4 Best Restaurants in The Inland Empire, California

The clientele is as beautiful as the food at this intimate jazz and supper club across the street from the Mission Inn. The northern Italian cuisine is first-rate—try the penne rigate with oxtail ragù followed by the orange blossom–water panna cotta for dessert. On the last weekend of the month, jazz groups play on Friday and Saturday night.

Impressively prepared cuisine and stunning Temecula Valley views from a shaded terrace make a visit to the restaurant at Callaway winery a memorable occasion. Pomegranate pico de gallo (salsa), radish and ginger vinaigrette, and other inventive flourishes add piquancy and pep to the mostly Mediterranean dishes, which include tapas made from slow-roasted meats and fresh seafood. Try the ceviche mixto or a grass-fed burger from nearby Sage Mt. Farm, or perhaps a thick, smoked pork chop with apple chutney, paired with Callaway's Reserve Syrah or one of the California and international craft beers poured here.

After surviving three major setbacks (a fire, the pandemic, and mudslides) this family-owned restaurant, a traditional steak house with a modern twist, is now one of the best eateries in town. Classic American dishes have a Southwest-meets-Californian influence, as evidenced by the cowboy burger, steak house asada tacos, lobster mac and cheese, and salmon with honey-ginger carrots. Among the 10 “handhelds” is the top-seller “OG Burger” with your choice of shoestring or hand-cut fries or a side of onion rings. This upscale saloon draws a crowd for the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas.

Atop a hill near an old mining site, this rustic steak-and-seafood restaurant whose decor reflects the regional mining heritage provides great city views at night. Although you're here more for the view than the food (heavy on steak and prime rib), it's generally well prepared.