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  3. 22 California Central Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day
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22 California Central Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable Team
Updated 10 April 2019

Whether you're taking mom out for a treat or enjoying a Sunday lunch with friends, these restaurants are perfect for Mother's Day. From kid-friendly favorites to brunch-worthy hotspots, we'll help you find the perfect place to celebrate.

A photo of Oyster Loft restaurant
4.9
4.9 (3623)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Pismo Beach
About the restaurant
More than a restaurant, Oyster Loft is an experience, where the excellent service is rivaled only by the flavor and beauty of our dishes, upscale cuisine and regional seafood dishes artfully prepared. Dine with sparkling views of Pismo Beach, and enjoy appetizers, seasonal main courses and indulgent sweets.

Oyster Loft boasts a menu rich with fresh fish. Our raw bar features a variety of oysters shucked on the half shell from both the east and west coasts. The menu also includes seafood dishes, shellfish preparations and a selection of meat to round out the offerings. The range of the menu offers you the opportunity to choose your dining experience.







Top review
Amyvip
Dined 4 days ago
Went for the oysters and was disappointed. The rest of the meal was really good. Had a delicious Tuna tartare tower. The ceasar salad was different and inventive. The Bone marrow with tartare was amazing. Our server was terrific.
A photo of Lucky's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2868)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Montecito
About the restaurant
LUCKY'S is widely known for its exclusive selection of USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, farmer's market vegetables, no-nonsense cocktails and world class wine cellar.
For take-out, please call the restaurant.
We do not accept bar table reservations online, please call the restaurant.
For larger parties, please call or email the restaurant directly.

Top review
kerrievip
Dined 5 days ago
Always a pleasure to dine with friends at Lucky’s Great service, great food/drinks and happy professional staff.
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5412)
$31 to $50
Californian
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
We are delighted to have added additional outdoor seating but Santa Barbara nights are chilly so bring a sweater or light jacket!

Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of our region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambiance, service at a relaxed, leisurely pace. Santa Barbara ‘Wine Country Cuisine’ means we source our ingredients using an ‘as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible’ approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from the surrounding countryside. We then take into account how these flavors can be presented in concert with our local wines. We believe you’ll taste the difference. Bon Appètit!

Top review
Alex
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent service from Tom, one of the waiters. Nice selection from a slightly small menu which means the chef can do an outstanding job on all those preparations. We like that approach rather than 2-3 pages with unlimited choices. The kitchen can never do all those well. Great European ambiance.
A photo of Il Cortile Ristorante restaurant
4.8
4.8 (4151)
$50 and over
Italian
Paso Robles
About the restaurant
Welcome to Il Cortile Ristorante, Downtown Paso Robles' newest fine dining Italian restaurant. We invite you to join us to enjoy our seasonal menus created with the freshest ingredients available sourced by our surrounding local and regional landscapes by Executive Chef Santos MacDonal, providing a melody of exceptional homemade pastas, fresh seafood, top quality meats and antipasti. A top destination for exquisite wines, picturesque landscapes and beautiful weather, Paso Robles provides the perfect pairing for Il Cortile's rustic Italian fine dining.
Top review
Carlavip
Dined 3 days ago
The food was amazing! This was the best restaurant we ate at during our stay in Paso!
A photo of The Sur House restaurant
4.5
4.5 (458)
$50 and over
Californian
Big Sur
About the restaurant
The Sur House, at Ventana Big Sur, serves cuisine in an awe-inspiring setting. The restaurant’s warm, rustic interior opens onto its legendary terrace where panoramic views of the ocean and rugged Big Sur coastline stretch for more than 50 miles. The cuisine makes use of the abundance of California’s Central Coast with local, simple, sustainable ingredients, including items from Ventana’s own organic garden.

Non-Resort Guests will enjoy a pre-fixed, 3-course menu for $110/per person. A la carte menu not available at this location for dinner service.
A 22% Service charge will be added to all checks.


Top review
chivip
Dined 7 days ago
The food was amazing. The market fish was delicious alongside a roasted vegetable salad. The scenery of Big Sur was a gorgeous coastal beauty. And the waitstaff was superb.
A photo of Ventana Grill restaurant
4.6
4.6 (3202)
$30 and under
Latin American
Pismo Beach
About the restaurant
Discover the cool, coastal world of Ventana Grill.
With an atmosphere that channels the four elements, Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach immerses guests in the enchanting pleasures of the natural world. Dine surrounded by the rhythmic serenade of waves crashing on the beach below. The stylish dining room sits perched on a coastal bluff, treating guests to an endless view of azure blue and rich red sunsets.

Top review
darren
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
Always enjoy spending time with spouse at Ventana Grill. The food and live music are amazing!
A photo of Stella Mare's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2282)
$31 to $50
French
Santa Barbara
About the restaurant
French country bistro...Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare's Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French country cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and moules frites. Sip seasonal cocktails amid cozy décor -- all the right ingredients for a great dining experience. Bon appétit!

When requesting the greenhouse please note that is considered indoor dining.

Top review
Mvip
Dined 3 days ago
We had Nelson serving us. Everything was seamless. Food was well prepared and very tasty.
A photo of Fandango restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3833)
$31 to $50
European
Pacific Grove
About the restaurant
A favorite among Fandango regulars is the succulent Rack of Lamb; other menu items include Fresh Seafood, a variety of pastas, delicious and exotic Mediterranean dishes such as paella and Couscous, and a tempting selection of excellent steaks. Several daily specialties are also available.

