Many months ago I had posed this question on three different Facebook pages that I run: “If someone came into Paso Robles from out of town, which restaurant would you refer them to for a great meal?” As usual, some of the answers didn’t make sense to me (you’ll see why when you read below) and some people voted for more than one restaurant so I included each of the votes.
From best to not best:
1st Thomas Hill Organics – 17 votes
2nd Artisan – 16 votes
3rd Villa Creek – 10 votes
Tie 4th: McPhee’s (not in Paso Robles but allowing it on list), Il Cortile – 8 votes each
Tie 5th: Fish Gaucho, Pappy McGregor’s – 6 votes each
Tie6th: Second Press, Robert’s – 5 votes each
Tie 7th: Berry Hill Bistro, Buona Tavola, Yanagi – 4 votes each
Tie 8th: Panolivo, Bistro Laurent, Odyssey World Café, Basil, Hoover’s Beef Palace (now closed), The Grill at Hunter Ranch Golf Course – 3 votes each
Tie 9th: Cowgirl Café, La Cosecha, Jackie’s Korean, Firestone, The Dish (now closed), Sanchos on Spring (now closed), Estrella, Joe’s Place – 2 votes each
Tie 10th: Enoteca, Red Brick (new name, new owners too I believe), Full Belly Deli, Goshi, Paso Terra, Loading Chute, Tortilla Town, Taco Bell, La Mexicana, Jaffa Café, Cool Hand Lukes, Pony Club, Red Scooter Deli, Chico’s Papi’s Mexican Food, Creagor’s Deli – 1 vote each
It’s a pretty odd list to me for the most part. It didn’t go the way I thought it would in some ways. I’m thinking I will try this again and see what answers change. It’s a fun experiment anyways. There are new restaurants in Paso Robles (like Mistura, Next Door Bistro, etc.) that were not around when I posed the question on Facebook so it would be cool to see an updated version of this list.
What are your thoughts on this list?
Steve Baker says
In my opinion, the timing of when you took your poll and doing it now would have a definite impact due to many things along with those you mentioned…chefs have changed from at least three of them that I know of and I feel that each one of them is not as good as they once were…service seems to come and go depending on the front of house manager or other circumstances…constant state of change! It is great that we do have some very consistent ones that can be your “go-to’s”! Also great that we always seem to have new ones to try and I like that wineries are now catching on and serving real food instead of just “cheese pairings”. I know of a couple of other restaurants that will be coming on line this year that should prove to be exciting as well! Gotta love living here!!!
Matt (a.k.a. Hoot) says
Steve, great points. Could you mention other restaurants that will be coming online? I have found that Artisan, THO, Il Cortile, Villa Creek, and Fish Gaucho are the one’s most mentioned to me. Just my experience.
Steve Baker says
Not just yet but they will be top-of-the-line restaurants with experienced people at the helm!
Those that you mentioned are definitely the most consistent for fine dining experiences…I would also mention McPhee’s in that same group along with Buono Tavolo…
Matt (a.k.a. Hoot) says
McPhee’s had been mentioned but I was trying to stick to Paso Robles. I for one am a HUGE fan of McPhee’s.
Steve Baker says
I think Ian puts out a great meal for a great price…good local wine list…good service…yep, they can be added to our “Paso” list anytime (15C should fit in there someplace as well???!!!)!
We’ve been to the Rustic Pizza (old Red Brick) a couple of times lately…we met the new owners (brother and sister) and they really are great people…they like what they are doing and are turning out great food as well! Really nice selection of local wines and local beers on tap and in bottle.
Matt (a.k.a. Hoot) says
15C is awesome, no doubt. Try to go there anytime we don’t have Sammy. The old Red Brick was solid back then (in my opinion) and now. If I’m not mistaken they had a good beer and wine list as Red Brick too. Only had been in there once but had it ordered in numerous times.
John says
I’m somewhat hesitant to comment, as I work in the business, but here goes.
First, I’m surprised Bistro Laurent didn’t fare better. Best wine program in the county, best som, best pairings. I think they get overlooked because they’ve been around so long, and their space is a bit frumpy. Don’t let it stop you.
I LOVE Artisan, but I don’t love their new dining space. I LOVE the new bar space and their cocktail program, and will order apps in the bar all day long. Still the place to measure up to in Paso.
I hate to say it, but Thomas Hill seems to be operating on name and reputation. Not the same since Julie left. I hope they turn it astound, it’s such a great space.
Villa Creek can do better too. The first serious restaurant first here, great great space, great owners.
Looking forward to checking out Mistura, La Cosecha and others.
Matt (a.k.a. Hoot) says
John, love the feedback. Taking that all in but I can;t say I disagree…although I have been to each of these except Bistro, in the last 2 months and been content. Great comments though and makes me think.
Gio says
Goshi #10 along with Taco bell? Hmm. I would question the sample demographic.
No doubt Artisan is #1 in my mind, but THO is a close second. Il Cortile, I’d put it above Villa Creek, but that’s just a matter of personal opinion…
Matt (a.k.a. Hoot) says
Gio, I’d say the demographic includes anyone that eats food. Some foodies, some that could care less, and all the in between. If we only sampled true food lovers and chef type people the list would look much different. My #1, #2, and #3 changes every month or so. One restaurant may slide down a bit on the list for me because the service wasn’t as good as the last time or possibly the food seemed a little bland, etc.
Cindy says
We will be visiting this coming weekend and haven’t been able to find a “coming into town” place like Hoovers Beef Palace. Can you make any recommendations?
Matt (aka Hoot) says
Cindy, are you looking like a place like Hoover’s? Because that will be difficult. Looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?