Michelin Guide featured 8 SLO County restaurants in dining roundup. Here’s which made the cut
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, San Luis Obispo County has a number of good options, including some that are recognized in the Michelin Guide.
As of the most recent update in July, eight SLO County restaurants have been featured in Michelin’s prestigious roundup of the best in dining — most of which are in Paso Robles.
Ox + Anchor, Nate’s on Marsh, Ember, The Restaurant at Justin, in bloom, The Hatch, Les Petites Canailles and Six Test Kitchen have all been recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Since 1926, the guide has featured dining from across the country. Here’s at look at what Michelin had to say about the local standouts.
Ox + Anchor
The modern steakhouse, Ox + Anchor is located at Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo.
“Design details, like butterscotch leather banquettes, a stacked brick wall divider and teal-blue tiles, enhance the X factor,” read the description in the Michelin Guide. “Staff are well-informed, so let them steer you through the menu.”
Customers describe the restaurant as pleasant.
“We were so pleased with the food, ambiance, and especially hospitality from our very talented server Brian,” one Yelp user wrote. “It was a magical evening of food, laughter and drinks.”
Ox + Anchor accepts table reservations online. Business hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Nate’s on Marsh
Nate’s on Marsh, a “contemporary American cuisine with Italian soul” was among those recognized by Michelin.
“It’s no surprise that Nate’s on Marsh feels very welcoming — it’s set within a converted residence,” read the Michelin listing. “Inside is just as darling with palm-printed wallpaper and a Western/equestrian theme. Nate Long is the consummate host and the service is exceptionally warm, though it certainly doesn’t hurt that the menu is loaded with classics and riffs on favorites that will have you coming back for more.”
Online reviews also raved about the restaurant’s atmosphere.
“What was nice about this restaurant is that it’s elegant yet relaxed and does not feel pretentious for a Michelin-rated restaurant,” one Yelp user wrote, “The staff were friendly and attentive.”
The user gave the restaurant a five-star rating.
Nate’s on Marsh is open Thursday through Monday, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 450 Marsh St. in San Luis Obispo.
Ember
Ember, a Californian cuisine, was also included in the Michelin Guide for the second year in a row.
Menu items include house-made country sourdough with burrata atop an English pea purée and walnut pesto.The restaurant is also known for its 50-layer lasagna, according to the guide.
“This Arroyo Grande charmer hasn’t lost any of its spark,” the guide notes. “Its inviting industrial-rustic interior is the perfect setting for their heartfelt and down-to-earth cooking.”
On Yelp, customers rave about the service and quality of food.
One customer said Ember has “outstanding quality every time I visit and easily deserves all the kudos and awards it’s winning.”
Ember is located at 1200 E. Grand Ave. in Arroyo Grande and open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Restaurant at Justin
The Restaurant at Justin in Paso Robles offers a great take on Californian food, including dishes such as beet canapé with chicken liver pate — making it no surprise this is one of only two restaurants with an actual Michelin star, beyond just being included in the guide.
“Make your way through winding roads to land upon the lush retreat, nestled within the Justin Winery,” the guide read. “This restaurant champions local product, sourced nearby and from the property’s own 150-tree orchard, edible flower fields, vegetable and herb gardens and apiary. Whether your table is on the patio or in the dining room, expect to be enchanted by views of rolling hills and vineyards, and anticipatory service heightens the exceptional experience.”
Yelp reviews describe the restaurant as classy.
“My group took in seemingly endless wine tasting while in Paso, but Justin was far and away the most impressive in every aspect plus the drive to the vineyard became just as much as part of the overall experience as anything,” one Yelp user wrote, ranking the place five stars.
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional hours include 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. It is located at 11680 Chimney Rock Road in Paso Robles.
in bloom
In bloom was included on the Michelin list for the second time this year. Featuring Californian food, the restaurant boasts items such as the summer salad, gnudi or terrine.
“Their cooking is confident and their dishes really come alive,” according to the guide’s review.
Guests complement the restaurant’s amenities online.
“We had wonderful, friendly and attentive service and a delicious dinner with creative and delicious cocktails and a wonderful local grenache blanc,” one Yelp user wrote. “Don’t miss this restaurant!”
They are located at 1845 Spring St. in Paso Robles. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, hours extend to 10 p.m.
The Hatch
The Hatch’s menu includes seared salmon, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, hot skillet cornbread and more. Thematically, the restaurant celebrates “wood-fired comfort food,” according to its website.
The guide described menu items as a “must have.”
“How could you ever go wrong with chocolate pudding and salted caramel in a coconut graham crust?” the guide wrote about The Hatch’s pies.
Online, reviewers also shares their positive experiences with the restaurant.
“Super tasty food,” one Yelp user wrote. “Fried chicken was great, rotisserie chicken was great as well.”
The Hatch is located on 835 13th St. in Paso Robles. They are open 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Les Petites Canailles
Les Petites Canailles in Paso Robles offers French cuisine with dishes such as roasted lamb loin, steak, halibut and more.
“The name translates to ‘the little rascals’ but this welcoming spot with a spot-on kitchen is more head-of-the-class than detention bound,” the guide wrote.
Online reviewers have been similarly enraptured.
“Les Petite Canailles is a sublime dining experience,” one Yelp reviewer wrote. “Seriously some of the finest food I have ever eaten.”
They are open Thursday through Monday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1215 Spring St.
Six Test Kitchen
Six Test Kitchen received its first Michelin star in 2021, and has been featured on the Michelin guide ever since.
“A multicourse tasting menu is on the books with Fridays and Saturdays featuring an expanded menu highlighting the chef’s unique style and creative vision,” the guide wrote. “Diners will be riveted from start to finish with a grassy bar oyster with yuzu and black peppercorn; duck liver with cherry and fennel; ethereal chawanmushi; and wild black cod from Monterey Bay.”
The guide also recommended guests “savor each tiny bite” of the bay leaf and sesame caramel.
Heads up: They are closed Aug. 7 through 16 for summer vacation according to their website. Usual hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
They are located at 3075 Blue Rock Road, Unit B., in Paso Robles. Reservations are required for entry, with a maximum limit of 12 guests.
To view the full list of Michelin restaurants featured in California, visit guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/restaurants.
