Food was delicious from appetizer to main course. Fried green tomatoes with shrimp was outstanding. Eggplant and rigatoni was flavorful and so was the swordfish dinner although a little dry. Cocktails were interesting and strong but not our taste. They seemed to cater to their creations than average cocktails but they did have other options. read more

One of a kind dining experience. Explosion of flavors. Tonight we dined on albacore crude with avocado~jalapeño purée with ginger vinaigrette with garlic chips etc...beyond flavorful. California halibut was perfectly prepared over local green beans (Halcyon Farms) and a potato cake all with amazing flavors. Well balanced creative cocktails with an appreciable wine list. Can't wait to return. Cheers read more

I've been here only two times over the past 4 years, but it is some of the best food in town! Wonderful atmosphere, amazing food with a monthly seasonal menu. Very pricey but absolutely worth it for a special night out! I wish I could try everything on all of their menus. You won't regret it. read more

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Waited for our food for 45 minutes after ordering and it was just ok. Really salty and just the fact that it took so long to come was horrible. read more

Ugh. Poor service!! First time sitting at a bar and being asked to move because they only take reservations at the bar which is VERY uncommon. I've never even heard of that. The bartender was super sweet and accommodating, even asked if we wanted food menus right when we sat down so that made me feel like it was open seating. My mom and I didn't feel welcomed, I will not be returning which is unfortunate because I was so excited to try it. read more

Food is wonderful. The menu changes constantly but everything is excellent. It is a busy place so reservations are essential l. The staff are helpful and friendly. Wonderful service. Ambiance is casual but not grungy. Really good place for a family celebration or with friends read more

If this restaurant was in my neighborhood, I'd be there once a month or more. The ambiance is casual and inviting and everyone was friendly and relaxed. And the food is excellent - focused more on the quality of the ingredients and how they're prepared than on any sort of pretense. Every item on the menu sounded inviting so the only problem had was narrowing down the choices. Everything tried though was terrific. read more

Ember is a bright light in a foggy sea of mediocre dining in the area. The staff is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the menu. It's a busy and noisy locals place that has an open kitchen design, bar and several dining room options. The food was executed and presented with flare. Try the pizza. All the ingredients are fresh and crafted on-site. The desserts are also made on premise and are amazing. Apparently the chef studied at The French Pastry School in Chicago. Did not have the wine but the list is impressive with local California selections by the glass/ bottle. read more

Not sure if this is considered a hidden gem in the Pismo Beach area, the restaurant was quite busy and they only take reservations. But boy am I glad the fiancé called a week ahead before our trip out here for our reservations for the long weekend. Food was superb, and being spoiled with restaurants in SF I direly wished there was an Ember in SF! We started with the cauliflower steak, and I swear all the flavors sparked total food porn in my mouth, I could turn vegan/vegetarian for this dish alone and that says a lot cuz I love my meats! For our main dishes, we shared the infamous 50 layer lasagna Verde and their delicious brick oven pizza. I can't stop thinking about their cauliflower steak and unfortunately their menu changes frequently, but would definitely come back for other dishes! Oh and don't forget to order dessert, their TOASTED MARSHMALLOW ICE CREAM COCOA CAKE was also super memorable, different and scrumptious!!! read more

Ember is an awesome place to go when you want some real high quality, creative, thoughtful food. All locally sourced. It's great if you are trying to impress as well. Drinks are typically just as good as the food. And a brick oven makes for great pizzas, and fired chicken, deserts, etc. -definitely has had some of the best deserts I have had at any restaurant. Especially for the price. Shell out 8-10$ if anything truly catches your eye, you will NOT be disappointed for doing so. ----------------////////////-------------- Menu changes monthly. So you are never bored! And can always return. Check it out online before going, and see if there's something you want. And always EXPERIMENT and BRANCH OUT here. They make food you haven't warmed up to yet so delicious you will regret being so timid. Braised ox tail. Quail. Bone marrow. Octopus( if you like seafood). Rabbit. Brussel sprouts. If you see any of those on their menu. Don't let it slip past you!! Also a great place to go if you just want to grab a drink, and an appetizer each. Or a pizza, and an appetizer to split. You can feel very fancy, satisfied, and impress a special someone, with 50-60$ here including 15%tip. Or you can both order mains and and appetizer and drinks and be in the hole for 100$. Your choice! You'll be happy either way. read more

Some of the best food and drink I have ever had. The service is also top notch! I can't say enough about this restaurant. I was just blown away by how great the food was, the drinks from the bar were good and our server was the BEST! read more

Favorite restaurant in the area. By far the best food. I am always too full by the time the main course comes around and I like to try a little bit of everything. If you're like me I recommend enjoying some drinks, multiple appetizers, and sharing everything. read more

The food is phenomenal. Save room for dessert. I literally love everything on the menu. Never am I disappointed

