Italian Dining in Downtown San Luis Obispo

Last updated: August 19, 2025

Craving authentic Italian flavors? No need to book a flight… downtown San Luis Obispo has plenty of spots serving handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and delicious desserts.

Buona Tavola 

Known for their fresh, handcrafted pastas, Buona Tavola is located next to the Fremont Theatre. Try the Tortelloni di Zucca alla Salvia e Mascarpone, stuffed with pumpkin and ricotta and finished in a sage mascarpone sauce with crushed walnuts, as well as the Tortelloni Bufalina, filled with mozzarella and served in a light tomato basil sauce. Pro tip: sit on their back patio space to feel like you are in an Italian courtyard!

Mama’s Meatball 

This cozy spot in the Creamery Marketplace offers hearty, family-style flavors — their signature “Tris” offers three pasta dishes on one plate. Enjoy a slice of house-made tiramisu for dessert!

Flour House 

Flour House is known for its nationally recognized Neapolitan-style pizza! The Carbonara al Cacio e Pepe pizza features egg yolk bechamel, pork cheek, parmigiano chips, and a creamy cacio e pepe sauce. Their Gnocchetti Alla Milanese, made with potato gnocchi in saffron cream and served with pork osso buco, is a must-try for pasta lovers.

Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica

A longtime local favorite, Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica serves comforting Italian classics in a lively atmosphere with a secret outdoor garden patio. Popular choices include the beef lasagna, pepperoni pizza, and, of course, an espresso martini.

La Locanda

For authentic northern Italian cuisine, La Locanda delivers a refined dining experience right on Garden Street. Expect carefully prepared dishes that highlight regional traditions, with a menu that changes seasonally to keep things fresh and exciting.

Piadina

Located inside Hotel SLO, Piadina offers specialty pizzas and Italian-inspired bites with a California twist. It’s a great spot to grab a wood-fired pizza and a craft cocktail, whether you’re dining indoors or enjoying the rooftop.

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