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SLO County restaurant among ‘best of the best’ for date night, Tripadvisor says

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  • Tripadvisor ranked Robin's Restaurant No. 23 on its 2025 U.S. date-night list.
  • Reviewers praised menu creativity, local sourcing, fireside dining and patio.
  • Owners Robin and Shanny Covey have operated the Cambria eatery for 40 years.

A San Luis Obispo County restaurant is one of the best date night spots in the country, according to Tripadvisor.

The worldwide travel site recently ranked the top 25 date night destinations in the United States — and Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria made the list.

As part of its annual Travelers’ Choice Awards, Tripadvisor showcased the “best of the best restaurants” in the nation across eight different categories, including fine dining, casual dining and hidden gems.

For its date night destinations, the site highlighted eateries with intimate settings, diverse menus and unbeatable views.

“Whether it’s the stunning backdrop or the cozy vibe, something about these restaurants really sets the mood for a night of wining and dining,” Tripadvisor said.

Here’s why one SLO County spot landed on the coveted list.

The garden patio of Robin’s restaurant in Cambria, California, is filled with plants and flowers. The restaurant’s 40th anniversary is in May 2025.
The garden patio of Robin’s restaurant in Cambria, California, is filled with plants and flowers. The restaurant’s 40th anniversary is in May 2025. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

Why SLO County eatery made romantic restaurants list

Robin’s Restaurant, 4095 Burton Drive in Cambria, landed at No. 23 on Tripadvisor’s list of the best restaurants for a romantic night’s out, thanks to its excellent service and inventive menu.

As of Monday, Oct. 6, the eatery had an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.4 stars out of five, based on nearly 2,000 reviews.

Owners Robin and Shanny Covey have operated the beloved SLO County restaurant for 40 years.

Robin’s Restaurant has a relaxed indoor dining room with fireside tables along with a large outdoor dining area amid a lushly landscaped garden.

“The warm staff makes sure that guests have a great experience and sometimes serve up free treats,” Tripadvisor said. “Be sure to request seats on the beautiful garden patio.”

What’s on the menu at Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria?

Robin’s Restaurant is also known for its global cuisine, offering lunch, dinner and weekend brunch options as well as a kids menu.

“The creative menu features locally sourced dishes, with seasonal options to keep things fresh,” TripAdvisor said.

Popular dishes include butternut squash enchiladas, Thai green curry chicken, sesame-crusted salmon and crispy Vietnamese spring rolls.

Tripadvsior recommended ordering duck confit and a glass of vino from the eatery’s extensive wine list.

Hundreds of Tripadviser reviewers lauded the Cambria eatery for its genuine staff, romantic atmostphere and delectable meals.

“The food is absolutely delicious and the service is fantastic. The ambience is beautiful and charming,” one Tripadvisor user from Santa Monica wrote in a review. “It is a very special place!”

Dessert options at Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria include a double-layer lime pie with fresh berries and raspberry coulis.
Dessert options at Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria include a double-layer lime pie with fresh berries and raspberry coulis. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

What are the top 10 spots for date night in US?

These were the “best of the best restaurants” for date night in the United States in 2025, according to Tripadvisor.

  • 1. Red Soe Island Bistro in Key West, Florida
  • 2. Beach Walk at Henderson Park Inn in Destin, Florida
  • 3. Mama’s Fish House in Paia, Hawaii
  • 4. GW Fins in New Orleans
  • 5. Cafe Marquesa in Key West, Florida
  • 6. Olde Pink House Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia
  • 7. Cafe Pamlico in Buxton, North Carolina
  • 8. Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas
  • 9. Chive Sea Bar & Lounge in Savannah, Georgia
  • 10. Magnolias in Charleston, South Carolina

How Tripadvisor chose best restaurants in US

To determine the winners of its 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Tripadvisor said it sought out the “highest-rated dining destinations worldwide.”

The winners were calculated based on the“quality and quantity of reviews and ratings” made on Tripadvisor from Aug. 1, 2024, through July 31, the company said.

“Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone,” Tripadvisor said.

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Hannah Poukish
The Tribune
Hannah Poukish covers San Luis Obispo County as The Tribune’s government reporter. She previously reported and produced stories for The Sacramento Bee, CNN, Spectrum News and The Mercury News in San Jose. She graduated from Stanford University with a master’s degree in journalism. 
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