The best area for restaurant selection in Paso Robles is around the City Park. There are a number of excellent choices to dine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
On our last trip we tried Artisan Restaurant for dinner for a second time. The restaurant has been open about 18 months and the place is hopping, and for good reason. The food is outstanding and the service terrific. The menu is varied and is matched by a splendid list of local wines. The Artisan is definitely our top choice for dining in Paso Robles.
Our second night on our recent trip we dined at the Buona Tavola restaurant. This is a small Italian restaurant that has been there since we have been making Paso Robles a regular wine country getaway. The food is very good and the prices are definitely a value. So is the wine list that has many local wines. We have eaten here six times and have never been disappointed; you cannot go wrong at Buona Tavola. The atmosphere is not the greatest, but this doesn’t stop the locals from gathering here.
Another favorite of ours is Bistro Laurent. This restaurant offers up great French food in a formal setting. The food is a little more expensive but the meals are delicious. Our other recommendations are Villa Creek, Berry Hill Bistro, and the Basil Thai restaurant.
For lunch, breakfast, or to pick up a deli lunch for a wine country picnic, the Odyssey Café or Panilvo offer the best fare and high quality food. Please feel free to comment on these restaurants or any other you think should be on the list. Go to Wine Country Getaways for a complete listing of Paso Robles restaurants and links to their Web sites.