Discover diverse culinary delights in Cambria, Highway 1’s picturesque town by the sea. Explore a range of dining experiences, from casual to gourmet at the best Cambria restaurants, cafes, bakeries and wine tasting rooms. Whether seeking seaside vistas or an intimate fireside table for two, Cambria restaurants cater to every dining preference. Indulge in just-caught seafood, locally-ranched beef, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and farm-to-table offerings. Families can choose from a selection of kid-friendly restaurants, while pet owners can enjoy sunny, dog-friendly outdoor patios. Talented chefs are drawn to Cambria for its year-round access to fresh, locally-grown ingredients, world-class wines and scenic surroundings. Embark on a flavorful adventure on Main Street, spanning from the West Village to the East Village, or discover eateries along Moonstone Drive near Moonstone Beach and the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. Delight in the best restaurants in Cambria and savor the unique flavors this charming coastal community has to offer.
Discover Dining in Cambria
Linn’s Restaurant
Linn’s Restaurant is a local Cambria favorite famous for serving delicious comfort food and iconic olallieberry pie. This beloved eatery opened in 1989 after operating for several years as a popular local fruit stand on Santa Rosa Creek Road (now closed). Owned by John and Renee Linn, Linn’s brought homestyle dishes to Cambria’s East Village, at the corner of Bridge Street and Main Street. Due to Linn’s historic connection with the Santa Rosa Creek Farm, fruit factors heavily into the menu — especially Cambria’s famous olallieberry treats. For those who haven’t yet tried the local delicacy, olallieberries are packed with tart, juicy flavor similar to a blackberry-raspberry mashup. Look for olallieberry syrup poured on pancakes, apple-olallieberry slaw served alongside tri-tip sandwiches and olallieberry vinaigrette drizzled over salads. Kids can also enjoy the famed fruit with a glass of refreshing olallieberry lemonade. For the tastiest homestyle breakfast in Cambria, order a stack of honey-wheat pancakes, a fluffy omelet or one of Linn’s fruit muffins. At lunchtime, flavorful soups, entree salads and sandwiches are popular among locals and visitors alike. For dinner, enjoy Linn’s “comfort classics,” traditional entrees like chicken pot pie, pot roast and down-home meatloaf. And for dessert? Nothing beats a slice of Linn’s olallieberry pie a la mode.
Robin’s Restaurant
Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria has provided celebrated farm-to-table and globally-inspired fare for decades. The restaurant began in the 1980s, as part of a health food store owned by Robin and Shanny Covey. As their dishes became more popular, the duo closed the store and launched the restaurant full-time. That nourishing and healthful ethos continues today, with one of the widest selection of vegetarian dishes on the Central Coast. The owners have also maintained a commitment to sourcing ingredients primarily from local farmers’ markets. The best way to experience Robin’s is with lunch or dinner on the restaurant’s expansive, welcoming patio. Tuck into dishes made with global flavors, from Vietnamese spring rolls and Cubano sandwiches to North Indian lamb curry and pesto primavera pasta. Robin’s also provides a children’s menu and allows well-behaved, leashed pups on the patio. Don’t miss the restaurant’s extensive wine list, complete with local and imported bottles.
Sea Chest
Top shelf seafood and ocean views are always on the menu at the Sea Chest in Cambria. Situated just above Moonstone Beach in a quaint, Nantucket-style building, the Sea Chest was founded in 1975 by Jim and Karen Clarke. The restaurant focuses on amazing seafood, with a special emphasis on oysters, clams, shrimp and scallops. Popular dishes include clam chowder, calamari steak, sea bass, king crab legs and Alaskan halibut. With an ever-changing supply of available seafood, the offerings change regularly. Open for dinner only, a line forms nearly every evening at the door (reservations are not permitted, so grab a table on a first-come, first-served basis). Visitors should plan accordingly as well as come prepared with cash, as cards and checks are not accepted. Many folks make the most of the waiting process by enjoying a glass of wine outside and taking in a spectacular coastal sunset. The Sea Chest wine list features primarily local bottles, with some California and specialty imports like prosecco and Champagne.
