The Inland Empire Restaurants

Downtown Riverside is home to a few ambitious restaurants, along with the familiar chains. The college town of Claremont has creative contemporary and ethnic fare. Innovative cuisine has become the norm in Temecula, especially at winery restaurants, some of whose chefs specialize in farm-to-table cuisine. The options are more limited in the smaller mountain communities; typically, each town supports a single upscale restaurant, along with fast-food outlets, steak-and-potatoes family spots, and perhaps an Italian or Mexican eatery. Universally, dining out is casual.

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  • 1. Tropicali

    $

    Known for having the best poke bowls in California, this food-shack-turned-restaurant has a friendly, service-oriented hipster staff and dishes like smoked teriyaki chicken and Hawaiian pulled pork that blend the flavors of Tahiti, Jamaica, Hawaii, and other tropical spots. The tiki-style setting and consistently fresh food make this family-run restaurant a favorite in town, so plan to wait during high season. If you ask how sashimi-grade tuna lands in Big Bear, prepare to hear “from mystical mermaids” (it’s a secret source). 

    40616 Village Dr., Big Bear Lake, California, 92315, USA
    909-878–0499

    Known For

    • Cali-meets-tropical cuisine
    • Poke bowls made with fresh, wild-caught ahi tuna
    • Healthy food at a fair price

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
  • 2. Tutti Mangia Italian Chophouse

    $$$$

    A favorite of college students and their visiting parents, this storefront dining room has a warm and cozy feel and menu choices that include long-bone pork chops, osso buco, and pan-roasted salmon with blood-orange rosemary sauce. Bruschetta, fried calamari, truffle arancini, and other small plates, some seasonal, always entice.

    102 Harvard Ave., Claremont, California, 91711, USA
    909-625–4669

    Known For

    • Wide selection of first and second courses and sides
    • Martini and wine bar happy hour except Saturday
    • Heart-healthy, low-calorie menu items

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.; no lunch, Reservations essential
  • 3. 1909

    $$

    Superb cocktails and craft-beer samplers, a something-for-everyone menu, and the always swingin' streetside patio have made this gastropub one of Old Town's jolliest hangouts. Starters like blue corn Kobe beef hot dogs, smoked chicken wings, and crab and shrimp empanadas pair well with the drinks; standout mains include the 1909 burger (love the bacon-onion jam) and braised lamb shank. Brunch—all the usual suspects, plus peanut butter French Toast, grilled tofu and kimchi, ahi tartare, and other nouveau fare—is a mob scene on most weekends.

    28656 Front St., Temecula, California, 92590, USA
    951-619–1909

    Known For

    • Superb cocktails
    • Streetside patio
    • Popular weekend brunch
  • 4. Apple Annie's

    $

    You won't leave hungry from this country-western diner, popular with locals for its family-style seven-course dinners. Perennial favorites include the Annie deluxe burger and the beefeater melt. The decor is comfortable and rustic; Western memorabilia hangs on the walls alongside pictures of cowboys, trail wagons, and outlaws.

    38480 Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, California, 92399, USA
    909-797–2311

    Known For

    • Hefty meals
    • 5-pound apple pies
    • Comfortable, rustic decor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs., Cashless payment only; closes at 6 pm
  • 5. Belgian Waffle Works

    $

    This dockside eatery, steps from where the Lake Arrowhead Queen departs on lake excursions, is quaint and homey, with country decor and beautiful water views. Dive into a mud-pie Belgian waffle with chocolate fudge sauce or try a Belgian s'more with a marshmallow-and-chocolate sauce; burgers, pulled-pork sandwiches, tuna melts, chili, chicken dishes, and salads are among the other fare. All go well with the microbrews or a Belgian beer.

    28200 Hwy. 189, Lake Arrowhead, California, 92352, USA
    909-337–5222

    Known For

    • 18 different waffles
    • Healthy options and children's menu
    • Great lake views from outdoor patio

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
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  • 6. Bert & Rocky's Cream Company

    $

    The sinfully innovative concoctions at this local ice-cream shop include mint Oreo, blueberry-cheesecake, and the Elvis special with bananas and peanut butter. The vanilla's delightful, too.

