Moments of Tastiness
Cambria is full of unique, privately-owned markets, restaurants, dining options, and tasting rooms to satisfy any craving. With an eclectic assortment of eateries, Cambria’s dining scene is just another reason to love our slice of paradise. Follow our three-day itinerary created for the ultimate foodie as you wine and dine your way through the Central Coast.
Day 1:
Breakfast at Lily’s Coffeehouse
One of the true gems in Cambria is Lily’s Coffeehouse. Featured in Sunset Magazine, Lonely Planet, and Central Coast Magazine, Lily’s Coffeehouse is a must-stop when visiting the area. Located on the East end of town, the charming outside deck with colorful umbrellas and the smell of fresh espresso draw you in. Make sure you order their most popular item, the carrot cake.
Walk the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
A trip to Cambria wouldn’t be complete without a stroll on the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. Spy on wildlife, feel the wind blowing through your hair, and listen to the waves crash as you walk the one-mile Boardwalk.
Lunch at Robin’s Restaurant
For more than 25 years, Robin’s has been a favorite in Cambria among locals and visitors alike. With an emphasis on using farm-fresh, local ingredients, Robin’s features such eclectic choices as Vietnamese spring rolls, Portobello and spinach lasagna, and peach-glazed baby pork back ribs. On the way in, don’t miss the dessert case where house-made cheesecakes and gorgeous pastries remind you to save room for something sweet.
Lunch at Black Cat Bistro
Black Cat Bistro opened in 2002 and has been the talk of the town ever since. Try hearty entrees such as roasted duck breast with dried cherry quinoa risotto or a three-cheese baked polenta with eggplant and red chard. Desserts include mascarpone ice cream over pound cake with basil syrup and a salted caramel tart. Paso Robles and other regional wines are central to the chef’s expression so let the wait staff suggest just the right pairings.
Wine tasting at Madeline’s on Moonstone
Madeline’s on Moonstone at Cambria Shores Inn is Cambria’s newest tasting room, offering a unique wine tasting experience right on Moonstone Beach! Madeline’s features their private labels by world-renowned winemaker, Jeff Branco. His French training and California winemaking experience combine to make exceptional wines at an affordable price.
Stroll through the Farmer’s Market
Rain or shine, the Cambria Farmer’s Market is a perfect spot to find the highest quality seasonal produce and prepared foods. The Farmer’s Market takes place on Friday afternoons in the parking lot of the Veteran’s Hall, located on 1000 Main Street, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dinner at The Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Restaurant
The Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Restaurant has been serving fresh seafood for over thirty years. Located a stone’s throw away from the beach, it has remained a popular stopover point for visitors traveling from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Central Valley. Enjoy sitting at the oyster bar and chatting with the entertaining chefs while your dinner is prepared exhibition-style.
Day 2:
Breakfast at Hidden Kitchen
Grab a breakfast bite at this hidden Cambria gem. With a unique menu of sweet and savory waffle creations and a variety of smoothie options, it’s a spot that foodies won’t want to miss—plus, their patio is the perfect place to enjoy your meal!
Explore Main Street
With no chains in sight, Cambria’s collection of one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries offers items you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll find something new each time you visit—the treasures are simply waiting to be uncovered. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to stop for a treat at Red Moose Cookie Company or Sweet Offerings.
Wine tasting at Moonstone Cellars
While you’re out exploring Main Street, pay a visit to the Moonstone Cellars tasting room. Moonstone Cellars offers a wide selection of varietals—whether you enjoy a lighter-style Grenache, a full-bodied Zinfandel, a coastal Cabernet Sauvignon, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling, there is something for everyone.
Lunch at Linn’s
Famous for their olallieberry pie, Linn’s Restaurant is a Cambria landmark for foodies from all over. In fact, the Food Network’s Mark Summers featured the infamous olallieberry pie on the TV show, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” They also offer hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner options featuring Hearst Ranch beef.
Dinner at Mezzo Italiano
There are many options for Italian food, but only at Mezzo Italiano can you get authentic Italian flavors—with a California twist! Mezzo offers meals prepared with only the finest ingredients, with vegetarian and vegan options also available. That means eggplant parmesan and beef meatballs, plus pasta made with flour imported from Italy. Savor these flavors along with scenic views of Cambria from Mezzo’s dining patio.
Day 3:
Breakfast at French Corner Bakery
The French Corner Bakery is one of the Central Coast’s best little bakeries. If you are looking for quality bread, pastries, or delightful treats for the entire family, the French Corner Bakery is the place to go. Their cases are always full of mouthwatering creations. You can even pick up a loaf of fresh, daily baked bread to take home.
Drive to Harmony
With a population of 18, the village of Harmony is located just five miles south of Cambria and filled with small-town charm. Take a photo with the infamous Harmony cow, indulge in hand-blown glass at Harmony Glassworks, and view pottery crafted to perfection at the Harmony Pottery Shop.
Wine taste at Harmony Cellars
Wine aficionados will love the small-town ambiance and rural setting of Harmony Cellars. Founded in 1989, the winery has grown from a 2,000-case micro-winery to a 7,500-case boutique production facility. Enjoy the open land and rolling green hills of the winery as you sip on Harmony wines that are made with fruit selected from vineyards along the Central Coast from Monterey to Santa Margarita.
Get a treat at Harmony Valley Creamery
In a town where nothing is exactly ‘normal’, Harmony Valley Creamery knows what it takes to bring you awesome craft ice cream, made in small batches that delight the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Stop by the ice cream truck in Harmony for a cup or cone of some of the creamiest treats on the Central Coast.
Dinner at Sow’s Ear Café
Complete your Cambria food and wine tour with an unforgettable meal at the Sow’s Ear Café, a foodie’s favorite known to many locals and visitors in-the-know. With the talent and expertise of Chef Salvador Garcia, they offer gourmet comfort food, freshly baked and trademarked flower pot bread with every meal, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere with two fireside rooms.