Main Street Grill (Firestone)
Fans of San Luis Obispo’s famous Firestone Grill will recognize the menu at Main Street Grill immediately. The two restaurants (plus the Firestone Grill in Bakersfield and Fresno, California) are owned by the Billingsley family, but it all began in Cambria. The Main Street Grill started in 1984 as a tiny hamburger stand in the West Village. Over time, the stand grew into a popular bar and grill, serving its famous barbecue tri-tip sandwiches and seasoned fries. Today, the Billingsley family continues to operate the restaurant, serving up juicy burgers, barbecue and onion rings. Hearty salads, tacos, sausage sandwiches and a variety of local craft beer and wine make for crowd-pleasing, casual dining. With a popular kid’s menu, Main Street Grill is also a great place for families. Grab a pint and stay to watch the game on one of Main Street Grill’s many large-screen TVs.
Old Stone Station
Old Stone Station restaurant has served as a proud Cambria landmark since the 1930s. With a colorful history as a gas station and garage, be sure to ask about the eatery’s famous connection to the late great William Randolph Hearst. Serving classic lunch and dinner plates in a welcoming dining room or on the dog-friendly patio, find tasty steaks, seafood, salads, burgers, sandwiches and a kid’s menu. Nosh on sizzling crab cakes, “the fresh catch of the day” (grilled or blackened and served with a fresh garden salad) or go for oysters and chips and a bread bowl of steamy clam chowder. Beefy dinners, including filet mignon, rib-eye, top sirloin, prime rib, T-bone and New York cut, are cooked to perfection. For lighter fare, consider an entree salad, pasta dish, veggie burger or portobello mushroom sandwich. A variety of local Central Coast wines are available by the glass or bottle, providing an excellent pairing. For dessert, save room for irresistible treats like carrot cake and lemon-raspberry layered cheesecake.
Madeline’s
Discover chef-driven delights at Madeline’s, Cambria’s coziest white-linen French restaurant. Located in the West Village, this chef-owned establishment is known for exquisite lunch and dinner plates served in a refined-yet-relaxed atmosphere. With elevated dishes like stuffed quail with wild mushrooms and pan-seared filet mignon with fresh seasonal vegetables, find carefully composed salads, a nightly selection of just-caught seafood as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. For dessert, enjoy treats like chocolate truffle mousse cake or a fresh fruit tart baked into a cinnamon crust. The extensive wine list boasts local bottles, including Madeline’s own proprietary wine label crafted in Paso Robles. In addition to these wines, a wide array of California bottles can be found at the adjacent Madeline’s wine shop. Here, visitors are able to enjoy a wine tasting followed by a superb French-American meal.
Indigo Moon
Indigo Moon serves West Coast farm-to-fork cuisine in Cambria’s East Village. Owners Jay and Dena designed the space to include enticing seating areas heightened by a warm, craftsman-style ambiance. For a lovely al fresco meal, the back patio is heated and strung with glowing market lights. Open for dinner only, enjoy American eats like lobster bisque, juicy pulled pork sandwiches with red cabbage slaw, thick pork chops and tempura-battered fish and chips. Specials always include fresh-caught seafood and market-made soups. Paired with a robust wine list featuring Paso Robles, Edna Valley and Santa Barbara County wines, there’s a flavor combination for everyone at Indigo Moon.
