Location: Santa Maria
Top Restaurants in Santa Maria
Top Things to do in Santa Maria
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Santa Maria Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Santa Maria
Santa Maria in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Takeout. Discover best restaurants in Santa Maria with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Things to do in Santa Maria
1. Shaw's Famous Steak House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, Arizona
We are not beef eaters so rarely go to steakhouses. But when a friend whom we were treating to dinner said he wanted to go to Shaw’s, we complied. Luckily, we had reservations, because a waiting line had already formed at 6:15 on a Saturday evening. A gracious hostess seated us in one of the few booths in the mostly tables restaurant and ensured that we had menus.
Then we waited ... and waited ... and waited for someone to come and take our order. When I requested a baked potato for a side, the server told me the restaurant was out of baked potatoes. Those should be readily available in this type of restaurant. Having ordered, we waited for about 20 minutes before our starters (two onion soups and a green salad) arrived. We had, however, a rather pedestrian relish plate (raw carrots and celery, etc.) and myriad packets of crackers to nibble on. When the soup finally came, it proved to be almost inedible because of all the pepper in it, and my salad was quite basic. Then we waited at least 25 minutes for our mains.
My husband and I ordered fish — broiled cod and grilled salmon. What a disappointment! Both were tremendously overcooked, to the point of being dry and flavorless. The salmon was so tasteless that I gave up eating it after a few bites. If this is the kitchen’s usual approach to preparing fish, then I recommend giving it a wide berth, especially with the salmon costing $32.95 and the cod, $24.75. But our friend was delighted with a small Filet Mignon ($30.75), deeming it tender and tasty. We turned down a look at the dessert menu as none of us had another 20-to-30 minutes to wait here.
The high point of the evening was easily finding a parking space in the restaurant’s lot.
2. The Swiss Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By O645YKmarias - Los Angeles, California
This place had the best service and delicious food. We went for dinner and the steaks were cooked to perfection. The had a great selection of beer; which paired well with the steak and vegetables. Will definitely return, I want to try their lunch menu, which also look mouth watering.
3. Rancho Nipomo Deli & BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, North Carolina
Rancho Nipomo is a very interesting place. They have a great selection of southwestern and Mexican options as well as BBQ. The atmosphere is a weird combination of saloon and family friendly. The enchiladas were enormous and incredibly flavorful. I love salsa verde and cheese, and they were smothered in both. Great spot just off the 101! Reasonable prices and fast service.
4. North China Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
ChinaReviewed By CaliTexan22 - San Luis Obispo, California
We had General Tso chicken (dry and bland), shrimp with garlic, onions, peppers and water chestnuts (OK), and green beans in pork sauce (pretty good). The hot tea was not hot.
The service was prompt and efficient, including boxing up the leftovers.
(On the positive side, there was actually a "fortune" in the fortune cookie, unlike many these days, which are just some kind of phrase or saying!)
5. The Pantry
Overall Ratings
4 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By Jen K - Hollister
We were visiting Santa Maria and enjoyed The Pantry so much we went twice for breakfast and then lunch. It’s a simple family spot with great service and great food. I loved the potato pancakes (haystacks) for breakfast-super crunchy and tried the patty melt the next day at lunch. I’m pretty picky about my patty melts and theirs was excellent -juicy and perfect! If we lived nearby I’d be a regular!
6. Cool Hand Luke
Overall Ratings
4 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By tammythetypist - Pismo Beach, California
Even on a Friday night, approximately 15 minute wait, but well worth it! The menu offers a wide variety, large portions. They are really good at refilling drinks! Food is hot, fresh and correct the first time! They can take large groups in a separate...MoreThank you for your review and your business.
7. Orcutt Burgers
Overall Ratings
4 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Daba2010 - Los Angeles, California, USA
We decided to stop at Orcutt for breakfast before heading back home. It was very crowded, but we didn't have to wait too long to be seated. It is a small restaurant and it seemed popular among the locals. Everyone knew everyone. They offered a great variety of breakfast choices and our omelets were delicious. The service was also prompt and fast.
8. Moxie Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
"I have always wanted to find a restaurant where I could eat with confidence knowing that whoever was making the food was as committed to healthy food as I was. First, I talked to a well respected chef on the Central Coast named Ryan Gromfin. Ryan completely understood my vision for a healthy place to eat. As you probably know, combining healthy eating and good taste don't always go together. However, Ryan put together an amazing menu with exciting recipes that were both healthy and actually tasted good. Delicious healthy food was no longer an oxymoron!" Founder, Jay Hardy
Reviewed By 458debbia - Arroyo Grande, California
I've been here twice for two different co-worker's birthday lunches. It's a healthy eating place with good selection and very friendly, helpful staff. I tried two different entries and salad - liked them both. Didn't have time to try the gelato but it looks yummy. The rest of our party enjoyed their lunches as well. Good prices - seating is tricky at lunchtime because it's a very popular place and fills up fast. Nice decor.
9. In-N-Out Burger
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
At In-N-Out Burger, quality is everything. Stop by to enjoy our menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries and shakes. In-N-Out makes fast food the old fashioned way.
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, California
Highway 101 friendly.. Good to know when driving up the coast to San Francisco. All the best, Animal Style burgers and chocolate shakes. Clean rest rooms and indoor seating.
10. Santa Maria Inn Century Room
Overall Ratings
4 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Nanacarolyn - Kissimmee, Florida
We checked in on the 100th anniversary of the hotel and found out that the Garden Room was reopening that night with a new menu as The Century Room. We had a very attentive server. I ordered the pressed chicken and it was absolutely delicious. My husband had a sandwich and fries that came with a side of barbeque sauce. He said it was very good. Great atmosphere and period decor.
