The Black Cat - Cambria

4.5

684 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

11:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Neighborhood gem
Romantic
Charming

Open since July 4th, 2002, Black Cat Bistro is known for serving Innovative Farm Fresh Fare. The menu changes often as Black Cat Bistro consistently strives to present fare that is reflective of seasonal, local produce and organically raised or sustainable product.The food is especially cognizant of wine pairings to electrify the palate. The Black Cat has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for nine years in a row.

Black Cat Bistro is small with 45 seats and this is part of what makes it such an intimate dining experience. The service is attentive, unpretentious and refined. The dining rooms are decorated in soothing colors and fabrics. Down pillowed benches frame the edges of two of the three rooms. Candle light adorns the tables covered with white linen. Food is served on white china and wine in crystal Riedel stemware.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, Contemporary American, Contemporary French / American
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(805) 927-1600
Website
http://www.blackcatbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Mauricio Lopez & Joel Magana
Catering
From an office party to an at-home celebration, we can help with your next event. Please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon ! https://www.blackcatbistro.com/catering/
Private party facilities
For all inquiries, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon. https://www.blackcatbistro.com/private-events/

Location
1602 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428
Neighborhood
Cambria
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Fried Green Olives$8.00
stuffed with gorgonzola
Crispy Brussel Sprouts$12.00
blue cheese, roasted beet vinaigrette, spiced walnuts
Cheese Plate$12.00
please ask your server
Gnocchi$13.00
Shiitake, cremini, martini cream, radicchio, asiago, sage. Wine suggestion: Pinot Noir
Morro Bay Rock Crab Lollipops$16.00
Corn pudding, tomatillo cream, micro cilantro. Wine suggestion: Chardonnay
Paso Robles Pork Belly$13.00
Gigandes beans, date apple mustard glaze, thyme. Wine suggestion: Garnacha
Local Quail$14.00
Radicchio, apple, pomegranate molasses. Wine suggestion: Red Blend
Cayucos Abalone$18.00
Potato, hazelnut, grapefruit vanilla beurre, sea salt. Wine suggestion: Brut Champagne

Salads

Arugula$12.00
strawberries, green apple, candied walnuts, goat cheese, shallot & beet vinaigrette, balsamic reduction
Lightly Seared Romaine$10.00
lemon Caesar, asiago, bacon jam toast

Soup

Soup du Jour$10.00
New England Clam Chowder$11.00
Award winning.

Vegetarian

Baked Polenta$23.00
Eggplant, red chard, chevre, asiago, mozzarella, tomato coulis, pinenut, shiitake, sage. Wine suggestion: Rosé
Strozzapreti Pasta$22.00
Arugula, cauliflower, broccoli currants, garlic cream, asiago, pinenuts, mint. Wine suggestion: Chardonnay
- Add Shrimp or Scallops$32.00

Fish & Seafood

Wild Catch Salmon$31.00
Grilled, mashed potatoes, heirloom cauliflower, sake-miso beurre blanc. Wine suggestion: Sauvignon Blanc
Sea Scallops$30.00
Corn pudding, tomatillo cream, mushrooms, cilantro, brown butter. Wine suggestion: White Blend
Shrimp Scampi$28.00
Jumbo shrimp, roasted bell pepper, tomato, scallions, capers, jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables. Wine suggestion: Chardonnay
Rare Seared Albacore Tuna$29.00
Jasmine rice, Vietnamese cucumber slaw, shiitakes, ginger wasabi cream, shallots, peanuts, cilantro. Wine suggestion: Rosé
Chipotle Shrimp Linguini$29.00
Wood fisheries shrimp, corn, tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, asiago, chipotle corn cream. wine suggestion: Pinot Grigio

Meat & Fowl

Maple Leaf Duck Breast$32.00
Mushroom red wine barley risotto, baby bok choy, cherry duck jus, thyme. Wine suggestion: Pinot Noir
Rack of Lamb$36.00
Chevre carrot puree, heirloom cauliflower succotash, pomegranate reduction. Wine suggestion: Cabernet Sauvignon
Braised Lamb Shank$35.00
Pearl couscous, currants, cinnamon, kale. Wine suggestion: Red Blend
12 Ounce Rib-Eye$42.00
Quinoa, corn, cilantro, green onion, black bean sambal butter. Fat is an integral part of the flavor of this cut. Wine suggestion: Syrah
Flat Iron Steak$30.00
Rice croquettes, agave mango salad, mango sauce. Wine suggestion: Zinfandel
Fontina Pancetta$32.00
Sage stuffed pork chop, celery root puree, Brussels sprout, coffee ancho glaze. Wine suggestion: Cabernet Sauvignon
Chicken Piccata$28.00
Roasted red bell peppers, capers, scallions, with a meyer lemon cream sauce, jasmine rice, crispy kale. Wine suggestion: Red Blend

What 684 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Healthy
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Neighborhood gem
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Great for fine wines
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Black Cat in Cambria is a "top notch" dining spot known for its "culinary earthquake of flavor." Guests praise its "absolutely charming" atmosphere and "delicious" food. Despite occasional slow service, many describe it as "one of my favorite places anywhere," appreciating its quaint setting and attentive staff.

