Lure Fish House brings fresh flavors to downtown San Luis Obispo
Lure Fish House has opened its doors in downtown San Luis Obispo, the latest venture from the Cortina family. They offer an authentic coastal dining experience rooted in quality, sustainability and decades of restaurant expertise.
Owned by David Cortina and managed by his sons-in-law Matt Rek, Kyle Zuvela and Peyton Strait, Lure Fish House showcases a menu bursting with fresh seafood.
Dishes such as Pacific Rockfish and Morro Bay Oysters highlight the restaurant’s commitment to using responsibly sourced ingredients. Cortina shares a deep connection to the area.
“Everyone in the family is super excited about San Luis Obispo,” he said. “We’ll probably end up getting a place up here, and love the town. The place is entirely run by locals, and we couldn’t just be more excited about living here.”
Cortina’s journey into the world of seafood began early. At just 17, he worked as an oyster bartender in Malibu, a role that sparked a lifelong fascination with oyster bars.
Despite spending over 25 years in the restaurant business, it wasn’t until 2010 that he returned to his true passion by opening the first Lure Fish House in Camarillo. Today, with seven locations under his belt, his evolution from a young bartender to a seasoned restaurateur is evident in every detail of his latest establishment.
The decision to expand into SLO was influenced by both personal connections and practical considerations. Growing up, Cortina was drawn to Central California through frequent visits and college friends who spoke highly of the region.
The area’s proximity to one of the best local fisheries made it an ideal spot to offer seafood that is as fresh as it is flavorful. In Cortina’s own words, the ability to serve seafood “right out of the water” played a significant role in choosing SLO as the newest location.
Strait, the restaurant’s director of procurement, maintains the high standards set by the Cortina family. Responsible for overseeing menu development and forging strong relationships with local vendors, Strait ensures that every dish reflects the season’s best offerings.
“I’m also the person who’s the main point of contact with all the vendors, which really helps me, helps us source local produce and high-quality seafood for everyone to enjoy,” Strait said.
His close collaboration with local suppliers not only guarantees the freshness of the ingredients but also reinforces the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and community support.
With its rich history, passion for quality seafood and commitment to local and sustainable practices, Lure Fish House has joined the San Luis Obispo dining scene.
