Foodie’s List of the Best Restaurants in Cambria, California

people eating outside at a restaurant

Carved into the rugged central coast of California, Cambria is a close-knit community that knows how to celebrate the finer things in life. From the sweeping Pacific Ocean views to the delicate wines grown in vineyards from Paso Robles to just up the street, a vacation here invites you to indulge all your senses.

Whether you’re visiting local tasting rooms or enjoying a casual night out, trying the local cuisine is one of the best parts of visiting a new place. And with our foodie’s list of the best restaurants in Cambria, California, we hope you’re able to get a true taste of what makes this place so special.

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Fine Dining Restaurants in Cambria, California

Fine dining restaurants in Cambria, California

Indigo Moon

Evolving from its early iteration as a wine and cheese shop and quickly becoming a staple in the Cambria landscape, Indigo Moon features ingredients sourced from the fertile Central Coast landscape.

The menu offers everything from fresh fish to exceptionally cooked steaks and has a wine list with renowned vintages to perfectly pair with each selection. Enjoy an expertly cooked meal on their beautiful patio or in the charming dining room. Perfect for a romantic evening during your Cambria vacation.

  • Location: 1980 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428
  • Hours: Open for Dinner Only, Tuesday – Sunday 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Menu
  • Our Pick:
    • Starter: Mission Fig and Kalamata Olive Tapenade with Baked Brie Crostini
    • Main: Ribeye Steak with Smoked Blue Cheese Tarragon Butter and Mashed Potatoes

Black Cat Bistro

Serving Cambria for more than 20 years, Black Cat Bistro offers an innovative take on local ingredients with a focus on sustainability. Each menu item is created with a direct wine pairing in mind, so be sure to ask your server for recommendations.

With just 45 seats, an evening at Black Cat provides a level of exclusivity worthy of the chef’s talents. Soothing colors, inviting textures, and excellent ambiance make this a restaurant that firmly plants itself in your memory.

  • Location: 1602 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
  • Hours: Daily from 5 PM – 9 PM
  • Menu
  • Our Pick:
    • Starter: Paso Robles Pork Belly
    • Main: Seared Albacore Tuna with jasmine rice, slaw, mushrooms, and a ginger wasabi cream sauce.

Madeline’s Restaurant

The French-inspired menu at Madeline’s, coupled with their boutique wine collection, is a fine dining experience any foodie would love. Whether you’re visiting for a wine-tasting luncheon or reserving space in their beautiful restaurant for a candle-lit dinner, it’s guaranteed to be one of the best meals of your life.

Wine store by day, you can also stop by and purchase some of their namesake vintages to enjoy at your Cambria Vacation Rentals beach home.

Over the past 19 years, Madeline’s has anchored itself in the community, becoming a place where locals flock, and employees create life-long careers – a true testament to the love and dedication the owners continue to bring to this Cambria restaurant. 

  • Location: 788 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
  • Hours: Daily Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Daily Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Menu: Lunch | Dinner
  • Our Pick:
    • Starter: Pheasant & Champignon – house smoked pheasant, wild mushrooms, puff pastry, and cream
    • Main: Lamb Chops with white wine and Dijon glaze, garlic mashed potatoes, and local vegetables

Elevated Casual Restaurants in Cambria, California

outdoor dining in cambria, california

Linn’s of Cambria

Linn’s is an institution in Cambria with several businesses right in the heart of downtown. A true testament to the success that can come from hard work and a dream, their fleet of stores got its start with a humble fruit stand on the family farm.

Now, you can visit Linn’s Restaurant, Linn’s Gourmet Goods, Linn’s À La Carte Boutique and Books, and Easy as Pie Café (where the olallieberry pie is a must-try!). At every step of the journey, Linn’s has focused on providing exceptional recipes that keep people coming back night after night. So when you’re looking for a one-stop-shopping and dining experience that will leave you full and happy, this is the spot for you!

  • Location: 2277 Main St. Cambria, CA 93428
  • Hours: Daily: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM with a pause for dinner setup from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Menu
  • Our Pick:
    • Starter: Charbroiled Local Artichoke with parmesan, lemon pepper, and chipotle-lime aioli
    • Main: Fish “N” Chips Favorites with fries, fresh fruit slaw, tartar and cocktail sauces

Robin’s Handcrafted Global Cuisine

Robin and Shanny Covey bring their love of world cuisine to the menu, with every dish showcasing a variety of flavors and spices that will awaken your senses. Sourcing ingredients from local farmers’ markets, the menu is a symphony of freshness, celebrating the seasonality of produce and offering dishes that will leave you craving one more bite.  

  • Location: 4095 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428
  • Hours: Lunch: Monday - Saturday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Dinner: Sunday - Thursday, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Friday – Saturday, 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM | Sunday Brunch: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Menu
  • Our Pick:
    • Starter: Burrata and Arugula with stone fruit, tomatoes, prosciutto, Manchego, basil vinaigrette, and sourdough croutons
    • Main: Thai Green Chicken – Coconut Curry base with vegetables, cilantro, and basmati brown rice

Deliciously Simple Restaurants in Cambria, California

burger at restaurant in cambria, california

Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill

For a meal with a view, head to Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill! With crashing waves just beyond the patio, this dining experience captures the magic of Cambria and sets the scene for another incredible meal.

The menu offers everything from crab legs to burgers and fries so you can go as fancy or casual as you’d like with your selections. Regardless of what you choose, you can rest assured it was made with fresh, local ingredients, handled with care, and designed to celebrate the region’s many gifts.

  • Location: 6550 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA 93428
  • Hours: Daily. Lunch: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Dinner: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Menu
  • Our Pick:
    • Starter: Steamers: Clams steamed with celery and onions in a white wine broth
    • Main: Moonstone’s Best Catch – Freshly caught grilled fish right from the waters off Cambria. Served with Spanish rice pilaf.

Book Your Foodie Getaway to Cambria Today

Vacation Rental in Cambria, California

Featured Property: 2166 Sherwood

With a variety of dining experiences and so many more options than are just listed here, your foodie dreams can come true at the restaurants in Cambria, California. And when it comes to finding the perfect home base for your dining adventures, be sure to book your stay directly with Cambria Vacation Rentals. 

With oceanfront homes and a variety of properties perfect for any size group getaway, our team of local experts can help you secure your ideal property. Plus, booking directly saves you money by sparing you the third-party fees often added to your total by places like Airbnb or VRBO.

See the difference a local team can make. Browse our complete inventory and book your next Cambria vacation directly with us today!

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