The best places to eat in Avila Beach offer some of the most amazing coastal dining you’ll find anywhere on California’s Central Coast. From our rooftop sky bar at Cobbo’s Beach House, we’ve watched countless guests discover incredible restaurants that capture the true spirit of seaside dining. Our luxury vacation rental sits just steps from these amazing eateries, making it easy to walk to your favorite spots or take our complimentary golf cart for a scenic ride to dinner.
Avila Beach brings together the best of sea-to-spoon freshness and farm-to-table flavors, paired perfectly with wines from nearby tasting rooms. The Pacific Ocean delivers daily catches right to local kitchens, while the surrounding Avila Valley provides fresh produce that makes every meal special. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood with ocean views, casual beachfront bites, or romantic garden dining, these restaurants will make your vacation unforgettable.
Top Restaurants in Avila Beach
1. Blue Moon Over Avila French Wine Bar & Bistro
Blue Moon Over Avila stands out as one of the most romantic dining spots, bringing European influences to California’s beautiful coastline. This French Wine Bar & Bistro offers wines from around the world and expertly prepared dishes that change with the seasons.
⭐ Ratings: 4.4/5 based on 608 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate to upscale
📍 Location: 460 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 595-2583
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
The restaurant features imported cheeses, fresh seafood, and seasonal ingredients that create award winning meals. Their beachfront setting with ocean views makes this a perfect spot for special occasions.
Learn more about Blue Moon Over Avila
2. Mersea’s Seafood Restaurant
Dining at Mersea’s means enjoying fresh, delicious seafood right on the historic Harford Pier with awesome views of San Luis Bay. This pier restaurant brings the best of sea-to-spoon dining with daily catches from local fishermen.
⭐ Ratings: 4.5/5 based on 1,629 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 3985 Avila Beach Dr, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 548-2290
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Mersea’s offers a full bar with local beers and wines, plus the unique experience of dining over the water where you can watch boats and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.
Learn more about Mersea’s
3. Gardens of Avila Restaurant
Voted “most romantic” restaurant on the Central Coast, Gardens of Avila at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort sits in a beautiful garden setting in the Avila Valley. This upscale spot offers California coastal cuisine surrounded by natural beauty.
⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5 based on 105 reviews
💵 Price Level: Expensive
📍 Location: 1215 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
📞 Contact Details: (805) 595-7302
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
The restaurant specializes in contemporary dishes using fresh, local ingredients. The garden atmosphere creates the perfect romantic spot for special celebrations.
Learn more about Gardens of Avila Restaurant
4. Custom House Restaurant
Custom House offers casual beachfront dining just steps away from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This comfortable spot features diverse menus with something for everyone, from fresh fish to hand-cut steaks and refreshing salads.
⭐ Ratings: 4.3/5 based on customer reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 404 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 595-7555
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The restaurant features a cocktail bar and outdoor seating with gorgeous San Luis Bay views, making it perfect for casual dining with ocean views.
5. Fat Cats Cafe
Named for a big black and yellow cat who kept the construction crew company more than 25 years ago, Fat Cats is a local Avila Beach favorite. This beloved spot is known for ocean views and award winning meals that keep customers coming back.
⭐ Ratings: 4.4/5 based on 1,824 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 3920 Avila Beach Dr, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 595-2204
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Fat Cats serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with great service that makes it a reputation favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Learn more about Fat Cats Cafe
6. Ocean Grill
Ocean Grill sits just steps from the sand along the Avila Beach Promenade, offering pristine ocean views paired with the best of California coastal cuisine. This beachfront restaurant provides sophisticated seaside dining.
⭐ Ratings: 4.1/5 based on 574 reviews
💵 Price Level: Expensive
📍 Location: 268 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 595-4050
⏰ Opening Hours: Hours vary by season
The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and quality ingredients, with a promenade location that offers stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Learn more about Ocean Grill
7. Mulligan’s Restaurant
Mulligan’s offers casual, comfortable dining in one of the most beautiful settings on the Central Coast. Located along San Luis Bay Drive, this restaurant features a full bar and stunning views from the outdoor seating areas.
⭐ Ratings: 4.4/5 based on 164 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 6460 Ana Bay Rd, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 595-4000
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday & Sunday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thursday-Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Mulligan’s combines great food with comfortable atmosphere and scenic surroundings, making it perfect for relaxed dining.
Learn more about Mulligan’s
8. Hula Hut
Hula Hut features freshly made salads, sandwiches, wraps and smoothies in a fun Hawaiian-themed setting. This casual spot offers healthy options with a scenic view of Avila Beach.
⭐ Ratings: 4.1/5 based on 355 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 380 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 627-0488
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Thursday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hula Hut also features ice cream and locally made fudge, making it perfect for healthy meals and sweet treats.
Learn more about Hula Hut
9. KravaBowl
KravaBowl brings acai bowls to Avila Beach, along with cold pressed juices, fresh salads, breakfast bowls and smoothies. This health-focused fast casual spot is worth the effort to find.
⭐ Ratings: 4.4/5 based on 586 reviews
💵 Price Level: Inexpensive
📍 Location: 310 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 439-1166
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
KravaBowl specializes in signature bowls made with fresh ingredients, perfect for healthy breakfast or light meals.
