Good food and service offset by lousy acoustics. We both had the beet salad which was tasty and nicely presented. The wife had roasted eggplant and I had the pork saltimbocca which were both tasty and generous in the portions. I noticed that a fair number of people took take-away boxes as did we. What threw things off was the terrible acoustics. All hard surfaces in a fairly small space meant that the any conversation anywhere added to a very high noise level even when the restaurant was only 2/3 full. And when people left towards the end of the night the musak was even worse, no clarity whatsoever just noise. It was difficult to carry on a normal conversation without leaning in to hear each other. We'll go back again, but just making sure that we sit outside. read more

This place was amazing. The shrimp and sausage penne was one of the best pastas I've ever had. The garlic bread and meatballs were great appetizers and the caesar salad was also good. They also have a great wait staff. I'd recommend making a reservation or be prepared to wait. We showed up at 5:11pm (they open at 5pm) and we had to wait 40 mins on a Saturday night for a party of 3. Glad we made the decision to wait, because it was worth it! read more

I'm thoroughly impressed! We were on a roadtrip along the Central Coast and stayed the night in Cayucos. We had originally planned to go to Schooners by recommendation, but as we were walking along the street we saw this intimate Italian restaurant and decided to change our plans. We were seated pretty quickly and the service was solid. We ordered the Chicken Marsala and the Vegetable Lasagna...and I gotta say, it was VERY good. I normally don't eat at Italian restaurants because I prefer to cook it at home, but everything was awesome. The chicken had a perfect texture and flavor, and the mashed potatoes paired with the spinach and mushrooms were a treat. The vegetable lasagna was heavy, but it still hit the spot. Honestly glad we came by. If we were in the area again, we'll make sure to pay another visit. read more

Cafe Della Via - vegetable lasagna and chicken marsala - Italian Near Me - Cayucos, California

Cafe Della Via was amazing. Wish I would have gotten a picture of our food. You won't be disappointed. From the fresh bread to the fried mozzarella to the lasagna and Shrimp and risotto entrees we enjoyed every bite. Service was excellent as well. Our waitress checked on us several times. In my opinion some of the best Italian food I have had in a very long time. read more

This place is so fantastic. From the food to the service. Try to come here everytime we're in town. Absolutely the hardest working servers I have ever seen. We have never had a bad meal here read more

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Not the greatest..... yes, I know it is a local favorite, and there is typically a line waiting to get in, the food is just OK. Had the spaghetti and meatballs.....just OK. Wife had the chicken with mushrooms and gravy.....again, a 6. One good note, the servers and service is fantastic!! All of the young ladies worked extremely well together and with beautiful smiles. With all of this being said, would I go back......No. read more

Just try it - always good and you can get take out! It gets busy fast so show up early if you want a table!

So excited Cafe Della Via reopened! There's not many good Italian places around the central coast. Love the intimate feel inside. The hostess & our server were very personable & nice. They have great local wine options. They're very busy because it's that good so have patience here! & they DO serve bread with dinner! read more

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I love this restaraunt! I had the cod with lemon risotto. It was so delcious ! It had reopened 8 months ago. I am so happy.

Every staff member was very welcoming, professional, very attentive and efficient. The food was excellent. Portions were generous. I highly recommend. I would suggest making a reservation. read more

So thrilled our fav Italian restaurant reopened! Food is amazing, and service is fabulous. Call ahead and make reservations because they are busy. Walk-ins welcome too. read more

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I've been eating here for more than 10 years and I can say that the new owner David is doing an amazing job of keeping it like it was. My boyfriend tried it for the first time yesterday and wanted to go back again tonight because he said it reminded him of eating Italian food back east where he lived for 20 years. I would 100% recommend this place. The chicken Parmesan is a family favorite!! read more

Thankful Cafe Della Via is reopened. It was a sad day in August of 2024 when it closed. But open now with the same Amazing recipes!! Cayucos is lucky to have the Wonderful Italian restaurant, ! Everything is so delicious I can't pick a favorite!! It's Always service with a smile. And pristinely clean. A fine dinning experience!' read more

Our favorite anniversary dinner spot. We are so happy they are open again. The best (and biggest) Chicken Parmesan!

My entrée was chicken piccata, and it was good. My friend had the lasagna. He thought that was average. The server was great. The place needs some type of acoustics. The noise level is very high overall I would go back. read more

First visit since the business re-opened. The food is still fantastic and the portions are big. But there are some issues. The reservation process is tricky as you need to reserve 24 hours in advance. They answer the phone intermittently, and are not open every day. You can email. The service is cheerful but a little slow. We waited a bit for drinks and for the entrees. And our table was by an open door so it got chilly and we were so close to the next table that one person in our party, a small woman got bumped repeatedly. I like the decor very much, but the noise level is appalling. We have vowed never to go with other people as conversation is all but impossible. I like the place and want it to do well, but have (heh heh) reservations. read more

Tried to make a reservation today for tomorrow (voice mail states, when calling, you can't make a reservation more than 24 hours in advance and you cannot make a same day reservation). I was able to finally reach someone on phone during business hours after 4 attempts. Asked to make a reservation for tomorrow and was asked what time. When I said 5:30, was told they were fully booked. Why would you ask what time if you were fully booked. I was then told, to get in line at 5:00 tomorrow and would likely be seated. What?????? Too confusing and too many rules to try to eat here! Good luck! read more

The food is awesome! Short Ribs and Chicken Piccata are delicious! Servers are very friendly! So happy they have reopened!!

