam Chowder, signature Cioppino, fresh oysters or grilled seafood, you’ll be pretty happy here. They have the wines to match. And – they have half bottles, which makes me love the place even more.

Pepper Daniels

Program director for American General Media, which are local radio stations; KJUG, KZOZ, Q104 & The Krush.

Breakfast Buzz

For breakfast, lunch, and dinner in SLO it's an easy 1-2-3 for me...Breakfast Buzz on Santa Rosa has been feeding Cal Poly for years so it's doing something right. For eggs and breakfast burritos, it's hard to beat.

Firestone

The native, local way to eat beef is "tri-tip" and more than sports lovers love the way Firestone Grill does it. It's non-traditional because of the sauce but it's hard to beat.

Novo

Then for dinner, Novo. It's a mix of fresh, organic, local ingredients with a sophistication that is top notch but isn't heavy for a night in downtown SLO. Plus a great wine list.

Katy Budge

Katy Budge is a freelance food and wine writer based on California’s Central Coast who has covered various aspects of the local food and wine industries for many years. Currently, she writes a weekly restaurant column for The Tribune newspaper, contributes to Gayot.com, and “explores the culture of cuisine” on her website and blog, www.CasaFestiva.com and casafestiva.wordpress.com.

Big Sky Café

The “Market Fresh Cuisine” of Big Sky Café is a favorite whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Seasonal, farm-fresh specials join menu stalwarts such as Red Flannel Turkey Hash, Buttermilk Fried Chicken Salad, and Ancho-Glazed Salmon. Local wines are available and don’t forget about dessert!

Lincoln Market & Deli

Lincoln Market & Deli is a hidden gem with easy access off the Broad Street exit of Southbound Highway 101. This neighborhood spot has a vintage vibe, plus hearty made- to-order hot and cold sandwiches, Peet’s coffee and iced tea, and an impressive selection of premium bottled microbrews.

Luna Red

Luna Red offers a casual but upscale atmosphere with both “farm-to-table” dishes and “farm-to-glass” drinks. Their inventive global approach promises fun seasonal fare such as housemade salumi, a “fromage a trois” grilled cheese sandwich, or a crab lasagna.

Oasis

Oasis transports your tastebuds to the Mediterranean, especially to Morocco. There’s no alcohol served here, but you won’t mind once you relax with a pot of hot sweetened mint tea and order up a housemade vegan soup, Couscous Royale with lamb and veggies, or the richly tender beef potato tagine in a lemon-saffron sauce.

Barbara Saia

Senior Campaign Manager for Team In Training, Central Coast.

Madonna Inn Gold Rush Steakhouse and Copper Cafe

There is nothing like eating at the Madonna Inn. Pink everywhere. The Gold Rush Steakhouse has fantastic steaks, just melt in your mouth. Sitting in the pink booths you are surrounding by the history of the Inn. I love the Copper Cafe for breakfast and lunch, great egg dishes and fabulous sandwiches. You will never walk away from either feeling hungary.

Jamba Juice

Hey, this is a SLO original. Jamba Juice started right here on Chorro Street near the Cal Poly campus. I love a Jamba at any time of the day.

Sally Lou's

Sally Lou's is the cutest place in the Railroad District. I love, love, love their baked goods (scones and cupcakes) and my favorite cup of coffee is "the freakin' ray of sunshine."

The Wild Donkey

This is a new favorite of mine. The offer Mexican and Greek dishes, quite a combo. Their food is prepared fresh and the decor is so cute with darling paintings of donkeys done by the owners hanging on the walls.