The ambiance here is especially conducive for couples who want to share a special meal together, so expect plenty of candlelit tables for two.

Choose from a traditional menu of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and dessert, as well as a wine list that includes by-the-glass selections and hard-to-find bottles from Italy and beyond. Owner, Artin Safari, recently purchased the restaurant from founder Luciano Bardinelli who has a long history of owning and operating superlative restaurants across the country each dish of Cacio e Pepe, Veal Scallopini, and Linguine Pescatore that leaves the La Locanda kitchen bears his stamp of approval. Watch the chefs at work through the windowpanes that face the street, then head inside the restaurant, which feels familiar and familial with its clean white walls and wine cabinets. Tucked away on charming Garden Street, La Locanda serves authentic Northern Italian cuisine in a neighborhood trattoria atmosphere. 📍 1137 Garden Street, San Luis Obispo || 80 Looking to end the evening on a high note? Granada lies adjacent to The Nightcap, a cozy cocktail lounge that stays open late serving small bites, craft cocktails and artisanal sipping spirits. A sumptuous brunch is served on weekends from 10am to 3pm, with updated classics like the Granada Benedict, Albacore Cherry Crudo and Smash Burgers. The restaurant offers weekly specials like “Fried Chicken Monday” and “Wine Wednesday,” wherein all wine bottles are discounted 50 percent. Definitely check out the wine list, which leans as much on European producers as it does local ones. The menu features comfort food dishes like Chicken Confit with sweet potato purée, sautéed brussels sprouts, pickled grape and toasted almonds as well as meat, seafood, and vegetarian mains. Sit beside the glass fire pit on the Granada patio facing Morro Street, or inside the dining room with its exposed brick and white linens. With a bit of cosmopolitan glam and a menu highlighting rustic American and French food, Granada Bistro in downtown San Luis Obispo makes every dinner a special one. 📍 1126 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo || 80

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