We finally made it back here after almost 2 years. We really to want to come back here but always pass it by since the wait during any popular time tends to be greater than 1 hour and we definitely can't do that with a kid. But on a date night, we made it back. The hostesses have improved a lot. They were super friendly and checked back in with us occasionally to let us know that our name was coming up - that was so appreciated. You didn't feel like they forgot about you! We scored a beautiful table by the window - it was so nice! Our server was great and she recommended a delicious wine for us. NOTE: ask the price of the specials. I really think that the server, along with telling you how delicious the dish is, should tell you the price of the special. My husband ordered it and it was $65..... we were SO surprised when the bill came. Overall, I think this place makes really good, farm fresh, innovative food but I gave one star less because I think it's overpriced for what you get and the small portions. I also think they need to be more transparent when it comes to telling you the price of the specials. We would come here a lot more often, but the fact that they don't take reservations will probably have me waiting 2 more years to come back, unfortunately. read more

Once again Bryan and his team hit it out of the park! My wife kept saying"So delicious, so delicious!" We had the filet,medium, and the fried green tomatoes with lobster salad. Really enjoyed the salad and delicious sauce. Steak cooked properly and full flavor yummy! Go early! PS get the old fashioned you won't regret it! read more

It's always busy but worth the wait. Best steak I've ever had! Cocktails are super delicious. I've never had a meal that I didn't brag about. Definitely a favorite! read more

I didn't like the risotto made out of long grain rice. It's alright food. Sorry I know this is a local favorite but not mine. The price did not match the quality of food. I would try it again if it was not talked up like it's something special. I have gave up on the most of restaurants here in the area and cook at home. read more

Amazing food and atmosphere. Haven't had a single dish that didn't blow me away. My favorite date night location on the central coast

They absolutely killed it. Loved every bite. Avocado salad with beets , almonds and radish? Who knew! 50 layer lasagna? Yep. Barkeep is on his game. It's all good and I'm out. read more

Great food. Local food & produce. Amazing atmosphere. Love this place. Definitely coming back and worth the wait.

I was so impressed with this place. Very clean and organized. Everyone in this restaurant seems to have a role they play, and everything runs very smoothly. The food was outdistancing, the service was great, and my birthday desert was delicious. read more

There is no way you can come here and not get at least four things from the menu. The flavors are so delicate and pair so well together, even when you don't expect them to. A must visit every month (if you or your family member can afford it ha) to try their rotating monthly menu. This is what we ordered: Albacore Crude and Sea Salt Crackers - The sashimi tasted quite fresh and avocado tastes good on most things so how could you go wrong with this? You can't. I wish there were more fried garlic chips cus fried garlic chips are just great on everything. The little marinated veggies and sprout sprinklings were a great touch and actually added to the taste. Ricotta Gnocchi - The smoked tomato sauce was so great to dip the comp bread into but I realized I'm not a big fan of the gnocchi. But maybe that's just me and gnocchi because I'm rarely impressed with the dish in general. Anyways, it was still a perfect pillow - texture and consistency were what they should be, definitely melted on your tongue. Cauliflower Steak from the 'za Oven - This was by far my favorite dish - cali is so versatile and easy to make but it takes a creative genius to turn it into an artwork you want to eat too. I wish they added more of the creamy dijon aioli cus I would lick that sh*t off the plate at the end if there was any left. Melted hard cheese between the gaps in the cali and the surprise crystal crunches of breadcrumbs really sold this plate. Beef Bolognese with Hand Cut Pasta - This was probably my second favorite dish because hand cut pasta has a completely different feel from its sub-par cousin, the mass machine cut pasta. The meat was also very tender in the dish and perfectly cooked; felt like it had been ground up that morning from an exquisite slab of cow that was grass fed in ember's backyard. Wild Ramp and Mushroom w Farm Egg - This was a good, though I think ember could do better dough for their 'za's. I'm a personal fan of ramps and shrooms so that combo was fab. The farm egg was a cool touch cus it continued to cook in the 'za heat after we split the yolk open. Six Cheese and Pancetta - I personally didn't try this but 6 cheeses, arugula, and caramelized onions can't be messed up. Of course for dessert, we had to get the Smores thing (freaking love that roasted 'mellow) and we tried the Strawberry Shortcake. Would recommend both! For anyone who's actually read this far into my review, a little note of sadness: Unfortunately, this may be my last time at ember, for as much as I love its rustic homely ambiance and creamy delectable masterpieces, I am becoming more lactose intolerant by the day. The flavors I've grown so fond of have now become my worst enemy and I lay this review down as my final tribute to this heavenly establishment. read more

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OUTSTANDING is the best word to describe this restaurant. The food is incredible. So thoughtfully put together with amazing flavors, every time we are in town we must come here. The cocktails are also really delicious if you like alcohol. They are dog friendly on the patio. Make sure to make a reservation because they book up fast! read more

Another excellent dinner at Ember and service was outstanding. James was our server. We had lasagna, chicken mantoon, and southern fried quail that chef special altered the quail for more deliciousness. Ember is our favorite restaurant and we encourage all to try it. TY to staff at ember for making our experience just outstanding. read more

Literally the best dining experience I have had in a long time. The food was amazing, the service was beyond perfect. Thank you for making our evening forever memorable. I highly recommend this place. read more

Ember is absolutely on point every time I go. The food, the ambience, the service, it's always impeccable. The cocktails are good as well. I got the the ribeye and my wife got a seafood pasta, both were tremendous, and the marshmallow dessert is always enjoyable . However, we've been a few times and haven't found a menu item we haven't enjoyed. I would definitely plan a reservation if you'd like to go. read more

Ember - Ribeye Steak, potatoes, broccolini - New American Near Me - Arroyo Grande, California

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All I can say is YUM, so good. The ribeye was tender and juicy, the coffee trifle is to die for ( could bath it the mouse portion of this dessert )and the drinks were on point... will always go back for more. read more

Ember - Ribeye...so goood - New American Near Me - Arroyo Grande, California

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We love Ember. The service, the cleanliness, the food, the wine. Atmosphere. So glad they are still taking reservations and also walk ups.

