ABOUT

A passion for fine food and wine

In 2009, chef Santos MacDonal and his wife, Carole, opened Il Cortile Ristorante, a fine dining Italian restaurant in downtown Paso Robles. Il Cortile — the name is Italian for “The Courtyard” — features from-scratch dishes such as housemade pastas, braised osso bucco and grilled seafood.

SANTOS MACDONAL
EXECUTIVE CHEF

Santos MacDonal began his career in the highly acclaimed Italian Restaurant, “Giorgio” in Malibu California, mentored by Chef Giorgio Baldi. He has since worked at many great restaurants in Los Angeles including Via Veneto, Locanda del Lago, Koi, La Sosta and more. He worked his way to Executive Chef at Bridge Restaurant and L’Angolo Cafe in Los Angeles.

Santos’ philosophy is to use the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever available to create interesting and delicious dishes. He is constantly challenging himself to create new and tasty dishes that reflect what is available at any given time.

At Il Cortile Ristorante, Santos’ pastas and sauces are homemade and his dishes are created in such a way that the pasta becomes “involved” with the sauce, not just as an accompaniment, which creates a terrific dish. His seafood and meat dishes are expertly prepared as he oversees every dish that leaves the kitchen.

CAROLE MACDONAL
RESTAURANTEUR / SOMMELIER / PRODUCER / WRITER

Carole MacDonal has enjoyed an exciting career as a Producer and a published Writer in Hollywood with credits in both television and film, including “the Amazing Race”, “the Biggest Loser” and independent films. But her passion for food and wine led her, along with her husband, Executive Chef Santos MacDonal to Paso Robles, California where they opened Il Cortile Ristorante, one of Paso Robles most popular restaurants.

Her experience in running productions was an easy fit when it came to running the business side of the restaurant and her vast knowledge of fine dining led her to the front of the house at Il Cortile.

With a passion for wine as well, Carole became a Sommelier and expanded her knowledge of wines. She designed the wine list to complement the menus Santos has created. Carole looks for exquisite wines from both the Paso Robles area along with the finest selections from Italy, Spain and a touch of France.

WHEN & WHERE

WHERE

608 12th St.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
805.226.0300

DIRECTIONS >

WHEN

Regular Dining Hours:
Wednesday - Thursday 5-10pm
Friday - Sunday 5-11pm

Closed Monday and Tuesday

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