Eat, drink, and sleep: 

Where to eat in Solvang

Any discussion of Solvang’s new guard has to start with Peasants Feast. The married couple ownership duo of chef Michael Cherney and general manager Sarah Cherney opened their dream restaurant at perhaps the worst possible time in recent history, April 1, 2020. But against all odds, they succeeded, and a visit to Peasants Feast immediately clarifies how they did—the food is spectacular, and the place is charming as hell. The daytime menu is devoted to sandwiches, with a few tacos, salads, appetizers, and a rotating specials board using fresh ingredients. They lean on interesting riffs on classics like Pastrami Smoked Salmon or Solvang Hot Chicken, and if you happen to catch a sandwich or taco made with local fish, don’t skip it.

Earlier this year, they introduced a dinner menu, which more than lives up to the lofty standard set by their lunch menu. Dishes are more composed and refined, but the energy remains California casual, friendly, and approachable. The menu shifts all the time, but early highlights include mainstays like a Pork Chop Schnitzel and an unorthodox and delicious Sunflower Seed Risotto.

But Peasant’s Feast isn’t the only excellent restaurant in town. Another pandemic opening has been pushing the scene forward: the modern Central Coast-style steakhouse Coast Range. Anything from their excellent grill is worth a try, and all of the steakhouse classics are well-executed, but don’t overlook their more adventurous and often rotating sides and appetizers. The Fritto Misto comes with Thai Chili Sauce and Furikake Aioli, the Creamed Corn comes with Jalapeño and Cotija, and the Ahi Tuna Crudo gets a hit of habanero mixed in with Yuzu Kosho. The attached Vaquero Bar is a treat, too, with a cocktail list divided into sections of takes on classics like Negronis, Mules, Martinis, Sours, and more.