We’re going to be venturing down to Paso Robles in December for a short break. Any particular recommendations in the city and immediate area, particularly (a) cheaper restaurants and (b) bakeries? We’re not really wine people, but breweries are a definite yes. (Firestone Walker may be on the list.)
I had a nice omelette (the Monterey omelette) at Joe’s Place on my last visit.
Sometimes we drive to Taco Temple for lunch.
If you are staying at a place with a grill or oven I definitely recommend a trip to J&R Natural Meats. Great selection of meat and home made sausages.
There is a food hall that has a few decent offerings but many of the purveyors have different hours. The one standout was the cookies at Just Baked. All of them were fantastic.
Il Cortile is by far the best restaurant in the area. We have gone down to Paso Robles JUST for this restaurant, whose regional Italian cuisine is as good as anything we got at the long-gone Donatello’s/SF. I always go straight for the veal chop, which the last time was served with a classic Chausseur sauce. Spouse went for the shrimp risotto which rivaled the one Roland Passot used to make at La Folie/SF.
And don’t miss desserts, which are always sublime here! Great wine list, obviously. Reservations essential, btw.
Il Cortile
608 12th St #101, Paso Robles, CA
Il Cortile website
Breakfast: Los Robles Cafe
Beer: Firestone Walker; Silva Brewing, The Pour House
Thanks for the tips, everyone. We had a terrific meal at The Alchemists’ Garden and a decent meal at Firestone Walker (busy as hell), plus we stumbled onto the Cane Tiki House on 12th Street and had some strong drinks one night. We also went to Joebella Coffee in both Atascadero and the Paso Market Walk, and Conversation Coffee, Buttercup Bakery, and Libertine Brewing in SLO.