Welcome to Del Monte Cafe
Del Monte Cafe, nestled in San Luis Obispo, CA, invites guests to experience a nostalgic dining atmosphere reminiscent of classic diners. Known for its heartwarming offerings, patrons rave about the crispy chicken fried steak and indulgent stuffed French toast, making breakfast a delightful experience. The friendly and attentive service elevates the visit, while the charming decor transports diners back in time. Despite its small parking lot, the bustling cafe maintains a loyal following, with diners willing to wait for a taste of tradition. Overall, Del Monte Cafe is a cherished local gem, perfectly blending hearty fare with a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Del Monte Cafe: Reviews & Ratings
Cozy old school diner, the chicken fried steak was delicious and the batter was nice and crispy. Also tried the special stuffed French toast which was great as well. Our server was very friendly and attentive.
This tiny little restaurant gets popping! The food is so good I ordered the French toast and I loved it. Prepare to wait a little bit if it’s packed. The parking lot is kind of small.
Del Monte Cafe is a historic institution in San Luis Obispo—a true blast to the past and a proud part of our city’s history. It’s got that classic diner charm that feels like stepping back in time in the best way. The service was absolutely fantastic—friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The fries and ranch were delicious, and the burger was solid. The turkey melt, though, was unfortunately pretty wet and drippy—not quite what I was hoping for. Prices were average for the area. All in all, it’s a great place to support local history and enjoy a nostalgic SLO experience. I’ll definitely be back (just maybe trying a different sandwich next time).
I wish I could give this place 6 stars! We were there on a Sunday and luckily got there before 9:30 AM. You are waiting in a line if you get there after that, and for good reason. The food and customer service are at the highest levels. My only very minor complaint would be the coffee - it could be a little better, but the delicious food and excellent service far outweigh this minor issue. We will definitely be back!
Great breakfast option. I enjoyed the linguica and cheese omelette.
This was my first time eating at Del Monte. I had the veggie egg white omelette with potatoes and sourdough toast. The omelette came with a side of fresh salsa and it really added good flavor. The potatoes were excellent, they were cooked perfectly. Our waitress was wonderful, very attentive to keeping our waters and coffee filled. I agree with some other reviews, it is pricey 20 for an omelette, but with inflating costs, higher wages, and I am sure the rent is high...can’t really blame them for the prices. The portions are good size and the quality is excellent, so you do feel like you are getting what you paid for.
A favorite spot to visit for breakfast in SLO proper. This is more of a hidden gem in town with its further proximity from downtown. This establishment has always boasted a retro/charming interior/exterior, easy parking, friendly service, and good value for the plates of food that they serve. Our personal favorite is to sit at the retro diner barstools and order a split plate of the 222 breakfast plate with a cup of coffee. Will always have a soft spot for this restaurant and the people behind it ever since our first visit during our days at Cal Poly SLO around a decade ago. Happy to still see this restaurant thriving!
A nice little surprise food was freshly made. The waitress was professional and polite. Not overly crowded.
Location
-
1901 Santa Barbara Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States Hotline: +1 805-541-1901
Welcome to Del Monte Cafe, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo, California. This cozy old-school diner, located at 1901 Santa Barbara Ave, invites you to step into a world where nostalgia meets comfort food.
The charm of Del Monte Cafe goes beyond its vintage decor; it's about the experience that unfolds with each visit. As you walk through the doors, you are greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has been a staple of this community for years. Patrons rave about the friendly and attentive service, ensuring that every meal feels like a special occasion.
Now, let's talk about the food—an absolute highlight! The chicken fried steak and stuffed French toast are just two of the standout dishes that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of customers like Lauren Howard, who praised the crispy batter on the steak and the delightful taste of the French toast. Similarly, Jim Bonstein shares the sentiment, describing the food and service as top-tier, making it worth the wait, especially on busy weekends.
While the diner buzzes with cheer, be prepared for a bit of a wait, especially during peak hours. The intimate setting means that this tiny restaurant can quickly fill up with eager diners looking to enjoy a meal. Alexis Gonzales speaks to this, but assures that the flavor-packed offerings make every minute of anticipation worthwhile.
Kristin F highlights another side of the culinary adventure at Del Monte Cafe—the classic diner fare like juicy burgers and crispy French fries, all served with a side of house-made ranch dressing. Although her turkey melt didn't quite hit the mark, the overall experience left her eager to return and try something new.
If breakfast is your meal of choice, you won’t want to miss the linguica and cheese omelette that has garnered rave reviews for its delicious flavor and satisfying portion sizes.
As you can see, Del Monte Cafe embodies the spirit of a true local institution. Whether you're a long-time patron or a first-time visitor, you're bound to enjoy a bite of history, exceptional service, and a hearty meal that evokes comfort like no other. Come for the food, stay for the experience—your next favorite diner awaits!