The Sow's Ear, located on Main Street in Cambria, CA, is a culinary gem that beautifully combines upscale comfort food with a cozy ambiance. Patrons rave about the delightful atmosphere, often comparing it to an elegant cabin adorned with charming pig ceramics and a warm fireplace. The uniqueness of the restaurant is not just in its decor, but also in its distinctive offerings, such as the 'Flower Pot' bread served warm in individual clay pots, which has become a customer favorite.
Reviewers have consistently praised the standout dishes, such as the Lobster Pot Pie, praised for its generous portions and flaky pastry, and the Rack of Lamb, often described as the best they've ever tasted. Guests appreciate the impressive wine list and expertly prepared meals, with highlights including the apricot chicken and top sirloin with lobster glaze. Service also garners accolades, with staff being noted for their attentiveness and professionalism, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Despite being known for its somewhat snug seating, The Sow's Ear remains a must-visit for those seeking exquisite food and a warm atmosphere. Whether you're indulging in calamari or considering dessert, diners leave feeling satisfied and eager to return for another memorable experience.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Photos
Reviews For The Sow's Ear
casey pearsall
Jun 10,2025
Mu husband and I came here for dinner after touring Hearst Castle. The ambience was perfect. We sat next to the fire place and I had a glass of wine. Our server, Kayla, was wonderful! The little pots of bread were a unique touch. We started with the calamari. It was very fresh and the 3 dips were all great. I had the lobster potpie with mashed potatoes and veggies. Everything about this meal was delicious. The potpie had so much lobster in it. The pastry on top was light and buttery. My husband had the fisherman's stew. He refused to share because it was so good. This place was top notch with fantastic service all around.
Jackie Mark
May 30,2025
Great food and great service. We ordered the apricot chicken and pork loin. Both were so good! Great flavor, appreciated the moderate portion, and the huge wine list was impressive. I highly recommend coming here.
Lesley Bourdet
May 26,2025
This small restaurant is located in Cambria's quaint downtown strip. We walked in on a Saturday Night around 7 PM with a line of people waiting in the waiting area, however, since we only had a party of 2, we were immediately sat. The ambiance gave a kind of upscale cabin vibe, with white tablecloths, and a center fireplace the the tables were situated around and pig trinkets/ceramics lining the upper shelf that runs on the perimeter wall. Our waiter was very professional and attentive and the food was very good - perfectly cooked, super tasty and adequately priced for an upscale "Fancy" dinner. The menu consist of upscale comfort type food (Clam Chowder, Chicken Fried Steak, Lobster corn dogs, Pork Chops, Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon, Etc). They serve "Flower Pot" bread with each dinner, which is brown and white bread baked in it's own individual clay flower pot, served warm with butter. You also get a choice of salad or soup with your dinner. Their special the night we went was a Surf & Turf: Lobster Tail and Filet Mignon for 69.95. They also have an assortment of great looking desserts. We will definitely be back to the Sow's Ear next time we are in Cambria!
Richele Grumley
May 9,2025
I came for the Rack of Lamb. No reservations in saying the best Lamb of my life. From gravy to Mint jelly (which was wonderful; I liked it better than Trader Vic’s) to the ultimate mud pie with French press coffee to the wine, worth every single penny. Let’s not forget the Flower pot bread bowl. Nutty and delicious! Impeccable service!! A little “cozy” euphemism for tight seating is the only reason for not giving 5 stars in the atmosphere category. If you like lamb, do it for yourself. Superb I CHOSE to order the extra delights, like the wine, coffee and dessert. No regrets whatsoever. Thank you so much for the lovely experience and fantastic food, Staff at Sow’s Ear
John Bigger
May 6,2025
Love this place. The food was excellent. My wife and I both had the special top sirloin with a lobster meat glaze, mashed potatoes, and veggies. It's a pretty simple dish with a fabulous flavor. The steaks were cooked perfectly. And don't forget the bread pots, the bread is hit everytime. Inside the restaurant is a little tight but cozy. Been going here for years, it didn't disappoint.
Steve Neill
Apr 12,2025
No spoilers here.. we had the shrimp scampi and the coffee crusted Kobe sirloin... both outstanding!! Hence the photo evidence lol... slainte *Update: We went back for seconds.. all beef dinner, delicious and great service again from Carlos
Elle H
Mar 11,2025
Had dinner here with my sisters after doing a tour at Hearst Castle. The food was superb the energy was awesome. Me and my sisters enjoyed everything we ordered. I recommend this place if you’re in this area. You won’t be disappointed.
Ruthi Cragoe
Mar 9,2025
This place was the perfect place for our anniversary dinner! The waiter made great suggestions!
Reviews For The Sow's Ear