In Paso, we just love to dine with our wine! We figured you enjoyed last week’s post so much (how to wine and dine in Paso Robles without a reservation – click here to read full post), that we’d serve up an encore (seconds, if you will). This time we’re focusing on the higher end of the foodie spectrum, and Paso sure has quite a few to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a swanky birthday dinner locale sure to impress, or a romantic table to cozy up to your date, these 5 Paso Robles wine country dining destinations are not just adored by the press. They’re always an excellent choice. Just don’t forget to reserve your seat while you still can.
1. Vine to Glass
In Paso Robles, all you have to say is three little letters to name the freshest farm-to-table flavors around. THO (or, in full, Thomas Hill Organics) serves up vibrant organic cuisine highlighting the unique wineries of the Central Coast and beyond. From foodie magazines to travel guides, the reviews are consistently stellar at Thomas Hill Organics, which changes its menu along with the seasons. Dine inside or soak up the sun on the pretty patio. Expect grass fed beef, lamb and chicken, free range poultry, and fish fresh from local fisheries (plus a wine list that bounces from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara to Tuscany).
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Mapping and Directions to THO
2. A Vineyard View
Nosh among the vines at The Restaurant at JUSTIN, a decades-old iconic Paso Robles stop known for its scenic views and elegant vibe. Drop by for wine tasting or stay the night at the inn, but be sure to sip the winery’s world famous Isosceles red before digging into a show-stopping brunch, lunch, or dinner. Expect seasonal produce (much of it procured form an onsite chef’s garden), top notch entrees, and expertly paired flavors that reflect the region’s unique terroir. Food critics agree: you’ll want to pair whatever you nibble with a flight of award winning JUSTIN wines.
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Mapping and Directions to JUSTIN
3. A European Feel
Bella! With local wines from fabulous Paso Robles wineries like Oso Libre and Cass Winery—plus international wines from around the globe, Il Cortile is a local favorite and darling of the national wine press. A Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner four years in a row, you can be sure to find sophisticated and pleasurable pairings at this breezy, Italian-inspired bistro.
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Mapping and Directions to Oso Libre
Mapping and Directions to Cass Winery
4. Well Crafted
Acclaimed Southern-inspired restaurant Hatch in Paso Robles is always packed, and so is its enviable bar. It could be the rotisserie chicken, but then again, it could be the drinks! Order a glass of local wine (try award winning Écluse Winery’s “Ensemble” Bordeaux blend straight from a state-of-the-art wine tap), or shake things up with a cocktail imbued with local herbs, tonics, and bitters. Note plenty of fabulous drinks featuring KROBAR Craft Distillery, owned by a pair of prominent local winemakers-turned-distillers. Sample these local libations then plan your own trip on the Paso Robles Distillery Trail (we promise; the wine isn’t going anywhere).
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Mapping and Directions to Écluse
Mapping and Directions to KROBAR
5. Wine and Cheese, Please
Totally cheese obsessed? Us too. You’ll want to stop by Jada this summer, while special wine-and-cheese pairing events will take place for a limited time. Taste through Jada’s anticipated 2016 releases while sampling a range of cheeses procured from all around the world thanks to Fromagerie Sophie. Jada is known for its limited production, all-estate, sustainable wines and the tasting room was also awarded the 2017 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. Sound too good to be true? It sort of is. Hurry. There is extremely limited availability, and for good reason.
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Mapping and Directions to Jada
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers.
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