Cal Poly grad’s new SLO restaurant serves up ‘American cuisine with Italian soul’
A new San Luis Obispo restaurant aims to serve up “contemporary American cuisine with ... Italian soul,” its owner says.
Nate’s on Marsh opened Oct. 1 at 450 Marsh St., formerly occupied by Gennaro’s Grill & Garden. The building, a converted home built in the early 1900s, has long been an Italian eatery under different names.
Owner Nathan Long, 38, grew up in San Luis Obispo County and has worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry for about 20 years.
Described as a “upscale casual restaurant,” Nate’s On Marsh features a menu that focuses on “comforting classics with a nod to what’s next,” according to a news release.
“Guests can expect Niman Ranch ribeye, housemade pappardelle with Tablas Creek lamb ragu and sea bass paired with seasonal vegetables and housemade lavash crackers,” the release notes.
“I’ve seen, time and time again, people come in with these really crazy, outside-the-box (restaurant) concepts,” Long told The Tribune. “From a long-term perspective, it’s risky because deep down people just want a really good pasta, and steak and red wine.”
In addition to entrées including burgers and steak, the restaurant serves up pasta dishes including spaghetti pomodoro and rigatoni bolognese. An extensive wine list features vintages from Paso Robles, Edna Valley and Santa Barbara County, as well as French and Italian selections.
“This is my first solo project on my own,” Long said. “It feels like 20 years in the making.”
Restaurant owner is Cal Poly graduate
Long worked in the San Francisco food industry before returning to the Central Coast to complete his college education, graduating from Cal Poly with a degree in agriculture and agricultural business in 2014.
While in the Bay Area, he worked under chefs Joseph Manzare and Mary Klingbeil at multiple locations.
“They had four or five restaurants at the time in the city,” said Long, who operated as a maitre d’ while helping coordinate large parties and develop wine lists.
That’s how Long learned “the secrets to lasting success — clear communication, seasonal menu planning, and a commitment to exceed industry standards,” he said in the release.
After graduating from Cal Poly, Long spent more than four years in marketing roles at Santa Maria natural foods company Curation Foods.
For his new venture, Long brought on executive chef Libry Durasman, whose experience includes “decades of living and cooking around the world paired with an appreciation for the Central Coast’s exceptional produce and protein,” according to the release.
New Italian eatery’s location has ties to SLO history
Nate’s on Marsh is housed in a former home that was listed in San Luis Obispo County assessor’s records dating back 100 years. The “existing structure was constructed in 1922,” according to Long.
Gennaro Rosato has operated two Italian restaurants at the location over the decades — opening Benvenuti Ristorante in 1988 and Gennaro’s Grill and Garden in 2010.
After spending so many years at the spot, “We wanted to make sure that the right person would come along and preserve its rich history while continuing to provide and contribute to the community,” Rosato said.
“When Nate walked us through his strategy plan, we knew he would make the perfect next owner,” Rosato said. “We are proud and honored to pass the restaurant to another local that prides himself in excellence.”
Long said that he’s made some minor improvements to the building, included painting, but no structural changes. He declined to comment on whether he’s leasing the Marsh Street structure or has bought it.
Nate’s on Marsh is open 5 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
For more information, call 805-544-4454 or visit natesonmarsh.com.
This story was originally published November 26, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Cal Poly grad’s new SLO restaurant serves up ‘American cuisine with Italian soul’."
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