The Central Coast of California is a rather magical area of the state, tucked in the middle of it, below the famed vineyards that cloak Northern California and above the palm tree and celeb-studded environs of SoCal. It’s that perfect location along picturesque Hwy 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, that comprises Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Paso Robles – 350 miles of ocean coastline that have become iconic and emblematic of the California lifestyle. But beyond incredible views, the Central Coast region is full of some of California’s – and the country’s – top eateries, lodging, and wineries that make for some of the most memorable experiences.
Eat
Eating is one of the great joys of life, and it reaches peak enjoyment on California’s Central Coast, where fresh seafood and game from nearby family farms are de rigueur. Les Petites Canailles is one of those restaurants that marries the two beautifully. Started by Julien and Courtney Asseo, a chef who grew up in vineyards in France and a daughter of a butcher, respectively, this Paso Robles institution is what the two of them call their “house.” The French translation of the name means “the little rascals,” which refers to their three children. The cuisine is seasonal, highlighting the bounty of what’s in the vicinity.
One MICHELIN Star Six Test Kitchen in Paso Robles is not a test kitchen in the traditional sense of the word, but it began that way. Chef Ricky Odbert started a six-seat eatery in his garage that has evolved into an intimate counter experience that serves a multicourse menu of the best of the Central Coast. Food is presented as art here, and the flavors are known to be wholly unexpected.
In the windswept yet idyllic beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, there’s a lot more to explore than just white sand and art galleries. Some of its best attractions are its food. Take, for instance, One MICHELIN Star Chez Noir. It’s the brainchild of Jonny and Monique Black (hence the name “Noir”), who operate their unconventional restaurant out of the first floor of their Craftsman-style abode. Showcasing the best of what the coast can offer, from just-caught sea bass to delectable oysters, the colorful, seafood-heavy, California take on French fare can be had a la carte or as a prix fixe. And not too far away from Chez Noir is one of the culinary legends of Carmel, which has just earned its second MICHELIN Star: Aubergine. Chef Justin Cogley helms an elegantly modern yet classic fine dining restaurant that never fails to disappoint. Inside the Relais & Châteaux L’Auberge Carmel hotel, Cogley churns out New American fare in an eight-course, daily changing tasting menu that continues to garner accolades annually.
Stay
A proper stay on the Central Coast is an absolute must. Sure, that includes panoramic views of sky and sky, but it can also mean a hidden treehouse-like lodging that echoes the feel of a log cabin straight out of Little House on the Prairie. The Inn Paradiso is just that. It’s set on a hill just outside of Paso Robles, with its six suites and lofts spread across an original and new building. This intimate space feels like a home and is an ideal place to retire after a day of eating and drinking.
The One MICHELIN Key San Luis Creek Lodge in San Luis Obispo is a 25-room boutique luxury farmhouse with high design and refined elegance. Aesop bath products and Fili d’Oro linens add elevated amenities to the luxurious stay.
You can make a full vacation around the Bernardus name. The Two MICHELIN Key Bernardus Lodge + Spa is set in Carmel, yet is also mere minutes from the outdoorsy haven of Big Sur. The resort boasts a wide array of amenities: a wine list with 25,000 bottles; 57 large rooms and suites; a connection to the highly regarded Bernardus winery; onsite first-class restaurant; myriad sports activities and a large spa.
The Three MICHELIN Key Post Ranch Inn may just be the crown jewel of the Central Coast region. The extraordinary property has an address in Big Sur, right on Highway 1, or the impossibly beautifully Pacific Coast Highway. Built into the jagged cliffs that rise above the Pacific Ocean, the 39 guest accommodations are clad in wood with panoramic glass walls that bring the outside in. No televisions are allowed in the rooms and suites to ensure peace and quiet. Sierra Mar, the onsite restaurant, has been serving up award-winning cuisine for years.
Taste
Paso Robles has more than 300 wineries, and the quality of wine coming out of it has increased steadily over the years. It is now a bona fide contender in conversations about great wines of the world. The region has even been dubbed as “one to watch” of late. Part of that might be the influx of French winemaking prowess that has descended onto the region in droves, to set up stellar wineries like Clos Solene, one of the standouts of the region. Guillaume Fabre, a Frenchman born in the Languedoc wine region of France, established Clos Solene with his wife, Solene, in 2007. He came from a family of winemakers and grape growers, but revisited the idea of making wine and establishing his own brand later in life. It turned out to be a wise decision. His estate vineyard is planted to Rhone and Bordeaux varieties, but he also sources from some of the best vineyards in California, including Bien Nacido.
L’Aventure Estate was founded after the Asseo family moved from Bordeaux to Paso Robles. Related to the owner of Les Petites Canailles restaurant, they found a property they loved after searching high and low for years and landed on the hilly valleys of Paso. The coastal climate allowed for a longer grape maturation, and the terroir was superb – everything the Asseos were looking for. Their 127-acre property grows Rhone and Bordeaux varieties, and a few others. The Asseos continue to make high-quality wine from their own grapes, but also partner with revered families like the Thienot family from Champagne, to create other delectable blends and cuvees.
For a true taste of Paso Robles terroir, look no further than Niner Estate. Niner grows all manner of varieties, from malbec to cabernet, from pinot to syrah. Founded in 2001, Richard Niner took his love of Paso Robles to new heights with the purchase of his property with plans to make world-class wine. The onsite restaurant is one of the first winery restaurants in all of Paso Robles – worth a detour if you’re looking for a one-stop shop.
For lovers of Rhone varieties, Tablas Creek is a name to know. The winery almost single-handedly pioneered California’s Rhone movement. It was founded in 1989 by the owners of famed Chateau Beaucastel in the Southern Rhone of France and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands. The site was chosen because the terroir of the two regions was so similar. Cuttings from France were then imported to California for a real taste of France. To this day, that authenticity and high-quality flavor persists.
Hero image: Erin Ng / Chez Noir
