01
Best overall pick
McPhee's Grill
Downtown Templeton • Upscale Grill With Central Coast Flair • Local Special-Occasion Spot
A longtime downtown standby for expertly grilled meats, local seafood, and a serious Paso Robles wine list.
McPhee's Grill is the place locals mention first when you ask where to have a proper dinner in Templeton. The menu leans into wood-fired steaks, chops, and seafood, with seasonal sides that feel thoughtful without getting fussy. It’s equally suited to a relaxed weeknight at the bar or a full celebratory meal in the dining room.
02
Best for seafood lovers
Pier 46 Seafood Market & Restaurant
Main Street Corridor • Casual Seafood Market And Eatery • Go-To Fresh Fish Stop
Part fish market, part laid-back restaurant, Pier 46 is where you go in Templeton for fish tacos, chowder, and pristine local catch.
Pier 46 feels a bit like a coastal fish shack dropped into wine country, in the best possible way. You order at the counter, then tuck into crisp fish and chips, generous poke bowls, or whatever came in freshest that day. It’s an easy, family-friendly option when you want quality seafood without a white tablecloth in sight.
03
Best hotel dining option
Ironhorse Restaurant & Bar
Las Tablas Road Corridor • Modern Ranch-Style Hotel Restaurant • Polished But Relaxed Dinner Spot
A stylish, ranch-inspired dining room inside the Cambria Hotel serving contemporary comfort dishes and local wines.
Ironhorse gives you a more polished setting than most small-town spots, with leather, wood, and a lively bar anchoring the room. The menu covers everything from burgers and flatbreads to heartier entrées, and the wine list leans heavily on Paso Robles producers. It’s especially convenient if you’re staying nearby or meeting friends coming off Highway 101.
04
Best for drinks and a bite
Templeton Mercantile (Pig Iron Restaurant)
Templeton Mercantile Block • Lively Bar-Forward Restaurant In A Historic Building • Best For Cocktails And Live Music
A historic mercantile turned modern hangout, known for its craft cocktails, shareable plates, and regular live music.
Templeton Mercantile, home to Pig Iron Restaurant, is where the town tends to gather when they want a drink and a little buzz in the room. The food leans toward elevated bar fare and hearty comfort dishes that pair well with their inventive cocktails. Check the schedule if you like your dinner with a side of live music or a later-night scene.
05
Best winery lunch with a view
AronHill Vineyards
Highway 46 West Wine Country • Hilltop Vineyard Café And Tasting Room • Scenic Midday Escape
A hilltop winery just outside Templeton offering casual lunches and wine flights with sweeping vineyard views.
AronHill Vineyards is a favorite midday stop when you want lunch to feel like part of your wine tasting day. The café menu is concise but dialed-in, with salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads that are easy to pair to a flight or glass. Grab a table on the patio if the weather is cooperating and linger over the views before heading back into town.