Learn more about KravaBowl
10. Avila Market
Avila Market is one of Avila Beach’s fast casual restaurants offering one of the most diverse menus on the coast. This convenient spot serves burgers, tacos, and various quick dining options.
⭐ Ratings: 3.1/5 based on 54 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 354 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 439-1480
⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Monday)
Avila Market provides quick and convenient dining options perfect for busy beach days.
Learn more about Avila Market
11. Woodstone Marketplace
Woodstone Marketplace is an eclectic combination of deli, country market, coffee & espresso bar, and wine shop. This unique spot combines dining with gourmet shopping.
⭐ Ratings: 4.2/5 based on 419 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 6675 Bay Laurel Pl, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 595-1018
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday & Sunday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Woodstone offers craft coffee, fresh produce, and gourmet items in a marketplace atmosphere.
Learn more about Woodstone Marketplace
12. Shuck Shack
Shuck Shack is a small seafront gem specializing in fresh oysters and seafood. This newer addition to the dining scene has quickly become a favorite among seafood lovers.
⭐ Ratings: 4.9/5 based on 20 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 480 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact Details: (805) 439-0671
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Shuck Shack offers the freshest oysters and craft beer in a casual beachfront setting.
Learn more about Shuck Shack
Tips for Dining in Avila Beach
From our experience hosting guests at Cobbo’s Beach House, we’ve learned valuable tips that can make your dining experience even better:
Make Reservations Early: Popular restaurants like Blue Moon Over Avila and Gardens of Avila fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Call ahead to secure your spot.
Try the Daily Catch: Being right on the Pacific Ocean means the seafood at places like Mersea’s and Ocean Grill is incredibly fresh. Ask about the catch of the day for the best experience.
Walk or Use Our Golf Cart: Most restaurants are within easy walking distance from Cobbo’s Beach House, or you can take our complimentary golf cart for a scenic ride to dinner.
Time Your Visits: Many restaurants offer happy hour specials and the best ocean views during sunset hours. Places like Custom House and Blue Moon Over Avila are perfect for watching the sun set over the water.
Explore Different Price Points: From budget-friendly spots like KravaBowl to upscale dining at Gardens of Avila, there’s something for every budget without sacrificing quality.
Pack Light Layers: Coastal weather can change quickly, especially for outdoor seating. Bring a light jacket for evening dining on patios and seafront locations.
For more local dining insights, check out our blog where we share additional restaurant recommendations and insider tips.
Wrapping Up
The best places to eat in Avila Beach create an amazing dining experience that perfectly captures the spirit of California coastal living. From romantic French bistros with Pacific Ocean views to casual beachfront spots serving daily catches, each restaurant offers something special that makes your vacation memorable. The combination of fresh seafood from local fishing boats, farm-to-table ingredients from the surrounding Avila Valley, and stunning coastal settings makes dining here truly exceptional.
Staying at Cobbo’s Beach House puts you right at the heart of this amazing food scene, with most restaurants just a short walk away or a fun golf cart ride through downtown. After enjoying these incredible dining experiences, you can return to our luxury vacation rental with its chef’s kitchen, wine and whiskey tasting room, and beautiful ocean views to continue the perfect evening. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, family meal, or casual drinks with friends, these restaurants will make your Avila Beach getaway unforgettable.
Ready to taste the best places to eat in Avila Beach? Book your stay today at cobbosbeachhouse.com and start planning your culinary adventure on California’s Central Coast.
What are the best seafood restaurants in Avila Beach?
Mersea’s Seafood on Harford Pier and Ocean Grill along the Avila Beach Promenade are the top choices for fresh seafood. Mersea’s offers pier dining with daily catches from local fishermen, while Ocean Grill provides upscale seaside dining with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Shuck Shack is also excellent for oysters and fresh shellfish.
Which restaurants in Avila Beach are good for families?
Custom House Restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with diverse menus perfect for families. Hula Hut provides healthy choices like wraps and smoothies in a fun Hawaiian-themed setting that kids love. KravaBowl is great for breakfast with fresh acai bowls and smoothies that appeal to all ages.
Are there romantic dining options in Avila Beach?
Gardens of Avila Restaurant is voted the “most romantic” spot with its beautiful garden setting at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Blue Moon Over Avila offers intimate French bistro dining with ocean views and candlelit ambiance perfect for special occasions. Both restaurants feature seasonal ingredients and award winning meals.
What restaurants have the best ocean views in Avila Beach?
Most beachfront restaurants offer amazing ocean views to take advantage of the coastal setting. Mersea’s has waterfront dining right on Harford Pier, while Ocean Grill sits steps from the sand with Pacific Ocean panoramas. Custom House and Blue Moon Over Avila also provide outdoor seating with gorgeous San Luis Bay views.
Which restaurants are within walking distance of Cobbo’s Beach House?
Nearly all downtown restaurants are within easy walking distance, including Blue Moon Over Avila, Custom House, Hula Hut, KravaBowl, and Ocean Grill along Front Street and the Avila Beach Promenade. For a more scenic trip, you can use our complimentary golf cart to visit any of these amazing dining spots.
What are the price ranges for restaurants in Avila Beach?
Restaurants range from budget-friendly options like KravaBowl and Avila Market to upscale dining at Gardens of Avila and Ocean Grill. Most casual spots like Custom House, Hula Hut, and Fat Cats fall into the moderate price range, offering great value for quality coastal dining with fresh ingredients and ocean views.
