Lunch in San Luis Obispo
View all lunch SpotsHope you packed your appetite–lunchtime is legendary in SLO, where Central Coast classics collide with globetrotting gastronomical genius. Refuel with farm-to-table fare at restaurants that use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, or take a trip around the world at our favorite award-winning Italian, Japanese and Greek eateries. It’s all good, no matter the neighborhood, from Downtown SLO to MoJo.
(Hungry for more? Find more San Luis Obispo restaurants to eat drink, and discover all that SLO has to offer.)
Top Lunches in San Luis Obispo
Dining experiences in SLO range from casual to cozy to chic and everything between. Lots of our favorite spots are in Downtown San Luis Obispo, but with eight more neighborhoods to explore, you’ll never run out of cafes, diners and dives to try.
Looking for a memorable and delicious lunch? Here’s a tip from the locals: look for restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients. SLO is surrounded by rich, rolling hills of produce and acres of agricultural land. Our ranchers, farmers and vintners (and of course, restaurateurs) serve up the true taste of San Luis Obispo!
Quick Bites in SLO
There’s so much to see and do in San Luis Obispo that lunch might be an afterthought. That’s okay–we’ve got you covered with fast eats and grab-n-go treats to fuel your day.
Swift Noshes in San Luis Obispo
High Street Market & Deli
Ever had a sando (that’s what this High Street deli calls sandwiches) so big it won’t quite fit in your mouth? There’s a first time for everything, and we think you’ll never forget your first time at High Street Market & Deli, one of SLO’s favorite destinations for handhelds (plus a few salads).
Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill
Go for the Greek at Petra, SLO’s preferred Mediterranean eatery. They specialize in pitas and wood-fired pizza, but we also love their kabobs and bowls. (Remember, lunch at Petra is great, but so is dinner thanks to their happy hour specials!)
Old San Luis BBQ Co.
The Santa Maria-style cuisine served at Old San Luis BBQ Co. has a distinctive taste–one nearly 100 years in the making, in fact. Old family recipes and locally sourced ingredients make every meal here a mouthwatering, slow-cooked experience.
Seeds
Just because food is fast doesn’t mean it can’t be good for you. From healthy toasts to flatbreads to a refreshing acai bowl, Seeds has got you covered. Their brunch happy hour during the week is one that you cannot miss!
SLO Public Market
SLO Public Market at Bonetti Ranch creates a farm-to-table culture in a destination marketplace setting, unlike any other destination on the central coast. Locals and tourists alike will find a variety of indoor and outdoor shops, eateries and entertainment areas.
Lincoln Market & Deli
San Luis Obispo’s original grocer and butcher is still going strong. Founded in 1941 under the moniker Ellsworth’s Market, Lincoln Market & Deli is known for its huge selection of sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts–plus craft beer and wine.
Corazon Cafe
Corazon Cafe is serves up Mexican inspired coffee, aguas frescas and light eats in the heart of Downtown SLO. From founders of Corazon 805 Tacos.
Sit-Down Lunch Spots in San Luis Obispo
Sometimes living the SLO life means stopping and savoring your lunch. Here are a few of our favorite places to sit back, relax and raise a toast with friends and family. (Don’t forget–many of these restaurants serve lunch and dinner in San Luis Obispo.)
Savor the Top Sit-Down Eateries in San Luis Obispo
Luna Red
One of several Downtown SLO restaurants, Luna Red provides a lively, yet laid-back atmosphere with globally-inspired tapas that will delight your taste buds. We highly recommend their legendary Paella, a traditional, Valencian saffron rice dish, garnished with salsa criolla and grilled lemon.
Firestone Grill
No trip to SLO is complete without trying the world-famous Tri-Tip at Firestone Grill. Barbecue and burgers abound at this comfortable little eatery. Don’t forget to order a beer or a glass of wine to complement your meal–cocktails are also available!
TASTE! Craft Eatery
Found in the historic Brickworks Building at 2550 Broad St., TASTE! Craft Eatery has been a SLO institution for the past 10 years. Serving up scrumptious sliders, meaty macs and satisfying salads, TASTE! also has an extensive cocktail, wine and beer menu packed with local favorites. Dine on the restaurant’s outdoor patio for the full experience.
Japanese Restaurant Goshi
San Luis Obispo’s proximity to beaches means places like Goshi, a Japanese restaurant situated on Higuera Street, serve up only the freshest sushi. Don’t forget to ask about their daily specials, and be sure to try their traditional anmitsu for dessert.
Madonna Inn Copper Cafe
No SLO lunch list is complete without Madonna Inn’s Copper Cafe. This bright, busy spot is a popular place for lunch dates and Instagram-worthy snapshots. The menu is enormous, too, with vegan and gluten-free options to satisfy every diner.