Cambria...sweet cambria....what can I eat there and where can I eat?

[dublinchef]

Hit me with some restaurant recommendations....breakfast, lunch & dinner places needed.

[toodie jane]

Speaking of sweets--Sisters Chocolatier have been operating since February in the space on Main where the wine and cheese shop used to be.

Two sisters and assorted family members making and selling chocolates. When I was there, the displays were of cream-filled molds, bite-sized and larger, of strawberry, raspberry, key lime, orange, lemon, mango, etc. I got the lime, orange and lemon. Great rich dark choc thinly-molded square, triangle and circle shaped cups filled with luxurious creams. They call them 'curds' but they also have cream in them. Wow--good!

Also some rich nut brittles and toffees, rocky road, haystacks, etc.

Also for sale, small bags of gourmet cocoa powders of different origins.

Worth a stop for chocolate lovers.

Not a fancy or polished-and-chic place, but the chocolates I've had have been wonderful.

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Sister's Chocolatier
1940 Main St, Cambria, CA

[trebenstein]

I love the Sow's Ear. They've got a really great red wine braised spare rib. Just melts in your mouth. And the Tea Cozy's great for lunch--an absolute must try. You're going to have lots of fun there.

[kpsc]

Here are our picks for the best of the best...
Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant
Manta Rey (in San Simeon)
Boni's Tacos
Creekside Garden Cafe for Breakfast

There are many more we have yet to explore that are highly thought of but we can't get enough of these to move on yet! I am one of the few who does not like Robins or Sea Chest although I will try Robins again (but not Sea Chest - overrated, pricey, no reservations, cash only, mediocre). Brambles menu is extensive which is a problem. I think it is forgettable.

We tried Manta Rey just tonight and were very pleased - the crab and corn bisque was divine excellent sea bass as well. Sow's Ear has been hit and miss but they have a great wine list - the lobster pot pie was good and the short ribs are excellent. The pot roast was just ok and the beef stroganoff is not very good even though the noodles are made there. I really want to try Black Cat Bistro and hear it is unique.

Whatever you do - don't miss Boni's Taco Truck if you are there on the weekend - it is right near the Bank of America - Best I have ever had and we have had MANY. Just fit in a Carne Asada taco - you won't be sorry.

[glazebrookgirl]

For more selection and for seating, try Boni's in Tin City. It is the same stuff as the taco truck, just in a more permanent setting. There are more meat and entree options.

[toodie jane]

Tin City being the industrial park just across the creek from Burton Drive (where the Brambles rest. is) Boni's opreates there weekdays for lunch and on weekends at the B of A parking lot corner of Burton and Main across from the Chevron station.

[judybird]

How come nobody's mentioned Indigo Moon? We had a wonderful lunch there just last week - we're definitely planning on trying it for dinner next time we're there.

[toodie jane]

Indigo Moon has had some uneven reports. Maybe that's why no mention here....
seems people either love and have a wonderful meal, or just the opposite. Did you post on your experience? The more posts on a controversial place, the easier it is to decide whether to try it. It's on my to try list.

[glazebrookgirl]

I went to Indigo Moon and while it didn't hate it, I didn't love it, either. Since hearing about good experiences that others have had, it is on my list as a place to return to. But I can't really recommend it, yet. If you like it, please recommend!

[Foodpro]

Robin's! The Sow's Ear is good too but you must try Robin's. If you feel like a 20 min. drive you can go down to Hoppe's in Cayucos for dinner.
Check out the link for Robin's menu and location:
http://www.robinsrestaurant.com/

[soquelcalifornia]

Ka-DING! Yes, another vote for Robin's. We had a lovely meal there—quality of food and service and everything. Just a great place to go.

