Los Osos – Baywood might be one of the smaller towns along Highway 1, but it’s easily the most diverse when it comes to food options. Within just a few short blocks, you can find multiple types of cuisine, from pizza and juicy burgers to ramen, sushi, and tacos. Several eateries have been around for decades (and have their fans), while others are new and already gaining a delicious reputation. In a few cases, dining in Los Osos – Baywood includes a view of the back bay and the Morro Bay National Estuary. Others are pet-friendly restaurants where Fido can enjoy a meal out, as well. Thanks to fine, mild weather year-round, outdoor dining in Los Osos is a popular option — just be prepared to wear layers. Several Los Osos – Baywood restaurants feature tasty and fun dishes for the young foodie in your life, perfect for a family getaway. Whether you’re hiking Montana de Oro, birdwatching, tidepooling, kayaking, or golfing the local course, Los Osos – Baywood is a great place to refuel.
Discover Dining in Los Osos – Baywood park
Best Dinner
Mirazur Restaurant
Looking for an intimate coastal brunch, lunch or dinner? Mirazur sits just near the Baywood Pier in Los Osos-Baywood Park, with a stunning view of the Back Bay. The name Mirazur, in fact, translates as “look at the blue,” and there’s plenty to look at in this hip spot on the water. The restaurant opened in 2024 with the same top-shelf team that owns and operates Lunada Bistro in Cayucos, another coastal, intimate spot. At Mirazur, expect an upscale dining experience, complete with elegant dishes inspired by flavors from across the globe. For appetizers, prepare to order favorites like Roasted Artichoke and Oysters Rockerfeller, or signature dishes like Grilled Octopus with chorizo and champagne vinaigrette. For entrees, the menu is split into three categories of Land, Sea, and Pasta. Choose from decadent French-Style Duck, Filet Mignon and Surf & Turf, or a plate of Scallops with truffle beurre blanc, chives, wasabi mashed potatoes and haricot verts. (The eatery offers several vegetarian pastas, but the menu primarily caters to omnivores.) Sweet tooths will appreciate the long list of available desserts, from pineapple mousse with guava gel and mint cake to the milk chocolate mousse with dulce de leche and passion fruit ganache. This is a great spot to bring a special someone, enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail, and sit in the elegant dining room or on the heated patio.
Best Lunch
Bayside Cafe
Who doesn’t love dog-friendly, waterfront dining? These are major selling points at Bayside Cafe, but the food and friendly service seal the deal. The cafe began as a walk-up counter where visitors to the Morro Bay State Park Marina could grab a bite. Eventually, word got out about Bayside’s classic American and Mexican fare, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Today, the cafe includes a comfortable dining room and spacious patio with a killer view of the marina and the Morro Bay National Estuary. The craftsman-style building is warm and familiar, with a dinghy perched triumphantly on the roofline. Maybe take a spin through the back bay on a kayak, then hit up the Bayside Cafe for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Look for lots of seafood, burgers, salads and pasta, as well as locally-sourced beer and wine. Customer favorites include Fried Green Tomatoes & Scallops, Albacore Skewers, and Spicy Green Chile Soup.
Best Breakfast
Celia’s Garden Cafe
When you’re on the road and need a spot to settle in for a quiet breakfast or lunch, Celia’s Garden Cafe has the right vibe. You’ll see lots of locals here on the patio among the flowers and plants, or inside the charming dining room. The focus at Celia’s is fresh, locally-sourced fruits and vegetables, including just-squeezed orange juice. Homestyle jams, salsas, breads, desserts, hand-carved turkey, and housemade hollandaise sauce are just some of the flavors you can expect here. Celia’s also pours locally-roasted SLO Roasted Coffee, produced just around the corner in Baywood. If you’re on your way to Montana de Oro State Park, pick up breakfast on the way in or on the way out — breakfast is served all day at Celia’s. Or you may want something more along the lines of lunch: soups, salads, sandwiches, pork chops and more. A kid’s menu and “lite” menu also make it easy to feed lots of different appetites. And don’t forget Rover! The outdoor patio at Celia’s is dog-friendly.
