Downtown Paso Robles has also become one of California’s most exciting culinary destinations, blending the charm of a small wine-country town with the creativity of world-class chefs.
Whether you’re after an elegant tasting menu, a cozy bistro meal, or a lively local hangout, this list highlights twenty of the best places to dine in the heart of Paso. Each restaurant reflects the region’s unique spirit — a celebration of local farms, fine wines, and the warm hospitality that makes every meal here feel like coming home.
1. The Alchemists’ Garden
The Alchemists’ Garden has a gorgeous, large dining room with a fun bar, focused on seasonal, locally-driven cuisine with a creative touch. This place is strong on artisan/local-ingredient credentials, as well as hand-crafted cocktails. This spot is great for food-and-drink-savvy readers who appreciate ingredient-driven menus in a pleasant downtown setting.
2. BL Brasserie
Downtown Paso Robles loves to show off a bit of French flair, and BL Brasserie brings just that. This elegant yet casual brasserie serves classic French-inspired fare crafted from the best local ingredients, perfectly paired with wines from both the Central Coast and France. Whether guests settle into the cozy dining room, linger at the oyster bar, or enjoy a glass al fresco on the patio, BL Brasserie embodies the art of savoring life at a slower, more delicious pace.
3. Buona Tavola
Just off the park, Buona Tavola brings a taste of Northern Italy to the heart of Paso. For more than two decades, Chef Antonio Varia has delighted Central Coast diners with his inventive Italian cuisine — refined, soulful, and rooted in tradition. The Paso Robles location captures that same warmth and elegance that made the original a local favorite. Surrounded by wine country, it’s the perfect place to enjoy handmade pastas, rich sauces, and a meal that feels like family.
4. Della’s
Downtown Paso’s lively spirit comes to life at Della’s, a modern wine country pizzeria and gin joint where locals and visitors gather over wood-fired pizzas, rustic small plates, and craft cocktails. The vibe is effortlessly cool — think California casual with a touch of retro glamour. From the open kitchen to the buzzing bar, Della’s is a place to stay a while, share a bite, and join the conversation.
5. EMRE at The Ava Hotel
Downtown Paso Robles is home to many culinary gems, but EMRE shines with Mediterranean soul. Nestled inside The Ava Hotel, EMRE welcomes guests with bold wines, artful dishes, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Each plate captures the vibrant essence of coastal flavors, beautifully presented and perfectly paired. It’s an experience where elegance meets ease — a reflection of Paso Robles’ evolving, cosmopolitan charm.
6. Esperanza at The Ava Hotel
From its rooftop perch, the Esperanza rooftop invites guests to see downtown Paso from a whole new perspective. With sweeping views, Baja-inspired coastal flavors, and a lively cocktail program, it’s where evenings sparkle and sunsets linger. Whether by the fireplace on a crisp fall night or under shaded awnings in summer, Esperanza offers a vibrant escape high above the square — the perfect blend of scenery, flavor, and fun.
7. Finca Paso Robles
At Finca, downtown Paso celebrates its Spanish roots and California’s bounty all at once. This stylish spot blends the warmth of traditional Latin cuisine with the freshness of local ingredients. Guests can expect wood-grilled meats, handmade tortillas, and regional wines served in a lively, open-air setting that feels both timeless and modern. Finca captures the true spirit of Paso Robles — rustic, welcoming, and full of flavor.
8. Fish Gaucho
Paso Robles turns up the heat at Fish Gaucho, a modern Mexican restaurant and tequila bar that’s always buzzing. With award-winning cuisine, bold flavors, and a curated selection of more than 250 agave spirits, this downtown favorite knows how to make every night a fiesta. It’s where the energy of Paso meets the soul of Mexico — spicy, spirited, and unforgettable.
9. Grace & Rose
Downtown Paso Robles takes pride in its sense of style, and Grace & Rose embodies that beautifully. This charming wine bar and eatery blends modern elegance with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Guests can sip local wines, enjoy small seasonal plates, and unwind in a space that feels both refined and familiar. With its thoughtful design, friendly service, and focus on community, Grace & Rose captures the essence of Paso living — graceful, flavorful, and full of heart.
