Somm's Kitchen — Restaurant in Paso Robles

I love walking into a new situation and not being exactly sure what I'm about to experience. I love even more walking out thinking I can't WAIT to tell others that they need to experience this, too!

I think if people consider going to Somm's kitchen buying a ticket to an experience instead of paying a bill for dinner they'll get far more out of the ride.

On March 9, my husband and I were visiting Somm's kitchen from Austin, Texas. We had been in Paso for the first time last year before this restaurant opened, so we were excited to try something new on the square. We made a reservation about a month before. When we walked in, Ian told us our spot was at the end of his semi circular bar which had enough room for about 14 people.

Ian greeted us and asked, "Are you hungry?" We stated we were, and he handed us a glass of a most interesting Austrian sparkling wine. We had no menu in front of us, wine or otherwise. There was nothing to suggest what we might be eating, what we might be drinking, how many courses there may be, or even how much things might cost.

I'm sure we could have asked Ian, but we decided we were in for the ride! For the next two hours we were in his hands as he had us try a local cheese, a foie gras that rivaled that of Michelin starred restaurants, a prime filet, lamb, and on and on...

It seemed some people came and went and didn't stay for the whole ride. I'm not sure if all the kinks are ironed out there, but it didn't hinder our experience at all.

Each course was served with about a half of a glass of wine...unless of course you drank your wine, then more showed up. None of the wines were particularly expensive, but all were particularly wonderful and the best paired I've ever had with any food ANYWHERE (and not to get all foodie/wine snobby... but we've been to Picasso, Cyrus, Robuchon... the pairing at Somm's Kitchen was simply AMAZING!)

The whole time we felt as though we were Ian's guests. He chatted to us about the wines and the food and how he had prepared each thing. At one point, he stopped and gave us a lesson in wine tasting. It was taught in such a way that novice and experienced wine aficionados a like could enjoy. Ian is an experienced sommelier who teachers wine classes internationally, so getting a chance to experience this was quite a thrill!

In the French style, Ian prepared a salad between the final course and the desserts. The salad was so creative. He peeled the quail eggs and prepared it in front of us. He carefully cut and placed herbs from right to left and as you ate, the herbs and the flavors increased in intensity with each bite.

We finished with desserts and feeling like we had made friends with our fellow diners and our host.

Our final bill was $250 for the two of us. Both my husband and I felt this was truly a bargain. We have paid more for less in the past.

Now, for the "to be completely honest" parts. I would have liked a menu at least when we left if not to follow at the time. Ian did say that I could email him and he would send a menu with all the information. I intend to do that, but it would have been nice to look over it that evening, or even as I was writing this review.

Also, I'm not sure exactly how he decided who got what food. There was a woman sitting next to me who I ran into twice again in the week while we were there. Each time I saw her someplace else, she was telling other people that she was upset that she asked for potatoes and didn't get them even though some people did. She did not like her experience at all and thought Ian was rude. I thought he was funny and dry. I liked his sense of humor, but I could see where others might find him off putting. He's a New Yorker, not a Californian... and he still has some of the edge.

I also heard some complain about the price. I think ANYWHERE you go 11 courses and 11 half glasses of wine for $125 a person is an amazing bargain... but I understand if you're thinking your'e only going to spend $50 on dinner.. this would be a...

A thousand "thank you"s to Somm's Kitchen would never be enough. In 2022 I reached out because I was surprising my Mom with a trip to Paso Robles. Although I planned over a month in advance, of course, Somm's Kitchen was already booked up. I reached out an explained the reasoning for the trip and urged them to please keep us in mind if there were any cancellations when we were going to be in the area.

We had just lost my father, the love of my Mom's life. His passing was sudden and unexpected. He was supposed to pick me up from the airport, as I was supposed to visit that day and he was found dead just outside the shower, getting ready for my arrival. Shortly after his passing, Hurricane Ian destroyed their home, and wiped out a lot of the remaining memories and my father's items. My Dad was an architect and a contractor, so it didn't help that home itself was a cherished memory of him and his legacy, as it was the last one he had built for them - for their retirement, and for them to eventually pass away in decades down the road. That was the plan. To make matters worse, my Mom's body went into shock when he passed. She developed strange allergies she never had before his passing including all seafood/shellfish. Which was tough on a seafood girlie raised in Louisiana and living in Florida! She was hospitalized that same week for her newly developed allergies, that were unknown until her hospitalization.

