A true culinary and wine experience not to be missed. The wine alone is a treat. 15 bottles of wine for 16 people. So many fantastic wines. The food is exquisite. The attention to details along with the cooking details make it an a must do if you can get in. Plan in advance. read more

Seriously the best restaurant in Paso. A hidden gem you can't miss Smoked Duck Breast read more

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I went last weekend with friends. I know it was hard to get reservations. The dining experience was amazing. If you love food and wine you came to the right place. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Ian for a great evening. read more

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Somm's Kitchen is not only an acclaimed restaurant but also a unique and fantastic experience, particularly for folks that appreciate the marriage between food and wine. Unique because it is more like a delightful educational wine and culinary journey led by none other than the owner, Mr. Ian Adamo, a celebrated chef and expert sommelier. Ian is a very special human being--he is super passionate (perhaps intense) about food and wine; very curious and intelligent; friendly and vivacious; tremendously creative and a walking encyclopedia of wines. For the evening, you get two wines per course, and you (as a couple) share a plate per course. One glass is for tasting/education and the other is paired with the plate being served. You will get a spectrum of wines, from relatively unknown, to well-known, to ones that are in "the wine hall of fame"--both from Paso Robles as well as abroad (mainly European). All the dishes we tasted were exquisite. Ian and his team focus on flavor--deep, rich, "out-of-the-world" flavors, using some very labor intensive and sophisticated techniques. No short-cuts with his cooking. The presentations are fairly simple (yet pleasant) because his focus is on flavor and texture (no fancy minimalistic foam stuff here if you know what we mean). We had 6 courses in all - perfect portions for us. Notables were his lobster bisque (without any cream)--the most flavorful and 'creamy' (but no cream added) lobster bisque we every tasted; filet mignon that was perfectly medium-rare, melt-in-your-mouth texture and super flavorful (aged to perfection... yes, a flavorful filet mignon, a cut that is usually not known for its flavor)... delicious deserts... The menus change weekly, so all Ian wants to know in advance is if you have any allergies or intense dislikes... otherwise the journey is an "omakase" (put total trust in...) Chef/Sommelier Ian and his amazing team... Like mentioned at top, the evening at Somm's Kitchen is just not a dinner but a unique culinary and enophile experience that rivals with the best (including Michelin starred) wine-pairing dinner experiences (dare we state) anywhere in the world, and yet offered in a cozy, intimate, casually friendly setting along a beautiful curved granite bar... more like a gourmet food and reserve wine tasting event... Lastly, you'll need to reserve (and pay - set inclusive price per person) way in advance (2 to 3 mo out) as Ian only does couple times of his dinners per week and he travels extensively abroad teaching at food and wine seminars... We highly recommend the Somm's Kitchen experience!! read more

This is fast becoming my favorite restaurant. Not only in Paso, but maybe anywhere. I've always had meals here where I left saying "that was the best meal I've had". The price tag is certainly not inexpensive, but for what you're getting (food prepared over DAYS, unobtainable cult wines, vintage champagnes) I truly believe it's a bargain. Not only is it a great meal though, it's an experience. Ian will enthrall you with stories, and you'll meet someone interesting sitting right next to you. Don't expect to walk in though. There's only 14 seats. Go to his website and make a reservation. Plan your whole Paso trip around it. It's worth it. read more

This is a great and unique dining experience if you've never experienced it before. Our second dining experience there 18 months after our first visit and the majority of the food served for dinner was the same as on our first visit. I was expecting a completely different menu considering it had been a while since dining there. read more

Repeat visitor. An amazing food/wine pairing experience with Ian. The food, wine and stories that accompany the the meal make this a 10/10 for us. Highly recommended booking an experience- and it is an experience, not just a dinner. read more

My girlfriend found Somm's Kitchen for our first dinner in Paso Robles and it not only overshadowed every other meal and wine tasting we had planned during the trip but is the best restaurant meal experience we have ever had! Ian makes the experience personal and pulls in every guest with his knowledge and passion for food and wine! Every course is paired perfectly! Somm's Kitchen is an absolute must for any foodie! Come hungry, the portions are generous and by the end you will wish you still had room for more! We can't wait for our next trip to visit Ian! read more

