Owners Anna and Carmelo Rodriguez.
Satisfy your cravings at this favorite downtown hotspot
—What do you want to eat? Odyssey World Café in downtown Paso Robles has it. Every appetite is satisfied from salad, soup, and gourmet sides, tacos, stir fry bowls, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and gyros, to steak, chicken, seafood, and pasta. Owners Carmelo and Anna Rodriguez offer some of the freshest and finest food selections in town. Everything is prepared fresh under Carmelo’s guidance.
“Our menu boasts a favorite for every customer. We are proud of our grilled salmon salad and chicken piccata. Each of our taco options offers a unique not-to-be-missed salsa, and we have vegetarian options,” said Anna. “One of our new items is the blackened tofu taco, combining some of our already-loved flavors in a new way. Spicy peanut sauce, fresh pineapple, and pickled onions add the perfect balance and bite for vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike.”
Desserts are not overlooked, either, along with coffee, wine, beer, and other beverages. Odyssey is very popular for filling those mid-afternoon cravings. Downtown business leaders, shoppers, and friends often gather for dessert and coffee, or a glass of wine with a savory snack for an afternoon pick-me-up and good conversation. Locals meet at Odyssey for birthday parties, bridal showers, book groups, and business lunches, and it’s a popular spot for first dates!
Odyssey World Cafe has been a local Paso Robles favorite hotspot for lunch and dinner for close to 30 years. The spacious, inviting interior has plenty of seating and there’s street-side and patio seating for those who prefer the outdoors. Anna and Carmelo purchased the café from the founders Dawn Gregory and John Hawley, in 2021. Carmelo was already a veteran of the Odyssey team, serving as chef and kitchen manager for ten years before he and Anna took the reins.
Bringing over 20 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Carmelo continues perfecting the cafe’s diverse menu and making every item a new favorite.
“We are honored to see our treasured locals and regulars on a daily and weekly basis. I hope to have exceeded their expectations in consistency, quality, and service. I could never have anticipated how many new friends I have made these past two years,” said Anna.
Artisan food and local art
While enjoying a delicious meal and good conversation, guests have the opportunity to view work by local artists throughout the restaurant. “Our partnership with the Paso Robles Art Association is a fun way to highlight local artists while keeping our walls fresh and beautiful,” said Anna. “We enjoy watching customers peruse our gallery, and take a painting by a local artist home to their personal collection.”
The Rodriguez family’s touches on small details keep the Odyssey World Café a unique and popular restaurant. Improving the quaint back patio and increasing outdoor seating so guests can enjoy the beautiful Central Coast weather are just a few of the special touches that have been added.
“Carmelo and I both love serving quality, home-cooked meals and sharing our home with those we love. We want our children to witness the fruition of hard work and to also be active players in this family dream,” said Anna.
Odyssey World Café also provides catering. Check the website for the event schedule. Call the restaurant between 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday to discuss your catering needs (805) 237-7516.
Odyssey World Cafe is located at 1214 Pine Street in downtown Paso Robles. The café opens at 11 a.m. daily and is open until 8:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To view the menu, order online, or for more information visit odysseyworldcafe.com or call (805) 237-7516.