10. The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar
The Hatch is where downtown Paso’s heart beats loudest — a cozy, wood-fired rotisserie and bar just steps from the square. Warm light, the scent of fire-roasted chicken, and the hum of conversation fill the air. Locals and visitors gather here for craft cocktails, whiskey flights, and hearty comfort food that feels both familiar and elevated. It’s small-town hospitality with big-city flavor.
11. Il Cortile Ristorante
Downtown Paso Robles takes pride in Il Cortile, a restaurant that embodies Italian elegance and Central Coast soul. Known for its seasonal menus, handmade pastas, and refined simplicity, Il Cortile offers a dining experience that’s intimate, thoughtful, and always delicious. Every dish tells a story of tradition, artistry, and the joy of good company.
12. in bloom
Downtown Paso loves a good blend of sophistication and ease, and in bloom does it beautifully. Founded by Chris and Nicole Haisma in 2022, this modern restaurant pairs refined dining with a laid-back California vibe. Vinyl records spin as chefs craft dishes from local farms and purveyors, creating flavors that celebrate the bounty and creativity of the Central Coast. It’s contemporary Paso Robles — fresh, stylish, and full of heart.
13. Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ
At Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, downtown Paso Robles gets a little smoky — in the best way possible. This casual, crowd-favorite spot dishes up award-winning barbecue, local wines, and craft beer in a laid-back, backyard-style setting. From tri-tip sandwiches to mac-and-cheese bowls, every bite is infused with the easygoing charm and big flavor that define Paso itself.
14. Les Petites Canailles
Downtown Paso Robles proudly calls Les Petites Canailles one of its own — a French farm-to-table bistro that marries Central Coast ingredients with Parisian technique. Each dish feels both rustic and refined, crafted with precision and a deep respect for local farms and vintners. It’s a restaurant that captures the essence of Paso dining: world-class yet warmly familiar.
15. Parchetto
Just steps from the park it’s named for, Parchetto (pronounced park-etto) brings a refined garden-to-table dining experience to downtown Paso Robles. Created by Carole and Santos MacDonal, the team behind Il Cortile, this California bistro celebrates each season with ingredients sourced from local farms and their own home garden. The menu fuses Italian inspiration with California freshness, all served in a beautifully restored historic space that feels both elegant and approachable.
16. Sabor & Sazon
Downtown Paso Robles celebrates diversity, and Sabor & Sazon brings a world of flavor right to the table. Serving international cuisine with heartfelt hospitality, this family-run restaurant offers a menu inspired by global traditions and local ingredients. The thoughtfully curated wine list highlights both Central Coast favorites and exceptional finds from around the world — the perfect complement to a meal made with love.
17. S’Aranella
A touch of coastal Italy has found its home in downtown Paso Robles at S’Aranella. Warm, inviting, and full of Mediterranean charm, this restaurant features beautifully crafted dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. With a menu that balances tradition and creativity, S’Aranella invites guests to slow down, share a bottle of wine, and enjoy the simple pleasure of dining well.
18. The Steakhouse at Paso Robles Inn
Downtown Paso Robles holds deep roots in history, and The Steakhouse at the Paso Robles Inn is part of that story. Set within one of the town’s most iconic landmarks, the restaurant pairs classic steakhouse fare with local wines and warm hospitality. Guests dine under century-old oaks or beside the glow of the fireplace — a timeless Paso experience blending tradition, comfort, and a taste of the region’s best.
19. TASTE! Craft Eatery
Lively, inventive, and always delicious, TASTE! craft eatery brings a playful energy to downtown Paso Robles. Known for its creative sliders, mac-and-cheese bowls, and fresh salads, this spot turns comfort food into an art form. With weekend brunch, craft cocktails, and a fun, relaxed vibe, TASTE! is where locals gather and visitors instantly feel at home.
20. Thomas Hill Organics
Downtown Paso Robles takes great pride in Thomas Hill Organics — a pioneer in farm-to-table dining that continues to set the bar high. Every dish is crafted from organic, regionally sourced ingredients, reflecting the vibrant flavors and creativity of the Central Coast. The restaurant’s dynamic menu and thoughtful wine list celebrate local farms, artisan producers, and the enduring beauty of seasonal cuisine.