Wow - what an experience!! Ian is incredibly talented and passionate about providing an amazing wine and food experience. His concept of providing unique and high quality wines paired with delicious food is awesome. You're able to experience a broad spectrum of wines you will likely not have access to regularly without sweating the cost of buying a bottle and Ian will guide you through the experience of each wine along with understanding the intricate preparation the dishes he has prepared to be paired with the wine. The bonus to the wine and food is the music Ian has taken the time to pair with each phase of the night, every detail is thought through. My wife and I feel very fortunate to get a call from Ian to fill in for a last minute cancellation for our anniversary. We believe it is one of the best experiences we have had. Try to get a reservation, you will not be disappointed(or leave hungry!). read more

What a FABULOUS experience! Ian described how he made each dish and the ingredients, he beautifully presented each and each was so DELICIOUS! Then Ian talked about each wine he poured for each dish. His knowledge and love of all he did shone through and our group of 10 had an amazing time. Thank you for an evening we will always remember! read more

We really liked the meal and experience, we live in Paso and will dine again with Ian.

What a great experience. Very intimate dinner. Awesome food and wine. You must do this at least once in your lifetime!

Excellent from start to finish. Getting a bit of back story and Ian's history as a serious wine sommelier and chef introduces you to just the type of experience you're going to have. Each food item was unique and paired with an equally exquisite wine. It's an intimate setting between you and your close few with a chef who knows his stuff. I can't tell you how incredible it was. This is an experience. You come knowing you're going to be fed well and drink exceptional. The desserts (yes that's plural) were next level. I've never had steak prepared to perfection like Ian created. My attached pictures will never do this evening justice. Do not wait. Book this. It's well worth it. We will return. Also, Ian is just an awesome guy. read more

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My my my what an experience restaurant. Let me back track for a second. I had a reservation for four next door at Hatch, a super popular spot for a Friday evening at 7:30. We had 30 minute to kill and wanted to grab a drink. My girlfriends went into Somm's Kitchen first, seeming that it looked like a bar, turns out it was more Chef's Table at Brooklyn (A three star Michelin which I had dined in) , it's a restaurant with wine pairing, and some very sophisticated people had already started this experience, and our intrusion became a bit of an invasion to their experience. But things went from awkward to happy in no time at all, as you will know from the 4 star rating I gave at this place. My girlfriends are city slickers. They are confident, good looking and quite assertive (yes that's why we are friends). The tallest prettiest one demanded some drinks and food, and explained why were there, and next thing you were, we too were having a bit of an experience. Four glasses of wine, and whatever the chef chose to feed us was the cliff notes of this impromptu visit. We learned very quickly the salmon dish is a fan favorite. The small cheese paired with nuts and balsamic vinegar a surprisingly good wine chaser, The nibble concept and eat what your chef feed you can be a very dangerous one, but also can be a rewarding one if you trust the chef. In this case, the chef has good judgment and knows his craft, and in the end, we were satisfied. read more

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Food was outstanding and Wine is amazing. Ian (owner, cook, Somm) walks you through the delicious world of wine with 8 courses of perfect pairings.. and my wife and I had an amazing time! It's a must do! read more

We had a wonderful experience at Somm's Kitchen thanks to Ian's incredible efforts. We were on the waitlist and he was able to add us to a Saturday evening dinner to celebrate our honeymoon. Ian was so gracious in making this accommodation, and we were enormously thankful to have been able to participate in this dining experience! We lived in New York City for a number of years and have dined all over the world, yet have never had an experience like that at Somm's Kitchen. The intimate counter setup feels like a dinner party hosted for soon-to-be friends, and Ian delivers on that from start to finish, welcoming and introducing the group, explaining his vision, and drawing his guests into a conversation about food and wine. The time spent is so much more than just dinner - which, of course, is spectacular in its own right. The conversations around the counter, happening with your dining partner, those around you, the group at large, and Ian directly - those are the moments that make a great experience a stellar one. Go to Somm's Kitchen and see for yourself. Kudos to Ian for curating these unforgettable experiences for his guests. read more

