Blue Moon Over Avila

460 Front Street, Avila Beach, CA

Hours

Open daily 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

About

Like the moon, the menu at Blue Moon over Avila rotates based on seasonal selections. Inspired by French fare, the bistro offers spectacular beach views and a stellar wine list. 

The bistro opened in 1998 and has carved a niche for itself. One reason for its popularity is its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients for the seasonal dishes. As their website claims, the menu is "French inspired with a Coastal twist" and features bistro-style entrees that pair with their international and regional wines. 

Chef Bernard Livingston monitors regionally fresh ingredients to create a season-focused menu. Chef B, as he is fondly called, draws upon his 35 years of experience as an owner, executive chef, or manager throughout Europe and the States. Rest assured that your dining experience at Blue Moon over Avila is in competent hands.

Dining options include the eatery's quaint inside setting, with small, white tables reminiscent of those found at a Paris cafe. Similar tables abound on the patio, where diners can enjoy al fresco dining.

Blue Moon over Avila provides a European-like vibe and cuisine that will make your Pismo Beach vacation extraordinary. 

Vibe

Blue Moon over Avila's exterior is inviting, with warm wood tones and hues of blue that blend with its beach setting.

Inside, the decor blends French country with a Central Coast vibe to create an atmosphere uniquely its own. The wooden floors add warmth, while the small linen-covered white tables and chairs add a touch of elegance to the laid-back vibe. Matching tall chairs line the bar surrounding the kitchen, allowing an intimate look at what the chefs are cooking.

Draping from the ceiling are a mish-mash of lamps with various wicker covers. Suspended from a central point by colorful streamers, they resemble a May Pole, conjuring images of playful children on a summer's day.

The quaint patio offers al fresco dining with picturesque views of the Pacific. It's easy to imagine you're dining beside the Mediterranean at sunset.

The atmosphere at Blue Moon over Avila features breathtaking views, delectable dishes, and genuine hospitality. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day picking berries at Avila Valley Barn.

Blue Moon over Avila: Menu & Drinks

Chef B's rotating menu at Blue Moon over Avila perfectly fuses French fare with Central Coast ingredients. No matter when you visit, you are in for delicious cuisine.

Start your meal with one of its popular picks, the French Onion Soup Lyonnaise. This French classic features a rich beef stock filled with caramelized onions. Next, a toasted baguette floats atop the stock, followed by Gruyère cheese. The result is a gooey, tasty treat that will satisfy the soul.

The Cheese & Charcuterie Board is a popular choice when paired with various wines. This starter showcases an international collection of cheeses and cured meats. It also comes with dried fruits, nuts, cured olives, grain Dijon mustard, chutney, crackers, and baguette toast points.

The menu has assorted lighter fare like salads, escargot, and sandwiches, but if you're famished after a day exploring Point San Luis Lighthouse, consider one of the entrees. The 14 oz New York Strip Steak will appeal to meat lovers. The steak is cooked to your liking and finished with garlic thyme butter. Served with gratin Dauphinoise and seasonal vegetables, it's a popular pick.

When you're ready to toast an afternoon at Dinosaur Caves Park, the drinks at Blue Moon over Avila will not disappoint. Non-alcoholic options range from homemade root beer, tea, coffees, and lemonade to soft drinks. Adult beverages include sangria and the French Kiss, not to mention the impressive wine, beer, and cider offerings.

With its inviting atmosphere, exceptional menu, and commitment to quality, Blue Moon over Avila is a must-do on your Avila Beach vacation.

Local Tips

  • Blue Moon over Avila is primarily a reservation-based eatery; plan accordingly.
  • Live jazz is every Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 PM.
  • Let the Maitre d'Wine assist with pairings for your meal.
  • Order a bottle of wine to go with a 20% discount!

Location

460 Front Street, Avila Beach, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Avila Beach is a small seaside town with a big-time charm that’s hard to condense into one day. But if we had to choose, our perfect day would start with breakfast and coffee at Fat Cat’s Cafe on Harford Pier. With classic breakfast food anyone would enjoy and located right next to the pier, it’s easy to walk off that delicious meal while enjoying the morning coastal air and listening to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean waves. You might even catch a glimpse of the local herd of sea lions. Being outside is a must, whether it’s walking the beach or taking a hike through the hills. Bob Jones Trail is highly recommended for people a leisurely biking/walking trail that goes from the land to the sea and can be accessed right from Downtown Avila.

After breakfast, take a drive down the famous Highway 1- a great way to experience the rich biodiversity of the central coast. Explore other nearby coastal towns like Morro Bay and Cayucos, each with its own unique charm.

However, the main thing to do in Avila Beach is relax. Spend time on the incredible beaches, get your toes in the sand, and enjoy the serene environment. Don’t miss the chance to shop the boutiques, go wine tasting, or dine at the ocean-side restaurants.

To wrap up the day, Mr. Rick’s offers a lively scene with great drinks and live music. One of the most popular places in Downtown Avila, hangout out with the locals and get a feel for what life is like in Avila.

While exploring the culinary delights of Pismo Beach and its surroundings, there are three top-tier restaurants you simply must visit. Each offers a unique dining experience that’s a testament to the area’s rich gastronomic culture.

First up, venture a little south to Arroyo Grande to visit Ember, renowned for its commitment to seasonal fare and artisanal wood-fired cooking techniques. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfectly complementing a menu that’s both innovative and comforting. Each dish reflects the chef’s passion for farm-to-table philosophy and the rich agricultural bounty of California’s Central Coast.

Next, Nate’s on Marsh in San Luis Obispo is a gem that locals and visitors alike adore. This eatery prides itself on a creative menu that pairs classic comfort food with a modern twist. The ambiance combines casual elegance with a touch of historical charm, set within the vibrant downtown scene of San Luis Obispo, making it a delightful culinary stop.

Lastly, Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo is a modern take on the classic steakhouse, serving up prime cuts of meat alongside fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The chic and sophisticated decor sets the stage for an upscale dining experience. The wine list is as impressive as the menu, featuring local Central Coast vineyards and beyond, ensuring the perfect pairing for your meal.

Each of these restaurants is a destination in itself, promising not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience that captures the spirit of the region.

When vacationing in Pismo Beach, CA, there are two main events that are absolute must-sees, each offering a unique slice of what makes this coastal city so special. The first is the Monarch Butterfly Arrival, a natural spectacle that takes place from late October through February. During these months, Pismo Beach becomes a temporary home to thousands of vibrant Monarch butterflies. The sight of these delicate creatures fluttering en masse is truly mesmerizing and one of nature’s most beautiful displays. Visitors from all over gather at the Monarch Butterfly Grove to witness this annual migration, which has become a beloved and awe-inspiring sight in the community.

Another event steeped in local tradition is the Pismo Beach Clam Festival, a hallmark event since 1946. This festival is a celebration of the city’s clamming legacy, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy a weekend full of festivities. With a parade, live music, food vendors, and a clam chowder cook-off, it encapsulates the heartwarming community spirit and the gastronomic heritage of Pismo Beach. The Clam Festival not only pays homage to the city’s past but also offers a delightful experience for all ages, making it an unmissable event for anyone visiting Pismo Beach.

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