Our favorite dining place on the Central coast. Love this place. We were extremely happy about it's reopening.

Popped in for early dinner and sat at bar. Attentive service. Food was very good, no shortage of garlic. . Would recommend

Unfortunately Denise has closed her restaurant. We will miss you Cafe De La Via. Your food was excellent and your hospitality was unmatched. If you decide to reopen call me. xoxo Jim read more

The new ownership does a poor job. To go order they said they would call us when it was ready. No call so we drive to the restaurant. Food was cold. Did not taste good. Portions are small prices are higher. Very disappointed. We were regulars read more

I must emphasize that this is the first 5 stars I have given a restaurant, so it is not given lightly. The restaurant itself is small and very cozy. The wait staff is attentive, personable and friendly. Dinning in such a small town is an amazing experience, it makes you feel like you know everyone. Now the dinner was impeccable! Me and my wife both ordered the chicken piccata and it was delicious. The capers and the lemon worked perfectly together and the chicken was perfect. I highly recommend making this your next date night! Truly delicious and fantastic experience! read more

Cafe Della Via - Chicken Piccata - Italian Near Me - Cayucos, California

We love this restaurant and try to eat there every visit to Cayucos. It recently reopened after an extended closure during which time the chef assumed ownership but retained the great menu. My favorite entree is the pork saltimboca, but I switch to the veggie lasagna or eggplant parmesan with a side of meatballs. The cucumber salad is awesome. They also have an excellent wine list with Italian and California wines. The ambiance is very casual as you would expect in a beach town. read more

The chicken Marsala is delicious and I highly recommend. Our favorite spot in cayucos.

Arrived into town pretty late since me and my husband drove up from San Diego. We walked to the nearest restaurant and this was the busiest spot in town. I immediately knew we had to get into this restaurant. Once walking in, it's super cute and cozy. It's very hustle bustle but still homey like an Italian restaurant should be. We couldn't get reservations until 8pm but we weren't in a rush so it was perfect to grab a drink next door and then come back. The bartender next door told us to get the garlic bread as an appetizer so when we finally sat at our table, that's exactly what we ordered. It was so crispy and delicious. My husband ordered the lasagna and I ordered the steak. Both dishes were incredible! My steak was cooked at the perfect medium rare and my husband ate his lasagna faster than you can type the word "lasagna". Service was awesome! We felt right at home like we were locals which was super nice. Will definitely be back when we come back to Cayucos. read more

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I am a Cayucan and was so happy when Cafe Della Via reopened. Finally made it down for dinner last Friday and It was over the top amazing!!! I had my all time favorites, Portobello mushroom appetizer, eggplant parmesan and yes bread pudding for desert. I am still full. The food was almost too good ... fresh, flavorful and hot. The staff were friendly and attentive and it is a happy place! My friend and I dined outside on a beautiful evening so no noise...but fair warning It has always been noisy in that space dating back to La Locanda in the 1980's...and yep that would be tops on the wishlist to dampen the noise. Thanks to the chef and all the staff for coming back. read more

First Time there. We were a party of four and everyone's food was amazing! Unfortunately the noise level is intolerable. We all agreed that they need some serious help with acoustics. If you can get a seat outside it's worth it, but don't expect to have a conversation inside. We won't be going again unless we can sit outside. Too bad. read more

Just had the best chicken Marsala I've ever had in my life ! Every bite I never wanted it to end I also got the fried mozzarella with was a perfect size with great flavor. Even the bread they served was soft and flavorful with the rosemary oil. I am visiting from the Bay Area and decided to give this place a try, I was not dissatisfied at all. I would reccomend this place to anyone, I'm glad to see that they are doing well after re opening! Wonderful ! read more

Upon arrival a very ectomorphic young woman refused to seat us because our husbands were just getting out of the car out front. 2 seconds later as they walked up we were seated. Why continue to argue with customers when you know everyone is here? We had a decent server. She wasn't super attentive. I've never been to an Italian restaurant that doesn't offer bread. The food is okay, not awful, small portions and nothing to rave about. We ordered 2 bottles of wine. As we were finishing up our wine, Ms. Ectomorph came over and told us we needed to leave. There is just a better way to speak to customers - but this place has not learned that. Same outcome but no bad feelings upon leaving! I would choose a different place based upon the totality of the circumstances. read more

What a great meal we had! Highly recommend the , pork saltimbocca. So delicious! the service was excellent. Truly enjoyed every bite. My husband had the filet mignon which was also wonderful. If I had to find a fault it would be that the restaurant is noisy and hard to hear at times but that's because everyone is talking , eating, drinking and having a wonderful time! read more

Amazing service and fantastic food! Italian food at its finest. The ambiance was incredible.