The Sow’s Ear
Nestled in the heart of Old Town Cambria, The Sows’ Ear remains a popular stop for hungry diners looking for classic fare. Serving up gourmet comfort food, discover fresh-baked “flower pot bread” served with every meal. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere in one of two fireside rooms, the perfect place to tuck into sumptuous offerings like fisherman’s stew, New Zealand rack of lamb, lobster pot pie and beef stroganoff. An early dinner service is available from 5-6 p.m., offering early-bird favorites like chicken fried steak, fresh salmon with citrus balsamic glaze and New York Strip Steak. With mouthwatering appetizers ranging from herb-cheese stuffed mushrooms and spicy calamari, the whole table is advised to come hungry. As the old adage says “you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” but you can certainly be well-fed in Cambria. A great place for celebrations, find special menus presented for Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Note: reservations are highly recommended, so be sure to check with the restaurant before heading out.
JJs Pizza
JJs Pizza in Cambria serves up stellar slices with a smile. Located in the East Village, JJs is known for its friendly staff, quick service and tasty pizza, burgers, sandwiches, drinks and more. Think classic pizza parlor fare: Italian-American-style pies with lots of toppings and a soft, chewy crust. Start with a basket of crispy chicken wings and an antipasto salad before ordering a build-your-own pizza. Choose from generous small, medium and large sizes, or opt for personal-sized pies. For something unique, try the local favorite “Mexican” pizza with spicy beef crumbles, taco cheese and bell peppers. Char-burgers include the mushroom-topped Marion Davies Burger, named after William Randolph Hearst’s longtime mistress. Sandwich lovers can opt for the wildly popular meatball grinder, slathered in marinara sauce and topped with broiled and bubbly mozzarella cheese. The Cambrian sandwich, another popular option, is made with sourdough bread, turkey, ham and three kinds of cheese. A simple wine and beer selection pairs nicely with JJs crowd-pleasing grub.
Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger presents bold Asian fusion flavors in Cambria’s East Village. Born and raised in Singapore, Wild Ginger chef-owner Deborah Mok opened the restaurant in 2002 to much local celebration. As the gateway between East and West, Singapore’s fusion food culture provides delicious inspiration for Chef Deborah’s inventive creations—all of which make use of vibrant local farmer’s market produce. Look for Thai classics like Pad Thai and Tom Kha Kai, Chinese dishes like Hunan Beef (made with filet mignon), and Szechuan Tofu. Vietnamese Caramelized Prawns and Vietnamese BBQ Pork are served alongside Singapore Laksa and Indian samosas for a well-rounded assortment of Asian dishes. Pair this feast with a glass of wine or beers imported from China, Thailand, India and Japan. Don’t skip dessert, as Wild Ginger offers a daily selection of fresh fruit sorbets.
Black Cat Bistro
Black Cat Bistro focuses on French-inspired California cuisine in Cambria’s East Village. The restaurant is simple and elegant, with white linens, fine Riedel stemware and just under fifty candlelit tables. The intimate farm-to-table eatery opened in 2002 under chef-owner Deborah Scarborough, known for fresh, unfussy cooking. A winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence multiple times over, Black Cat Bistro offers a lengthy wine list with bottles from local and worldwide wineries. Go for a glass of something special to pair with the gorgonzola-stuffed fried olives, crispy brussels sprouts or crab cakes in remoulade sauce. Entrees cover seafood dishes like wild salmon in sake-miso beurre blanc, and chipotle shrimp linguine with corn, tomatoes, scallions and cilantro. Classic steaks, lamb, chicken and duck are prepared with a subtle global twist, highlighting local produce, grains and proteins. Popular go-tos include Black Cat Bistro’s award-winning New England clam chowder as well as the “romaine salad,” lightly seared and topped with lemon Caesar dressing, asiago cheese and bacon-jam toast.
Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill
Famous seafood and dramatic ocean views attract hungry patrons to Moonstone Beach bar & Grill. Located directly on Moonstone Beach, this Cambria institution serves lunch and dinner, with brunch available on Sundays. Find indoor dining as well as outdoor tables on the beach-facing patio, which is heated and dog-friendly. While seafood and American dishes dominate the menu here, discover something to delight every palate. Tuck into a warm cup of New England clam chowder, a hearty ranch chicken salad, or a smoked cheddar cheeseburger. Sandwiches, soups and pasta dishes populate a menu that walks the line between casual and refined. Young foodies will appreciate the kids’ menu — especially the scoop of vanilla ice cream that’s included with every order. For Sunday brunch, enjoy great omelets, Eggs Benedict and Oysters Rockefeller. Pair any of these delectable dishes with a glass of locally-made beer or wine, or with a cocktail from the full bar.
