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Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in California Central Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of SY Kitchen restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3832)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Ynez Valley

About the restaurant

RESERVATIONS

Reservations for parties of 5 or more please call restaurant directly.

S. Y. Kitchen requests a credit card to hold a reservation of 6 or more. You may cancel by calling the restaurant by 5 PM two days prior to the reservation. After that cancellation is subject to our policy and fees may be incurred. All credit card information will be processed securely.

Top review

M

MargyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

As always, food and drink were outstanding. Although it was busy, the service was exceptional!

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A photo of Margherita of a restaurant

A photo of T-Bone Truffle Sliders of a restaurant

T-Bone Truffle Sliders

A photo of Wild Mushroom Pappardelle of a restaurant

Wild Mushroom Pappardelle

A photo of Tre Lune restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1989)

$31 to $50

Italian

Montecito

About the restaurant

"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010

Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails.

Award Winner of Italian wines list.

Please call to make reservations.

Top review

P

PeterVIP

Dined 3 days ago

One of the best Italian restaurants in the central coast vicinity. Highly recommended and reservations a must. The best eggplant parmesan and one of made like cannoli instead of slices. Not on the menu, but made to order is the best carbonara Italiano around.

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A photo of Lasagne Maria of a restaurant

A photo of Gnocchi Tartufati of a restaurant

Gnocchi Tartufati

A photo of Fettuccine Alfredo of a restaurant

Fettuccine Alfredo

A photo of Il Cortile Ristorante restaurant

Il Cortile Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (4170)

$50 and over

Italian

Paso Robles

About the restaurant

Welcome to Il Cortile Ristorante, Downtown Paso Robles' newest fine dining Italian restaurant. We invite you to join us to enjoy our seasonal menus created with the freshest ingredients available sourced by our surrounding local and regional landscapes by Executive Chef Santos MacDonal, providing a melody of exceptional homemade pastas, fresh seafood, top quality meats and antipasti. A top destination for exquisite wines, picturesque landscapes and beautiful weather, Paso Robles provides the perfect pairing for Il Cortile's rustic Italian fine dining.

Top review

J

John

Dined 2 days ago

Our server, Nikki, was very knowledgeable, engaging and professional (a complex balance which is quite rare). The menu and wine list are both sufficiently comprehensive to offer excellent options. Plate presentation, flavors and textures were excellent and pacing absolutely perfect for a relaxed dining experience. This is a worthy favorite in Paso Robles and highly recommended.

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A photo of Fettuccine Salsicia of a restaurant

Fettuccine Salsicia

A photo of Crostini con Burrata of a restaurant

Crostini con Burrata

A photo of Risotto del Giorno of a restaurant

Risotto del Giorno

A photo of Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant

Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.8

4.8 (1369)

$31 to $50

Italian

Solvang

About the restaurant

Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

Top review

J

Jack

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent restaurant. The best Italian food I've ever had. Having been in the high-end restaurant business my whole life, I'd give this experience a ten.

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A photo of Orecchiette of a restaurant

A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1013)

$31 to $50

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.

Top review

D

Delma

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

Another wonderful dinner at Mia Cucina. We both loved the fresh focaccia and the super flavorful olive oil we dipped into! My pasta primavera with chicken was loaded with fresh veggies and the creamy sauce was not too heavy yet coated the linguini perfectly. My companion’s chicken dish was perfectly cooked and seasoned and he especially enjoyed the orzo. The blood orange sorbet topped off the meal!

A photo of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove restaurant

Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove

4.8

4.8 (1317)

$30 and under

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

We are currently open for dine-in and outdoor heated sidewalk/patio.
We are always available for curbside pickup.
Welcome to Mezzaluna Pasteria and Mozzarella Bar. Chef Soerke and Amy invite you in to enjoy daily house made Pasta, Mozzarella and Gelato.
We offer a full bar with specialty cocktails.
Chef’s Specialties include
Buccatini Al’Amatriciana
Linguini alla Vongole
Chicken Sausage Lasagne
Spaghetti Carbonara
Grilled Octopus
Lamb Meatballs
House-made Charcuterie
Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle Oil
Little Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano
Raviloi di Manzo
Pate di Anatra

Top review

A

AlexaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

This was our 3rd dinner at Mezzaluna and everything is as consistently good as the first time - food, service, ambiance. One family member is gluten free and had a great dining experience! Gluten free bread upon request, several gluten free appetizer and dinner options, and a server who helped her navigate the menu choices very knowledgeably and considerately.