    242 Yale Ave., Claremont, California, 91711, USA
    909-625–1852

    Known For

    • 400-plus ice-cream flavors
    • Homemade waffle cones
    • Caramel-covered apples
  • 7. Himalayan Restaurant

    $

    At this no-frills storefront restaurant, it's best to order family style so that everyone gets a taste of the many Nepalese and Indian delicacies that are offered. Favorites include the spicy mo-mo (pot stickers), daal (green lentils), lamb and shrimp-curry vindaloo, fish and chicken masala, and clay-oven-roasted tandoori meats and seafood. The aromatic teas and lemonades provide a perky contrast to your meal's savory flavors.

    672 Pine Knot Ave., Big Bear Lake, California, 92315, USA
    909-878–3068

    Known For

    • Family-style dining
    • Lamb and shrimp-curry vindaloo
    • Mango lassis and full bar
  • 8. Mario's Place

    $$$

    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.

    3646 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, California, 92501, USA
    951-684–7755

    Known For

    • Classy setting
    • Live jazz last Friday and Saturday of the month
    • First-rate northern Italian cuisine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
  • 9. Meritage Restaurant at Callaway Vineyards

    $$$

    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.

    32720 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, California, 92591, USA
    951-587–8889

    Known For

    • Stunning valley views
    • Tapas from slow-roasted meats and fresh seafood
    • Wines and craft beers

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Mon.–Thurs.
  • 10. Oak Glen Steakhouse & Saloon

    $$$

    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.

    38490 Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, California, 92399, USA
    909-797–2844

    Known For

    • Blackberry mojitos and ginger mules
    • Sunday brunch ($50)
    • Tender prime rib

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 11. Packing House Restaurant & Wine Shop

    $$

    At this shop, bar, and restaurant inside a former orange-packing house, you can purchase wines from around the world and enjoy them on-site. Throughout the day, pair your selection with seasonal small plates and specialty cheeses and, for dinner, entrées like poke tostadas with sushi-grade ahi tuna and an organic beef burger with smoked bacon, aged cheddar, and spicy tomato aioli.

    540 W. 1st St., Claremont, California, 91711, USA
    909-445–9463

    Known For

    • Admirable by-the-glass wine selection
    • Reasonable corkage fee
    • Fine stop for wine and nibbles but also for dinner

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.; no dinner Tues., Five wine tastings from $20
  • 12. Peppercorn Grille

    $$

    Filling pizzas, pastas, and steak and fish dishes make this clubby-looking restaurant a fine choice after a long day of skiing in winter or hiking in summer. Start with the signature New England clam chowder (bacon bits add a smoky touch), and follow it up with a salad with the zesty house Peppercorn Ranch dressing before moving on to a flat-iron steak. Other top selections include rack of lamb, surf n' turf, and pasta with shrimp and pasta. 

    553 Pine Knot Ave., Big Bear Lake, California, 92315, USA
    909-866–5405

    Known For

    • Dog-friendly, heated outdoor patio
    • New England clam chowder
    • Root-beer float desserts
  • 13. Pomona Valley Mining Co.

    $$$

    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.

    1777 Gillette Rd., Pomona, California, 91768, USA
    909-623–3515

    Known For

    • Authentic gold-rush memorabilia
    • Mud pie and bourbon bread pudding desserts
    • Sunday brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Sat., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 14. Public House

    $$

    A low-key gastropub inside a restored 1950s home, this Old Town spot with a sunlit patio hosts live music on weekends. A roasted 16-ounce New York steak over mashed potatoes satisfies carnivores; and the mixed arugula and quinoa with roasted red beet and goat cheese is a hit with those seeking more healthful fare. Craft beers by innovative Southern California breweries Lost Abbey and The Bruery are among the selections on tap.