Best Sandwiches
High Street Deli
The original High Street Deli in San Luis Obispo has been an anchor for stacked sandwiches and laid-back fun for many years. Today, High Street Deli has a second location in Los Osos-Baywood Park, where the vibe is similarly chill. Plus, the Baywood location includes an expanded deli, wines by the bottle, and a sweet selection of High Street’s famously irreverent merchandise. Come in for hot and cold sandwiches, fries, salads, wraps, and more. Favorite orders include the Deli Burger, a saucy smash burger on Japanese milk bread, and the Grandma Norman, made with fried chicken cutlets. No matter the sandwich you try, if you ask them to “make it stoney!” they’ll do a little extra something with add-ons to make it special. (This changes constantly, depending on the sandwich, depending on the maker, depending on the day! Take a chance and live on the edge.) The owners have kids and understand the importance of a solid kids’ menu and a patio with space for kids to move. Bring the family, enjoy the sparkle of the back bay, and taste one of the best sandwiches on Highway 1.
Best Gastropubs
Beerwood
Those looking for high-quality, low-key cuisine that pairs seamlessly with beer will be delighted to discover Beerwood in Los Osos-Baywood Park. The tavern lies just a block away from the shoreline of the Morro Bay National Estuary, overlooking Santa Maria Avenue. (Locals’ tip: grab a table on the patio on Monday afternoons to watch the Baywood Farmers’ Market from above.) Beerwood features 12 taps that rotate with local beers, as well as a long list of beers in cans and bottles — even gluten-free beer. Regular taps include M. Special Brewing, Liquid Gravity, Central Coast Brewing, Wild Fields, and 805. The food menu complements these brews — and vice versa — with elevated pub favorites. Try a platter of sauteed Brussels sprouts with dipping sauces, or a sophisticated riff on the BLT. Sausages, sliders, pasta, salads and more can be enjoyed with a pint on the ample outdoor deck. Bring the whole family, including Fido, to enjoy a lazy afternoon or evening here.
The Olde Ale House
The easygoing eatery brings the beer garden concept to Los Osos – Baywood, with fire pits and heaters to keep the patio warm. The primary feature for the Olde Ale House is the collection of 20 craft beers, ciders and sours on tap. But what’s a cold pint without something to eat alongside? Check out the Olde Ale House’s menu of updated American fare and pub favorites like sliders and nachos. On the weekends, pop-ups take over the restaurant, like Asian street food and fusion restaurant Hawker Eats. Come grab a cold beer, hard kombucha, cider or sour from one of the many local breweries on tap. Pair it with one of Hawker Eats’s crave-worthy dishes like fried rice, pork belly sliders, steamed buns, bahn mi and Asian Street Fries. Look for “Leo the dinosaur,” the Olde Ale House’s mascot (who is occasionally dressed up for special occasions) by the takeout window.
Best Burgers
Sylvester’s Burgers
The Sylvester’s Burger tagline says it all: “Big, Hot ‘N Juicy!” And it’s true. Sylvester’s is the place to go for burgers in Los Osos – Baywood, but beware: the burgers are enormous. They’re also extremely sloppy, in the best possible way, with signature Sylvester’s sauce slathered on the bun and dripping down the patty. In fact, Sylvester’s owners put in a designated “wash station” on the patio for folks to clean themselves up after dining. (Fun fact: Sylvester’s contracts with a local bakery to make extra-absorbent buns to catch the sauce.) The vibe inside this very popular casual eatery is familiar and chill, with colorful vintage booths and customer photos along the walls. Customer favorites include the Mushroom Burger (piled impossibly high with sauteed mushrooms) and the Hana Burger (with pineapple and bacon). You’ll also find more exotic meats here too, like buffalo, elk, and wild boar. Vegetarian? Enjoy an Impossible Burger here. While Sylvester’s signature burgers are always tasty, look at the specials board for new, interesting items. A few tips: families, don’t miss “Whine Wednesday” when all kids meals are sold at half price. Birthday boys and girls, come in on your birthday for a free burger! And for those of you with big appetites, come in to stand down The Big One, a 5-pound burger. If you finish in less than 30 minutes, you get the burger for free, a free tee shirt, and your picture on the wall.
