January is the month for great food on the Central Coast! This is winter on California’s Central Coast, which means crisp mornings with warm sunshine throughout the afternoon, and a chill in the air in the evenings. It’s when the tourist season is lowest, the weather is most mild, and also when the Central Coast celebrates local restaurants with special takeout meal deals throughout Santa Barbara and Luis Obispo Counties.
California’s Central Coast is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in northern Santa Barbara County, close to beaches, wine country, rolling hills and charming towns. Here in Orcutt, you’ll find Valley View Estates at Rice Ranch, a gated community, featuring start-of-the art homes with large open floor plans, incredible views and impeccable design. This central location is perfect to enjoy all the January restaurant deals to the north and south of Rice Ranch. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe meals or specials for set prices, some with other offerings and upgrades.
Santa Maria Valley: Dine Out Santa Maria Style & Craft Cocktail Contest
Get ready for a month-long celebration of Santa Maria Valley’s vibrant culinary scene, running from January 10 to February 9, 2025! Throughout the month, many of our favorite restaurants will offer special menu items and exclusive discounts you won’t want to miss. Whether you call Santa Maria Valley home or are visiting for a post-holiday getaway, this is the perfect time to explore the some of Santa Maria Valley’s delicious dining destinations.
Mexican food is unmatched in quality and authenticity in our area, so don’t miss Cielito Lindo Meixcan Grill, right here in Orcutt. Steak and burgers are also staples of dining Santa Maria Style because they reflect the rich agricultural and ranching heritage of the Santa Maria Valley.
And there’s more! The Craft Cocktail Contest is back for its sixth year. This beloved competition showcases handmade cocktails inspired by the region’s rich history and culture. In Old Orcutt, check out Cielito Lindo’s Jalapeño Wine Margarita and a fun spritzer cocktail from Naughty Oak Brewing Co. At the end of the month, you’ll get to help crown this year’s winner by casting your vote!
From foodies to cocktail enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone during 2025 Dine Out Santa Maria Style. Savor the best of Santa Maria Valley!
Santa Ynez Valley: SYV Restaurant Weeks
Heading south, the charming towns in the Santa Ynez Valley are participating in Santa Ynez Valley (SYV) Restaurant Weeks from January 19 – February 1, 2025. These two weeks will feature delectable, specially crafted prix-fixe menus highlighting the Valley’s farm fresh bounty and many award-winning chefs’ culinary creativity. And they’re perfectly paired with exceptional Santa Ynez Valley wines.
Experience chef-driven, three-course prix fixe menus at participating restaurants, available at price points of $30, $40, or $50 (plus tax and gratuity). Each menu is carefully curated to highlight the unique flavors of the valley. Enhance your Restaurant Weeks experience with exclusive offers from participating wineries and tasting rooms, including two-for-one tastings and discounts on bottle purchases. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the best of Santa Ynez Valley’s food and wine scene!
There are so many award-winning restaurants you can experience in SYV, it’s impossible to list them all! In Los Alamos, there are some of the most popular restaurants in the valley, including Norman, Pico and Michelin-starred Bell’s in Los Alamos. In Solvang and Buellton, don’t miss locals’ favorite Gathering Table, Toscana, Na Na Thai, and Michelin-listed First & Oak.
Many wineries and tasting rooms will also offer takeout tasting flights and special wine deals throughout the valley. January really is the time for the best food and wine deals.
San Luis Obispo Restaurant Month
San Luis Obispo’s food scene is already renowned, but Restaurant Month is about to elevate it to new heights. Embark on a month-long culinary journey, savoring creative dishes crafted by your favorite local eateries. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply seeking a memorable meal, there’s something to delight every palate.
Celebrate Restaurant Month in Oceano, Pismo Beach and Avila Beach have 8 restaurants offering deals during January. Don’t miss the Cliffs, Vespera, and the Sea Venture restaurant offerings, plus Sunday Brunch Buffet at Ventana Grill, and so much more.
This year, most of the SLO County restaurants celebrating Restaurant Month are in the city of San Luis Obispo (and it’s worth it). Heading north to San Luis Obispo, you can take a bite out of January by indulging in SLO Restaurant Month from January 1-31, 2025. Treat your taste buds at highly-rated dining spots like Granada Bistro, Piadina at Hotel SLO, and Mistura Peruvian cuisine, among many others. You’ll find many wine specials, too, all while supporting the SLO community. So, pick up your fork and wine glass and prepare to indulge in the very best of SLO’s culinary offerings.
So, grab these deals close to Rice Ranch, the beautiful haven where everything you love about wine country is just minutes away. Beautifully positioned in a gated community of rolling hills and oak trees, and nestled against 580 acres of open space, Valley View Estates homes include private access to the Summit Club, designed to elevate your active, California lifestyle.