Sadly, there were much more things she was dealing with, including a lawsuit from someone who found out my Dad had passed and wanted to take advantage, and more losses and trying situations - but, you get the picture! She couldn't catch a break while dealing with the loss of her soulmate. She was set to visit me in Los Angeles to take her mind off of things. Little did she know, I was planning a mother/daughter trip to Paso Robles to treat her, as my parents shared a deep love of wine, food, and exploring new places. They had been seemingly everywhere, yet somehow had never been to Paso Robles, California. I explained the importance of the trip to Somm's Kitchen and how much my Mom would love a seat at the table when we were going to visit.

Not only were we blessed with a seat at the table, not only was it some of the best food I've ever had in my life, but it was the best dining experience we've ever had. That night the menu was heavy in fish and seafood, which I had (was BEYOND delicious!). So, they made my Mom her own dining experience with separate dishes and gave her condolences and made her feel so loved and honored in a time in her life when anything and everything was going wrong. She had lost (almost) everything that mattered to her in life, but that night at Somm's Kitchen everything was just right. Time stood still and we soaked in the amazing wine, food, and wonderful humans around us. The company was spectacular, all of the gorgeous couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, etc. - and of course, the man himself - Chef Ian.

He made this night possible. He even gave my Mom a gift from him to her and said some incredibly nice words to her that made her cry (happy tears!). It gave us the fuel we needed, both our bellies, and spirits, to continue to face loss head-on, and remember that life is beautiful. It was a night to remember for the rest of our lives not just because of the incredible food & wine, but the kindness Ian extended. A reminder that good humans exist, and generous acts are not lost. He is not only talented beyond belief, but he is a one-of-a-kind class act that makes Somm's Kitchen THE destination to visit and partake in when visiting Paso Robles.

It's very ironic that the name of the Hurricane that made my Dad's loss seem so much more unbearable, was also the name of the individual that gave us first light after his passing.

Thank you, Ian! And thank you, Somm's Kitchen. You are more than just a dining experience - you are a once-and-a-lifetime...

Unique, extraordinary, wine tasting, food pairing, story telling, and educational experience facilitated by master sommelier and chief Ian Adamo in a cozy atmosphere at Somm’s Kitchen in Paso Robles, CA. The wide selection of the wines served at dinner time is amazing. The mere fact that 14 different champagnes, white wines, roses, and red wines are served - some retail-priced at several hundreds of dollars -is mind blowing when you compare it with the affordable price of each dinner which includes food (several courses) and wine /champagne tasting.

The setting is intimate and the restaurant itself is unassuming and tucked away (though a short walk from the park / town square in Paso Robles). The place comes to life with each guest arriving for dinner at 6p.m. and Ian’s welcoming and warm greetings. When everyone arrives and sits down at the counter, it feels like you are meeting new friends. There is great wine, delicious food, and good conversation, which is refreshing and much needed, especially nowadays when we spend so much time online. Ian tells stories and educates the guests on the wine and champagne, which is a fabulous experience for those who drink only socially and need to know what to pick from the wine list at a restaurant, as well as wine connoisseurs who are striving to attain Ian’s level of wine expertise.

I was impressed by the high quality of the food and the simplicity of each dish. This was our second time at Somm’s Kitchen and the food was even better than the first time. We have been to numerous Michelin star-rated restaurants in the U.S. and internationally. Frequently, what you find is great service, beautifully decorated food that sometimes tastes great and sometimes not so great. At Somm’s Kitchen, each dish simple, absolutely delicious, pure in taste, and unpretentious. You don’t taste butter or heavy creams. The preparation is thoughtful and intentional, and pairs well with the wine you are tasting. But if you are looking for a place that emphasizes on food decorations and less on simplicity and the actual taste of the food, this may not be the place you are looking for.

During our dinner, we were served mozzarella & burrata cheese ball with poppy seeds in roasted tomato sauce, melted herb and truffle-infused cheeses on a wooden board, specially-steamed scallops, steamed and roasted on bamboo leaves salmon, cognac-infused chicken, beef with mushrooms, and for dessert a cinnamon-crumble vanilla cake and donut holes with some chocolate sauce. We loved it all.

It’s always a memorable night at Ian’s Somm’s Kitchen and if you are fortunate enough to get in off the wait list or plan early enough to book this place a few months in advance, you will have a blast. This dinner and wine tasting experience could easily cost triple of what Somm’s Kitchen actually charges if you consider the high quality of the top shelf alcohol and ingredients in the food, and the personalized experience. I am blown away by Ian’s humble yet super friendly demeanor, his knowledge and skills, and the way he treats each guest like a good friend. Somm’s Kitchen has my full recommendation and we definitely...