Clubhouse Bar & Grill at Sea Pines
Starting or ending a round of golf? Head to the Clubhouse Bar & Grill at Sea Pines Golf Resort for a meal to kick it off or wind it down. This casual restaurant makes it easy to fuel up or relax after a day on the links. Look for indoor and outdoor seating options, plus a total of ten flat-screen TVs for watching sports. All the American clubhouse favorite dishes are here, with omelettes, burgers, nachos, and more. Come for happy hour to select from the list of local wines and beers, as well as house-specialty cocktails. Throughout the week, the Clubhouse rotates nightly specials including tacos, steak, surf and turf, pork ribs, tri tip, and pasta. Take your seat on the patio with a glass of something local and delicious, then enjoy the view of the green. Alternatively, join in the fun on a Saturday night when bands play live music inside.
Best Pizza
Nardonne’s Pizza
Nardonne’s La Familiglia Pizzeria in Baywood Park has a fun, festive and casual vibe that’s perfect for kids of all ages and their families. Located just up the street from the shore of the back bay, Nardonne’s has fed hungry locals and visitors since 1976. Not just any Los Osos pizza, these are Sicilian-style pies at their best, thick crust, fully loaded and cut in traditional square slices. (The Works Pizza is a particular crowd pleaser: sausage, pepperoni, linguica, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, olives, onions, and bell peppers.) Other favorite dishes here are the meatball sandwich, calzones, and the caprese salad; drinks include local wine and beer. A kids menu offers several choices for young pizza fans to consider. Nardonne’s has something for everyone, with big screen TVs, a small arcade, movie nights, tap takeovers — even a dog-friendly patio! Sit down at the bar to have a beer and enjoy the game, or bring your family or group to a wide table to feast together.
Brightside Pizza
This family-friendly hangout serves flavorful pizza by the pie, plus 30 beers on tap. Cheerful and welcoming, Brightside was opened by Jeremiah and Ashlee Bright, a hardworking pair with over 50 years’ combined experience in the hospitality industry. They sought to design a place that would not just feed people but delight them. The menu features a variety of pizza styles, from basic styles like Hawaiian and Margherita, to the Brightside’s signature pie, The Brightvibe, with white sauce, bacon, pineapple and jalapenos. In addition to draft beer, the Brightside offers cans, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Sports fans will appreciate the 12 high-definition TVs that broadcast all the big games, and kids will love the adjacent video arcade with classic and current games. And don’t miss live music, trivia nights, and comedy nights for excellent after-hours entertainment. Brightside Pizza truly is an eatery and hangout made for absolutely everyone to have a good meal and a good time.
Best Italian Food
Hazards
Hazards fills the niche for delicious Italian food in Los Osos – Baywood, with classic dishes and atmosphere. This is where you’ll find authentic Italian-American style, with red and white checked tablecloths, carafes of red and white wine, and friendly service. Look for lasagna bolognese, calzones, Caesar salad, and chicken parmesan. For folks with alternative diets — e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free — Hazards offers options. Try the eggplant parmesan or several regional pastas, all of which can be prepared gluten-free. (In fact, gluten-free pizza and even gluten-free beer are on offer at Hazards.) For little foodies, the kids menu features scaled-down Italian-American favorites like spaghetti and meatballs and pizza. Always ask about specials, as they often make use of fresh-caught local seafood like scallops, shrimp, fish and more. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Feed your craving for treats like spumoni, New York cheesecake, tiramisu and cannoli.