684 Reviews

B
BARBARA
San Francisco
83 reviews
4.0
83 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food is good, not outstanding. Had to send one plate back, which was taken off the bill without any questions. Service good but again nothing exceptional. Good meal for a good price,.
Is this helpful?
B
Brenda
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first time having dinner here and we were so happy with our choice. The food was delicious! The crab cakes were wonderful, the best we’ve ever had. We split our main course and had the scallops with corn pudding. We each had an ample amount and the flavors were incredible! The service was excellent. It’s very cozy and inviting. We will make the Black Cat Bistro our dining choice on our next visit to Cambria.
Is this helpful?
C
Cindy
Central Coast
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and great service. The Black Cat has not disappointed me yet.
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
Central Coast
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Love this restaurant. Been there many times A bit disappointed in the slower then usual service given the restaurant was not busy at the time we were there
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M
Maria
Los Angeles
68 reviews
5.0
68 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a very nice dinner our server was great the food was very tasteful; we enjoyed everything we will be back
Is this helpful?
C
Christina
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our yearly restaurant when we are in Cambria. The food is amazing and it is a beautiful restaurant excellent service.
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth
New York City
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My friend and I had a wonderful time! The food was delicious! We each had 2 appetizers beginning with tomato basil soup. The shrimp crostinis were heaven. Highly recommend this little gem of a restaurant.
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K
Kirk
Los Angeles
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The food was excellent, but it does have a very French feel in that the service is very slow. A Couple came in after us and stood at the front podium for 10 minutes with no attention and the we were the only ones in the restaurant. So be patient and you will have a great meal. We had the shrimp pasta (outstanding), rack of lamb (also outstanding), the scallops (very good) and the trout (which was fine but seemed to be missing sauce, as it was a bit dry). Portions were generous so the four of us only had room for 1 dessert. A chocolate pots de crème (excellent).
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L
Lynda
VIP
Los Angeles
153 reviews
5.0
153 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Black Cat is located in an old house and the setting is very nice. We had dinner in one of the rooms that had three tables. As we were dining on a weeknight in November, the restaurant wasn't full and we only had one other couple in our room. It made for a nice, quiet, romantic meal. The service was attentive and efficient. Our meals were delicious - I had scallops which were really good and the presentation was beautiful. We also had nice salads to start. This restaurant feels like a little gem. We will definitely dine here again.
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Took my wife here for our anniversary and Romero and the other staff were wonderful. They really made the dinner feel special. The pork chop was really extraordinary and the sticky toffee pudding at the end was phenomenal. Huge recommendation
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

The Black Cat - Cambria is rated 4.5 stars by 684 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 21, 2024

11:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

1602 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428

Additional information

Neighborhood
Cambria
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, Contemporary American, Contemporary French / American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mauricio Lopez & Joel Magana
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.blackcatbistro.com/
Phone number
(805) 927-1600
Catering
From an office party to an at-home celebration, we can help with your next event. Please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon ! https://www.blackcatbistro.com/catering/
Private party facilities
For all inquiries, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon. https://www.blackcatbistro.com/private-events/

The Black Cat - Cambria

Make a reservation

Additional information

Crispy Brussel Sprouts

New England Clam Chowder

Sea Scallops

Appetizers

Fried Green Olives$8.00

Crispy Brussel Sprouts$12.00

Cheese Plate$12.00

Gnocchi$13.00

Morro Bay Rock Crab Lollipops$16.00

Paso Robles Pork Belly$13.00

Local Quail$14.00

Cayucos Abalone$18.00

Salads

Arugula$12.00

Lightly Seared Romaine$10.00

Soup

Soup du Jour$10.00

New England Clam Chowder$11.00

Vegetarian

Baked Polenta$23.00

Strozzapreti Pasta$22.00

Fish & Seafood

Wild Catch Salmon$31.00

Sea Scallops$30.00

Shrimp Scampi$28.00

Rare Seared Albacore Tuna$29.00

Chipotle Shrimp Linguini$29.00

Meat & Fowl

Maple Leaf Duck Breast$32.00

Rack of Lamb$36.00

Braised Lamb Shank$35.00

12 Ounce Rib-Eye$42.00

Flat Iron Steak$30.00

Fontina Pancetta$32.00

Chicken Piccata$28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Black Cat - Cambria restaurant rated?

Is The Black Cat - Cambria currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information