Unique Spanish-inspired dining at La Cosecha.

Share Spanish-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and local wines in family-style dining

—The elegance of downtown Paso Robles, shared dining experiences with savory Spanish-inspired dishes, and local wines, beers, and craft cocktails all combine harmoniously at La Cosecha Bar & Restaurant. Situated directly across the street from Downtown City Park, this newly revamped eatery is a must-stop destination for visitors and locals alike.

Owners Matt and Eric Carfagnini acquired La Cosecha in the spring of 2023, and have taken the menu, hospitality factor, and approach to dining up several notches. With a mindset of exceeding the expectations of every person who steps through the doors, the Carfagnini brothers and their team have quickly become known for their welcoming ways.

“Although the roots of the restaurant are the same, the quality of the food and our overall approach to everything, from the service to the food to the cocktail program, has been significantly elevated,” Matt said.

A passion for hospitality

The brothers have always had a passion for food, a family trait that stems back to their grandfather, Leonard “Lenny” Levin, who owned a Jewish delicatessen in Buffalo, New York. They also have an Italian family heritage, which is all about big family gatherings, backyard gardens, sumptuous shared dishes, and countless hours of table talk. Matt and Eric both tended bar while putting themselves through the University of Arizona, know the ins and outs of the hospitality industry, and have decades of experience running food and beverage programs across the country.

“We have been engaged in the hospitality industry for at least two decades in one manner or another, so there was always that passion for us to start a restaurant,” Eric said.

When the opportunity to purchase a restaurant in a region they had grown to know and love was presented to them, everything aligned perfectly in place.

“Our parents are in Paso, and we absolutely love it here,” Matt said.

Historical building, cozy and inviting décor

Situated in a cozy 100-year-old building that once housed a soda fountain, the eatery has wood accents, a bar fashioned from the fence of a ranch once owned by Alex Trebek, and a retractable wall inset that opens to a small patio overlooking the Downtown City Park. Inspired by their mom, a glass artist, the brothers feature the work of local artists on the brick façade across one wall on a rotating basis.

“The history of the building, the beautiful bricks, the lighting – all of this combines to make a great backdrop and second studio of sorts for local artists,” Eric said.

Small plates, seasonal offerings, and weekly specials

Of course, with a namesake meaning “harvest” in Spanish, there’s so much more to La Cosecha than meets the eye. Executive chef consultant Justin Hall and head chef Brad Spence,  each armed with extensive resumes from fine dining establishments, have put together menus that guarantee customers keep coming back for more.

“Justin’s way of cooking is very much a farm-to-table, and Brad embodies that concept as well,” Matt said. “They have really ramped up our menus and, together, they make sure all those systems and processes are there so every guest we see is happy, has the same experience, and is excited to come back.”

Some of the most requested items at La Cosecha are the shared plates or platos piqueos. One of the most popular is the pulpo or grilled octopus. Eric’s favorite, the grilled lamb chops, are topped with Calabrian chile honey butter, goat cheese yogurt, and Marcona almond crumbles.

“We think this is the best way to enjoy a meal, because the more people you have, the more opportunities there are to try different dishes,” Matt said. “Sharing small plates creates a cozy, casual, comfy, fun atmosphere with good energy.”

A selection of unique flatbreads and fresh salads are available on both the lunch and dinner menus. Their famous Cubano sandwich and Cosecha Burger are favorites among the lunch crowd.

The dinner selections include fresh, local scallops with a carrot and saffron puree, broccolini, and a warm chorizo vinaigrette. Matt’s favorite, the Mojo Chicken, is a bone-in and roasted half section, topped with charred scallion vinaigrette and served alongside a congri (rice and beans) Cubano.

In addition to the standard menu offerings, there are weekly specials utilizing fresh in-season products. Known for serving up some of the best paella around, La Cosecha offers three different options – chicken, seafood, and a mix of both – of this best-seller.

Local wine, beer, and craft cocktails

“This restaurant, even before we took over, has strong, long-standing relationships with many of the core wineries and breweries in the area,” Eric said. “And, when it comes to craft cocktails – from the ingredients, to how we’re producing syrups, to how we’re actually building the drinks from the ground up, we are second to none.”

Along with the food menus, the team at La Cosecha makes a few seasonal changes to the offerings cocktail offerings, featuring available products, whether herbs, fruits, or vegetables.

“We like to keep things interesting,” Eric said. “When you come back for the second or third time to have a meal with us, you’re likely to see an entirely different menu, cocktail-wise and maybe food-wise, too, depending on the season. It’s fun, adventurous, and keeps people engaged.”

Sangria hour and coffee after dark

Stop by La Cosecha for Sangria Hour, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. daily. Featuring sangria and a select group of small plates, the theme is Spanish-centric and wine-country-friendly.

Coffee After Dark, offered from 8:30 p.m. until close, carries the trend of expressive martinis paired with a selection of house desserts.

“What we’re delivering in both of these periods is not only extremely special but also of extreme value,” Matt said. “It’s just another way for us to encourage people to stop by, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy some great food and drinks in downtown Paso Robles.”

La Cosecha Bar & Restaurant is located at 835 12th St. Ste A, across from the Downtown City Park, in Paso Robles. Open Wednesday through Sunday. For hours and more information visit lacosechabr.com, call (805) 237-0019, or follow them on social media for the latest news and events.

—Megan Friberg