McPhee's Grill is in Templeton, about ten minutes south of Paso Robles on US-101, and is worth the short drive. The kitchen turns out California wine-country cooking with a strong Central Coast focus — local beef, seasonal vegetables, and an extensive list of Paso Robles and Santa Barbara wines. The flat-iron steak and the grilled fish with herb butter are dependable choices.
The room is comfortable rather than showy, and the staff are knowledgeable about the wine list without being precious about it. This is the kind of neighbourhood restaurant that visitors from larger cities often wish existed closer to home. Reservations recommended on weekends.