Best Thai Food
Noi’s 2nd Street Cafe
Legendary for their Thai food, Los Osos – Baywood residents and sisters Noi and Doi emigrated from southeast Asia to the U.S. decades ago. Noi started cooking in a tiny kitchen at her previous restaurant, Noi’s Little Thai Takeout, and became famous for her fresh Thai cuisine. Eventually, she moved across the street to start Noi’s 2nd Street Cafe, which focuses on more than just Thai food. Here you’ll find dishes from multiple traditions, including classic American cuisine. For example, on the menu, cornbread sits beside egg rolls, and chicken wings beside Malaysian salad. Thai cuisine is, of course, Noi’s specialty. Look for rice dishes like pad prik king and veggie stir-fry, or noodle dishes like pad thai and pad kee mow. For the diversity of these dishes, each of them is prepared with fresh ingredients, decades of expertise, and lots of flavor. Grab a tuna melt (a fan favorite) and sit in the tiny dining room or head out to the nearby Baywood Pier. You’ll also find Thai iced coffee, Thai iced tea, and espresso drinks available.
Lotus Thai Cuisine
When it comes to Los Osos Thai food, one of the best options is this restaurant on 9th Street, just off Los Osos Valley Road. Lotus is known for its fresh Thai flavors, with dishes that are authentic to Thai cuisine. These dishes are made to order in the kitchen, and always come out piping hot, whether in person or for takeout. One favorite menu item is Drunken Noodles, made with flat noodles, bell pepper, tomato and basil in a spicy garlic chili sauce. Another is Hawaiian Fried Rice, which pairs savory chicken, shrimp and cashews with sweet pineapple and raisins. If you’re looking for a fresh salad, the Spicy Beef Salad combines thin-sliced beef with many vegetables, herbs, and a spicy chili sauce. Curries and soups, noodle and rice dishes, and dumplings can be ordered here, as well. Lotus Thai Cuisine offers mild, medium and spicy sauces by request.
Best Sushi & Ramen
Kuma
For those seeking sushi in Los Osos – Baywood, Kuma can provide that and much more, including ramen, teriyaki, and other Japanese fusion dishes. The cornerstone of the menu, however, is locally-sourced fish and seafood. The owners of Kuma have a longstanding relationship with local fisheries and sea vessels, making sea-to-table sushi a reality every day. As for Kuma ramen, this dish has a cult following with people who appreciate its 24-hour-cooked broth and fresh vegetables. Locals also love Kuma’s Moco Loco, a Hawaiian dish of Wagyu Spam, pineapple, and white rice topped with a poached egg and gravy. Rolls span from classic to fusion (including some made with cajun spices, jalapenos and cream cheese), in addition to traditional sashimi and tempura. Look for a fairly robust sake menu, as well as beer and wine. The vibe inside is contemporary, fresh, relaxed and fun, just like the food.
Best Mexican Food
La Palapa Restaurant
Looking to pair an ocean view with your Mexican food in Los Osos – Baywood? La Palapa Mexican Restaurant features south-of-the-border flavors in a relaxed coastal atmosphere, with glimpses of the back bay across 2nd Street. Here, the emphasis is on locally-sourced seafood, as well as authentic homestyle Mexican dishes and crowd favorites. Sit down to lunch or dinner with enchiladas, fajitas, tostadas, burritos and steak dinners. (For a real treat, try the Litzy’s Special: the fish of the day and shrimp, along with your choice of steak, plus sides.) Authentic specialties like Choco’s Chile Verde Dinner (pork cooked in tomatillo sauce with cactus) and Mole Sabroso (traditional chicken breast in mole sauce) round out the menu. Folks following alternative diets will enjoy the selection of meat-free and gluten-free dishes, or options to modify as such. But whatever you order at La Palapa, it’s sure to come with handmade tortillas, which provide the backbone of the restaurant’s menu.
La Casita
Owned and operated by brothers Martin and Saul, La Casita Restaurant has fed hungry Los Osos-Baywood residents and visitors since 1988. The restaurant sits on 9th Street beside Wayward Bakery, Kuma and Hazards — a little gourmet corner with plenty to tempt diners. La Casita offers a nice mix of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, flautas, and more, plus beer and wine. One of the best ways to picnic in Los Osos-Baywood (at Montana de Oro State Park, for instance) is with a family pack from La Casita. Large trays of tacos, chile rellenos, tamales, nachos and more can be ordered and picked up for takeout. But no matter what you order at La Casita, don’t leave without buying a quart of Martin’s famous salsa. Pay just a few dollars and walk away with this unique salsa, made with Martin’s secret ingredient: Tien Tsin Chinese peppers. Pay an extra couple bucks, and he’ll throw in a big bag of chips to go with it.
