Dining at Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo was the perfect way to celebrate our milestone birthdays.

As we approached the restaurant, my initial thought was, “What a cute little restaurant.” Located in downtown San Luis Obispo, Buona Tavola has an intimate feel from the outside that gives little indication of the beautiful garden dining area waiting in the back.

The moment we entered, we were greeted by friendly staff. Although Buona Tavola is a Northern Italian restaurant, the greetings from each staff member as we walked through reminded me of entering Thipsamai in Bangkok, Thailand. There was something about being welcomed with such enthusiasm, grace and class that immediately made me feel our dining experience was off to a great start.

A Beautiful Garden Patio in Downtown San Luis Obispo

We walked through the restaurant and were escorted to an additional dining area in the back. Buona Tavola describes it as its garden patio, and it was easily one of my favorite things about the restaurant.

It felt enclosed and intimate while still having the atmosphere of outdoor dining. In the center of the garden courtyard was a beautiful bubbling fountain, and our table sat directly across from it. Between the fountain, greenery, soft music and conversations happening around us, the setting had an understated elegance that made it perfect for a birthday dinner.

Our waiter and the manager knew we were celebrating my son’s 21st birthday, and both were amazing.

My son is new to drinking wine and didn’t know what he should select. Instead of simply recommending a bottle or pointing to something on the menu, our waiter patiently asked him questions to figure out what he might enjoy. That eventually led to him trying both red and white wines.

At some point, the manager came to our table carrying a glass of red wine and insisted that my son try it. As my son tasted the wine, the manager explained its different characteristics to him.

It was such a small interaction, but it is exactly the type of thing I remember about a restaurant long after I’ve forgotten what I ordered.

Bruschetta, Salami and Imported Italian Cheeses

We started with the Bruschetta al pomodoro fresco e basilico: grilled garlic bread topped with Roma tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil. Goat cheese can be added, but we opted not to add it.

We love a good bruschetta, and this was by far rich in flavor. I had to pace myself because I wanted to make sure I had room for my entrée.

While we were eating our bruschetta, our waiter surprised us with the “Alle Pia” Affettati Misti, a beautiful assortment of Piemontese salami, artisanal imported cheeses, bagnetto and ’nduja spread.

We both looked at each other and immediately said, “This is something my daughter would have enjoyed.”

She only eats the best salami and imported cheeses, so this would have been right up her alley.

That unexpected plate was another example of what made dinner at Buona Tavola feel different. The experience wasn’t simply about ordering food, eating and leaving.

Pappardelle alla San Pietro

For my entrée, I ordered the Pappardelle alla San Pietro.

The wide ribbon pasta is served with shrimp, braised sweet onions, imported prosciutto and a light creamy tomato sauce.

This was so delicious and filling.

I absolutely enjoyed the rich flavors of every ingredient. The sweetness of the braised onions, saltiness of the imported prosciutto and shrimp all came together in the creamy tomato sauce.

As I continued eating, my stomach was saying, “Enough,” but my mouth was saying, “Keep going.”

In the end, I listened to my stomach.

Orecchiette del Campo

My son ordered Buona Tavola’s Orecchiette del Campo, a hat-shaped orecchiette pasta served with homemade chicken sausage, rapini (broccoli rabe), sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and tomato-basil sauce.

He was pleased with his dish as well.

Buona Tavola is known for Northern Italian cuisine and features handcrafted pastas on its menu. Some of its pasta dishes are specifically made in-house, along with items such as the homemade chicken sausage served in the Orecchiette del Campo.

And, of course, when freshly grated cheese was offered over the pasta, we weren’t saying no.

Chef Varia’s Famous Tiramisu

As dinner was winding down, there was still one more thing we had to try: dessert.

We ordered Buona Tavola’s tiramisu, which the restaurant calls Chef Varia’s famous tiramisu.

The classic Italian dessert features espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with rich, creamy mascarpone and finished with a generous blanket of chocolate shavings.

