My husband and I love Cambria for many reasons, and Cambria restaurants only take our love to the next level. Cambria is home to all of our favorite places to eat. We are always on the lookout for the best Cambria restaurants! From breakfast to dinner, we have our favorites in town. We are always looking for new places to try, and it seems like there are new and exciting places to eat every time we visit. If you are looking for wine tasting, head over to my post about where to sip in Cambria. Here is our guide to the best food in Cambria, CA.
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WHERE TO EAT IN CAMBRIA, CALIFORNIA
Cambria restaurants have a special charm that leaves you wanting to visit again just to try them all! The restaurants are listed in order as if you were starting on Main Street in the East Village and driving or walking Cambria’s West Village.
SOTO’S TRUE EARTH MARKET
OUR FAVORITE FOR PICNICS/LUNCH TO-GO
Soto’s True Earth Market is a natural grocery and deli that carries delicious local produce and sustainable meats. A quick stop into Soto’s can stock your hotel or rental refrigerator with some of the best food in Cambria, CA. The deli counter offers a variety of sandwiches and sides that make for a great picnic. This is a great place to grab fuel for an incredible hike out to San Simeon Point!
Breakfast sounds terrific, and I cannot wait to try it. We love the Mission Bahn-Mi sandwich (pictured below) and picking up some kombucha when we are in town. They also carry a variety of local wines and craft beers. You can check their Facebook page for current hours and specials.
Soto’s True Earth Market is a historical landmark in Cambria, taking its name from its original owner, J.M. Soto. The Soto family ran the original grocery store in town, the Cambria Meat Market & Grocery, in this location on Main Street for 72 years.
LINN’S RESTAURANT
A GREAT STOP FOR ANY MEAL OR AFTERNOON TREATS
Linn’s Restaurant offers American country fare in the heart of the East Village. This Cambria institution started as a small restaurant serving local fruits and veggies from their farm stand and now is a staple in Cambria. They are known for their local specialties and great central coast wine list. From homemade chicken pot pie and pot roast to Hearst Ranch Beef, the menu is filled with comfort food staples. If you are coming by for breakfast, don’t miss the honey wheat pancakes with Olallieberry syrup. For dessert, make sure to try their signature Olallieberry pie á la mode with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
After dining, check out the variety of homemade jams, sauces, local fruits, and veggies to take home. Our son loves stopping in for treats from the bakery counter, and I love strolling through their specialty shops. We always grab a jar of Olallieberry jam or salad dressing to enjoy a piece of Linn’s at home after our trip. I cannot wait to check out Linn’s Fruit Bin Farm store on Santa Rosa Creek Road on our next trip.
ROBIN’S RESTAURANT
ONE OF OUR FAVORITE CAMBRIA RESTAURANTS
Robin’s is a restaurant we never miss when in town. Robin’s serves lunch and dinner and is some of the best food in Cambria, CA. Their gardens make for a beautiful setting, and the warmth and comfort of the indoor dining room make for a cozy date night. Robin’s offers international dishes using seasonal ingredients in the ultimate comfort food form. Robin’s offers a variety of vegetarian dishes as well. The menu updates seasonally and never disappoints. Robin’s is one of Cambria’s most popular restaurants so plan to make a reservation.
We have enjoyed so many meals here, so we have been able to try many items from the dinner menu. Some of our favorites are the Bloomsdale Spinach Salad, Vegetable Lasagna, Thai Green Chicken Curry, Rogan Josh, Braised Short Ribs, Calabaza Enchiladas, and the Pork Chop. Also, our son LOVES the kids’ bean and cheese burrito. We have never seen him eat a whole burrito as fast as he does at Robin’s. Ha!
The gardens at Robin’s Restaurant are stunning and the heated back patio is great on summer nights. In addition, Robin’s has a dog-friendly patio for those looking to bring their pet to dinner. Robin’s is one of the best restaurants in Cambria so don’t miss it! The owners have also opened Novo, Luna Red, and Mint & Craft in San Luis Obispo – all restaurants we are anxious to try sometime!