[rantsnravesnreviews]

I just returned from being there a week and have not had a chance to post any reviews. But did the Redwood cafe for breakfast, the spinach and havarti omelet was very good, Sow's ear was excellent. I had the Lobster pie. I could not believe the amount of Lobster and the flavor was lovely. Also did the SeaChest which in the past has been stellar, this time both our pieces of fish were overcooked and the wiatress didn't check on us to see how things were so we ended eating some of it instead of sending it back, however I must say they have the best Calamari I have ever eaten! Black Cat Bistro was also very good. Cambria has lots of nice choices, and there is always Main Street Grille, an old standby.
http://rantsnravesnreviews.blogspot.com

[Foodandwine]

In the town of Cayacus (sp) I had a great brunch at Hopps. We sat in the garden after a walk in this quaint village and boardwalk on our way to cambria. The food was rather good

[normalheightsfoodie]

We had a very good dinner at the Sea Chest last Saturday. They only take cash and no reso. They open at 5, and people start to line up at 445 or so. We went in at around 8 and were seated with in 5 minutes.

They have a 12.5 corkage.

I had the linguinni with clams, it was a very handsome portion of fresh clams, it was great.

[foodchick45]

I love Cambria too!... If you want to buy picnic fare, go to Soto's Market...great prepared to order sandwiches, and every kind of chip or drink you could want on the side..... for breakfast I like Creekside Cafe, for their Danish Sausage and Aebleskiver plate.. for a nice evening out I recommend The Sow's Ear for fine food and fine service... don't miss the clam chowder and the flower pot breads..

[toodie jane]

I have to say try The French Corner Bakery for coffee and baked goods snacking. I'm in love with their macaroons (coconut) and Tres Leches cake. I believe Robin's serves their pastries.

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French Corner Bakery
2214 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428

[mlgb]

Once someone working at Robins' told me they made their own desserts but I have no idea if that is true, or if they did at one time and not any more. But they were good!

One thing I haven't liked at Robins was a Thai-seasoned noodle dish. Too heavy on the noodles and not much else. Everything else has been good.

[glazebrookgirl]

Actually I think they still do make their own desserts. They opened the French Corner Bakery awhile back and make all the desserts for bakery, so I would imagine they just cross the street and take the desserts over to Robin's!

[pantani]

I love Cambria. Its a great place to visit, but not much in the way of places to eat out.
I have been to the Harmony Pasta Factory but not recently, its decent but not sure if it is even there still.
It used to be in the town of Harmony and was much better back then.
You might try driving a bit to surrounding areas like Paso Robles or SLO.
I always go to the Big Sky in SLO. Also if you go North about 20 miles there a place called Ragged Point which is insanely scenic and has a nice looking restaurant but I have never eaten there.

[Diana]

"but not much in the way of places to eat out."

You're kidding, right?

[glazebrookgirl]

I'm not really sure why you don't think Cambria has good chow. I don't think anyone here would recommend Harmony Pasta Factory, but fortunately Cambria has several other options.

I would say stop for the view at Ragged Point, but don't stop for dinner. The menu there is rather uninspired and overpriced. There are better deals to be had in Cambria or the surrounding area.

Here is a listing of places off the top of my head of chow-worthy meals in Cambria:

Wild Ginger for pan-Asian
Soto's Market for sandwiches
JBJ's for pizza and homemade salad dressing
Main Street Grill for meat of all kinds
Tea Cozy for afternoon tea or light dinner/lunch
Sea Chest for fresh seafood
Robin's
French Corner Bakery
Creekside Gardens for breakfast or dinner
Boni's for tacos

I'm sure I missed a few, but I think this is a good indication that there is quality to be found in Cambria if you know where to look.

[Diana]

Robins and the Black Cat are both yummt.

[Enorah]

I second Robin's.

[Amuse Bouches]

We had a great lunch at Robin's when we were staying in Big Sur in March. Really tasty fish tacos, and a GREAT cheeseburger.

[ashleytrailrunner]

We once ate at the Brambles Dinner House and had a fantastic evening - a great menu, good service, all the ambiance you could want. I recommend it.

http://www.bramblesdinnerhouse.com/

[fdb]

I once had a very nice dinner at Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant. They use organic produce. The setting is beautiful especially if you are seated outside in the gazebo area.

[sweetnspicy]

I haven't been to Cambria to eat for a long time another CH just posted a review recently check it out.

www.chowhound.com/topics/429432