Desserts we offer, Souffle, Profiteroles, Chocolate Mousse

Top review
Gordon
Dined 6 days ago
We ordered the Dover Sole and the presentation at the table and the fish were both excellent. Also enjoyed our favorite Profiteroles for dessert. Fandango's is a wonderful restaurant for a special occasion.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant
4.5
4.5 (6829)
$30 and under
Seafood
Monterey
About the restaurant
Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.
Top review
Matthew
Dined 1 day ago
Jamie was a wonderful server, very attentive and knowledgeable
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.8
4.8 (4938)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Monterey
About the restaurant
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
Top review
Steve
Dined 6 days ago
Everything was perfect. Elegant room, great food and a very welcoming staff.
A photo of Sea Venture restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2391)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Pismo Beach
About the restaurant
The SeaVenture Restaurant located on the beach in California Central Coast wine country, the third floor Restaurant allows you to take in breathtaking sunsets and panoramic beach and ocean views from large picture windows and outdoor decks. Chef Eddie Ruiz contemporary coastal cuisine is inspired by the surrounding local wine country. Our seasonal menu is prepared with locally farmed vegetables, premium pork and beef and the highest quality fish and seafood. All desserts are made in house from scratch.

Top review
Sheila
Dined 6 days ago
Sea venture has become our go-to restaurant for all occasions and just for a spontaneous dinner out. It is consistently good for both food and drinks. This time, our server, Lucy, provided the usual friendly professional service.  there is an ocean view, and, if you go early enough, a sunset.
A photo of Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3236)
$31 to $50
Californian
Carmel
About the restaurant
Anton and Michel is now open INDOORS and OUTDOORS at the COURT of the FOUNTAINS.
LUNCH: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM / DINNER: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Reservations are highly recommended.
If you are having any difficulty making reservations online, please call the restaurant directly at 831-624-2406 or send us an email.
Since 1980, Anton and Michel has consistently maintained an award-winning reputation for true excellence in the art of fine dining. A complete interior remodel was recently completed features handset stonework throughout the restaurant. The floor to ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the Court of the Fountains. Zagat Survey calls it: Carmel’s long-standing paean to graciousness in dining out. Along with updated and contemporary changes to the menus, ultimate table side service flambé desserts remain. As quoted in the Wine Spectator, Anton and Michel is “probably the best dining experience in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea”.

Top review
Lenvip
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
Sarah our server was phenomenal that I he was incredible the French onion amazing and the short rib probably one of the best I've ever had
A photo of Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna Inn restaurant
4.7
4.7 (4478)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
San Luis Obispo
About the restaurant
Enjoy an award winning dining experience in our world-famous pink and gold Steak House - offering a comfortable and opulent dining atmosphere. Indulge in a delicious oak-pit-barbecued steak, fresh seafood, chicken, or vegetarian entrees. Featuring a superb wine list, decadent world-famous desserts and a whimsical, European atmosphere. Boutique shopping makes for a fun experience before or after you dine with us.

Top review
Becky
Dined 2 days ago
The place was decorated beautifully for the holidays. Good food. Nice servers.
A photo of Pacific's Edge restaurant
4.5
4.5 (3373)
$50 and over
American
Carmel
About the restaurant
Nestled on the craggy bluffs of Carmel Highlands and offering spectacular views of the California coastline, Pacific’s Edge lives up to a well-earned reputation as a destination restaurant. Using ingredients inspired by the local bounty from land and sea, a creative culinary team curates seasonal menus complemented by a storied wine list. Where California casual meets refined dining in a one-of-a-kind location, Pacific’s Edge will surely delight all the senses.
Top review
Thaliavip
Dined 2 days ago
The food was fantastic! Server Frederick was outstanding , as always.
A photo of Copper Café and Bakery, at Madonna Inn restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1945)
$31 to $50
American
San Luis Obispo
About the restaurant
The Copper Café is popular with tourists and locals alike for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in a warm and charming atmosphere. Copper counters, rich Bavarian woods, and lovely natural lighting will transport you to a quaint European village. Our Madonna Inn Bakery, featuring world-famous cakes, pies, cookies, along with French and Danish pastries remains open and available for walk-in and pre-ordered items.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
Wonderful experience great service our server Isa was very attentive, polite and offered the best service for our anniversary!
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A photo of The Steakhouse at Paso Robles Inn restaurant
4.0
4 (954)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Paso Robles
About the restaurant
Known for our expansive menu of hearty steakhouse fare and as one of the most sought-after Paso Robles restaurants, The Steakhouse at Paso Robles Inn is proud to serve a variety of carefully-crafted plates that bring together the fresh ingredients of California’s Central Coast. Set amongst a beautiful backdrop and offering both indoor fireside dining and patio dining, The Steakhouse at Paso Robles Inn invites you to discover dishes that are abundantly flavorful and naturally tender. Brought to the table by generations of farmers, our Certified Angus Beef has passed through a rigorous process to evaluate for marbling, maturity, sizing, appearance and tenderness.
Top review
DavidV
Dined on 16 Nov 2024
Took my wife here for her birthday! Been here before and we both wanted to come back. Awesome service! Food spectacular! Love this place! We will be back!
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