Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

4.8

1747 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

For over four decades, the Rizzo family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in San Luis Obispo. At Café Roma, you can indulge in homemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood. Don't miss classic dishes like Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto, shortrib pappardelle, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Inside Café Roma and you'll feel like you've been transported to Italy. From the vintage Italian bike hanging above the bar to the Murano glass chandeliers and Tuscan murals, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to celebrate Italian culture.

Pair your meal with one of the many wines on Café Roma's extensive list, which changes monthly to include new and exciting Central Coast and Italian finds.

Café Roma is a popular destination for locals, vintners, families, travelers, and professionals alike. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot or a gathering place for friends and family, you'll find it here.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(805) 541-6800
Website
https://caferomaslo.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Saro and Maria Rizzo
Catering
Planning is orchestrated by Café Roma’s owners, managers, and professional event staff. If you are simply needing food prepared for your special event that you plan to pick up from the restaurant and service yourself, please take a look at the Catering for Pick Up Menu at caferomaslo.com/catering.
Private party facilities
Café Roma has a variety of event spaces, including the Deruta Banquet Room (capacity 80 lunch/dinner, 100 reception), the Garden Patio (capacity 50), and the Sala (capacity 40). Spaces ideal for wedding rehearsal dinners, celebrations, memorials, company parties, and medical or financial dinners.

Location
1020 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Neighborhood
San Luis Obispo
Cross street
Santa Rosa
Parking details
Abundant free parking in front of the restaurant.
Public transit
Free Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

Martini Monday
Multiple dates available
Mon - 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join us every Monday for Martini Mondays at our restaurant! Start your week on a sophisticated note with our handcrafted martinis expertly mixed by our talented bartenders. Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and relaxation as you sip your martini in our cozy bar. Make your Monday memorable with Martini Mondays – the ideal way to kick off your week with style. Cheers to a great start! All Martinis $10.00
Raid the Wine Cellar Tuesdays
Multiple dates available
Tue - 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Indulge in a little midweek magic at Cafe Roma every Tuesday! Join us in raiding the wine cellar for a heartwarming evening filled with half-price wine bottles, where every sip is like a journey to the vineyards of Italy and California. It's a perfect excuse to savor delicious cuisine, share laughter, and create unforgettable memories. Join us for this enchanting tradition that's bound to make your Tuesdays a little more special!

Popular dishes

Mediterranean Olives$6.00
Assorted Mediterranean olives (unpitted) in olive oil, lemon
Carpaccio$18.00
Raw beef w/ capers, light mustard, arugula and parmesan
Prosciutto e Burrata$18.00
Parma Prosciutto & imported Italian burrata with arugula
Mozzarella Caprese$16.00
Fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, basil & olive oil
Escargots$16.00
French style snails in garlic, shallots, parsley & butter
Calamari Fritti$18.00
Fried calamari with hot & spicy tomato dipping sauce
Steamed Clams$18.00
Sauteed manila clams in a white wine, cherry tomato sauce
Bruschetta$12.00
Crostini topped with tomato, garlic, basil and EVOO
Fried Mozzarella "Marinara"$14.00
With a San Marzano tomato sauce
Bread Dipping Sauce$5.00
Garlic, balsamic, olive oil and parmesan
Antipasto Cafe Roma$25.00
prosciutto, calabrian salami, speck, caprese, bruschetta, percorino cheese, roasted peppers and eggplant, olives

Salads

Insalata Mista$10.00
Mixed local greens, olive oil and vinegar
Insalata Bietole$12.00
Red & gold beet salad with blue cheese crumbles, butter lettuce
Insalata Café Roma$14.00
Greens mushrooms, mozzarella, salami, onion, peppers, garbanzos
Insalata Caesar$12.00
with croutons & shaved parmesan

Pizza

Margherita "Classica"$18.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella (fior di latte), olive oil and basil
Burrata Prosciutto e Arugula$22.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella burrata, prosciutto
Calabrese "Pepperoni" $21.00
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella & spicy salami
Dolomiti Bianca$22.00
fontina cheese, wild mushrooms, speck

Pasta

Cappellini Pomodoro$18.00
Thin spaghetti with a cherry tomato sauce with fresh basil
Bucatini Carbonara$22.00
Thick spaghetti, creamy sauce with guanciale, pecorino cheese
Linguine alle Vongole$26.00
Linguine & sautéed clams with a red or white wine sauce
Lasagna Bolognese$24.00
House made with béchamel & Bolognese ragu
Tortelli di Zucca$22.00
House made squash filled ravioli with parmesan cream sauce
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina$22.00
Potato gnocchi with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil
Ravioli della Casa$22.00
House made beef filled ravioli with a Bolognese ragu
Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu$26.00
wide fettucine style pasta with wine braised short rib ragu

Meats & Fish

Filet Mignon$48.00
8 oz. prime filet with cabernet reduction & gorgonzola sauce
Veal Marsala$38.00
Sautéed veal scaloppini with marsala wine sauce
Chicken Parmigiana$28.00
Breaded chicken breast with tomato sauce, mozzarella, served with a side of fettuccine Alfredo
Osso Buco Milanese Style$38.00
Braised veal shanks served over saffron risotto
Scampi Piccata$32.00
Shrimp sautéed with wine, lemon, capers and linguini pasta
Salmone alla Griglia$32.00
herbed grilled salmon medallion with lemon butter sauce and garlic spinach
Pollo alla Valdostana$28.00
breast of chicken with prosciutto, fontina cheese and sage with a mixed mushroom sauce

