The Carrisa — Restaurant in San Luis Obispo

Upon first entrance, I was super excited to try this restaurant. The decorations for christmas were up and beautiful and the space looked phenomenal. Sadly, that was the only positive about our experience. The food was extremely over priced for how small it was. The oysters were the smallest oysters I have ever seen and given the price of $26 for half a dozen I would have expected something more substantial. There were also pieces of shell in them and I literally choked so hard, tears were streaming down my face. The meat pie was tiny and the meat was dried out. I ordered a well vodka sour and somehow that was $13. As for the service, utterly horrible. The hostess was so sweet and she sat us and brought us water but then it was about 10 minutes until we saw our server. My drink came out after the appetizers and once the appetizers were on the table we never saw our server again. We literally sat at the table with empty plates for about 25 minutes and no one checked on us at all. Finally a different server asked if we were doing okay and we let her know that we just wanted the bill. She said she would let our server know. Another 10 minutes goes by and a manger(at least that’s what I think this guy was)asks how we are doing. Again, I inform him that we simply just want the check. Of course once that happened, about 30 seconds later our server came running out with the bill. I literally never leave reviews for restaurants, but I have been in the service industry for several years and this was one of the worst experiences I have ever had. The server was blonde. Wish I could give a name but she didn’t even bother introducing herself when she came to the table. Just wanted to get our order and leave. Do not recommend this restaurant at all. I know the decorations look awesome, but everything else...

Christmas at the Carissa offers a truly enchanting holiday experience, brilliantly blending festive cheer with culinary innovation. As someone who has visited this gem twice this season, I am deeply impressed by its vibrant atmosphere and the unique twist it brings to food and drinks, perfectly embodying the spirit of the holidays.

The menu, curated with a festive theme in mind, is both intriguing and diverse. The dishes, though fittingly seasonal, might not cater to all palates, as I found some to be not entirely to my liking. However, the quality and creativity behind each item are undeniable, making it a culinary adventure worth embarking on.

What truly sets Christmas at the Carissa apart are its drinks. Expertly crafted, these beverages capture the essence of the holidays. Their ability to adjust the sweetness levels without compromising the flavors shows a commendable level of skill and attention to detail. This thoughtful customization enhances the overall dining experience, making the drinks a must-try.

The ambiance of the Carissa, bustling and lively, adds to the allure. It's a testament to its popularity and the joy it brings to the community during the festive season. The chef and staff deserve praise for their excellent work and the festive spirit they infuse into each aspect of the dining experience.

Christmas at the Carissa is a five-star over all experience in big groups especially for those seeking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit through innovative cuisine. While some dishes may not be to everyone's taste, the adventure of trying new, seasonally inspired foods is worthwhile. I eagerly recommend any pop-up event hosted by the Carissa, as they consistently deliver a blend of culinary excellence and...

The food was great, fresh, interesting, and delicious. There is something for everyone, we were in a group with a vegan, someone with severe food allergies, a meat and potatoes guy, multiple people on different complicated diets including aip, and everyone ate happily! The place is beautiful and has a great atmosphere. The drinks were good. The service is very very slow. We went on a Tuesday night. There were three other tables there. And it took about an hour to get our first drinks. And almost impossible to get anyone to stop at the table to take our order. We were constantly having to wave people down. There were multiple servers and the manager working. We were there from 6:30 until 10 - because that's how long it took to get everything. And eventually went to the bartender to finally get the check. I recommend going if your down to spend the day there hanging with your friends or family. Just know that is the...