When guests step into Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria, they’re welcomed into a world that feels both globally inspired and warmly familiar. The air is fragrant with spices from far-off lands, the tables often cradled by gardens and sunlight, and the service is thoughtfully attentive—just as Shanny Covey, the owner of several restaurants in SLO (San Luis Obispo County), envisioned.

“We want them to feel really cared for—in the environment that they’re in, in the service that they receive, and the freshness of their food,” says Shanny. “We hear that time and time again from guests, so we know they’re getting that.”

A strong commitment to California Grown produce and ingredients and this feeling of being looked after is the heartbeat of the Blue Mango Group, the restaurant family founded by Covey that includes Robin’s, Novo, and Luna Red—each a distinctive culinary experience tied together by a shared philosophy: fresh, vibrant flavors served in beautifully curated spaces.

“We focus on fresh, seasonal vegetables and produce. What they all share is that they really speak to our love of great cuisine — fresh, flavorful cuisine,” she adds.

Robin’s: A Cambria Classic with Global Soul

Tucked along California’s Central Coast, Robin’s has been a favorite for travelers exploring Highway 1 and locals alike since its opening in 1985. Known for its internationally influenced menu—think curries, house-smoked salmon, and globally inspired small plates—it’s a reflection of Shanny’s passion for diverse flavors and seasonal California ingredients.

The restaurant’s garden patio is something of a local legend. Whether bathed in morning light or draped in evening twinkle lights, it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and enjoy the moment. It’s no surprise that guests come back again and again, drawn to a place that feels equal parts faraway journey and hometown retreat.

Novo: Global Cuisine with a San Luis Obispo River View

Novo, located in downtown San Luis Obispo, continues the Blue Mango Group’s international approach but adds a uniquely urban flair. Nestled along San Luis Obispo Creek, the creekside patio is a destination in itself—a rare riverside setting in the heart of the city.

Like Robin’s, Novo blends international flavors with a deep respect for local sourcing. The result is a menu that’s both adventurous and grounded—perfect for long, meandering dinners or breezy lunches. The setting invites conversation, connection, and the kind of dining that makes you lose track of time.

Luna Red: Bold Flavors Meet Mediterranean-Latin Fusion

The newest addition to the group—though it’s now over 15 years old—Luna Red is where Shanny’s culinary creativity stretches in a different direction.

“Luna Red’s focus is a different menu, a different style. It’s more Mediterranean, Latin flavors,” Shanny explains.

That means vibrant paellas, tapas, and cocktails that nod to global traditions while embracing California’s coastal bounty. Luna Red also shares its siblings’ commitment to beautiful outdoor spaces—its patio is both lively and intimate, inviting guests to linger over small plates and conversation.

Locally Sourced, Seasonally Driven Restaurants in SLO

What unites all three restaurants in SLO behind the scenes is a strong commitment to California Grown produce and ingredients. From heirloom tomatoes and sweet strawberries to local seafood and grass-fed meats, the menus shift with the seasons and showcase the best the Central Coast has to offer.

Shanny and her team work closely with nearby farms and purveyors, often sourcing directly from growers in San Luis Obispo County, the Santa Ynez Valley, and beyond. This not only ensures peak flavor and freshness—it also supports the region’s vibrant agricultural community.

“We go to the farmer’s market and load up. It’s very inspiring. We love using fresh vegetables and  seasonal vegetables and fruit and we get as much of it locally as possible…We’re very passionate about it.” 

A Toast to Local Wines

Of course, no Central Coast dining experience would be complete without wine, and the Blue Mango Group leans deeply into its backyard bounty. Each of their restaurants in SLO features a carefully curated list of local wines, highlighting nearby appellations like Paso Robles, Edna Valley, and Santa Barbara County.

“We do focus our wines on the coast because California is one of the top wine producing areas in the world, so it makes sense that we have such a variety of wonderful wines here from small and large wineries. Our wine menu is about 90% California wines,” she informs. 

Whether it’s a crisp Albariño with ceviche at Luna Red, a bold Syrah alongside lamb at Robin’s, or a Pinot Noir sipped under the sycamores at Novo, the wine lists are a love letter to the Central Coast’s dynamic viticultural landscape.

A Shared Vision, Three Unique Destinations

While each of the Blue Mango Group’s restaurants offers something distinct, they’re united by a core desire: to create spaces that nourish—through food, setting, and service.

“We want people to feel cared for,” Shanny reiterates, “and that’s really important to me.”

In a world that often moves too fast, the restaurants of the Blue Mango Group offer a pause—a place where comfort meets curiosity, and every meal feels a little like coming home.

Taste the Central Coast at Its Best

From garden patios to creekside tables, globally inspired dishes to locally grown ingredients, Robin’s, Novo, and Luna Red embody the heart of California dining—thoughtful, seasonal, and soul-satisfying.

Ready to experience the Central Coast’s most beloved flavors? Your table is waiting.

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This article was written by Alison Needham, @agirl_defloured, photos by James Collier for California Grown.