San Miguel Market & Deli
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, San Miguel Market & Deli has everything you need to enjoy a south-of-the-border feast. Pick from a variety of snacks, produce and ingredients in the Mexican grocery, with brands like Jumex juices, Churritos chips and Lala milk and cheeses. At the butchery, choose from pre-seasoned meats like chorizo, pastor, and pollo fajitas to bring home and throw on the grill. The market also boasts an incredible selection of tortas, like the Milanesa, made with breaded top round steak and queso fresco, or the Mustang Torta, made with a combination of pastor, asada and carnitas topped with queso fresco. Don’t miss Taco Tuesdays, where you can choose from a selection of classic tacos (eg asada, pollo, carnitas, chorizo, pastor, lengua, buche, tripa) for just $1.50 apiece. Whether you’re looking to cook up your own Mexican food at home or you want something delicious and cooked to order, this little market and deli is a great place to start.
Best Chinese Food
Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant
For the best Chinese food in Los Osos – Baywood, look no further than Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant. Here, all the favorite classic dishes take center stage, as well as some delicious surprises. Chinese cuisine lovers will appreciate menu items like General Tsao’s Chicken, Shrimp Egg Foo Young, and Szechuan Pork. Noodle fans have plenty of choices, like lo mein, chow mein and barbecue pork noodles soup. Before you kick off lunch or dinner, order a couple appetizers and a drink, like domestic or imported beer, wine, sake, and plum wine. On weekdays, lunch specials include an egg roll, soup, and rice (as well as a fortune cookie, of course!). The children’s menu includes scaled-down courses like sweet and sour pork, egg roll and fried rice. Vegetarian, and gluten-free diets will be content here, with multiple options from the menu. This would be an ideal spot to stop on the way home from hiking, mountain biking or surfing Montana de Oro State Park.
Best Food Trucks
Hanna’s Street Tacos
Visit this taco truck parked on Los Osos Valley Road when you want excellent street tacos fast. Headed to Montana de Oro State Park, Sweet Springs Preserve or the Morro Bay State Park Marina? This is a great spot to stop and get a bite before embarking on your next adventure. Choose from a menu that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, but come for the tacos, whatever you think you may want. Choices include asada, pastor, carnitas, chicken, and fresh seafood like salmon, snapper, shrimp and Alaska cod, whenever available. Each is served on fresh corn tortillas with zippy salsa and chopped onions. Want something more substantial? Hanna’s also serves burritos, including a veggie option with beans, rice, cheese, greens, tomatoes, carrots, beets and cilantro vinegar. Nachos, enchiladas, combo platters, quesadillas and even an “Osos Burger” round out the menu. Don’t miss out on the refreshing Cucumber-Lime Water or Fresh Horchata Water, made right there in the taco truck.
Baby’O Cafe
This tasty little food truck on 2nd Avenue features a wide variety of classic American and Mexican breakfast and lunch dishes, plus regular specials. If you’re headed out for a day on the waves, this is a terrific place to fuel up, or a good spot for winding down with a burrito or sandwich afterward. Breakfast might include dishes like classic Chicken-Fried Steak, served with potato hash, scrambled eggs and gravy. Or it might mean griddle favorites like pancakes or French Toast, served with butter, syrup, and an optional side of strawberries, bananas and blueberries. Egg-lovers will enjoy the wide variety of omelets available here, like mushroom and cheese, Denver, and Florentine omelets. At lunchtime, the vibe shifts to popular items like the Chicken Sandwich with a side of country potatoes, or a combo plate of two pastor tacos, rice and beans, plus a side of housemade mild or hot sauce. Plan your next trip to the coast to include a stop at Baby O’Cafe, open Thursday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch.