Very generous portions! Delicious pasta, great/very friendly service even though it was a busy Friday evening during the pandemic. Our order was ready on time, and they called to tell us it was ready!! That's next level service (or maybe small town service, I don't care which, I was super impressed!) The portions were very large and we had the leftovers the next day, if we hadn't been staying at an Airbnb the food might have been wasted so keep that in mind - portions are huge - I had veal scallopine and it was delicious. I forgot what my husband had but it warmed up beautifully the next day. Can't wait to return ok our next visit read more

Cafe Della Via - Exterior because #COVID - Italian Near Me - Cayucos, California

Excellent homemade food! We were lucky to get seated right away last nite. It was packed. No reservations. Weight list only. bread you say? Homemade rosemary warm bread served with homemade fresh squeezed garlic olive oil while you wait for your entree. I had the veggie lasagna topped with fresh mushroom sauce. It was amazing. Fluffy ricotta, spinach, sun dried tomatoes & eggplant lined the lasagna noodle layers. perfect compliment of each veggie. my friend had the basic spaghetti and meatballs and said it was everything and more than expected. as most of you know I don't eat red meat so I'm not able to comment on the meatballs. But, the marina sauce was sooo tastey. service was really good. very attentive and authentic. will be back for sure. read more

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I wanted a cold beer so I went to a restaurant next door to this restaurant. It was way too crowded and there was no where to sit in the bar. We came to this restaurant and ordered a draft beer and cucumber salad. They brought us warm bread with an olive oil dip. Someone came along and put fresh Parmesan cheese and ground pepper in the olive oil and OMG!!!! So good! The salad, beer and bread were PERFECT! read more

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Certainly the staple Italian Place in Cayucos over the years. This is it...simple, good, fresh, and always busy with patrons. The high ceiling and concrete floor accentuate the sound of conversations, laughter, and cutlery on plates creates a loud atmosphere. This is not the quiet, romantic little Italian restaurant and so be it. Our server tonight Jordan was as busy as you would expect but never faltered in timing or the occasional check in with us. We started with a Caesar salad w/anchovies, yes they still use real anchovies in the dressing. Topped that with a Capresse salad, the tomatoes were garden variety and not as ripe as I prefer on this salad. The tomatoes were not of the "Roma" variety which s accepted in the great recipe book The great tasting balsamic drizzle relieved my fascination with the stupid tomatoes on the salad. G ordered his go to Spaghetti & Meat ball entree, very good, decent size on z meatballs. I went with my favorite Fruta de mare, I was not overwhelmed with my entree, although it was clear on the the menu which "fruit of the sea" I was getting but it was pathetic in my opinion. Small clams, small shrimp, wheres the mussels.. It all tasted very good but. So to cheer my self up I ordered a tiramisu to take home. I'm not quite sure if it never "set up" properly or was too warm by the time I was home as it was soupy with lady finger biscuits..humm I'd return for another go but with considerations of other entree offerings. Next time Foodguy-Martin read more

I really wanted to love this place after I passed by and saw the awesome looking food but sadly it was just ok. We ordered a pizza and a salad as we were staying down the street during a busy time. Like someone else who posted here, Denise made it sound like it would take an hour but we were fine with that. It ended up taking less and she called me to come pick it up. When I walked back with the pizza it was barely cooked. The cheese was melted but not brown and the crust was doughy. I had no problem waiting an hour so there was no need to speed up the order if the pizza wasn't going to be cooked. Staff was nice enough and the caesar salad was very good so three stars! read more

Outstanding authentic Italian food, including pizza and more classic Italian dishes. We really love the cucumber salad as a starter. The flavors here are so amazing! Service is always first rate. If you're not sure what wine to have with your meal, just ask. Food/wine pairings are their specialty. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and yes! Very Italian! read more

Been there, done that!! Again, this is the best Italian restaurant on the central coast!! Been many times and every time, it's fabulous!! Always fantastic service from some wonderful ladies!! Thank you!! read more

Cafe Della Via - The best chicken parm of your life, ever!! Be ready, she's a beast!! - Italian Near Me - Cayucos, California

Spotted this place on our first night in town and decided to make a reservation for the next day. This was a wise decision as the night we went they were all booked. They don't do same day reservations, so plan ahead. Everything we ordered was amazing. The bruschetta, bread, salad, and my meal which was the eggplant Parmesan were amazing. We topped it off with dessert and that was also so good. My husband got the chicken Marsala which he said was "one of the best things he's tasted in his life". I rarely order eggplant Parmesan but got it at the recommendation of the waitress and was not disappointed. Other reviewers have noted the portion sizes, which I agree with. Make sure you save room for dessert or are ok with leftovers. read more

Cafe Della Via - Eggplant Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Cayucos, California