Last updated: 2025-05-06
Santa Maria’s culinary landscape shines with exceptional dining destinations that capture the Central Coast’s rich gastronomic heritage. From classic steakhouses to intimate Mediterranean venues, these restaurants showcase the region’s diverse flavors and time-honored cooking traditions.
Local establishments like Jocko’s Steakhouse and The Swiss Restaurant represent more than just meals—they’re cultural experiences that reflect Santa Maria’s commitment to exceptional dining and warm hospitality.
Discover Santa Maria’s most delectable dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Santa Maria
- Jocko's Steakhouse (Nipomo)
- Trattoria Uliveto (Old Orcutt)
- Far Western Tavern (Guadalupe)
- SizzlinGogi
- The Swiss Restaurant
- Cool Hand Luke
- Santa Maria Inn Century Room
- The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant
Cool Hand Luke
What to Expect
Tableside sizzling Iron Skillet Bread Pudding with Brandy Butter sauce
Description
Cool Hand Luke's offers a rustic Western-inspired steakhouse experience with fire-grilled steaks, signature dishes like Bourbon Salmon and Raspberry Chipotle Ribs, and tableside dessert service. The restaurant creates an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of a first-rate establishment in the rustic West, featuring sizzling appetizers and a distinctive dining environment.
Where: Santa Maria | More Info: Cool Hand Luke
Far Western Tavern (Guadalupe)
What to Expect
Santa Maria-style barbecue rooted in 19th-century ranchero culinary traditions
Description
A landmark Santa Maria-style barbecue restaurant nestled in Guadalupe, Far Western Tavern celebrates local ranching heritage through authentic California ranch cuisine. Their menu blends Swiss-Italian family traditions with regional barbecue techniques, featuring fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms and ranches in an atmospheric dining setting.
Where: Guadalupe | More Info: Far Western Tavern
Jocko's Steakhouse (Nipomo)
What to Expect
Traditional Central California pit-style steak grilling
Description
Jocko's Steakhouse delivers a classic Central California steakhouse experience in a rustic Nipomo setting. Featuring traditional cut steaks prepared over an open pit grill, the restaurant offers hearty portions of prime beef in a no-frills, authentic dining environment. Signature pit-style grilling and local ranching heritage define the restaurant's character.
Where: Nipomo | More Info: Jocko's Steakhouse
Santa Maria Inn Century Room
What to Expect
California cuisine in historic inn dining room
Description
The Century Room offers refined California cuisine in a charming, historic setting within the Santa Maria Inn. Featuring fresh, imaginative dishes that showcase local ingredients, this elegant dining space provides an intimate culinary experience with a sophisticated ambiance reminiscent of the inn's early 20th-century heritage.
Where: Santa Maria | More Info: Santa Maria Inn Century Room
SizzlinGogi
What to Expect
Interactive tableside Korean barbecue with premium meat selections
Description
SizzlinGogi offers an immersive Korean BBQ experience with tableside grilling in a modern, vibrant dining room. Guests cook premium meats on built-in tabletop grills, enjoying an interactive culinary journey through authentic Korean barbecue techniques and flavors.
Where: Santa Maria | More Info: SizzlinGogi
The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant
What to Expect
Central Coast Mediterranean cuisine with locally sourced ingredients
Description
Nestled in Santa Maria, this Mediterranean restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with locally sourced Mediterranean cuisine. Candlelit tables and an open kitchen create an inviting atmosphere where guests can watch chefs craft authentic dishes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from California's Central Coast.
Where: Santa Maria | More Info: The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant
The Swiss Restaurant
What to Expect
Santa Maria-style oak-pit barbecue with house-aged and hand-cut beef
Description
A traditional Santa Maria-style steakhouse featuring oak-pit barbecue with house-aged beef, in-house cut steaks, and a diverse menu spanning steaks, chops, ribs, chicken, and seafood. The restaurant offers a full bar and lounge, showcasing authentic local barbecue techniques dating back to the 1940s.
Where: Santa Maria | More Info: The Swiss Restaurant
Trattoria Uliveto (Old Orcutt)
What to Expect
Seasonal craft cocktails and chef-driven Italian cuisine
Description
Nestled in Old Orcutt, Trattoria Uliveto offers an intimate Italian dining experience with Chef Alfonso Curti's handcrafted menu featuring traditional cuisine, an extensive wine selection, and seasonal craft cocktails. The cozy restaurant combines authentic Italian flavors with local California charm, serving carefully prepared dishes in an elegant setting.
Where: Old Orcutt | More Info: Trattoria Uliveto
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