Piadina — Restaurant in San Luis Obispo

Consistently one of the best kitchens in SLO county. We put it like this: no matter where you go in SLO or the surrounding areas, eating out isn't cheap but for the 10 to 15% more we spend at Piadina, the quality of food, quality of preparation, service and atmosphere is several orders of magnitude better. It's a small menu but just about anything you pick is outstanding. The Pizzas are some of the best in SLO, the burger is one of the best burgers you're likely to eat, the salads are the freshest produce and the herb roasted chicken is one of the best chicken dishes I've had anywhere. Recently I had one of the best iced Americanos I've ever had anywhere, perfectly smooth. Such a simple thing but in a town full of coffee houses, it's funny to find the best one in a restaurant -- and priced cheaper than the coffee houses. When friends/family come into town Piadina is such an easy decision for us because even when they're busy, the food comes out fast and it comes out right every single time. They don't skimp on portions either. Most items on the menu can easily be split by two people. All said, it's one of the best managed...

This was the first visit for my wife and I. The bar area was very busy with live music , tables both inside and a very nice outdoor and semi outdoor patio. The inside part of the restaurant was modern. Our reservation was honored with friendly, immediate seating at one of the smallest tables for two we have ever been seated at. That was not necessary since it was late, and the restaurant was not at all crowded. Our server was excellent, friendly, efficient, and very helpful when asked. Her suggestions were very good. We shared an appetizer, beet salad, and a pizza, half with smoked salmon and caviar, and half with mushrooms and cheese. The food was terrific, very fresh vegetables, and ingredients, cooked perfectly with delicious sauces and dressings. The restaurant has a nice wine and beer selection with a full bar, including craft cocktails. We finished off our dinner with chocolate pot de creme that was very good. The combination of excellent service, very fresh, perfectly prepared food made for a very nice dinner. We are already looking forward to...

Came for breakfast, left disappointed. I wanted to give 1 star, but my better self added another for the ambiance and service. The food is good, but the menu is confusing and too simplistic. I ordered the quiche and what appeared 15 minutes later was a giant platter pleasantly plated with pesto-topped tomato and a mini-quiche (whole) about the size of a child’s palm that was absolutely dwarfed by a large bowl of (fried?) tots. As in the most basic bar accoutrement. Did I order tots? I double-checked the menu and confirmed that I had only ordered quiche. I’d need to eat about 10 of those little baked egg pies to be close to satisfied. I’m no food critic, but if the chef advertises Italian-inspired fare, I expect a bit more in the realm of actual food. Neither the happy-hour tots nor the tomato was listed on the menu. Surprise! I recommend you ask in advance what each dish looks like if you see something simple and you forecast an experience in your mind based on a preconceived notion of what it should be. Posted photos of the dish and...