CalTerra Trattoria, in the Vons shopping center in Atascadero, is an energetic hybrid of neighborhood diner and upscale cuisine.

It would be impossible to serve up a spot like Louisa’s Place from scratch. This is the kind of restaurant that gets slowly burnished over the years, diner by diner, into a neighborhood institution.

For Thai cuisine with a coastal influence, set a course for Thai Talay in Pismo Beach. As owners and cousins Tricia Hamachai and Pranita “Jay” Onyeneke explain, the restaurant’s very name translates to “Thai by the sea.”

Perched seaside in Pismo Beach, Ventana Grill is definitely a room with a view, but the food is making some waves as well.

When the word barbecue is mentioned around here, people are usually talking about Santa Maria style, but you won’t find tri-tip anywhere on the regular menu at RB Smokin’ BBQ in Paso Robles.

If you want a meal with a view, few restaurants can boast a better spot than Blue Skye Café in Morro Bay.

When signs emerged of a new restaurant going into the space at The Carlton Hotel in Atascadero, it sent excited shockwaves through the community.

Though it’s only been open several weeks, the ideas behind Meze Wine Café and Market have been years in the making.

Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year celebration, so “Gung Hay Fat Choy” to all. As Elaine Truong of Mandarin Gourmet explained, the phrase “means ‘wishing you good luck and a lot of good fortune.’ ”

When the mood hits your eye for a big pizza pie, head for Nucci’s Pizza in San Luis Obispo.

It began on Oct. 1, 1973. That’s when fledgling business partners Bruce Breault and Tunny Ortali opened the doors to F. McLintocks Saloon and Dining House on Mattie Road in Shell Beach.

There’s no need to pinch yourself — yes, it is 2011, and yes, that is SLO Brewing Co. that’s open for business on Garden Street.

It’s not unusual to see various cuisines paired on a restaurant menu, but the Italian and Cuban combo at Gennaro’s Grill and Garden in San Luis Obispo is a new and tasty twist.

Whether healthier eating is one of your New Year’s resolutions, or whether you or a loved one are facing specific health issues, The Wellness Kitchen might be just what the doctor ordered.

Looking over the 2010 Dining Outs brought back memories of a lot of great tastes. Unfortunately, not all of them can be revisited, but here are a few favorites.

A move to the busy corner of Marsh and Higuera streets has made it as easy as pie to visit the House of Bread Bakery Café in San Luis Obispo. Not only is the new location just off the freeway, it has several parking spaces right in front.

Lately, Bottle Liquor and Deli in Morro Bay has hit the news for selling a winning lottery ticket, but you’ll also hit the jackpot there if you’re looking for great deli food at a great value.

What do the The Boardroom, Cattleman’s Lounge and Monterey Street Wines have in common? Would you put odds on fun places to watch football?

It has long been recognized as a great watering hole, but those in the know also flock to Black Sheep Bar and Grill for the food.

Note: Players Pizzeria closed in 2011. Read about it »