Best Bakery
Wayward Baking
Celebrated chef Tim Veatch opened Wayward Baking in Los Osos – Baywood after a long career in top restaurants on the West Coast. Located on 9th Street (adjacent to Kuma), the bakery specializes in rustic breads, European pastries and homestyle desserts. Along with naturally leavened sourdough, Veatch bakes olive loaves, oat loaves, and Pane Siciliano, which is a customer favorite. Fans of French pastries will love Wayward’s buttery croissants, canele de bordeaux (vanilla-rum cake with custard center), and the crispy Brittany treat, Kouign-Amann. Pop in for breakfast and grab one of Wayward’s iced morning buns, a strawberry scone or a ham and cheese croissant. Or for an afternoon snack, grab a salted chocolate chip cookie. Pair anything on the menu with coffee or an espresso drink for an extra-special cafe experience. Everything baked or served at Wayward is made with precision, the highest quality ingredients and locally-sourced produce. Come for a sit-down or pickup your treats before exploring the nearby Morro Coast Audubon Society Sweet Springs Nature Preserve or Elfin Forest.
Caliwala
Lovers of quality rustic breads and more, rejoice! Caliwala is a small-batch bakery, market and kitchen that caters to those who enjoy fresh rustic baked goods, including vegan and gluten-free options. Previously called Pagnol Bakery, the cafe is located on 3rd street in Los Osos-Baywood Park. Owner Marcus Marren began as an apprentice to famous cottage baker Mark Stambler in Los Angeles, and brings his knowledge of baking—including alternative baking—to the Central Coast. His partner and fellow owner Erin Inglish merged with Marren to create a spot for excellent baked goods and rich community. Choose from European-style breads, plus pastries, cookies and tarts in a variety of flavor combinations. Marren focuses on sourcing all organic ingredients, locally grown or harvested whenever possible. The shop also supplies local artisan groceries, handmade goods and sustainable products. And don’t forget the coffee! You’ll find it all at Caliwala on 3rd Street.
Best Coffee Shops
Nautical Bean
Already a wildly popular cafe brand in three San Luis Obispo locations, the Nautical Bean (or “naughty bean,” as locals like to call it) sits in the sweet coffee shack by the Baywood Pier. Once occupied by the Back Bay Cafe, the newest Nautical Bean location is a little spot with excellent views, friendly service, and delicious flavors. Thirsty? Choose from a selection of cafe favorites, including drip coffee and espresso drinks, plus signature concoctions that feature house-made syrups like the Carmel Sutra, White Lightning, and Mexican Mocha. Sip your drink alongside items from the Nautical Bean’s all-day breakfast menu. Got a case of the Mondays? Nautical Bean stays open a couple hours later than usual on Mondays to serve visitors to the Baywood Farmers Market, just a block away on Santa Maria Avenue. Whether it’s at 6am before you paddle out onto the Morro Bay National Estuary on kayaks, or midday after hiking Montana de Oro or surfing Hazards, the Nautical Bean is a picturesque, community space where fun and flavor go hand in hand.
Ascendo Coffee
With a light, bright, modern interior, Ascendo Coffee has all the feel-good vibes of your favorite specialty coffee shop. Family owned and operated, this cafe has gained a loyal following of locals and travelers. Ascendo roasts its own coffee, and the staff is well educated on how the beans are sourced and processed. But the magic lies in how Ascendo coffee is brewed. Because Ascendo controls the roast, baristas can brew deep cups of coffee that avoid overly smoky or roasty flavors. Specialty coffee geeks will love the attention to detail, but casual coffee drinkers will appreciate a solid cup and tasty pastries. Try Ascendo’s house-made bagels with house-made hummus for a hearty start to the day. Or grab a bag of granola, rosemary-lemon shortbread, or a chocolate chip cookie for a tasty pick-me-up. Espresso drinks are brewed with precision, as are thoughtfully-sourced teas, and the almond milk is made in house, too.