MEZZO ITALIANO
PERFECT WHEN CRAVING A TRUE ITALIAN DINNER
On our last visit, we were craving some good Italian. Enter Mezzo Italiano. We had seen this restaurant so many times and never had the opportunity to try it. We learned that Mezzo offers Italian with a California twist. The owners use various authentic Italian ingredients and make all of their pasta with Italian flour from scratch. The flavors are unique and exactly what we were looking for! We loved our pasta, especially the Rolioli and the variety of meatballs we tried. The Q-Ball is a delicious vegan option. They have many options for vegans. I don’t have photos of our food because it was takeout in our hotel, but I will post some after our next visit!
Although they do not have a kids’ menu, they were able to do butter and parmesan noodles for our son. Unfortunately, it was at the price of the $23 Cavatappi entree. Due to COVID, this was a hard time for restaurants, and we wanted to support them, so we did not question this pricing or size. However, I will report back on child-size options after our next visit. The pasta portion we received was large and could have been split between two kids. It made for great leftovers the next day.
RED MOOSE COOKIE COMPANY
OUR FAVORITE FOR SWEET TREATS – MUST GRAB IN THE MORNING
Red Moose Cookie Company is your spot if you want DELICIOUS, gourmet cookies. They make some of my favorite treats, and I will be coming by at some point every time I visit. Located in Cambria’s “tin city,” there are signs that will lead you to what looks like a storage unit. You have arrived! The cookies go quickly, so plan to arrive around 10 am opening. Cash may be preferred as the credit card machine was down when we visited. The cookies come in packs of 4 for $6, which is very reasonable for gourmet cookies. The owner told us they could be frozen and come out tasting as fresh as the day they baked them. Although we bought four packs of 6 cookies, they never made it to the freezer!
We loved everything we had! You can read more here for info on the options. The Snickerdoodlicious and Cinnful were fantastic. The owner said some regulars break them up into morning pancakes which would be a special treat for a special day. Chocolate chip has my heart, and their version does not disappoint and includes walnuts. Another stand-out treat was the Nutty Bar. We had to ask for this as they are limited and not necessarily out on display. The Nutty Bar is a pretzel rod dipped in caramel and rolled in nuts. The roll is drizzled with amaretto and white chocolate to finish. It is an exceptional treat when sliced like a loaf of bread. Next time I will get more than one!
BONI’S TACOS
OUR FAVORITE FOR TO-GO BREAKFAST BURRITOS & LUNCH
In preparation for a COVID-era Cambria trip, I did some reading on great take-out options. Although restaurants were serving indoors during our visit, we were not comfortable yet and planned to do several picnics and food-to-go meals. Boni’s Tacos is perfect for a quick and delicious grab-and-go meal!
Boni’s Tacos is a great spot to grab breakfast burritos and on-the-go lunch. The food is easy to pick up and take out to one of our favorite places to explore. The taco shop “kitchen” is close to Red Moose Cookie, in Cambria’s “tin city.” On weekends, Boni’s Tacos sends a taco truck to the Pacific Premier Bank parking lot in the East Village of downtown Cambria. The taco shop “kitchen” menu is slightly different from the taco truck menu, but you can find most of what you want in either place.
The Al Pastor is their specialty, and it is delicious. I loved my Al Pastor Gordita plate (pictured below). We did junior-sized breakfast burritos, and you can see from the picture below that they were a great size to start the day. Our son loved his bean and cheese, and my husband loved his Carne Asada. A meal from Boni’s won’t break the bank and will be delicious. Their hot sauces and great too. I don’t think you can go wrong at Boni’s Tacos.
HIDDEN KITCHEN
OUR FAVORITE BREAKFAST IN TOWN
Hidden Kitchen is my absolute favorite breakfast in town! The kitchen is 100% gluten-free. Their specialty blue corn waffles are unreal. It takes some time, so be prepared to wait after you order, but it is worth it! They are hand-crafting each smoothie and waffle as the orders come in. Hidden Kitchen Cambria is outdoors and only open Saturday and Sunday from 9-2, but they have another location in Cayucos that is open Thursday – Sunday, serves some lunch options until 3, and has an indoor dining room. We cannot wait to try this location during our next visit to the Central Coast.
