Ryan ChartrandIf you are bored with your everyday burger and fries, try some of these local eateries that offer delicious ethnic foods.
Mexican
For the most authentic Mexican food on the Central Coast, take a drive up U.S. Highway 1 through Morro Bay and stop at the Chapala Market. Everything they offer is high on flavor and low on cost. While the burritos and tacos are delicious, try their tamales or chilies reyenos for a real treat. Everything is prepared quickly, which makes Chapala perfect for a fast lunch or a quick bite between surf sessions.
Taco de Mexico offers the most delicious Mexican food in San Luis Obispo for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although the flavor may not be as authentic as Chapala Market, its convenient location on Santa Rosa Street makes Taco de Mexico one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in town. Taco de Mexico is also quick and low-cost which makes it a great place to grab a bite between classes. If you’re tired of the same old turkey sandwiches try one of Taco de Mexico’s tortas.
If you are in the mood for a sit-down Mexican experience, check out Pepe Delgado’s Mexican Restaurant. Pepe’s offers a huge menu with several different combinations to suit any mood. In addition to great Mexican food Pepe’s has a full bar with great specials on drinks, especially Margaritas, during happy hour.
Italian
Hands down, Caf‚ Roma has the best Italian food in San Luis Obispo. By combining an elegant atmosphere with authentic Italian dishes, Caf‚ Roma delivers one of the most pleasant dining experiences on the central coast. In addition to a perfectly sized menu of pastas, pizza and meat dishes, Caf‚ Roma has an extensive wine list with selections from throughout Italy and the world.
If you are in the mood for a short drive out to Pismo Beach try Guiseppe’s Italian Restaurant on Price Street. By offering daily specials and a nice wine list, Guiseppe’s has become one of the most popular Italian restaurants in San Luis Obispo County. Fresh seafood dishes and a wide variety of pastas give Guiseppe’s top marks in menu variety. The restaurant just opened up a second spot in downtown San Luis Obispo on Monterey Street.
Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Vieni Vei Tratoria’s patio dining combined with authentic Italian cuisine makes it one of the most well-liked restaurants in the city. With great deals on wine and daily specials, Vieni Vei is a great place to have an authentic Italian meal without breaking your pocketbook.
Asian
Yanagi Sushi is able to take top honors in this enormous category by offering unique and tasty dishes at reasonable prices. Yanagi’s chefs create colorful and one-of-a kind sushi rolls that will please eaters of all palates. If you are not in the mood for something raw, Yanagi has a wide selection of baked sushi rolls as well as several soups and tempura dishes.
Whether you are in the mood for something spicy, sweet or just tasty, Royal Thai Restaurant will always satisfy your needs. Royal Thai offers a huge variety of authentic Thai cuisine, which include some delicious soups.
Golden Gong restaurant offers great Chinese food at reasonable prices whether you are sitting down or just getting some takeout. With a variety of Szechuan dishes, Golden Gong is the most complete Chinese restaurant in San Luis Obispo.
Mediterranean
With a beautifully designed dining room and authentic Mediterranean cuisine, Oasis Moroccan Cuisine has one of the most unique restaurants on the Central Coast. Oasis has an extensive authentic menu, which delivers unique taste with every selection. To make the unbeatable Baba Ghanouj even better, Oasis has live belly dancing every Friday and Saturday night.
For a great place to grab some Greek grub, go to Jaffa Caf‚ on Higuera Street, just a few blocks away from the downtown center. The pita wraps and gyros at Jaffa are delicious, but the entire menu offers a variety of great choices.