It was light and fresh, which was exactly what I needed after convincing myself to stop eating that pappardelle.

And because we were celebrating a milestone birthday, a candle made its way to the table too.

The Kind of Restaurant People Return To

As dinner was winding down, conversations from the tables around us filled the garden patio.

Two women were sitting across from us. One of them began telling our waiter that she was excited to dine at Buona Tavola because this was where her son and daughter-in-law had their first date when they were in college.

Now, whenever she visits San Luis Obispo, Buona Tavola is a restaurant she makes sure to return to.

I loved hearing that.

Here we were celebrating my son’s 21st birthday while another mother was returning to the restaurant where part of her own son’s story had begun years earlier.

Maybe that’s what makes certain restaurants special.

It isn’t always just the food.

Our entire dining experience was memorable. Buona Tavola was filled with longtime customers and new diners, great food, wine, light music, a beautiful garden atmosphere and staff who somehow made a busy restaurant feel personal.

Even the accents became part of the evening.

The manager and our waiter both spoke with what sounded to me like Italian accents. Eventually, I couldn’t resist and asked our waiter where he was from.

He wasn’t Italian.

Apparently, after spending so much time learning the menu and working in the restaurant, he had adopted an Italian accent.

Is Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo Worth Visiting?

If you’re searching for one of the best Italian restaurants in San Luis Obispo, a romantic restaurant in downtown San Luis Obispo, or somewhere special for a birthday or celebration, Buona Tavola deserves a place on your list.

Come for the Northern Italian food, but don’t overlook the experience surrounding it: the warm greeting when you enter, the garden patio and bubbling fountain, the wine, the conversations happening at neighboring tables and a staff that understands hospitality.

Just like the woman who returns because of the memories her family made here, I already know I will dine at Buona Tavola again.

Oceanfront Dining in Avila Beach

After two hours of kayaking, a delicious lunch at Mersea’s on the Pier in Avila Beach, California, was much needed.

Mersea’s is located on Harford Pier in Port San Luis Harbor, just steps away from Avila Beach Paddlesports. We easily could have walked over after kayaking, but we decided to drive. I was experiencing a bit of seasickness, and at that point, I needed to coat my stomach immediately.

Sitting on the pier, just feet away from where we had spent the last two hours kayaking, was the perfect way to unwind. The ocean breeze flowed through the restaurant, the views stretched across the water, and we were greeted with warm smiles.

In a time when good customer service, genuine hospitality, and simple kindness sometimes seem to have been lost, Mersea’s has it all. And I believe that kind of atmosphere comes from the top. The staff and management were amazing.

When we arrived, we were taken to our reserved outdoor table, where glasses of water were already waiting for us. Our table overlooked the ocean, giving us a front-row view of the same beautiful Port San Luis Harbor we had just explored by kayak.

What We Ate at Mersea’s in Avila Beach

With a wide range of dishes to choose from, we were advised to start with the white New England clam chowder and garlic bread.

The house-made clam chowder and garlic bread were delicious. The chowder was creamy, flavorful and filled with clams. We honestly could have filled ourselves up on nothing but garlic bread and clam chowder, but we still had our entrées coming.

Before we arrived, I had fully intended on ordering fish and chips. Fish and chips are pretty much my go-to lunch whenever I am on California’s Central Coast.

But then I started hearing recommendations.

I was told the Caesar salad, crab cakes, and fish of the day were all delicious.

Of course, I had to try them as well.  I indulged on a little of everything.

My son, on the other hand, is not much of a seafood lover, so he went with a chicken sandwich and French fries.

Although we were dining for lunch, we were also in town celebrating his 21st birthday. So, naturally, he awkwardly ordered a sangria.

Let’s just say he is still getting used to liquor.

He is currently leaning toward drinks where you can’t taste the alcohol.

I am suggesting no alcohol.

