7 Best Restaurants in Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande, California, is a small town near Pismo and Grover Beach along the Central Coast. It is known for its relaxed and friendly lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and ample outdoor recreation opportunities near beaches, mountains, and vineyards. People love living in Arroyo Grande for its small-town feel and engaged community. Locals have access to beautiful attractions along the coast, including the Monarch Butterfly Grove, Oceano Dune National Preserve State Park, Pismo State Beach, and non-vehicle areas with remote hiking and camping.

Arroyo Grande is a beautiful and serene setting for fine dining. From farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes, Arroyo Grande has elegant dining options for locals. Indulge in fresh seafood on the coast or enjoy a glass of wine while overlooking the picturesque vineyards. The community takes pride in supporting local businesses, which is evident in the quality and variety of available dining options. The best restaurants in Arroyo Grande include:

Ember Restaurant is a must-visit dining option in the center of town. The restaurant features a carefully crafted menu showcasing seasonal ingredients from local farms and vendors, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience. Ember serves an Italian menu focused on clean ingredients and fewer products with more prominent flavors. Paired perfectly with every dish, the restaurant has an exceptional wine and beer program with wine by the glass and bottle and rotating taps for seasonal flavors. The restaurant’s ambiance blends rustic and modern elements, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests. Beyond the food, the knowledgeable staff and impeccable service make Ember a standout choice for locals and visitors.

AJ Spurs Saloon & Dining Hall is a beloved institution in Arroyo Grande. Known for its cowboy-themed decor and hearty steaks, it’s a popular spot for delicious food and a lively atmosphere. The menu features various options, including seafood, chicken, and vegetarian dishes, but the steaks stand out. Cooked to perfection and served sizzling hot, they complement the restaurant’s lively atmosphere perfectly. One of its famous specialty dishes is the twin peaks, which showcases two bacon-wrapped filet mignons topped a mile high with asparagus and broccoli, house-made sauce, and shredded lobster and shrimp.

The area is also known for its high-quality seafood and al fresco dining by the ocean, and Oyster Loft is one of the best places to experience it. Located just a few minutes from the community, this elegant restaurant overlooks a stunning ocean view and offers an exquisite selection of seafood dishes. Guests can sit on the covered patio near the sand and crashing waves. The menu features fresh and sustainably sourced oysters, which are undoubtedly the star of the menu. Apart from oysters, the restaurant also offers delicious seafood entrees like roasted sea bass and mussels with a spicy house sauce, potato puree, and confit fennel.

Arroyo Grande continues to offer exciting and delectable dining options, including Pequin Coastal Cocina, a popular choice for seafood in the area. With a focus on Mexican-inspired coastal cuisine, Pequin features fresh and local seafood dishes that will engage all your senses. The restaurant also boasts a lively and colorful atmosphere that perfectly complements the intricate flavors of its dishes. Visitors can sit inside or outside, enjoying the beautiful California weather while sipping on a margarita or one of the many craft beers available. The indoor dining area is relaxed with wall-to-wall windows, and the outdoor patio is sleek with casual seating around fire pits and a walkway to the beach.

One of the most popular seafood spots is Cracked Crab, located nearby in Pismo Beach. The restaurant specializes in fresh, locally sourced crab and other seafood dishes served in a fine dining atmosphere with a casual vibe. With a coastal vibe and friendly staff, it is the perfect dining experience after a day of outdoor activities. The restaurant serves individual plates like sandwiches, soups, and seafood dishes, but it is most known for its shareable seafood buckets. The signature buckets of seafood arrive with tools to crack open the items and enjoy. You can share a bucket or keep the dish to yourself with fresh choices of Alaskan Golden King Crab, Alaskan Bairdi Crab, Oishii shrimp, whole live Pacific coast crab, mussels, clams,

Maine lobster tails, and more.

Arroyo Grande is also home to beloved vineyards and wineries, including Laetitia Vineyard & Winery. With a stunning view of the valley and a commitment to sustainable wine-making practices, Laetitia offers a unique and unforgettable experience for guests. The winery’s portfolio includes estate-grown chardonnay, pinot noir, and other varietals, providing an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to taste some of California’s finest wines. The spacious tasting room and knowledgeable staff make Laetitia a popular destination for wine lovers. The vineyard also hosts exciting events such as wine and music weekends with local artists and food trucks, brunch celebrations, and special tasting events like s’mores on the coast.

Arroyo Grande prides itself on its rich history and old-world charm. One place that captures this essence is F. McLintocks Saloon and Dining House, down the road in Shell Beach. The restaurant boasts a Western theme and ranch-style cuisine, well-suited to the area’s rural feel. In town, locals can enjoy the casual sister saloon, Arroyo Grande Saloon, but a few minutes from the community is the upscale dining house with high-quality steaks and local wine. The restaurant cuts and ages the steak in-house for at least 60 days before cooking over burning hardwoods as the traditional way of The Vaqueros, cowboys of Mexican origin.

Arroyo Grande is a small town making for a short commute to these incredible experiences. Get to know the area better with a local real estate agent and find the perfect area to call home. Mike Oliver is an expert Arroyo Grande real estate agent with more than 15 years of experience. His approach to real estate is built on transparency and hard work, making client needs his priority. Explore the town and find your next property.