The Hidden Kitchen
The Hidden Kitchen in Cambria is more than a cleverly-named restaurant. This tucked-away gem serves top notch breakfast and brunch goodness with an emphasis on wholesome ingredients. Hidden Kitchen began with two roommates who became locally-famous for making smoothies and blue corn waffles out of their house. Their unconventional flavor pairings and gluten-free and refined sugar-free approach gained so many fans the team was encouraged to open a cafe. The result is The Hidden Kitchen, a pint-sized eatery covered in wandering ivy serving smoothies and both sweet and savory waffles. The restaurant’s iconic blue corn waffles are used as a template for creative flavor combinations: Try the San Luis Sunrise, with free range fried eggs, bacon, avocado and zesty “hidden kitchen sauce.” Or go sweet with the Olallieberry Local waffle, made with dark chocolate chips, olallieberry syrup, coconut whipped cream and cacao powder. The cafe’s superfood smoothies, probiotic kombucha and bulletproof-style coffee also do their part to keep travelers fueled up for the day’s activities.
Brydge
Brydge in Cambria brings together local bounty and comfort food appeal in a relaxed, homey setting. Located in a historic Cambria home, Chef Elaine Rivera-Glenn opened the restaurant in 2023 to showcase seasonal flavors inspired by area farmers and ranchers. The goal? To serve dishes using a minimum of 75 percent organic and sustainably-made products. To bring that vision to life, she partnered with folks associated with Daou Vineyard & Winery in Paso Robles and Soto True Earth Market in Cambria. Expect a comfortable interior complete with warm serape blankets available to diners. Shared plates might include vegetarian cassoulet, Spanish meatballs or clams in a bath of shallots, herbs, white wine, garlic and vinegar. Lunch runs the gamut from kimchi grilled cheese, a mushroom burger or a gulf shrimp roll. For supper, options like roast chicken and Wagyu ribeye keep it simple and fresh. Brydge also features a robust wine list and an enticing array of non-alcoholic beverages, including kombucha and mocktails.
Cambria Bakeries
Linn’s Easy as Pie Shop & Cafe
Linn’s Easy as Pie Shop & Cafe is a must-visit for Cambria visitors of all ages. The official headquarters of Cambria’s famous olallieberry pie, order a warmed slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a cup of coffee. Linn’s serves more than iconic pie, though: discover a delectable array of cakes, muffins, cookies and more. Be sure to check out the gift shop for local products and sweet souvenirs to take home.
The French Corner Bakery
The French Corner Bakery in Cambria crafts delicious, French-inspired pastries by the sea. Taste authentic croissants, Danish, tarts, scones, eclairs and more. Paired with crowd-pleasing favorites like apple turnovers and cinnamon rolls, it’s easy to enjoy any number of breakfast treats alongside espresso drinks and hot tea. For a quick lunch, check out The French Corner Bakery’s range of tasty sandwiches and savory treats like Quiche Lorraine and asiago pesto twists. Visitors can also pick up loaves of freshly-baked bread, including sourdough, rye, baguette, Challah, ciabatta and multigrain, among others.
Red Moose Cookie Company
Red Moose Cookie Company bakes crazy-delicious signature cookies for die-hard fans, both local and visiting. There’s plenty of sweet choices to taste, ranging from old fashioned chocolate chip, oatmeal-raisin, peanut butter and unique flavors like “Oh Joy,” made with five varieties of chocolate, toasted almonds and coconut. Newcomers are encouraged to try Red Moose’s “Cinnful” cookie, an oatmeal treat with cinnamon chips, toffee chips and crunchy walnuts. For the ultimate sweet treat, indulge in the “Root Beer Float,” a groundbreaking cookie crafted with root beer reduction, ginger and sassafrass.