Yesterday my amazing girlfriend treated me to an amazing dinner at Som's Kitchen. She said it's her birthday everyday b/c she likes to celebrate good times! After reading a few reviews, we wanted to try this Michelin Star restaurant in Paso Robles. I can't really say this was a restaurant. It's more of a wine and food tasting kitchen. We read up about the chef and his achievements. It was impressive. We had made reservation for this place for over a month. It was well received and on Saturdays, it was always booked. We were lucky to get a reservation on a Sunday. The Chef Ian greeted everyone as they enter the kitchen and had us sit in a semi circular table with the focus on the center cooking area. No one knew each other and had no idea what was in store for the night. It was definitely cosy and awkward at first, but Chef Ian made everyone feel at home and introduced himself and the fourteen guests. Wine was pour immediately. Hell yeah! This is the new wine country! As much as I want to give you the play by play of the event, I'm not going to. The only thing I would say is that it was an awesome experience! Chef Ian was definitely passionate about his craft. The food and wine was unbelievable. At the end of the night, the experience was not just about the food and wine. It was about bringing people together and showing how Chef Ian's mastery in his elements can give us a glimpse of the world through his food and wine. Chef Ian, you rock! read more

After reading reviews, my girlfriend and I had tried on numerous trips to try Somm's Kitchen when in town from the Bay Area. They were unfortunately sold out. We were finally able to secure two seats to the special Cristal & Krug lunch. Being our two favorite champagne houses, we were really excited. $200/pp seemed like a great deal considering there were supposed to be 3 vintages each of Cristal and Krug to be poured. Little did we know, we were in store for the champagne experience of our lives which far exceeded our expectations. Ian (owner/chef/somm) greeted us and we grabbed 2 of the remaining seats at the 14 person chef's counter. This is when our food/champagne journey commenced. He first poured everyone a splash of Reisling to get the palate going. Next, he pulled out 3 169th Krug grande cuvee half bottles and split between the 14 guests. It was paired with this incredible quail dish seasoned with clove, caraway, and black pepper with it's own jus. Next we were poured a side by side of 2007 Cristal and a 2019 Chablis. The '07 was bright yet well rounded. It paired perfectly with his clam chowder with no cream! (He uses coconut milk instead) it had the same richness as traditional clam chowder while still being light. Ian decided to open an '07 Bollinger R.D. just for fun. It was incredibly balanced and in our personal top 3 champagnes of the day. Moving on, we got into a couple older vintages. We were treated to a side by side of '98 Krug and '99 Cristal accompanied with cheese treated almost like the top of a great French onion soup with homemade apricot marmalade on top. This was served alongside piping out croissants. The '98 Krug was incredible. It had the richness that comes with age all while still maintaining the brightness and acidity Krug is known for. The '99 Cristal was completely the opposite. The color had already turned a honey like hue and you could smell the heavy yeast on the nose. It was great to be able to try and compare but not style that we prefer nor appreciate. We could've stopped here and we wouldve been fully satisfied. However, there was more to come. '02 Cristal was next and was paired with a ora salmon and shitake mushroom dish. The salmon was poached, smoked, and then roasted. Imagine the most moist hot smoked salmon you ever had and this was it. The Cristal paired perfectly! This had to be it right? Wrong, there was more! Ian decided to treat everyone with a special champagne that he poured blind. You could tell there was age like the '98 Krug but more body and a rounder finish. It was the best one poured the entire lunch. When Ian revealed, it was just a ho hum '90 Dom. Seriously, where else would you have the chef just pour a '90 Dom for fun?! This was paired with a perfectly cooked pheasant dish. By now we were all liquored up and loving life. That had to have been the last champagne right? We obviously didn't know how Ian rolls. He opened a Ruinart to go with a freshly made muffin with blueberry sauce. I was stuffed and trying to just finish what was on my plate at this point. We finally reached the last course. It was a freshly baked gingerbread cookie that had the perfect chewy texture. One of the regulars mentioned, "we need to have some whiskey with this". As we found out, ian is beyond generous with what he shares. He poured everyone some ka va lan whiskey (apparently only widely known Taieanese whiskey) and 21 year Aultmore. That concluded the best champagne lineup we had ever tried wrapped up in a 2+ hour lunch. This will be the first of many more trips we'll be making down to paso just to experience Ian's food and his passion of sharing his love of wine. read more

