Counting Down 2016’s Top Eateries

By Teri Bayus
As the earth completes its full rotation around the sun, many people reflect back on memories that stood out.
Fine dining can be an event for all to remember, as well as the people you shared these meals with, the wines paired and the laughter shared. And 2016 was an epic year for food connoisseurs, with new restaurants exploding onto the scene, and established eateries hitting their perfect stride.
Here are my Top-11, fine dining picks for 2016 with slants of what made them standout.
11. Fish Gaucho. This gentle giant in Paso Robles is recognized for its stellar staff and wonderful heritage coming together in the kitchen to make Fish Gaucho a delightful Mexican food eatery. The food is torn from the pages of the chef’s family history, and is prepared with the best of ingredients. The tequila bar and savvy bartenders blend to make an unadulterated cocktail experience. It is an impeccable eatery with the spice of Mexican cuisine. Located at 1244 Park St., in Paso Robles.
10. Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen. A new addition to Downtown SLO is this amazingly beautiful restaurant that prides itself on an innovative, seasonal menu that reflects the abundance of fresh and organic foods, grown on the Central Coast. Special care is taken to ensure that the menu delivers bold flavors and innovative seasonal offerings. Located at 858 Monterey St., SLO
9. Mason Grill. This newest addition to the Village of Arroyo Grande is a sit by the fireplace and warm your soul Heaven. Keeping the popular dishes like lobster corn dogs and adding steaks and big salads, I am most impressed with the appetizers. The ahi tartar, Brussels and 1650 Degree Shishito all were magical enough to satisfy a full meal. The steaks and burgers all come with accouterments that enhance and highlight. Located at 307 East Branch St., in A.G.
8. The Burton House and Grill. This white-tablecloth fine dinning is the newest addition to Nipomo. The owner and executive chef are veterans and culinary masterminds. A meal starts with a cheese platter and then the menu spins and satisfies. Grilled Caesar salad, French onion soup and braised short ribs were some of my favorites, but it will serve you to eat through the entire menu. Located at 151 West Dana St., Ste. 100, Nipomo.
7. Giuseppe’s Cuisine Rustica. A titan in our small area, Giuseppe’s has risen out of the ashes to grace Downtown SLO with fine food and atmosphere. Honoring the bones of the building and offering the best of Italian cuisine seems second nature to their patriarch, who at the helm is offering some of the best food in San Luis Obispo. I like everything on the menu, but went crazy for the sand dabs. Located at 849 Monterey St., SLO.
6. Ember. Brian and Harmony Collins are still hitting home runs with the best farm to table cuisine served by an attentive and knowledgeable staff. This is the perfect restaurant to impress guests or to take a date. The wine list is perfection and the changing menu with the seasons ensures a diverse and delicious meal every time. Located at 1200 E Grand Ave., A.G.
5. Mistura. Peruvian cuisine to impress and titillate your taste buds, and made by one of the most prolific chefs on the planet. It is not your usual faire and that is what makes each meal there epic and unforgettable. From the unusual, like beef heart to a simple, purple potato, every dish is a symphony in your mouth. This is an impeccable choice for the adventurous diner. Located at 700 Clubhouse Dr., Paso Robles.
4. Rosa’s. When the chef is the owner and a passionate Italian, only impeccable foodstuffs come out of his kitchen. This masterpiece of a restaurant is flawlessness in staff, menu and taste. The tuna Capriccio is the most immaculate dish constructed, but even complicated offerings like Cioppino and lamb will astound and amaze. Rosa’s is located at 491 Price St., Pismo Beach.
3. Villa Creek. Now headed by executive chef, Maegan Loring, this Paso institution is turning heads and satisfying discerning diners. Octopus, short ribs, scallops, and skirt steak were all done with the perfection that only this chef offers. She is the maestro that puts gourmet into this symphony. Located at 1144 Pine St., Paso Robles.
2. Cracked Crab. An institution and one treat that everyone should afford themselves. It is the best of everything — highest quality seafood, service, atmosphere and fun. It should be at least a required event once a year to treat yourself to Alaskan king crab. Meanwhile, if you want a meal to electrify, this is the place. Located at 751 Price St., Pismo Beach.
1. The Spoon Trade. There is no better chef than Jacob Town. He is brilliant, passionate, creative, kind and wise. His wife, (who runs the front of the house with partner Patrick), is even better. TST is the perfect convergence of elegant, comfort food served by a caring staff. I eat here often and I am always beyond impressed. From tri tip Tartar to chicken and waffles to steak, every morsel is Heaven in your mouth. And they have the best Sunday brunch in the area. Located at 295 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.