Finding the top restaurants in Paso Robles can make your visit to this wine country destination truly special. The top restaurants in Paso Robles offer amazing food that pairs perfectly with local wines. No matter if you're looking for a fancy dinner or a casual lunch, the top restaurants in Paso Robles have you covered. Many of the top restaurants in Paso Robles use fresh ingredients from local farms. This guide will show you the top restaurants in Paso Robles that you won't want to miss.
Paso Robles has become a food lover's paradise. The city sits between San Francisco and Los Angeles, making it a perfect stop on a California road trip. With its award-winning wines and farm-fresh cuisine, Paso Robles offers dining experiences that compete with much larger cities. Let's dig in to the best places to eat in this charming Central Coast town.
1. The Restaurant at Justin
Located within Justin Winery, The Restaurant at Justin stands out among top restaurants in Paso Robles. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a memorable fine dining experience with vineyard views. Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom creates seasonal tasting menus using ingredients from their 26-acre farm.
- What makes it special:
- Multi-course tasting menus change with the seasons
- Perfect wine pairings from Justin's extensive portfolio
- Elegant atmosphere with stunning vineyard views
Learn more about The Restaurant at Justin and their award-winning cuisine.
2. Six Test Kitchen
Six Test Kitchen offers one of the most unique dining experiences among top restaurants in Paso Robles. Located in Tin City, this intimate 12-seat restaurant was the first in San Luis Obispo County to earn a Michelin star. Guests sit around an open kitchen watching chefs prepare a 12-course tasting menu.
- Key features:
- Ever-changing menu based on seasonal ingredients
- Interactive dining experience with chef interaction
- Reservations open on the first of each month
Discover Six Test Kitchen and their innovative approach to dining.
3. Use Assembo.ai to Create Restaurant Photos
Assembo.ai can help restaurant owners showcase their dishes in the best light. This tool lets you create professional food photos without expensive equipment. Upload your dish images and see them in different settings.
- How it works:
- Upload photos of your restaurant dishes
- Choose from various background styles
- Generate professional-looking food photography
Try Assembo.ai to level up your restaurant's visual appeal.
4. Il Cortile Ristorante
Il Cortile Ristorante is a standout among Italian top restaurants in Paso Robles. Chef Santos MacDonal has been serving made-from-scratch Italian cuisine for over a decade. The restaurant features homemade pastas and traditional recipes in a cozy courtyard setting.
- Why it's great:
- Handmade pasta prepared daily
- Wine Spectator award-winning wine list
- Authentic Italian flavors with local ingredients
Visit Il Cortile Ristorante for authentic Italian dining in downtown Paso Robles.
5. The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar
The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar brings Southern comfort food to the list of top restaurants in Paso Robles. Located in a historic downtown building, this popular spot serves wood-fired dishes and creative cocktails. Their rotisserie chicken and nightly specials keep locals coming back.
- Must-try items:
- Famous fried chicken (available Tue-Thur)
- Wood-fired rotisserie dishes
- House-made cream pies for dessert
Check out The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar for comfort food in a lively atmosphere.
6. Les Petites Canailles
Les Petites Canailles offers sophisticated French cuisine among top restaurants in Paso Robles. This farm-to-table bistro focuses on traditional French dishes made with Central Coast ingredients. The restaurant is named after the owners' three children, meaning 'the little rascals.'
- French specialties:
- Five-course tasting menu changes nightly
- Family-style options like roasted chicken
- Classic French desserts made in-house
Experience Les Petites Canailles for authentic French dining in Paso Robles.
7. Thomas Hill Organics
Thomas Hill Organics pioneered farm-to-table dining among top restaurants in Paso Robles. Debbie Thomas started this restaurant in 2009, sourcing ingredients from local organic farms. The menu changes weekly based on what's fresh and seasonal.
- Farm-to-table highlights:
- Organic produce from local farms
- Grass-fed meats and free-range poultry
- Sunday brunch with creative dishes
Visit Thomas Hill Organics for fresh, organic cuisine in downtown Paso Robles.
8. Fish Gaucho
Fish Gaucho brings Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine to the list of top restaurants in Paso Robles. This vibrant restaurant features fresh seafood and an extensive tequila selection. The colorful interior and lively atmosphere make it a popular choice.
- Mexican favorites:
- Fresh ceviche and seafood tacos
- Carne asada and chile verde
- Extensive tequila and mezcal selection
Try Fish Gaucho for California-Mexican cuisine in downtown Paso Robles.
9. Della's
Della's serves some of the best pizza among top restaurants in Paso Robles. This sister restaurant to The Hatch features wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings. The slow-fermented dough and fun crust dips make their pizza stand out.
- Pizza perfection:
- Slow-fermented dough for better flavor
- Creative topping combinations
- House-made vanilla ice cream for dessert
Enjoy Della's for wood-fired pizza and casual dining in downtown Paso Robles.
10. La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant
La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant offers Spanish and Latin American flavors among top restaurants in Paso Robles. Another creation from Chef Santos MacDonal, this restaurant showcases shareable plates and Latin-inspired dishes. The location across from Downtown City Park makes it perfect for people-watching.
- Latin flavors:
- Shareable small plates for trying multiple dishes
- Spanish and South American inspired cuisine
- Creative cocktails and Spanish wines
Experience La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant for Latin-inspired dining in Paso Robles.
11. Jeffry's Wine Country BBQ
Jeffry's Wine Country BBQ offers comfort food with a wine country twist among top restaurants in Paso Robles. This family-owned spot specializes in house-smoked meats and from-scratch sauces. The outdoor patio is one of the best in town.
- BBQ highlights:
- Dry-rubbed, house-smoked meats
- Award-winning mac & cheese varieties
- Outdoor patio with relaxed atmosphere
Visit Jeffry's Wine Country BBQ for smoked meats and comfort food in downtown Paso Robles.
12. Brunch Spots and Casual Eateries
No guide to top restaurants in Paso Robles would be complete without mentioning breakfast and casual options. From creative brunch spots to family-friendly diners, Paso Robles has plenty of choices for morning meals and quick bites.
- Morning favorites:
- Brunch: Creative dishes like chorizo breakfast pizza
- Joe's: Hearty breakfasts with traditional Mexican options
- Odyssey World Cafe: Casual lunch with extensive menu
Find more Paso Robles dining options for every meal of the day.
Final Thoughts
The top restaurants in Paso Robles offer something for every taste and occasion. From Michelin-starred tasting menus to casual barbecue joints, the dining scene in this wine country town continues to impress. No matter if you're planning a special celebration or just looking for a great meal, these top restaurants in Paso Robles won't disappoint.
Many of these establishments source ingredients from local farms and purveyors, creating a true farm-to-table experience. The connection to the land and local wine industry makes dining in Paso Robles particularly special. Make reservations in advance for popular spots, especially during peak season.