I cannot begin to express the emotion that comes to mind in regards to our experience. I say experience because it is just that. You need to be hungry! Ian does an amazing job with flavors that matched with the wine are a party in your mouth! Love love love this experience and will be back! read more

I wish I could write a glowing review because Ian was so nice. While the concept is about wine pairing, I just didn't get why the food was so mediocre. Chef Ian was behind the counter and 15 other diners sat at the bar. The first thing he served were dates with mascarpone. I cannot say if good or bad because I don't like very sweet foods. I gave it a chance thinking it was just me. Then we were served artichoke hearts with a large portion of unseasoned ricotta cheese next to it. The presentation was startling bad. Then came the sun dried tomatoes. Lots of them. It was very strange. Just tons of sun-dried tomatoes on a plate. Nothing else. Then came butternut squash soup. It was good but it was summer and was not season-appropriate. We then were served a NY strip steak. Nothing exciting here. Just four slices of meat on a plate. Desserts came next. Lots of them! None were good. One was a cookie and another a doughnut. Also a couple orange slices that were cooked for weeks. I don't think I understood the food at all and neither did the rest of my party. Did I mention that each couple had to share each plate? The wine was great but I had great wine already that day at the wineries. I have to say that everyone was raving about the meal and I felt bad that I didn't feel the same way. read more

Somm's Kitchen - Artichoke hearts with ricotta - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Paso Robles, California

Our favorite fancy dinner on the central coast! His food is phenomenal (Especially the fava beans). The owner is humble and kind, he makes you feel like family. Everyone needs to visit! read more

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What an epic dining experience thanks to the culinary genius of Ian Adamo. Our group of 14 filled the restaurant counter for a constant stream of expertly paired wines and mind-blowing dishes. We started with creamy Affinois cheese topped with roasted peppers that were sous vide for 3 days, accented with 100-year-old Balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy. Next was scallop tartare in pecan oil with apples, endive and salt. Third course was octopus salami with Puglia sun-dried tomatoes that were rehydrated with olive oil for 3 days. Next was New Zealand Oro salmon smoked in fennel and dill, followed by Nicolisi beans from Umbria with white Balsamic and braised leeks--simmered for 8 days. The soup was roasted spaghetti and butternut squash plus fresh butternut. No cream or butter added but so velvety! The entree was New York strip steak seared, sous vide for 48 hours, then seared again. The 6-phase dessert flight included candies pecans, roasted dates from Oman stuffed with Marscapone cheese, chocolate covered Marcona almonds, candied young ginger, pineapple ravioli marinated 16 days and stuffed with coconut tapioca, and finally risotto with Marscapone, star anise and coconut milk. This was a spectacular yet unpretentious dining adventure with ingredients sourced from around the globe, all inspired by Ian's passion for elevating his childhood memories. We cannot wait to come back! read more

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Ian nails it every time! Not only are you getting wines from the world that wow your palette but next to that taste of the world you get a lovely local wine with each pairing! It's unforgettable truly! Then each pairing is also from his heart and expertise where days upon days go into each course! You just have to experience this most memorable fine dining experience in order to appreciate Paso and Somm Ian! And on some of the wine pairings you get some of the most desirable champagnes and wines in the world! Cannot wait till the next time! Best birthday, anniversary or just post Covid celebrations! Well it feels like no worries in the world while you are at his bar! Bon appetit from a Paso native! read more

This was a meal of a lifetime! Nothing compares to experience that Ian the proprietor brings to a small intimate group. You have the best of a great wine tasting experience and a host of dishes that will change your sense of what food can be. From now on, the question of what is best meal or restaurant experience you have had in your life? The answer is Somm's Kitchen. Book your reservations early. read more

