The Best Places to Eat in Mendocino
Calling all food connoisseurs! Nothing brings you closer to the local culture of a new vacation destination quite like indulging in the gourmet cuisine. On your vacation to Northern California, you’ll discover an assortment of Mendocino restaurants to enjoy. From casual cafes to upscale dining establishments, indulge in palate-pleasing plates from these exceptional eateries. Whether you’ve delighted in our fantastic food scene before or it’s your first time visiting, reserving a table at one of these restaurants will make a savory addition to your getaway.
If you’re having trouble deciding on what to do, request a copy of our complimentary Vacation Guide to discover more culinary, cutural, and historical places in Mendocino on your vacation with Sea Rock Inn!
Mendocino Restaurants & More
When you visit one of the Mendocino restaurants, you’ll discover how laidback our local culture is. Each of these dining establishments does not enforce a strict dress code, offers ocean view dining, and exudes an inviting atmosphere. If you wish to plan the perfect date night or an indulgent culinary getaway, consult our Vacation Guide (link above) and review our following list of the best places to eat!
Your Mendocino Restaurant Itinerary
Before enjoying a foodie’s trip to the many Mendocino restaurants, begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Sea Rock Inn. You’ll enjoy a wonderful meal with breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the mystical Mendocino fog from our breakfast room!
Day One: In the Neighborhood
For lunch, pick up picnic supplies at the Mendocino Bakery and Café, wine from the Wine Shop, and cookies from Garden Bakery. If you’re not sure where to lay your blanket, we suggest going to Noyo Headlands Park and select a spot along the bluffs. After your meal, stroll the many village streets, and grab an espresso at the GoodLife Cafe and Bakery. For dinner, reserve your table at Café Beaujolais, one of our favorite Mendocino restaurants.
Day Two: Touring Anderson Valley
Take the MendoWine Tour to sample vino and take guided experiences at notable area wineries. This exclusive wine lover’s experience includes gourmet picnic lunch made by MacCallum House Chef. After your wonderful wine tasting, make your way to Patterson’s Pub for an artfully prepared cocktail, a craft beer, and a hearty meal. You can also indulge in a gourmet dinner at the Moose Café!
Day Three: Venturing to the North
For a mid-morning treat, head the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Spend your day exploring the natural allure of this beloved destination, then visit Haron’s by the Sea for lunch. When you arrive, ask for a table on the deck and indulge in Northern Italian seafood with a panoramic view!
Day Four: Exploring the South
Drive along Highway 1 to Elk and poke around this charming seaside hamlet. You’ll have the chance to enjoy cocktails at Albion River Inn or Little River Inn with views of the Pacific. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the final day of your culinary tour of Mendocino!
Recommended Mendocino Restaurants
Cafe Beaujolais
Fine Dining $$$
707-937-5614
Flow
Organic Fresh Food and Full Bar $$
707-937-3569
Frankie’s Pizza and Ice Cream
Mix $
707-937-2436
Grey Whale Bar & Café
California $$
707-937-6759
MacCallum House Restaurant
Fine Dining $$$
707-937-6759
Mendo Burgers
American $
707-937-1111
Mendocino Cafe
International $$
707-937-6141
Mendocino Hotel and Restaurant
Fine Dining $$$
707-937-0511
Patterson’s Pub
Pub Food $$
707-937-4782
Ravens’
Vegan $$$
707-937-5615
Trillium Café
Modern California Cuisine $$$
707-937-3200
Albion Restaurants
Albion River Inn and Restaurant
Fine Dining $$$
707-937-1919
Ledford House
Fine Dining $$
707-937-0282
Little River Restaurants
Little River Inn
Fine Dining $$$
707-937-5942
Wild Fish
Fine Dining $$$
707-937-3055
Mendocino Beer & Wine Tasting
Are you planning a Mendocino wine country getaway? We recommend booking our Mendocino Wine Tour package for a marvelous day touring Mendocino’s wineries!
For the best craft brewery on the Pacific coast, visit North Coast Brewing. This brewing company maintains over 70 awards in national and international tasting competitions and has been named “One of the Ten Best Breweries in the World” by the Beverage Testing Institute. Visit the inviting Brewery Taproom to enjoy a range of choices, from pub fare to fine dining, each of which is paired with award-winning brews. If you enjoy live music, visit every Friday and Saturday in the Sequoia Room!
Food Festivals For Your Enjoyment
Throughout the year, Mendocino is the scenic backdrop for an array of food & wine events to attend. Each of these culinary centric festivals showcases local delicacies, wonderful wines, and an assortment of gourmet delights. Some of our favorite celebrations include:
- Mendocino Crab, Wine and Beer Festival | January
- Winesong Weekend | September
- Mendocino Abalone Festival | October
- Mendocino Mushroom, Wine, and Beer Festival | November