Best of SLO County 2023: Eats

Following a farm-to-fork ethos since its beginnings in 1988, Giuseppe’s is a local institution that in so many ways embodies the culture of San Luis Obispo County. The food is tremendous and locally sourced. The space is inviting, the service is on point, and the vibe is classy yet low-key. Its reputation is such that on every visit, whether it’s to the Pismo Beach or SLO location, you’re more than likely to see and share a moment with someone you know in the community. From the pastas and meats, to the soups and salads, to the wine and cocktails, Giuseppe’s never misses.

—Peter Johnson

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

The Spoon Trade

294 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach

(805) 904-6773

info@thespoontrade.com

thespoontrade.com

@the_spoon_trade

facebook.com/thespoontrade

Best Breakfast

Louisa’s Place Restaurant

964 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 541-0227

louisasplace.com

Best Weekend Brunch

Lido Restaurant & Lounge

2727 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach

(805) 773-8900

info@thedolphinbay.com

thedolphinbay.com

@dolphinbay.lido

facebook.com/DolphinBayResort

Best Family-Friendly Restaurant (TIE)

Firestone Grill

1001 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 783-1001

contact@firestonegrill.com

firestonegrill.com

@firestonegrill

facebook.com/FirestoneGrill

Finney’s Crafthouse

857 Monterey St., SLO

(805) 439-2556

greg@finneyscrafthouse.com

finneyscrafthouse.com

@finneyscrafthouse

facebook.com/Finneyscrafthouse

Best Outdoor Dining

Novo Restaurant & Lounge

726 Higuera St., SLO

(805) 543-3986

info@novorestaurant.com

novorestaurant.com

@novorestaurant

facebook.com/NovoRestaurant

Best Chinese Food

Mei’s Chinese Restaurant

1759 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach

(805) 773-2908

meischineserestaurant.com

facebook.com/pages/Meis-Chinese-Restaurant/121668924510235

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

facebook.com/petraSLO?fref=ts

Nothing can satisfy the need for a juicy gyro and fresh tabbouleh better than Petra. Its generous platters give you your fill and then some. The turmeric rice is soft and fluffy and an extra order of tzatziki is a must. Order some hummus and a side of warm pita to share with friends or family and stay awhile. If Mediterranean dishes aren’t your thing (or you have a picky eater in the group) Petra’s pizzas are to die for. The crisp crust crunches with every bite and it pulls the savory flavors of popular Mediterranean dishes with the tang of tomato sauce and cheese to tie it all together. Build your own or pick one of the pies on the menu. You can’t go wrong!

—Taylor O’Connor

Best Mexican Food

Efren’s Mexican Restaurant

1720 Beach St., Oceano

1285 Laurel Lane, SLO

(805) 489-2385

efrenssanluis@gmail.com

efrensmexicanrestaurant.com

@efrensrestaurant

facebook.com/pages/Efrens-2/573150352782299

Best Thai Food

Thai Boat

3212 Broad St., No. 140, SLO

(805) 594-1638

slothaiboat@gmail.com

thaiboatsloca.com

facebook.com/thaiboatslo

Best Seafood

Mersea’s

3985 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach

(805) 548-2290

merseas.pier@gmail.com

merseas.com

@merseasonthepier

facebook.com/Merseas

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

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

Old SLO BBQ is the prime post-hike pig-out zone. The Santa Maria-style oak-grilled meats are tender, juicy, and make a fitting reward at the end of any workout. The restaurant thinks so too. On Saturdays only, post your outdoor activity on social media and show it to an Old SLO BBQ cashier for a 15 percent discount. Coupled with their pinquito beans and cowboy corn pie, Old SLO BBQ’s tri-tip makes for the heartiest meal that’s worthy of being crowned best barbecue. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a craft beer or two that they have on tap.

—Bulbul Rajagopal