Everything is fresh and delicious. The combination of toppings are things you may not expect to see together but thrown on their signature blue corn waffle, and it is all delicious. Our favorites (pictured below) are the Avila Avo and Morro Melt. We tend to enjoy the Avila Avo (with a fried egg) earlier in the day, and Morro Melt more towards lunch.
Do not miss Hidden Kitchen. Although only open on weekends, it is definitely one of the best restaurants in Cambria. Follow the signs down the road behind Robin’s (Center Street), look for the bright floral mural, and you will discover Hidden Kitchen tucked away behind Slab Mercantile.
JBJ’S ROUND UP PIZZA & GRUB
GREAT PIZZA FOR PICKUP or DELIVERY
As I mentioned before, our last visit was during COVID, so we were looking for easy options to take back to our hotel room. We started craving pizza, and the front desk at El Colibri recommended we try JBJ’s Round-Up Pizza & Grub. We had seen JBJ’s many times, and once we looked at the menu, we were surprised we hadn’t tried it earlier. JBJ’s has been family operated for over 17 years and delivers all over Cambria. Between the chilly weather, a tired baby, and our son exhausted after a hike in San Simeon, pizza delivery to the hotel by the fireplace made for a perfect dinner.
The pizza options are unique (they have the classics, too), and the pizza was fantastic! Each day, the dough is made from scratch, and the pizzas are cooked in a brick oven. You can build your own pizza or choose one of their delicious combos. I wish I had pictures of the Jody’s Special (Italian sausage, pineapple, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro) that we ordered. They also offer sub sandwiches and char burgers. The indoor decor is a classic pizza parlor with a covered wagon twist – they have a few arcade games for the kids! JBJ’s Round-Up Pizza and Grub is a win-win for the whole family.
MADELINE’S RESTAURANT AND WINE CELLAR
AN INTIMATE, ROMANTIC CHOICE FOR DATE NIGHT
Madeline’s Restaurant offers delicious French/American fine dining in Cambria. The dining room is lit by candlelight, romantic, cozy, and quiet. During a weekend away without our kids, my husband and I escaped the rain to enjoy a wonderful dinner here at Madeline’s.
Our meal did not disappoint, as our filet mignon and stuffed quail were prepared perfectly. Even our starter salad was delicious! Madeline’s salad tops local greens with red onions, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, roasted beets, hazelnuts, and an apple cider vinaigrette. Our meal was complemented perfectly with a recommended bottle of Pinot Noir from their extensive list of California wines. This small restaurant is a beautiful place to snuggle up with a glass of wine while the fog or rain rolls in outside.
During the day, Madeline’s is also a wine shop and tasting room that sells a variety of Central Coast fine wines. Madeline’s has their own wine label as well. So stop by to pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy back at your hotel by the fireplace. Madeline’s restaurant serves lunch and dinner and reservations are strongly recommended. Madeline’s is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Cambria.
WEST END BAR & GRILL
GREAT CHOICE FOR BAR FOOD & SPORTS
West End Bar & Grill is a great choice when you want to kick back, have a beer and watch a game. The sports bar has served classic bar and fried seafood for over 30 years on Cambria’s Main Street. West End Bar & Grill has over 16 craft beers and has 5 TVs with MLB Extra Innings, NFL Sunday Ticket, and NHL Center Ice. There is something for everyone between the beer list, full bar, pub-fare menu, and televisions. The french fries are delicious! Although it looks very bar-like from the outside, it welcomes families.
MAIN STREET GRILL
GREAT CHOICE FOR A QUICK LUNCH OR TAKEOUT
Main Street Grill is a great place to grab some fantastic BBQ in a counter-order restaurant. We love their tri-tip sandwich, which comes piled high with tender tri-tip. The onion rings are crispy, and our son loves the ranch beans. Main Street Grill has plenty of seating and a full bar. It is a great place to grab a quick lunch and makes for great take-out.