Somm's Kitchen - Dessert- so light. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Found this amazing restaurant through one of our neighbors that just bought. bed and Breakfast in Paso Robles. She highly recommended this place and we can't thank her enough about it. Ian is the master sommelier and chef. Very knowledgeable and his passion with wine and food is out of this world. Amazing wine pairing with each dish that he serves. He explains the origin, how he prepares it, ingredients of each dish, and to top it all, he explains the wine that is paired to it. We were blown away with the characters of each wine! The place has only 16 chairs so it is very intimate experience. You get to know your seat mates! So if you're in Paso Robles make sure to dine here. He's only open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. read more

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My pictures do not do this experience justice! From the moment we arrived Chef Ian was so hospitable and entertaining. He spoke to all 7 couples separately and also in an engaging way to create a special group experience! But, let's get down to the food and wine experience. John and I have dined at many Michelin Star restaurants as well as fine dining establishments with highly regarded chefs ( even on an international level) and we were beyond blown away with this experience. I am personally scared because we are less than a 10 min walk away....I could see this becoming a great habit whenever there is an opening( note- we got in due to a cancellation- otherwise wait is 90 days) - book in advance. Chef will not disappoint! read more

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I love food. I love wine. I love them together. I also love learning new things about both food and wine. If you can relate, make reservations for Somm's Kitchen right now! Everyone sat around a high top bar. We were promptly pored some champagne while waiting to start eating. The atmosphere was very relaxed. Each new dish was explained and made to be a shared between two people. Each wine/champagne pairing was also described. I enjoyed the surprise of not knowing what was coming next. The wine and food paired perfectly. The environment was pleasant and enjoyable. We will be back!!!!! read more

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Somm's Kitchen was one of the most unique, extraordinary, and delicious dining experiences I've ever had. On top of that, it was also very educational. Chef/sommelier/owner Ian Adamo essentially hosts a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings, while also introducing each course with a detailed explanation of the wine and food which is being served. I first found out about Somm's Kitchen through a search on Yelp, while looking for restaurants in the Paso Robles area for an upcoming trip. The 5 star rating and description of tapas/small plates immediately got my attention. A few days later, I asked a friend (who is a professional chef) what places he would recommend and he immediately mentioned Somm's Kitchen and had nothing but the highest praise. I made reservations for our party of 4, but even a month ahead of time, some evenings were already booked up. The restaurant is a small semi-circular bar, with a private room in the back for larger groups. The setting is very intimate and we all felt as if we were at a private dinner party with Ian as our host. He served a sparkling wine and introduced himself and how he started his career. Sharing his knowledge and expertise of wine and food made this evening particularly memorable. He served a variety of wines from all over the world and each one had an interesting story behind it. All the food is made from fresh ingredients, often undergoing a lengthy preparation in advance. Everything was delicious! The only suggestions I would offer would be to include a more substantial vegetable dish and to include a dessert wine at the end. We were also able to buy some bottles of the wine that we had sampled and Ian was very helpful in suggesting local wineries to visit. He also put us in touch with the owner of TOP winery, whose red blend we particularly enjoyed. Ian also has a wine club, which we are planning on joining, to continue to benefit from his knowledge and expertise. read more

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I never expected fava beans to taste so good. Everything was infused with so much flavor and the whole experience was absolutely amazing. This really is an experience not just the food and the wine but the atmosphere that Ian creates with his story telling, explanations, and fellow patrons. This was the highlight of our trip and we can't wait to be back. read more

Wow! What a experience. We lucked out when I put my name on the waiting list, it was for the champagne tasting. So don't be disheartened when it is sold out, just make sure you subscribe to the email when he releases the events. His food was innovative and forward. Can't wait to go back. read more

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Wow, what a magical experience! Chef Ian, who is remarkably humble considering his expertise, crafted the most amazing meal I've ever had. We started with smoked salmon, poached asparagus, and a lobster cream sauce. From there we moved onto smoked tomatoes, duck confit sausages and more. There was a jaw-dropping tomato soup which apparently took 3 days and 30 pounds of tomatoes to make. All this from someone who says he's not a chef, he's a "wine guy." In case you're wondering, yes, the wines were extraordinary. The food was amazing on its own, but his pairings brought out new and delicious flavors. I don't know how much each bottle costs. My guess is quite a lot. But it's more than that - he selects wines that are unique, from each other and from most wines you'd find in a store. I don't know when we'll be back. But we will, you can count on it. read more

