Novo Restaurant and Lounge

Novo Restaurant & Lounge occupies the historic Cigar Factory building in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, where the restaurant has been welcoming guests since 2003. Situated along San Luis Obispo Creek on Higuera Street, the venue blends a storied architectural backdrop — complete with original antique details and a wine cellar housing more than 2,500 bottles — with a globally inspired culinary approach that leans on locally sourced ingredients. Five distinct event spaces accommodate gatherings from intimate dinners to full restaurant buyouts. The creekside patios, including the Full Patio Buyout (up to 200 guests), the Grappolo Patio (up to 70 guests), and the Garden Brick Patio (up to 50 guests), offer open-air settings draped in lush greenery, ambient lighting, and views of the creek. The Cellar, an underground room with antique mirrors and the venue's original safe from the cigar factory era, seats up to 40 guests for more private occasions. Novo's events team coordinates partial and full buyouts of the patio or restaurant, with the kitchen offering the same globally influenced menu served during regular dining service.