ANNUaL REaDERS POLL ◆ 30TH ANNUaL REaDERS POLL ◆ 30TH ANNUaL REaDERS POLL ◆ 30TH ANNUaL REaDERS POLL ◆ 30TH ANNUaL
SLO COUNTY 2016
BEST NORTH COUNTY RESTaURaNT (San Miguel,
Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Santa Margarita)
The Range
22317 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita The Range is the kind of place that even the most in-the-know foodie may not know. That is until the word-of-mouth reputation comes around. Owners Jeff and Lindsay Jackson consider this haven to be “honky-tonk French fusion”—it’s got a heavy hand of both country traditions and the culinary gourmet. Come for the great steaks, the Southern fried chicken, or the local organic “fresh kill.” If you’re headed in, remember: no credit cards, no reservations, and Google Maps will get you lost. All you need to know is it’s next to the gas station and across the street from the liquor store and post office. —Jono Kinkade
runner up: McPhee’s Grill
BEST NORTH COaST RESTaURaNT (Cambria, Cayucos,
STEAK AND FRIES
You can get SLO County’s best steak on a plate or a steak in a sandwich, and F. McClintocks server Delaney D. could be the one to bring it to you.
Los Osos, Baywood Park, Morro Bay)
Robin’s
4095 Burton Drive, Cambria The salmon bisque is always good at Robin’s in Cambria. It’s beloved, according to Molly Kiely, the restaurant’s marketing manager, and much like Robin’s philosophy—sourcing high quality ingredients to create wholesome comfort food that keeps guests returning for warm hospitality and deliciousness— that creamy little number has never changed. Consistency coupled with a menu that fluctuates with the seasons are the fundamentals that make Robin’s customers happy. But there’s also an airy garden patio and that happy hour menu. For instance: nibble on steamed mussels in coconut milk for $5. Sounds like a good reason to play hooky. —Camillia Lanham
runner up: Taco Temple
BEST SaN LUIS OBISPO RESTaURaNT
HONEA-BAUMANN PHOTO BY DYLAN
open kitchen, wood-fired oven, brick-andmortar fireplace with a Tuscan grill, and spit-roaster. “We serve Italian-inspired California cuisine and aim to create the ideal environment to experience Central Coast food and wine,” said owner and chef Brian Collins. Monthly menu changes reflect seasonal local produce. Signature dishes include Cayucos abalone, grilled rib-eye steak, homemade pastas, housebaked rustic sourdough, and fresh focaccia. The chocolate ice cream cake with sea salt caramel sauce topped with a toasted marshmallow is heavenly. “We thank our guests for voting for us! Come see what we have in store for 2016.” —Ariel Waterman
runner up: Jocko’s
BEST SOUTH COaST (Avila Beach, Ciopinot Seafood Grille RESTaURaNT Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Oceano, Shell Beach) 1051 Nipomo St., SLO It’s the quintessential restaurant for SLO—it brings traditional, consistent food and service; offers entrees from both sea and land (try their American Wagyu steak); and it’s right next to one of downtown’s few surviving parking lots (for now). Stop in for a classic cocktail or a glass of wine and see where it leads. —Jono
runner up: Novo Restaurant & Lounge
BEST SOUTH COUNTY RESTaURaNT (Arroyo Grande, Nipomo)
Ember
1200 East Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande Ember puts on quite a show with its
Ventana Grill
2575 Price St., Pismo Beach Manager Josh Whipkey attributes Ventana Grill’s success to its patrons. “We appreciate our customers who voted for us and aim to please everyone, especially our regulars.” Executive Chef Ricardo Ortega and chefs Norma Ruiz and Bryan Burns are the heart and soul of a menu that features agave bone-in rib-eye steak and crab-encrusted filet mignon, plus a lunch menu with Latin flair. “We listen to our customers and are never afraid to change based on what they say,” Whipkey said. For happy hour, try El Jefe: fresh homemade margarita mix and housemade jalapeño-infused tequila, muddled with cilantro and jalapeño. —Ariel
runner up: The Custom House
BEST RESTaURaNT. PERIOD.
Ciopinot Seafood Grille
1051 Nipomo St., SLO For ages, these pages have hosted a battle between Ciopinot and Novo for the coveted, punctuated bragging rights. Owner Leonard Cohen, however, isn’t one to brag. Instead, the man known for having an eye for detail—from the food, to the atmosphere, to the service—will just tell you how he approaches running his restaurant. If you think it’s too fancy, fear not; customers can enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank (they don’t have a corkage fee). Of course you can go all out and order oysters and several courses, too. —Jono
runner up: Novo
BEST NEw RESTaURaNT OF 2015
Kuma Sushi
2011 10th St., Los Osos Leave it to the owner of local favorite Sylvester’s Burgers to bring us the hottest restaurant of 2015. “Our goal was to bring a fun sushi joint to Los Osos with the highest quality fish straight off the boat and ramen that’s legit,” said Brian Englund, owner of Kuma and Sylvester’s Burgers. The food is simply mouth watering. Plus, sushi bar manager Hidehiko Nogi’s work is an art in itself. The team at Kuma will also soon be offering sushi classes paired with local wine and sake where patrons can learn to roll their own sushi. —Kat Schuster
runner up: The Spoon Trade
BEST BREaKFaST
Del Monte Café
1901 Santa Barbara Ave., SLO Everybody loves a great breakfast (some of us live for it), and Del Monte Café delivers. Located at the distinct and historic street corner across from the SLO train station, the familyowned Del Monte is a down-to-earth breakfast joint that will serve you copious amounts of pancakes and French toast for a reasonable price. There’s no doubt breakfast enthusiasts love Del Monte’s classic American diner atmosphere (comfy booths and all) and friendly staff as they chow down on the fluffy pancakes, perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, and delicious bacon. And did I mention it’s been the best for 25 years running? —Peter Johnson
runner up: Louisa’s Place
BEST WEEKEND BRUNCH
Ventana Grill
2575 Price St., Pismo Beach Nestled quite literally on the coastline with specular views of the ocean blue, Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach is an attractive place to dine for its location alone. Top that off with first-class cuisine—homemade tortillas, an omelet station, crab and seafood station, “churro style” French toast, and more—and, well, you win Best Weekend Brunch. “We’d like to thank everybody for voting for us. We really appreciate the fact that they thought of us,” General Manager Josh Whipkey said. “We strive to please our locals and make them happy.” —Peter
runner up: Marisol at The Cliffs Resort
DINING OUT continued page 20
ANNUaL REaDERS POLL ◆ 30TH ANNUaL REaDERS POLL ◆ 30TH ANNUaL REaDERS POLL ◆ 30TH ANNUaL REaDERS POLL ◆ 30TH ANNUaL 18 • New Times • May 12 - May 19, 2016 • www.newtimesslo.com