THE SEA CHEST OYSTER BAR
ANOTHER ONE OF OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN CAMBRIA
The Sea Chest Oyster Bar is a Cambria restaurant staple! Looking out over the Pacific Ocean on Moonstone Drive, The Sea Chest draws visitors from all over the world. Huge portions of delicious fresh seafood keep the locals coming back, as well as the incredible oyster selection and old-school seafood restaurant vibe. So if you have a seafood favorite, The Sea Chest has it on their menu. The calamari steak and diver scallops are some of our favorites.
TIPS FOR DINING AT THE SEA CHEST
First, the Sea Chest is CASH ONLY. You want to come prepared, or you will need to use the ATM in the restaurant. Second, they do not take reservations, and it is VERY popular. It opens at five, and the line can begin before 4. However, they welcome bringing your wine to pass your waiting time. With the astonishing views right across the street from the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, it makes for a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
Once they open at 5, a list begins to track the line. They have a fire pit in the parking lot where they welcome you to enjoy the view and a glass of wine to pass your time. Another option is to go late, before their 9 pm closing. You will not be disappointed in your delicious fresh seafood dinner no matter what time you choose.
MOONSTONE BEACH BAR x GRILL
A SCENIC SPOT FOR A CASUAL LUNCH OR DINNER
Moonstone Beach Bar x Grill is a Cambria restaurant with scenic surroundings along Moonstone Drive. No matter what time you visit, the views from the heated oceanfront patio are jaw-dropping. The menu includes many central coast favorites like fresh seafood sandwiches, pasta, steaks, and New England clam chowder loaded with bacon. Don’t miss the vanilla ice cream and Oregon berries for dessert (sauteed fresh berries in Grand Marnier). Stop in for an appetizer and cocktail during happy hour or enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch along the water at Moonstone Beach Bar x Grill.
SOON TO BE DAOU OCEAN – WAS CENTRALLY GROWN
AMAZING VIEWS – ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THIS NEW OPENING
The views from this property are incredible, and I CAN NOT WAIT for it to reopen. Nestled on Highway 1, just north of Cambria, Daou Family Estates has plans to reopen this property as Daou Ocean, the sister to their Daou Mountain in Paso Robles. Between the incredible wine and these views, it should be a stunner. Unfortunately, COVID-19 put a wrench in the opening timeline, but the hope is to open this year. I will update you as soon as I can go!
CAMBRIA RESTAURANTS ON MY LIST FOR THE NEXT TRIP
INDIGO MOON
This west village restaurant started as a cheese shop and wine tasting room and has expanded into a full-service restaurant that does not disappoint. The menu has a variety of options, but the tempura-battered fish and lobster bisque are favorites among reviews.
THE BLACK CAT BISTRO
I have read this is one of Cambria’s best restaurants. Not only has it won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for almost 10 years, but they have a cozy heated back patio where you can enjoy a variety of fine dining options. The Black Cat Bistro is an intimate dining experience with a menu that changes seasonally. Reservations are recommended.
CAMBRIA MIMOSAS
Known for its variety of mimosa flavors, Cambria Mimosas is a place I want to check out for Sunday brunch during our next visit!
THE CAFE ON BRIDGE STREET
This cafe is located in Cambria’s East Village in a historical home. This is a great spot for lunch after a walk through the Fiscalini Preserve or a visit to the Cambria Historical Society Museum. The Cafe on Bridge Street makes some of the best sandwiches in town.
MOJO’S VANILLA BEAN
One of Cambria’s best coffee shops, Mojo’s Village Bean is a great place to grab an organic coffee to start your day!
MAP OF WHERE TO EAT IN CAMBRIA, CA
OUR GUIDE TO VISITING CAMBRIA
Check out the other parts of our ultimate guide to visiting Cambria, California!
I am getting hungry just writing this – I already checked Expedia to book our next trip! Ha! What are your favorite foods in Cambria? What do you think about our list of Cambria restaurants? I can’t wait to be grazing my way through town one day again SOON!
