What’s the best restaurant in SLO right now? Here’s what Yelp has to say this month

Kaytlyn Leslie
·5 min read

Ask someone what the best restaurant in San Luis Obispo is and you’ll get vastly different answers.

If they prioritize atmosphere, they might pick a swanky dinner spot downtown, while someone who is all about the grub could pick a hole-in-the-wall that’s further away from the main stretches of town.

Luckily, Yelp has a weekly feature that tracks the most popular restaurants in the city based on recent user reviews.

Here are the 10 best restaurants in San Luis Obispo according to Yelp, as of Dec. 9, 2023:

Coya Peruvian Food

Address: 1401 Osos St.

Rating: 4.9 stars

Recent review: “My wife and sister-in-law were born and raised in Lima, Peru. They absolutely loved everything we had. The ceviche was amazing! Catalina, the owner and chef, is so nice and welcoming. We had a great time and look forward to coming back. Highly recommend as the food is authentic and delicious.” — Anthony B., Costa Mesa

To contact: Call 805-634-3504

J&L Hawaiian BBQ

Address: 2256 Broad St.

Rating: 4.9 stars

Recent review: “Great food and good service. Went here for the first time and was not disappointed. We ordered the chicken katsu and Spam masubi, both were on point! Highly recommend J&L Hawaiian BBQ as the price to value ratio is great.” — Daniel P., San Luis Obispo

To contact: jlhawaiianbbq.com or call 805-439-1099

Bear & the Wren offers eight beers on tap and 20 to 25 wines. The pizza restaurant is located in the old Spike’s building on Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo.
Bear & the Wren offers eight beers on tap and 20 to 25 wines. The pizza restaurant is located in the old Spike’s building on Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo.

Bear & The Wren

Address: 570 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.7 stars

Recent review: “This place has such a calm, romantic atmosphere that is perfect for date nights! Their gourmet pizzas are so unique and flavorful for people looking to try something new. I got their Ricotta and Honey Pizza in the Detroit Style and their Roasted Butternut in the Neapolitan Style, and both were such amazing options! I especially loved the garlic confit of the ricotta and honey, so that one was my favorite of the night. I also tried their pineapple passion fruit root elixir, and it was a great refreshing non-alcoholic drink! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a new place to eat in SLO!” — Regina R., Fresno

To contact: bearandthewren.com or call 805-439-0326

High Street Market & Deli

Address: 350 High St.

Rating: 4.6 stars

Recent review: “If I could marry a sandwich shop, I’d marry High St. Deli. While it took a while because I was there on a Saturday, it was so worth it. I got a turkey, cheddar cheese and lettuce sandwich on sourdough bread and it was amazing. The next time I went, I got a turkey, American cheese and lettuce sandwich on white bread, and while it was still great, nothing will top my first visit’s order. Totally going back here soon!” — Brenna G., San Francisco

To contact: highstdeli.com or call 805-541-4738

Thai Delight Cuisine

Address: 1011 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.6 stars

Recent review: “Excellent!! Had khao soi and drunken noodles. 10/10! Great service and seriously some of the best Thai food we’ve had. Will be back next time I visit SLO!” — Theresa L., San Juan Capistrano

To contact: thaidelightslo.com or call 805-541-2025

A crab roll with avocado is among the sushi offerings on the menu at Goshi Japanese restaurant in Paso Robles.
A crab roll with avocado is among the sushi offerings on the menu at Goshi Japanese restaurant in Paso Robles.

Goshi Japanese Restaurant

Address: 570 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Recent review: “It cannot get any better than this. I am a sashimi fan because of Goshi! Fresh, fresh quality and flavor. Excellent cuts that just let the sashimi melt in your mouth. Sake offerings are great. Dessert ... wow, matcha layered cake with black sesame ice cream. Do yourself a treat. Service is always friendly and seating is appropriate for the venue, but really, once you get your food, nothing else exists. SLO is fortunate to have this quality in town” — Carrie R., San Luis Obispo

To contact: goshislo.com or call 805-543-8942

Gino’s Pizza

Address: 1769 Monterey St.

Rating: 4.4 stars

Recent review: “Our family loves Gino’s great food and atmosphere! Huge menu and great variety, something for everyone! The staff is amazing and will help you get what you need to have a great meal!” — Wesley T., Atascadero

To contact: ginospizzaslo.com or call 805-752-1333

Margherita pizza with fresh basil, thinly sliced tomatoes and garlic is a popular menu item at Gino’s Pizza, which has locations in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.
Margherita pizza with fresh basil, thinly sliced tomatoes and garlic is a popular menu item at Gino’s Pizza, which has locations in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.

Nate’s on Marsh

Address: 450 Marsh St.

Rating: 4.3 stars

Recent review: “Nate’s is the best restaurant in town. Not only is the food absolutely spectacular, the drinks are as well. You cannot beat the ambiance. It’s warm, and cozy and beautifully designed. On top of all of that, Nate and his staff are the best. This is a cannot miss when in town or for the SLOcals.” — Gary B., San Luis Obispo

To contact: natesonmarsh.comor call 805-544-4454

Flour House SLO

Address: 690 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.2 stars

Recent review: “Great food and drink! Their craft pizzas are unique and the restaurant has a great atmosphere!” — Chris C., San Diego

To contact: flourhouseslo.com or call 805-544-5282

Among the pizza offerings at Flour House in San Luis Obispo is the pizza bianca-style Primavera, topped with mozzarella di bufala, tomatoes and arugula.
Among the pizza offerings at Flour House in San Luis Obispo is the pizza bianca-style Primavera, topped with mozzarella di bufala, tomatoes and arugula.

Novo

Address: 726 Higuera St.

Rating: 4.2 stars

Recent review: “The best restaurant in SLO!! We always come back here during holiday season! Food, the atmosphere and service is A plus!! Friendly for kids as they got a nice outdoor sitting area :) highly recommended!” — Ashley H., Orange

To contact: novorestaurant.com or call 805-505-7137

Check back with The Tribune next month to see if your favorite restaurant can make it to the top.