The Hospitality Is What Made Mersea’s Memorable

The food was delicious and the atmosphere was beautiful, but the people behind it all are what made our lunch at Mersea’s on the Pier truly memorable.

I watched how accommodating they were to everyone who entered the restaurant.

Someone needed to know where the restrooms were.

Someone wanted to know if they could sit at a certain table.

Staff members stopped to have real conversations with locals and visitors.

Nothing seemed forced. They weren’t simply taking orders, delivering food and moving on to the next customer. There was a warmth to the way people were treated.

As someone who was in town celebrating milestone birthdays with my son, it made a difference. Although we spend time on the Central Coast, this was our first time visiting the San Luis Obispo area, and somehow, we didn’t feel like visitors.

At one point, I mentioned that I was experiencing seasickness and asked if they had ginger ale.

Before I could truly focus on how embarrassing it was to admit that two hours of kayaking had made me sick, the drink was already at my table.

It was a small gesture, but those are the moments I remember.

Great Customer Service Still Matters

In business, it is always said that the people you see at the front represent the company. They are often your first impression, and sometimes they become the reason you decide whether or not you will return.

At Mersea’s, the people I had consistent interaction with were, Mike, Kyla and Delaney, who represented Mersea’s extremely well.

Good hospitality isn’t just about getting an order right.

It’s how you’re greeted.

It’s noticing when someone needs something.

It’s answering a question without making someone feel like they’re bothering you.

It’s making tourists feel welcome while still knowing and engaging with your locals.

It’s the little things.

Mersea’s got the little things right.

Is Mersea’s Worth Visiting After Kayaking in Avila Beach?

Our dining experience at Mersea’s was amazing for so many reasons.

We had just spent two hours kayaking through Port San Luis Harbor, and being able to come off the water and enjoy clam chowder, garlic bread, fresh seafood and an oceanfront lunch just steps from where our kayaking adventure began made the afternoon even better.

But what I will remember most is how we were treated.

There are restaurants with beautiful views. There are restaurants with good seafood. There are restaurants sitting right on the water.

Mersea’s had all three.

But it also had something you can’t put on a menu: genuine hospitality.

For anyone searching for where to eat after kayaking in Avila Beach, a seafood restaurant on the water near Port San Luis Harbor, or simply a casual oceanfront lunch in Avila Beach, Mersea’s is worth adding to your day.

Come for the view.

Definitely try the clam chowder and garlic bread.

But pay attention to the people.

They are what made our experience memorable.

Why the Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Obispo Is the Perfect Home Base for Exploring the Central Coast

Last year, my son and I celebrated our birthdays in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This year, we celebrated in beautiful San Luis Obispo on California’s Central Coast. Our home base for the trip was the newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Obispo. Following an extensive renovation completed in spring 2026, the 139-room hotel features refreshed guest rooms, redesigned social spaces, and modern amenities while maintaining the comfort Marriott is known for. Nestled against the scenic Irish Hills Natural Reserve, it provided a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Edna Valley wine country, and many of the area’s most popular attractions. If you’re looking for where to stay in San Luis Obispo for a birthday getaway or the best hotel for exploring California’s Central Coast, this location makes an excellent home base.

During our three-day stay, we checked in around 3:30 p.m. and immediately settled into our room overlooking the resort-style pool. It was exactly what we needed. We wanted to feel rested before the celebrations began. We snacked on the treats in our welcome basket, watched television, enjoyed the newly renovated bathroom and shower, and called it an early night so we could make the most of the days ahead.

The next morning, after a relaxing shower, we headed downstairs for breakfast at Courtyard Bistro, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Open each morning for breakfast before transitioning into an evening restaurant and bar, The Bistro offers a welcoming place for guests to gather before a day of exploring the Central Coast or unwind afterward. My son ordered the same breakfast both mornings, scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, potatoes, and orange juice. The first morning, I had oatmeal with a croissant, and the second morning, oatmeal with an everything bagel. Both mornings, I enjoyed chamomile tea with honey. The staff at The Bistro were warm, friendly, and incredibly accommodating, making each breakfast a pleasant start to the day.

After breakfast, we drove approximately 8 miles (about 15 minutes) to Avila Beach Paddlesports. The drive from the hotel was short, scenic, and incredibly relaxing as we made our way toward the coast.

Following two hours of kayaking, we were definitely ready for lunch. We ate at Mersea’s at Port San Luis, located just 0.2 miles from Avila Beach Paddlesports, less than a five-minute walk along the harbor. Although we could have easily walked, we decided to drive instead.

After kayaking and lunch, we were exhausted and headed back to the Courtyard with every intention of taking a nap. As soon as we returned, however, my son decided he needed to work off everything he had just eaten and spent about two hours in the hotel’s expanded fitness center. The newly updated fitness center features modern Life Fitness equipment along with a Peloton bike, making it easy for guests to keep up with their workout routine while traveling. While he was in the gym, I applied sunscreen, answered a few phone calls, and relaxed by the resort-style pool. The warmth of the sun, paired with a cool Central Coast breeze, gently rocked me in and out of a much-needed three hour afternoon nap.

After enjoying the hotel’s amenities, we showered and got ready for our 7:00 p.m. dinner reservation at Buona Tavola, located about 3.5 miles from the hotel, just a 10-minute drive into downtown San Luis Obispo.

Following an incredible dinner at Buona Tavola, we returned to the hotel to relax, shower, watch television, and prepare for our final day.

On our last morning, we had breakfast at The Bistro once again. The young man who took our order remembered exactly what we had eaten the day before and jokingly asked if we wanted the same window seat. It was such a small gesture, but one that made us feel genuinely welcomed.

Although we checked out on the third day, our birthday getaway wasn’t quite over. We drove approximately 4.3 miles to Biddle Ranch Vineyard for a wine tasting in Edna Valley. Since this trip also celebrated my son’s 21st birthday, ending our San Luis Obispo getaway with wine tasting felt like the perfect way to mark the occasion.

What was only a three-day trip felt much longer. Staying at the Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Obispo allowed us to seamlessly experience so much without spending our vacation driving from place to place. Its convenient location made it easy to enjoy everything from kayaking and waterfront dining to wine tasting and downtown San Luis Obispo, making it an ideal hotel for anyone planning a San Luis Obispo birthday getaway, a Central Coast weekend escape, or simply looking for a relaxing place to stay while exploring the area.

Cleanliness is far from what you will get at 24 Hour Fitness.

The gym is not even surface-level clean.

People pay approximately $30 per month for a membership, yet 24 Hour Fitness does not appear to invest in keeping its gyms truly clean.

The janitorial staff consists of one young man and one middle-aged woman who each work approximately four hours a day. Their cleaning typically begins around 6:00 a.m. They are responsible for cleaning the entire gym. Once they leave, the gym is no longer cleaned for the remainder of the day.

Cleaning a gym is not your typical cleaning. It is a high-traffic environment where hundreds of people touch the same equipment, locker rooms, restrooms, and shared spaces every day. Public health guidance recommends routine cleaning of high-touch surfaces because proper cleaning helps reduce the spread of germs in facilities used by large numbers of people.

Let’s begin with the locker room.

A frayed broom sits in the corner alongside a dirty Swiffer. The entire locker room, including the restrooms and showers, is cleaned using these same tools, both of which should have been replaced long ago. Nothing is ever truly scrubbed.

Cleaning the showers consists primarily of lightly sweeping away hair, Band-Aids, and trash. The floors are rarely mopped. Even when they are, it defeats the purpose because the same dirty mop and bucket are used throughout the gym, creating unnecessary cross-contamination. A scrub brush is never used, and the shower walls are not cleaned. They are simply wiped down or swept around.

For nearly three weeks, the showers had no hot water. The staff placed signs acknowledging the issue, yet whenever members asked about it, employees acted surprised that the showers still were not working.

The floors throughout the gym have dark stains and spots that have remained for months. No one appears to know what they are because they are never properly cleaned.

On two separate occasions, roaches were seen—one on the floor and another on top of the lockers before crawling inside one of the lockers. Staff insisted they were crickets.

The restroom stalls frequently have toilet paper scattered across the floor, blood on toilet seats, and, on occasion, individuals sleeping overnight in the stalls.

The pool area is no better. The bottom of the pool has visible black spots, and the jacuzzi area will occasionally have used Band-Aids left behind.

The shower and water fountain area has become a place where members regularly blow mucus from their noses directly into either the shower drains or the fountain area. That should be addressed immediately.

The sauna is never properly scrubbed or disinfected. It is simply wiped using the same dirty mop and water that has already been used throughout the facility. The water is consistently black.

The workout equipment is extremely dirty or covered in dust. The group fitness rooms are cleaned in the same manner as the rest of the gym. Dust collects on the ceiling fans, underneath cabinets, and throughout the rooms.

This is more than an appearance issue. Gyms are high-contact environments where members share benches, machines, dumbbells, mats, locker rooms, and showers. Without proper cleaning and disinfecting, bacteria, fungi, and viruses can spread more easily through shared surfaces. Proper sanitation is a basic health and safety expectation, not a luxury.

Gyms should be thoroughly cleaned throughout the day, not just for a few hours each morning. There should be cleaning staff available around the clock using professional-grade cleaning equipment and supplies. The people responsible for deep cleaning should be trained professionals whose trade is sanitation. The current cleaning staff could continue handling light maintenance, dusting, and making sure everything is in order, but deep cleaning requires a completely different level of knowledge, training, and effort.

Recently, the owner of this location walked through the gym. Before his arrival, staff hurried to clean the windows, sweep the floors, and mop. It was all surface-level cleaning.

During his visit, he asked the staff where improvements were needed.

The staff is not who he should be asking.

He should be asking the members who pay every month to use the facility.

It was clear that he was satisfied with what he saw. Meanwhile, members continue paying for a facility that is maintained at the bare minimum.

It is clear that the 24 Hour Fitness brand is not striving to provide a high-quality fitness experience. This is not an issue isolated to one location. Affordable membership fees should never be an excuse for poor cleanliness. People pay approximately $30 every month and deserve a clean, sanitary environment where they can exercise without questioning the cleanliness of the equipment, locker rooms, showers, or restrooms.

A clean gym is not a luxury. It is a basic expectation.

Editor’s Note

The following article reflects my personal experience and recollection of events involving 24 Hour Fitness Woodland Hills and related interactions that took place following the theft of my son’s belongings in November 2025. This account is based on my observations, conversations, and experiences during that time.

What Happened at 24 Hour Fitness Woodland Hills

24 Hour Fitness Woodland Hills has a policy requiring members to place a lock on their locker.

In November 2025, my son brought two new laptops and an iPad to the gym. He placed them in a locker and locked it.

After locking the locker, he worked out for a couple of hours. When he returned, the locker was open and his entire backpack was gone, including his clothes, shoes, and toiletries.

I was in the gym as well. He called me immediately, and we met in the check-in area. He told a staff member what had happened. The staff member immediately texted one of the managers, Jazzy. She responded without a sense of urgency. She told him she would be in within a half hour, but that was not the case.

As we waited, my son was trying to track the devices. He asked if they could check the cameras or call security. The staff member then contacted the general manager, James. The general manager said he was on vacation and would deal with it when he returned the following week.

As this was being poorly handled, my son broke down in tears of frustration. All I could do was hold him and pray for him, while a concerned staff member watched with compassionate eyes.

During this time, my son was able to see that one of the devices had been turned on. He could see it was traveling east on the Metro line. We immediately went to our car and followed the location. It led us to the North Hollywood 24 Hour Fitness.

When we arrived, we informed the front desk of what was happening. We wanted to speak with a manager or receive some assistance because we believed the person was inside the gym. The front desk employee rudely informed us there was no manager on site.

My son and I went into the locker rooms and looked to see if anyone had his backpack or devices. We left feeling defeated. We circled the area and waited.

While waiting, we called the Woodland Hills location to see if Jazzy was there. We were told she was, but that she was busy. I explained to the staff member who answered that it was imperative we speak with her.

When Jazzy got on the phone, she spoke in a condescending tone. I began expressing my concern that she had not contacted me, especially considering she was fully aware of what had happened. I was appalled when she told me that she had a life outside of 24 Hour Fitness.

I agree with that. However, saying that to a member whose son had just had thousands of dollars worth of belongings stolen demonstrated a lack of professionalism. It is not as though I asked her coworker to contact her during her personal time. The staff member had told me exactly what he was texting her and had been very detailed. Jazzy was unaware of that.

She then told me she did not know it was my son and me, and that she was unaware of the value of the contents. She said she would reach out to James again.

I explained that the devices had been purchased for my son’s education. He is majoring in audio engineering. The devices contained plugins that had been purchased over time, along with music his deceased father had written and produced. My son could have been in jeopardy of losing his scholarship.

I asked that they check the cameras. She said James was the only person who could do so. She also told me to contact the police department, which I had already planned to do based on our ability to track the thief.

My son and I drove to the North Hollywood police station and filed a report. We explained that the value of the stolen items was between $25,000 and $30,000 when accounting for the devices, plugins, and other purchases associated with them.

We were told someone would be in touch.

We never heard from anyone.

After leaving the police department, we returned to the gym and met with Jazzy. We explained everything all over again.

Jazzy then sympathized with us because she and her children had experienced losing her husband. She said James would review the camera footage, and they offered our family of three two months of free membership.

After a week or two passed, I followed up with Jazzy to see whether James had reviewed the footage. She said he had. According to her, he only saw my son entering the locker room with his backpack.

When asked whether anyone else had been in the locker room at the time, my son recalled a young man lingering there. He strongly suspected that individual may have been responsible.

Jazzy said they did not see anyone leaving with a backpack. We explained that whoever took the items could have placed them into another bag.

We continued going to the gym. James returned from vacation, yet he never contacted us.

Five months later, my account began experiencing billing issues. The funds were always available in my account, and I informed the staff of that fact. Nevertheless, I was charged late fees.

James instructed the staff to tell me he would resolve the issue. It remained unresolved for two months.

One day, as I was leaving the gym, James approached me and asked how my workout had been. At the time, I had not been feeling well.

When he asked, I was offended.

I told him I was offended because we had never heard from him regarding my son’s stolen belongings. We had also never heard from him regarding a gym member who had been harassing me and continues to do so. In addition, he had not removed the late fees that had accumulated despite the issue being outside of my control and the responsibility of 24 Hour Fitness.

He claimed that he had called my son. I told him that was impossible. My son and I had discussed at length how poorly the situation had been handled. He also said that he saw my son all the time.

I explained that seeing him did not mean anything.

He had not addressed our concerns and did not appear interested in resolving them. My son’s scholarship had been at stake. We had to purchase replacement devices and repurchase the plugins and other tools he needed.

Regarding the member who had been harassing me, James said he had been told about it. I informed him that he had not done anything about it, nor had he contacted me.

A couple of weeks later, as I was leaving the gym, James approached me again and asked, “We’re good, right?”

I told him that I meant what I had said, but that my delivery was out of character. I had been dealing with significant pain related to a health issue.

Since then, we have remained cordial.

However, my experience left me feeling that the management at 24 Hour Fitness did not handle this situation properly. Throughout this process, I did not feel that our concerns were treated with the urgency or care they deserved. As long as everything is working in their favor, everything appears fine.

In the end, you truly get what you pay for.