Deliziosa Italian Restaurants in San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo and Italy have a lot in common: sun-kissed vineyards, a mild Mediterranean climate and a love of good food.
Not just any food, though. Farm-to-table fare, made fresh today with yesterday’s harvest. And no one does fresh like San Luis Obispo’s Italian scene. With so many family-owned restaurants (and thousands of local wines) to choose from, your next colazione, pranzo or cena is just around the corner.
Mangia with the Locals
La Locanda
Tucked away on charming Garden Street in the heart of downtown SLO, La Locanda is where Italian tradition meets local flair. Pull up a chair and watch the magic unfold in its open kitchen, where dishes are crafted from scratch daily. The menu is a celebration of Italy’s finest flavors—think handmade pastas and hearty classics—paired perfectly with an impressive lineup of local wines. La Locanda takes inspiration from the nearby farmers’ markets, dreaming up specials that showcase the season’s best ingredients. Whether you’re winding down after a stroll through downtown or craving a culinary adventure, this spot is pure SLO charm served with a side of more.
Café Roma
Step into a slice of history at Café Roma, a San Luis Obispo standby nestled in the historic Railroad Square. For over 40 years, the Rizzo family has been serving up dishes rooted in cherished family recipes. Dine in the elegant Tuscan-inspired dining room, sip a handcrafted cocktail at the old-world bar or enjoy the sunshine on the shaded patio.
Café Roma’s wine list spans local favorites from Paso Robles and Edna Valley to international selections from Napa, France and Italy—made even sweeter on Tuesday nights with up to 50% off most bottles. It’s a timeless spot where culinary tradition meets the SLO Life.
Buona Tavola
Located just steps from the historic Fremont Theatre, Buona Tavola is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal before or after a movie. For over two decades, this charming restaurant has served up Northern Italian cuisine, crafted with care and tradition by an owner who honed his skills as an apprentice in Northern Italy’s renowned kitchens.
With a commitment to authentic flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Buona Tavola offers a dining experience that’s as rich in history as the neighborhood itself.
Mama’s Meatball
Tucked away in downtown San Luis Obispo, Mama’s Meatball serves up authentic, homemade Italian dishes with a focus on locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients. Known for their signature meatballs and hearty, flavorful meals, this cozy spot captures the heart and soul of Italian cuisine.
From classic pasta dishes to fresh, seasonal specials, Mama’s Meatball offers a little taste of Italy–no international travel required.
Pizza and Family-Friendly Italian in San Luis Obispo
Gino’s Pizza SLO
Gino’s Pizza SLO is a casual, family-friendly pizzeria serving up traditional Italian recipes made with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy classic pizzas, pastas and more on the outdoor patio while the kids test their video game skills in the arcade room. Don’t miss their Wednesday Family Deal: $4 off any extra-large pizza and half-off sodas from 2-5 PM feeds everyone.
Flour House SLO
Nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo, Flour House SLO is a family-run gem led by an Italian husband-and-wife team—one by birth, one by blood. Savor the authentic flavors of Italy: Neapolitan pizza, house-made pasta and other Italian classics made with traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, so lovingly crafted you’ll feel as though they were cooked just for you. (Hint: they are!)
Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica
Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica began as a Cal Poly senior project. Today, it’s a beloved local staple–and one of the area’s earliest adopters of the farm-to-fork philosophy.
Giuseppe’s serves up Italian fare and homemade pizzas made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients from its longtime home in the historic Sinsheimer Bros. The restaurant features exposed brick walls, vintage black-and-white images and a preserved vault-turned-seating area.
Nate’s On Marsh
Nestled in a converted residence on Marsh Street, Nate’s On Marsh artfully blends American and Italian culinary traditions, offering classics and inventive twists that keep diners coming back for more.
Standout dishes include the La Scala salad—a mix of shredded iceberg, salami, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and crispy chickpeas tossed in red wine vinaigrette—and the hand-cut pappardelle with Tablas Creek lamb ragu and walnut gremolata.
Bear & the Wren
Tucked away in the heart of San Luis Obispo, Bear and the Wren redefines wood-fired dining with a menu that celebrates rustic simplicity and bold flavors. This cozy eatery invites guests to gather around its signature hearth for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Standout offerings include their wood-fired sourdough pizza, topped with seasonal ingredients like smoked pork shoulder, charred kale, and Calabrian chili honey, as well as their ember-roasted carrots, served with whipped ricotta, spiced pepitas, and a drizzle of local honey.