Always amazed at how great this place is! Everyone who works here is at the top of their game. Must treat yourself to a cocktail, and try the toasted marshmallow ice cream cooler cake dessert, absolutely fantastic! You can't go wrong. These guys cross the "T"s and dot the "I"s. read more

Fit us in last minute, great service, excellent food. Would definitely come again. Definitely recommend.

My boyfriend and I arrived at Ember at 7pm on a Saturday. Since they do not take reservations there was a wait of about 35mins. It was worth the wait...the menu changes monthly and we were able to order from the September menu. We started with the soup of the day - gazpacho, it was light, refreshing, & full of flavor. We also had a roasted avocado and salmon tartare shared plate (my favorite dish), very fresh, hints of citrus, & the creamy avocado. We also had Ricotta gnocchi, which was also a shared plate. It was a bit to oily and creamy, worth a try and definitely glad we shared it. Also, I love garlic but I thought it was over done on the garlic flakes. And lastly we ordered the oven pepperoni pizza, which was thin & chewy. We were so stuffed that we did not order dessert but the toasted marshmallow ice cream looked & sounded amazing. read more

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This is a great place for a fun delicious meal. Best Italian food in Five Cities hands down. We just happened to stumble across this place and now it part of our stop each time we are in Pismo Beach area. read more

Yum yum yum. Great service great food Sat at the bar Pretty spaced apart. I started with the avocado & beer salad Then had the crispy fried quail. Very yummy. The boys at the bar were very friendly and attentive. I'll be back read more

A group of three of us came here this weekend for a celebration dinner. The wait was long, but we expected it. We were able to have our first drinks while waiting, which was great. We were seated, after about an hour wait, at a tall copper table. I wasn't a big fan of the copper table because it smelled a little like wet coins, but it subsided once the food came out. We ordered the pork salad and the scallops for our appetizers. For the entrees, we ordered the porterhouse steak, and the chicken. The rosemary bread is as good as everyone says it is. The scallops, porchetta, polenta under the chicken, and the cheezy potatoes under the steak were each the best I've ever had! I think it was also one of the top three chicken dishes I've ever had as well. The chicken was so tender and juicy. If I come back, for sure getting that chicken again. We each had two drinks and it was still only $80 per person after tax and tip and we had tons of leftovers. This was one of the best meals I've had in the past six or so months. read more

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Absolute best restaurant in SLO county, hands down. We have enjoyed Ember many times over the years and their establishment is always a perfect treat each and every time. Ember has an incredible seasonal menu that is truly farm to table with all local ingredients and very creative dishes. Their quality of food Is unparalleled and I have never met anyone who disagrees. We have enjoyed excellent restaurants around the world and Ember is always at the top of our list. Cocktails are superb, and their wine list showcases only the best wines from the Central Coast. 10/10 all around, Ember is the best!!!!! read more

Steak with chimichurri was pretty good. My daughter raved about the 50 layer lasagna. Ron Swanson drink was tasty and service outside was excellent. If you like to have coffee after a good meal there's a Dutch Bros a little down the street. read more

Good food! I ordered the 50 layer lasagna. It was heavenly! I also adored our server. Always great customer service at this place and food in the menu is always different. It's my first time trying their fried quail and it was really tasty with the sauce that they have! read more

We went for dinner over a week ago to celebrate our daughter's graduation. Our daughter has been here before and she really wanted to eat here before she left SLO. She told us that it upscale and she has to make advanced reservation & hold with a credit card. It was a nice restaurant and not fancy. They have very limited menu and my husband has dietary limitations. Our server was nice and attentive. The food was good but did not exceed my husband and my expectations. We thought that it was overpriced. The presentation of the plates are attractive. read more

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The world is opening up, and thank God Ember's doors are open; providing the most wonderful food on the central coast!!! I truly had the best lasagna ever there last evening. My only hope is that it will become a staple on their menu--it is that spectacular! I was in the mood for comfort food. My waitress was awesome--suggested their 50 layer verde lasagna, saying it was her favorite thing on their current menu; it changes monthly. Her recommendation was superb! How could lasagna taste so light, and yet multi layered with such tantalizing favors. I dreamed about it later while I slept. I like lasagna, but not over the moon about it. It's usually heavy, and goopy with red sauce--not Ember's lasagna. It is an other worldly creation. Try it, and see for yourself! I only wish I had ordered another one to go. Bon Appetit! read more

Went for dinner with some friends and immediately came back the next day for pizzas and desserts to go.