Great experience. We have done our share of tasting menus and this one ranks near the top. Not necessarily for the food or the wine but for the education about food and wine as you eat and drink. If you fancy yourself a good cook at home and are in constant pursuit of perfect timing, you will be impressed with the chefs 2 hour choreography of cooking and serving 14 diners. The lobster bisque made with imported blue lobsters (who knew!) and NO cream was amazing. The duck sausage had great balance of taste and texture. read more

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The Michelin Guide's definition of a three-star restaurant is one that offers "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey." Somm's is definitely worth a special journey! Upon reading so many five-star Yelp reviews, one has to think, if it couldn't be true. It's true. If "cooking is the ultimate giving" then Chef Ian is 'ultimate' giver. Thank you for sharing your PASSION! read more

Incredible culinary experience from Ian in Paso Robles. We typically come to Paso a few times a year, but this was our first time at Somm's Kitchen. It simply did not disappoint, we were both impressed by Ian's ability to story tell, relate and convey the wine to the meals and his life. I certainly still consider myself a newbie to the wine game and felt like I learned so much just with this one dinner. If you're looking for a standard white linen dinner with table crumber, this isn't it. This is an open dining dialogue with the Chef/Somm, the 10 other diners while experiencing great food, amazing wine and liquor. I lost count of courses and bottles, but I believe it was about 10 courses, 8 different paired wines, and three tastings of rhum and whiskey. The food was incredible, simple ingredients that with effort, love and time evolved into the most powerful of flavors, all paired with amazing wines and whiskeys. Thank you Ian for an amazing experience. read more

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Such a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday and dropping baby off to college! This was the best wine pairing dinner experience and Ian's knowledge is amazing. Privileged to try wines we wouldn't have access to. We learned a lot! He has such a welcoming personality and makes you feel right at home. Best wishes Ian! :) read more

My girlfriend and I had the good fortune to get a text message that a spot had opened up at Somm's Kitchen while we were staying in Paso Robles. The night began with Ian opening a bottle of Dom Pérignon and a bottle of Cristal for us to compare while enjoying the whipped halibut "mashed potatoes" and seaweed. Ian poured many wines and spirits that night, educating us each step of the way. I came away feeling that I knew myself better. This should have been posted around 12/2021 read more

A dinner at Somm's Kitchen is an experience not to be forgotten. From the moment we entered the building, we felt like we were Ian's personal guests. We were greeted with glasses of wine and offered a seat at the counter. There were 16 of us in attendance. Once everyone arrived, Ian welcomed us and started us in on the first of 8 courses. Every course was served with one or more wines. The food was exceptional and the servings, which were shared by each couple, were generous. Many of the dishes took weeks to prepare. Ian gave us a great description of each course and the wine paired with it. The atmosphere was casual and fun. The pacing was on point - not rushed, but once a course was finished, the next one was plated and served along with its accompanying wine. We will definitely be back for another visit. This was just too good to do just once! We booked our reservation 3 months in advance, so if you are considering going here, plan WAY ahead. Also, Ian did reach out to check for food allergies ahead of time, so that should not be a worry. read more

Where to start? It is so much more that just dinner and wine. I would say it is closer to performance art (that the audience is also involved in). We left full. We left Happy. And we left feeling that our high expectations were exceeded. Thank You Ian! read more

Wonderful experience here. Ian is super knowledgeable and the meal was expertly prepared, the accompanying wines superb. Dinner here is an education which I love. The origins of the food, the regions of the wines, I loved all of it. Having been to various restaurants on our trip to PR Somm's Kichen was our favorite. read more

Somm's Kitchen - Dessert components - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Paso Robles, California

If you are looking for an absolutely magical evening, an evening where every bite and every sip is a party in your mouth, Somm's Kitchen is the place to go. From the second you walk in the door, Ian welcome's you and you know you are going to have a great evening! The perfectly prepared food is paired with fantastic wines around the world. This is an experience that should not be missed when you visit Paso Robles. read more

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