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A photo of Rigatoni alla Buttera of a restaurant

Rigatoni alla Buttera

A photo of Spaghetti alla Carbonara of a restaurant

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

A photo of Ravioli di Spinaci of a restaurant

Ravioli di Spinaci

A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant

Olio e Limone Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (2543)

$50 and over

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's ARTS District, serves artisanal Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with eggplant souffle, then tuck into a plate of house made duck ravioli or Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties.
Bonus: their contemporary Italian breakfast, lunch & retail spot Olio Bottega, and authentic pizzeria next door at Olio Pizzeria. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests.

Top review

C

Constance

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service and excellent food. Quiet, able to have wonderful conversation Will definitely recommend and dine again soon!

A photo of Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo restaurant

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

4.8

4.8 (1744)

$31 to $50

Italian

San Luis Obispo

About the restaurant

For over four decades, the Rizzo family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in San Luis Obispo. At Café Roma, you can indulge in homemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood. Don't miss classic dishes like Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto, shortrib pappardelle, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Inside Café Roma and you'll feel like you've been transported to Italy. From the vintage Italian bike hanging above the bar to the Murano glass chandeliers and Tuscan murals, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to celebrate Italian culture.

Pair your meal with one of the many wines on Café Roma's extensive list, which changes monthly to include new and exciting Central Coast and Italian finds.

Café Roma is a popular destination for locals, vintners, families, travelers, and professionals alike. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot or a gathering place for friends and family, you'll find it here.

Top review

D

Dave

Dined on 13 Dec 2024

Expect a great meal at Cafe Roma. We’ve been customers since the 80s. We highly recommend it.

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A photo of Bucatini Carbonara of a restaurant

Bucatini Carbonara

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A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant

Toma Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (5491)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Toma Restaurant and Bar a waterfront bistro, located along Santa Barbara's picturesque Cabrillo Blvd. Experience Santa Barbara waterfront's most romantic restaurant. Savor exquisite Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes from Santa Barbara's seasonal bounty, supporting our local fisherman, farmers, foragers and food artisans. Pour over local and Italian wines along with a full bar of handcrafted cocktails and spirits. Enjoy warm and attentive service while dining window side with a view of the enchanting Santa Barbara harbor.

Top review

R

Roberta

Dined 2 days ago

Eating at Toma is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

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A photo of Lasagna of a restaurant

A photo of Ravioli of a restaurant

A photo of Convivo restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2131)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Convivo is a Santa Barbara restaurant and bar with an Italian soul. Chef-Owner Peter McNee's food is best described as ‘Nomad Italian’. It strays from the standard or traditional Italian, sourcing inspiration from many other cultures’ cooking but its soul is thoroughly Italian. The ever-changing menu includes small plates, housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, rotisserie chicken, fresh seafood and steaks served family-style. McNee’s all-star supplier network provides the freshest produce and local seafood the region is famous for.

Inspired by the bounty of the sea, the lush farms and abundant vineyards nearby and the cooking methods of Italy, Convivo is a festive gathering place for locals and visitors alike inside the newly-restored Santa Barbara Inn.

Top review

C

ClaireVIP

Dined 4 days ago

It was my second time dining at Convivo . We sat outside on the patio, which I highly recommend. You can see the ocean across the street with the Christmas lights it was very festive It was a continuous celebration for our anniversary. Our waiter was fabulous. He was extremely attentive and very friendly and professional. The food was absolutely delicious. I had their flatbread pizza which was super yummy and my husband had the steak which was delicious. I will say that the inside of the restaurant has a little bit to be desired in atmosphere, but if you’re looking for extremely good food and wonderful service, we had that !!!! Sit on the patio ;-)

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