Where to Eat in Paso Robles

For the memorable dinners.

• Somm's KitchenYou walk in dressed casual and walk out having had fine dining and outstanding wine pairing, downtown on 13th Street. Ian Adamo, the owner and sommelier, is the star of the show — his personality will captivate you, and by the time you leave, you'll feel like he's your best friend. His wine knowledge, and the way he presents it, is incredible and genuinely down to earth. You'll taste wines that are beyond most people's budget, but it's all wrapped into the price at booking. I go as often as I can get in, which is hard to do — this place books up. (Beer & Wine)
  
• Six Test KitchenI used to enjoy this Tin City spot on most special occasions, but I've only been once since they earned their first Michelin star in 2021. The reason I don't go often is that it's booked months ahead of time. If you love true fine dining, you won't forget Chef-Owner Ricky Odbert and his innovative menu. (Beer & Wine)
  
• Les Petites CanaillesSophisticated yet relaxed French farm-to-table bistro from Julien & Courtney Asseo. Book well ahead. (Beer & Wine)
  
• In BloomChef Robbie Wilson's refined downtown restaurant — elegant, seasonal California cuisine. (Full Bar)
  
• The Restaurant at JustinA unique chef's tasting menu paired with Justin's own wines, at the winery. Justin started as a local family winery in 1981 but was bought out in 2010 and is now owned by The Wonderful Company, a large corporation — it's on this list because it's one of Paso's two Michelin-starred restaurants, along with Six Test Kitchen. Chef Rachel Haggstrom's menu also holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainability, with nearly all of its produce sourced locally, much of it from the estate's own gardens. (Beer & Wine)
• The Restaurant at Niner EstatesLunch only, with a fabulous locally sourced menu built around the winery's own chef's garden. (Beer & Wine)

For great flavor.

• The Hatch Rotisserie & BarA local favorite downtown — rotisserie, cocktails, and a lively bar. I go often. They have a fried chicken special on Tuesday and Wednesday that calls my name. This is my absolute favorite, and my highest recommendation for craft cocktails. I prefer to sit at the bar to watch the mixologists at work. (Full Bar)
  
• Fish GauchoVibrant downtown Mexican & seafood with a renowned tequila bar and hand-crafted margaritas. I go for the Jalapiñe spicy margarita every time. The braised short rib is a hit in any dish. (Full Bar)
  
• Odyssey World CaféA relaxed downtown café with a globally-inspired menu — a reliable spot for lunch or a casual bite. I like Odyssey for lunch, and my go-to order is the Chicken Bruschetta Sandwich. They have an outdoor seating area for Jimmy as well. (Beer & Wine)
  
• Buona TavolaIntimate Northern Italian — homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and a cozy, romantic feel. It's a tiny space, so be prepared to sit close to your neighbors. It's part of the charm, and the food is excellent. (Full Bar)
  
• BasilAuthentic, longtime-favorite Thai food right in the downtown square. I like the curries and the pineapple fried rice, which comes served in an actual pineapple. (Beer & Wine)
  
• Jeffry's Wine Country BBQBeloved local barbecue — wine country comfort food done right. It's located off Norma's Alley, so you won't find it right on the main street. Very casual, with outdoor dining — order at the walk-up counter, then sit around a fire pit or under an umbrella in the charming courtyard. A great lunch spot. I ran into Jeffry recently, and he told me they're now open for breakfast at 9am too. Current hours are Thursday through Monday, 9am to 8pm. (Beer & Wine)
  
• McPhee's GrillMy go-to order here is the ribeye, though my sister swears by the macadamia-crusted salmon. I've been enjoying McPhee's for years — and it's not just the food that's incredible. Owner Ian McPhee does so much for the Templeton community and its schools. (Beer & Wine)
  
• Grace & RoseFarm-to-table in a restored 1915 farmhouse downtown. The atmosphere inside matches the Paso Robles vibe of down-to-earth and vibrant. (Beer & Wine)
  
• Primal HouseOn Ramada Row — an old-world butcher shop, market, eatery, and brewery all under one roof, known for the Primal Burger. Live music most nights of the week too. (Beer & Wine)
  
• Richie's TavernOne of Paso's newest spots, and it's already packed — great atmosphere and a tasty, reasonably priced menu. Facing Downtown City Park, it's an East Coast–style tavern from local owners, with Italian comfort food built on family recipes (don't miss Mama Josephine's Sunday sauce, served Sundays only), plus fried bologna sandwiches, burgers, and classic cocktails. (Full Bar)
  

Breakfast, coffee, and laid-back bites.

• Just Baked DowntownWe hang out here often for coffee and baked goods. The bakery items are delicious and have the most selection in town. Owner Libby Ryan has the best decorating for every holiday — I love to go in just to see the changes.
  
• Angela's PastriesFrench pastries are the mainstay here, honed by co-owner Antonio's decade-plus as pastry chef before opening his own place — fresh-baked and delicious, a lovely stop for a morning bite or afternoon pick-me-up. It's tucked just off the square, away from the crowds.
  
• Cider Creek Bakery & DeliA family-owned local favorite since 1995, when it opened in a green barn on Highway 46 West before moving to Paso in 2008. I like grabbing a cinnamon roll here on a weekend morning — a classic car club meets in the parking lot on Saturdays, so you can check out the muscle cars while you eat. Beyond the pastries, pies, cookies, and apple cinnamon bread, there are breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, and made-to-order deli sandwiches, plus shaded outdoor seating. Their holiday pies are a popular pre-order.
• Amsterdam Coffee HouseA welcoming downtown spot for coffee and a relaxed start to the day. (Beer & Wine)
  
• The Full Belly DeliA tucked-away sandwich shop known for hearty paninis, fresh salads, and homemade cookies — a reliable, satisfying lunch stop. Hands down, it's my absolute favorite place for a sandwich. Open weekdays only, for breakfast and lunch until 2pm.
  
• KitchenetteA small breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of Templeton, open since 2015 — ethically sourced, creative takes on breakfast favorites. (Beer & Wine)
  
• BrunchA downtown favorite for — fittingly — brunch. Great for a leisurely morning bite. (Beer & Wine)
  
• Negranti CreameryHandcrafted sheep's-milk ice cream — a unique, beloved downtown scoop shop, especially loved by those who can't have dairy products. Don't miss the waffle cones. There's also a location in Tin City and one in Atascadero.