Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in SLO CAL

• Location: 570 Higuera Street, Suite 130, San Luis Obispo, CA
• Featured: ‘Just Like Mom’ | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 39, Episode 7
• What to order: Mama’s Meatballs, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and don’t forget the Tiramisu

Mama’s Meatball is a local cozy Italian spot for fresh and authentic dishes. Located in the Creamery Marketplace in Downtown San Luis Obispo, this spot is set amongst the action while their dining room transports diners to an Italian courtyard.

Chef Nicola began his cooking journey at the age of two as the sus chef to his mother – the namesake of Mama’s Meatball. After receiving his culinary degree and with many years of successful experience in the food industry, you can now find Nicola running two successful San Luis Obispo restaurants: Mama’s Meatball and Mistura, right next door.

• Location: 220 Five Cities Drive, Pismo Beach, CA
• Featured: ‘Sandwich Smorgasbord’ | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 39, Episode 8
• What to order: The Big Sheesh or Ultimate Tri-Tip Dip, consider a side of onion rings with homemade cilantro aioli

Brooks Burgers has two locations in SLO CAL. The original spot in Pismo Beach and their newest location in the San Luis Obispo Public Market. The Brooks family have been in the restaurant and cattle business for over 40 years! With experience raising beef, they are now serving high quality burgers and sandwiches for a fair price.

Family owned and operated; their locations are perfect for all ages to enjoy a meal together. Their a la cart menu ensures that everyone in your group gets exactly what they’re craving. Not sure where to start? Order up The Big Sheesh comprised of braised beef, pepper jack cheese, sauteed peppers and caramelized onions – one of Guy’s favorites.

• Location: 1210 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
• Featured: ‘Fistful of Flavor’ | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 40, Episode 1
• What to order: Chicken Shawarma and Garlic Pizza and the Tri-tip Shawarma Pita

Looking for authentic Mediterranean cuisine in SLO CAL? Head to Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill for shawarma, fresh pita, kabobs, baklava, pizza and more. This neighborhood spot has a reputation for earning fan-favorite awards, especially among the student population.

The Aburashed’s, owners of Petra, culinary history in San Luis Obispo started with opening an international grocery store: Sidewalk Market & Deli (which is still operating on Osos street, although it’s now under new ownership). That experience has influenced Petra where the family continues to serve high-quality, fresh ingredients and offers an extensive beer selection – perfect for crafting your own six pack!

• Location: 690 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
• Featured: ‘From Breakfast to the Boot’ | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 40, Episode 2
• What to order: Carbanara al Cacio e Pepe & 19^th Top Pizza with Ragu Bolognese

Run by a husband-and-wife team, Flour House specializes in Pizza Napoletana and in crafting menu items with influences from around Italy. In order to properly serve Pizza Napoletana – simple and flavorful pies, Flour House has the only Stefano Ferrara wood-burning pizza oven between Los Angeles and San Francisco. A oven brand handcrafted by the same family for nearly 100 years.

Guests can enjoy fresh pizza and pastas made from the highest quality of Italian ingredients, including imported flour, at Flour House in San Luis Obispo. Dine in their modern dining room open to the bustle of downtown or on their outdoor heated patio in the rear of the restaurant. Don’t miss Meter Monday where pizza is ordered up by the ½ or full meter with up to six topping tastings per pizza.

• Location: 2550 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
• Featured: ‘Grand Slam Sammy’| Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 40, Episode 4
• What to order: Lamb Kofta to start and make sure Tip O’Argentina is part of your trio!

Taste! Craft Eatery is the perfect spot to mix and match and try a taste of everything. Their menu is set up to order two, three or four items and create your own plate. With locations in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, just like their menu, there are options on where you can enjoy Taste! in SLO CAL.

And Taste! Isn’t just about the food, they also offer great wines, beers and handcrafted cocktails to elevate your selections. Categories of menu items to pair include salads, sliders, macs, brussels sprouts and more! Some items even offer customizations, for example, pick from a variety of cheese options and topping choices to craft your own mac and cheese.

• Location: 295 West Grand Avenue, Grover Beach, CA
• Featured: ‘Coast to Coast Comfort’ | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 40, Episode 5
• What to order: Chicken & Dumplins or Fried Bologna Sandwich

Using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that offer a twist on classics, The Spoon Trade offers a menu that varies seasonally, so there’s always something delicious and new to enjoy. It’s a place to spoon food and trade stories – don’t miss the wall of spoons dedicated to the restaurant’s namesake.

A block from the beach, this spot offers the perfect blend of a modern focus on local crafted dishes with traditional home-cooking combinations. And be sure to stop across the street to the sourdough bakery from the same owners for items to take with you.