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).
Reserve your seat
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 hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, lo
cally 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.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full service restaurant.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture, the luxurious accommodations reflect the aged sophistication of the Central Coast region and the relaxed nature of the California countryside.
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals