Somms Kitchen - Paso Robles (CA)

5 /5 Justin Levy: I have to say this experience was beyond incredible. The wine, the food, the clear personal connection the guy had to what he is serving is worth reserving and going. It’s clear he puts so much time into choosing the wines and preparing the food. It’s a truly special experience and the best of any that we had in our trip to Paso. We were provided with detailed unpretentious explanations of the excellent wines and got one of the best meals we could have expected. It was rich and sweet and perfect.

5 /5 Rachel Edge: This experience was the highlight of our trip, and the most wonderful way to celebrate my in-laws 40 years of marriage! The wine and food pairings were perfection. Ian is so talented but overwhelmingly just kind, authentic and easy. It felt like we were being entertained by an old friend. Every part of the evening was over-the-top wonderful. He has created such a unique space that is so inviting, allows for easy connection and conversation, and ultimately exists to bring people together through wine and food we don’t get to experience on the regular. We could not have asked for anything more special. In a world that not often over-delivers- THANK YOU.

5 /5 Josiah Cameron: Somm’s Kitchen is a restaurant, and it serves good food. But more accurately, Somm’s Kitchen is the premier wine experience the Central Coast has to offer. Ian, the proprietor, is a veritable vault of wine knowledge and the passion he displays as he explains each course and it’s double (!) wine pairing is second to none. The wines he selects change every evening, and they are seriously good. Im 40, and tonight he served a Bordeaux two years older than me. It was an unforgettable experience! There is a reason why reservations for Somm’s Kitchen are so difficult to come by. Do yourself a favor and snatch one up if you can.

5 /5 Magdalena Chattopadhya: Unique, extraordinary, wine tasting, food pairing, story telling, and educational experience facilitated by master sommelier and chief Ian Adamo in a cozy atmosphere at Somm’s Kitchen in Paso Robles, CA. The wide selection of the wines served at dinner time is amazing. The mere fact that 14 different champagnes, white wines, roses, and red wines are served - some retail-priced at several hundreds of dollars -is mind blowing when you compare it with the affordable price of each dinner which includes food (several courses) and wine /champagne tasting. The setting is intimate and the restaurant itself is unassuming and tucked away (though a short walk from the park / town square in Paso Robles). The place comes to life with each guest arriving for dinner at 6p.m. and Ian’s welcoming and warm greetings. When everyone arrives and sits down at the counter, it feels like you are meeting new friends. There is great wine, delicious food, and good conversation, which is refreshing and much needed, especially nowadays when we spend so much time online. Ian tells stories and educates the guests on the wine and champagne, which is a fabulous experience for those who drink only socially and need to know what to pick from the wine list at a restaurant, as well as wine connoisseurs who are striving to attain Ian’s level of wine expertise. I was impressed by the high quality of the food and the simplicity of each dish. This was our second time at Somm’s Kitchen and the food was even better than the first time. We have been to numerous Michelin star-rated restaurants in the U.S. and internationally. Frequently, what you find is great service, beautifully decorated food that sometimes tastes great and sometimes not so great. At Somm’s Kitchen, each dish simple, absolutely delicious, pure in taste, and unpretentious. You don’t taste butter or heavy creams. The preparation is thoughtful and intentional, and pairs well with the wine you are tasting. But if you are looking for a place that emphasizes on food decorations and less on simplicity and the actual taste of the food, this may not be the place you are looking for. During our dinner, we were served mozzarella & burrata cheese ball with poppy seeds in roasted tomato sauce, melted herb and truffle-infused cheeses on a wooden board, specially-steamed scallops, steamed and roasted on bamboo leaves salmon, cognac-infused chicken, beef with mushrooms, and for dessert a cinnamon-crumble vanilla cake and donut holes with some chocolate sauce. We loved it all. It’s always a memorable night at Ian’s Somm’s Kitchen and if you are fortunate enough to get in off the wait list or plan early enough to book this place a few months in advance, you will have a blast. This dinner and wine tasting experience could easily cost triple of what Somm’s Kitchen actually charges if you consider the high quality of the top shelf alcohol and ingredients in the food, and the personalized experience. I am blown away by Ian’s humble yet super friendly demeanor, his knowledge and skills, and the way he treats each guest like a good friend. Somm’s Kitchen has my full recommendation and we definitely hope to be back.

5 /5 Kim ONeill: Ive been twice with my husband. First for our anniversary and again 6 weeks later to bring family last night. Ian and his staff are absolutely amazing and very welcoming. The food is inventive and delicious, but not stuffy. Ians explanations of the food and wine are fascinating and down to earth. He is more than happy to try to accommodate allergies and preference (my husband isnt big on seafood). If you like good food and wine then hands down this is an experience that should not be missed whether youre visiting or a local like us. Theres no set menu to allow room for new experiments and to vary based on seasonal ingredients. Be sure to plan ahead as he books up!