Cambria Coffee Shops
Cambria Coffee Roasting Company
Cambria Coffee Roasting Company successfully lures in patrons with the enticing scent of freshly-roasted java. This small-but-might coffee house proudly roasts its own beans, serving a classic menu of coffee-and espresso-based drinks. Wake up to gourmet blends and unique roasts at this beloved local hangout (and be sure to check out the classic Diedrich roaster, when you get the chance).
Mojos Village Bean
At Mojo’s Village Bean in Cambria, baristas serve up excellent organic espresso drinks, coffees, matcha drinks and teas. Pick up a strong cup of Joe alongside house-made artisan bagels, oat bars or a hearty breakfast sandwich. Mojo’s also scoops more than a dozen flavors of ice cream, great for a mid-afternoon treat while strolling Cambria’s historic East Village.
Lily’s Coffee House
Lily’s Coffee House is the perfect place to enjoy a slow Cambria morning. Sit beneath the glass-covered patio, where greenery grows beside comfortable chairs. Grab a pastry or breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee, espresso drink or tea. Later in the day, head back for a popular selection of soups, salads and sandwiches.
Cambria Wine Tasting Rooms
Cutruzzola Vineyards
Cutruzzola Vineyards in Cambria serves cool climate wines grown just steps from the Pacific. Partners Francis Cutruzzola and Lisa Miller own the estate winery, which focuses primarily on award-winning riesling and pinot noir offerings. Located about six miles from the coast, The winery’s Riven Rock Vineyard is famous for producing bright wines with a fresh, acid-driven appeal. Enjoy guided tastings at the cozy Cambria tasting room or a seasonal outdoor wine tasting experience. Be sure to ask a wine tasting attendant about adding on a cheese and charcuterie plate during your visit.
Black Hand Cellars
Black Hand Cellars in Cambria exudes an antique “speakeasy” vibe reminiscent of the roaring ’20s. Red wines dominate the tasting lineup, spotlighting Rhone and Bordeaux varieties as well as a few hard cider options. Although the BlackHand Cellars vineyard and wine production facility is based in nearby Paso Robles Wine Country, the tasting room has been part of the Cambria community since 2009. Now considered a local staple of Cambria’s West Village, patrons are encouraged to sit back, relax, and enjoy wine, hard cider and hard cider cocktails on the coast.
Tooth & Nail
Fans of the Tooth & Nail Winery tasting room just over the hill in Paso Robles will appreciate this satellite tasting room in Cambria. The vibe here is casual, cool, and a little wild, just like their House of Wine on Highway 46, only more intimate. Stop in for a tasting of the sustainably-made wines that Tooth & Nail has become famous for—right off Moonstone Beach. These include a selection of award-winning red and white wines like indulgent Amor Fati Chardonnay, crisp Destinata Grenache Rosé, and inky Dens Clavus Cabernet Sauvignon. Sit back, relax, and let the tasting room staff guide you through the tasting, which includes a welcome splash. The Tooth & Nail tasting room in Cambria is open daily from midday to evening.
Moonstone Cellars
Sip brilliant coastal wines at Moonstone Cellars, Cambria’s relaxed tasting room for red wine lovers. Offering a robust selection of mostly red varietals, savor Paso Robles Bordeaux-style wines as well as fruit-forward zinfandel, among others. Savor a leisurely tasting, glass or bottle in the Moonstone Cellars tasting room or kick back in the sunny courtyard area. Walk-ins are welcome (reservations are needed for groups of six or more). You’ll also find a host of year-round events offered at the tasting room, including open mic nights, live music concerts, paint-and-sip workshops and more.