Sides

Sautéed Spinach$10.00
Fettuccine Alfredo$10.00

Dessert

Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake$14.00
Chocolate cake made with cocoa, filled w/ chocolate & hazelnut creams and a hazelnut crunch, covered with chocolate glaze
Torta della Nonna$12.00
Pastry cream on a base of short crust pastry, with pine nuts, almonds and powdered sugar
Sorbetto di Limone$14.00
Classic Tiramisu$12.00
Sicilian Cannoli (2)$12.00
Chocolate Mousse$12.00
Spumoni Bomba$14.00
Ice cream in a chocolate shell
Classic Crème Brulle$12.00

What 1,747 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

California Central Coast
Italian
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Overall
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Food
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Service
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Ambiance
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Best Value
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Good for groups
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Neighborhood gem
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Great for fine wines
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Great for outdoor dining
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Good for special occasions
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cafe Roma in San Luis Obispo is a beloved Italian gem known for its "authentic, delicious" cuisine and "friendly and efficient" service. The charming ambiance, both indoors and on the patio, enhances the dining experience. Highlights include standout dishes like the seabass and housemade pasta, complemented by an extensive wine list.

1,747 Reviews

G
Gail
VIP
Central Coast
124 reviews
5.0
124 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent and fresh food. Delicious. Our first time and we can’t wait to go to come back
Is this helpful?
G
Greg
Hawaii
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Had a reservation for the inside and they sat us at the bar. Was not greeted at our table for over 20 minutes. Turns out the bartender was out server and she was too busy to serve tables. Appetizer took another 40 minutes to receive. Chicken parm entree came out overcooked and burnt. Most likely never returning.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
San Francisco
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Always treated like family at Cafe Roma. Good is great, service is great
Is this helpful?
S
Sharon
VIP
San Francisco
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s always a special treat to have dinner at Cafe Roma. We are always greeted warmly by staff. The waitstaff are friendly and accommodating. We’ve never had to wait long for our food and each dish is beautifully presented, delicious and hot. It’s a pleasure to have dinner there. Marco and Saro have maintained the tradition that their parents began.
Is this helpful?
D
Dave
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Expect a great meal at Cafe Roma. We’ve been customers since the 80s. We highly recommend it.
Is this helpful?
J
Jen
VIP
San Francisco
105 reviews
5.0
105 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love this restaurant! Terrific food, cosy atmosphere and terrific service. A local favorite we love returning to time and time again.
Is this helpful?
W
Wendy
VIP
Central Coast
125 reviews
5.0
125 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cafe Roma is a beautiful restaurant with great food, service, spirits, and ambience!
Is this helpful?
P
Pamela
Sacramento
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nicely decorated for holidays. Van our server was professional and accessible. Food was very good. Halibut special and Nona’s ravioli with meat sauce were both very good.
Is this helpful?
C
Cynthia
VIP
Central Coast
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Thanksgiving food was excellent. We loved the salmon and turkey and especially the apple strudel. Will return next year.
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
Central Coast
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 29, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Overall a very good experience. It's really good food and excellent staff.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo using the Order Online button.

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo is rated 4.8 stars by 1747 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

1020 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Santa Rosa
Neighborhood
San Luis Obispo
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Abundant free parking in front of the restaurant.
Public transit
Free Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Saro and Maria Rizzo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://caferomaslo.com/
Phone number
(805) 541-6800
Catering
Planning is orchestrated by Café Roma’s owners, managers, and professional event staff. If you are simply needing food prepared for your special event that you plan to pick up from the restaurant and service yourself, please take a look at the Catering for Pick Up Menu at caferomaslo.com/catering.
Private party facilities
Café Roma has a variety of event spaces, including the Deruta Banquet Room (capacity 80 lunch/dinner, 100 reception), the Garden Patio (capacity 50), and the Sala (capacity 40). Spaces ideal for wedding rehearsal dinners, celebrations, memorials, company parties, and medical or financial dinners.

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Martini Monday

Raid the Wine Cellar Tuesdays

Lasagna Bolognese

Caesar Salad

Bucatini Carbonara

Starters

Mediterranean Olives$6.00

Carpaccio$18.00

Prosciutto e Burrata$18.00

Mozzarella Caprese$16.00

Escargots$16.00

Calamari Fritti$18.00

Steamed Clams$18.00

Bruschetta$12.00

Fried Mozzarella "Marinara"$14.00

Bread Dipping Sauce$5.00

Antipasto Cafe Roma$25.00

Salads

Insalata Mista$10.00

Insalata Bietole$12.00

Insalata Café Roma$14.00

Insalata Caesar$12.00

Pizza

Margherita "Classica"$18.00

Burrata Prosciutto e Arugula$22.00

Calabrese "Pepperoni" $21.00

Dolomiti Bianca$22.00

Pasta

Cappellini Pomodoro$18.00

Bucatini Carbonara$22.00

Linguine alle Vongole$26.00

Lasagna Bolognese$24.00

Tortelli di Zucca$22.00

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina$22.00

Ravioli della Casa$22.00

Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu$26.00

Meats & Fish

Filet Mignon$48.00

Veal Marsala$38.00

Chicken Parmigiana$28.00

Osso Buco Milanese Style$38.00

Scampi Piccata$32.00

Salmone alla Griglia$32.00

Pollo alla Valdostana$28.00

Sides

Sautéed Spinach$10.00

Fettuccine Alfredo$10.00

Dessert

Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake$14.00

Torta della Nonna$12.00

Sorbetto di Limone$14.00

Classic Tiramisu$12.00

Sicilian Cannoli (2)$12.00

Chocolate Mousse$12.00

Spumoni Bomba$14.00

Classic Crème Brulle$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo restaurant rated?

Is Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information