Estrella Restaurant sits right in the heart of downtown Paso Robles with views of the park gazebo from its dining area. The menu pulls from Modern Latin influences—you’ll find dishes inspired by Spain, the Caribbean, South America, and Mexico, all thoughtfully plated and genuinely flavorful. We went on a Saturday evening and watched the sun hit the gazebo while eating ceviche that actually tasted like someone knew what they were doing. The wine list leans into local Paso Robles producers, which makes sense given where you are.

The front patio is where dogs are welcome, and it’s a nice setup—you’re still part of the restaurant’s energy without being crammed inside. Our dog got water without us asking, and the servers navigated around him easily when bringing plates. The patio has some shade and feels connected to the downtown area, so you can watch people walking by on the street while you eat.

Parking downtown can be tight on busy weekends, but we found a spot a block away without much trouble. The restaurant itself isn’t massive, so it fills up during peak dinner hours. If you’re planning to bring your dog and want to eat during prime time (which is when the patio atmosphere is best), calling ahead to let them know you’re coming makes sense. The staff seemed genuinely unbothered by having a dog there, which in my experience isn’t always the case at nicer restaurants.

The pricing is moderate for what you’re getting—nothing cheap, but not trying to charge you downtown-tourist rates either. If you’re in Paso Robles and want something beyond standard California fare, and you’ve got your dog with you, the front patio makes for a solid evening out.