When you’re on the hunt for issues to do in Mendocino that transcend the standard sightseeing, then let me take you on a culinary journey by means of a number of the finest eating places in Mendocino, California. I went on a mini meals tour of this charming coastal city and found that each chunk tells just a little story. So, seize a glass of wine (or a espresso if that’s extra your vibe) and settle in as I share my favourite eating spots
➞ Want a spot to remain? See my picks for the finest lodging in Mendocino.
The place to Eat in Mendocino
Café Beaujolais
Café Beaujolais just isn’t your typical French restaurant—it’s a pleasing shock for anybody who’s not normally a fan of French delicacies (that’d be me). Each dish right here is freakin’ scrumptious!
While you first step into the 1893 Victorian farmhouse, and when you get previous the yummy smells, you’ll instantly discover that the partitions are adorned with photographs of native purveyors and the hardworking individuals behind the scenes. This was a particular contact that warmed my coronary heart, however so did the meals.
Considered one of my absolute favorites was the pear blended inexperienced salad, which featured candied walnuts, Pt. Reyes Blue cheese, native Nye Ranch greens, pears, and a fragile champagne vin. After which got here the roasted squash agnolotti—the sage browned butter sauce paired with honey nut squash, parmigiano-reggiano, and chanterelle mushrooms had me loving each chunk.
I additionally tried the Liberty Farms duck breast, served with potato pavé, native braising greens, quince gastrique, poached quince, and a touch of Chinese language 5 spice. It’s dishes like these that make you overlook that you just weren’t a fan of French meals once you entered the restaurant.
Trillium Cafe
Subsequent on my foodie journey was the Trillium Cafe, positioned proper within the historic village heart of Mendocino. This place looks like a breath of recent air—a contemporary but inviting spot that completely embodies quintessential California delicacies. With a deal with recent seafood and regionally sourced elements, Trillium Cafe rapidly grew to become certainly one of my go-to spots.
I had the perfect smoked salmon ravioli with a zesty pesto sauce that was so memorable I couldn’t cease fascinated by it for days afterward (and sure, I even tried to recreate it at dwelling!).
Their menu additionally has favorites just like the wild caught nightly fish with a mushroom risotto, oven roasted tomato cream, roasted child carrots, broccolini and seafood bouillabaisse with prawns, fish, clams, Dungeness crab, tomato & saffron broth, crostini with rouille.
10390 Kasten St, Mendocino, CA
The Brickery
When you’re something like me, you recognize that typically the best meals are the perfect, and that’s the place The Brickery steps in. This wood-fired pizza place is tucked away behind The Ready Room, which makes it much more of a hidden gem. With an outside ordering window and a cute backyard seating space, it gives a relaxed and enjoyable eating expertise that makes you are feeling proper at dwelling.
I had the posto pizza and was blown away by the skinny crust, crispy but chewy texture that completely balanced the flavors of creme fraiche, crimson onions, calabrese pepperoni, ricotta, basil, spicy honey, and mozzarella. And let’s not overlook the child gem salad with burrata, grapefruit, almonds, and avocado—a refreshing companion to the wealthy pizza.
What actually charmed me about The Brickery was its dedication to native elements, sourcing produce from Lucky Farm, Nye Ranch, and Wavelength Farm (shout out to all of the native heroes!).
PS: They’re owned by the identical individuals as Café Beaujolais.
Fog Eater Cafe
Now, let’s speak about a spot that brings one thing just a little bit completely different to the Mendocino restaurant scene—the Fog Eater Cafe. This vegetarian gem blends the hearty recipes of the deep South with the recent plant-based flavors of Northern California.
The second you step inside, the creative inside design and comfortable ambiance make you are feeling at dwelling. And the perfect half? Practically the whole menu may be made vegan, with loads of gluten-free choices out there too. You’ll discover menu objects like a chickpea pot pie and gumbo made with vegan sausage. Even us meat lovers adore this place!
45104 Essential St, Mendocino, CA
Little River Inn Restaurant
Most individuals heading to Mendocino have heard about staying on the Little River Inn, however additionally they have a restaurant for the nights once you’re craving hearty, comforting seafood.
You’ll be able to select to eat of their cozy eating room or have your meals within the rustic bar, both approach you’re gonna get a scrumptious meal.
To kick off the meal, we began with crispy brussel sprouts tossed with parmesan and capers—an ideal appetizer that set the tone for the remainder of the night time. Then got here their clam chowder which is one thing you simply should strive—creamy, with a delicate contact of cream that accentuates the briny goodness of freshly steamed clams cooked proper of their shells. It’s top-of-the-line variations I’ve ever had!
As we moved on to the mains, the bouillabaisse loaded with a bounty of seafood and the Thai Impressed native rock cod, which was a crispy, fried entire fish, stole the present.
Terra Farm Kitchen
Terra Farm Kitchen is about in opposition to the serene backdrop of SCP Mendocino Inn and Farm, however that’s not the one factor that’s particular. Their deep reference to native purveyors and community-focused elements makes them further particular.
Don’t miss the yummy cauliflower appetizer (with a pistachio and pomegranates) and the crispy but completely seasoned brussel sprouts topped with hazelnuts. And should you’re something like me, you’ll recognize the easy but unforgettable squash salad wearing a light-weight lemon French dressing .
For the mains, they’ve some nice pizzas to select from—just like the pear and prosciutto with burrata, arugula and saba.
8211 CA-1 Lodge Constructing, Little River, CA
Good Life Cafe
Good Life Cafe is a unusual cafe that gives a scrumptious mixture of freshly baked breads and pastries which might be crafted from scratch each morning, plus some nice breakfast dishes. I actually went again twice for his or her avocado toast—sure, I do know avocado toast would possibly sound fundamental, however when it’s made with high quality elements, it turns into an absolute must-have!
Their raspberry almond scone can be a deal with (so good that I nearly had a tough time sharing), and the chile rellano omelet on particular was successful with my husband.
10483 Lansing St, Mendocino, CA
Luna Trattoria
In case you are craving a style of Italy, then Luna Trattoria is the place to go. They’ve taken their household recipes and introduced them to downtown Mendocino. Their menu has all of the Italian favorites — Linguine alla Vongole, Cioppino, Pollo Parmigiana, and so on. However, top-of-the-line issues I ate there was the lasagna.
You’ll discover the restaurant hidden down an alley, which solely provides to the expertise. The within has a heat and alluring ambiance, although we selected to sit down outdoors on their backyard patio.
955 Ukiah St, Mendocino, CA 95460
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