    41971 Main St., Temecula, California, 92590, USA
    951-676–7305

    Known For

    • Low-key vibe
    • Diverse menu items
    • Southern California craft beers
  • 15. Restaurant Gastrognome

    $$$$

    Elegant and dimly lighted, with wood paneling, lace curtains, and an oft-glowing fireplace, "The Gnome" is where locals go for a romantic dinner. The overall feel is French, but the menu goes beyond the Gallic, with entrées such as calamari amandine, sausage pasta, and bacon-wrapped scallops and shrimp. The French onion soup always satisfies, and the roast duck with orange sauce and barbecued pork ribs are excellent as well. The crème brûlée makes for a sweet finale. For lighter dinner fare, check out the café menu.

    54381 Ridgeview Dr., Idyllwild, California, 92549, USA
    951-659–5055

    Known For

    • Romantic setting
    • French-inspired menu
    • Crème brûlée

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 16. Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro

    $

    Expect to wait in line at this little sandwich spot on the pedestrian-only shopping strip outside the Mission Inn. At lunchtime, salads, soups, and sandwiches on house-baked breads are served (sandwich standouts include the chicken-apple sausage and the roast lamb topped with baba ghanoush); pastries, eggs various ways, and French toast are breakfast highlights.

    3639 Main St., Riverside, California, 92501, USA
    951-369–6030

    Known For

    • Specialty sandwiches for lunch
    • Sunday brunch
    • Vegetarian and vegan items

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 17. The Lobby Riverside

    $$

    Innovative food and drink menus make this clubby restaurant on the historic Main Street promenade very much shaken, and not stirred. Grab a front-row seat on the patio or head inside for a table overlooking the neon bar to enjoy cocktails such as the But First, Let Me Take a Selfie (arrives with a Polaroid of you) or the Bonnie and Clyde (arrives with a flaming counterfeit $100 bill) and entrées like the short-rib melt or the honey jalapeño–glazed salmon on peanut slaw. Vegans will be pleasantly surprised with a variety of options. It’s one of the few places in Riverside open daily for dinner, with a “last call” way past midnight.

    3730 Main St., Riverside, California, 92501, USA
    951-742–5020

    Known For

    • Cocktails that are works of art
    • Vegan and vegetarian options
    • Late-night dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
  • 18. The Sycamore Inn

    $$$$

    Built in 1921, the Sycamore Inn occupies the site of a stagecoach stop on Historic Route 66. The specialty here is USDA dry-aged prime steak—portion sizes range from 8 to 22 ounces—but also on the menu are Chilean sea bass, Australian lobster tail, and Colorado rack of lamb. The wine list includes selections from the best Napa and Sonoma wineries; France, New Zealand, Australia, and South America are also well represented.

    8318 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, California, 91730, USA
    909-982–1104

    Known For

    • Dry-aged prime steak
    • International wine selection
    • Fireside dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 19. Vince's Spaghetti Route 66

    $

    A swooping yellow neon arrow points the way to this boisterous family eatery, open since 1945. The restaurant has been in the same location since 1984, and claims to serve more than 25,000 miles of spaghetti every year. The menu is limited, but the execution is reliable. The penne-like mostaccioli with meat sauce and the meatball sandwiches are excellent choices. Gluten-free pasta and bread are also available.

    8241 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, California, 91730, USA
    909-981–1003

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sat., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 20. Walter's Restaurant

    $$

    Afghan fusion is the focus at Walter’s, a restaurant still holding its original name since 1973 when owners swapped out burgers and fries for a menu of kebabs, lamb dishes, and lentil salad. The tandoori salmon with peach chutney and basmati rice is moist and flavorful, and for something familiar, you can still grab a pizza or burger. The original dining room domed in stained glass, doubled in size during the pandemic, to now offer courtyard seating and private dining spaces.

    310 N. Yale Ave., Claremont, California, 91714, USA
    909-624–4914

    Known For

    • Afghan battered fries with hot sauce
    • Live music Wednesday 6–9 and Thursday 8–9
    • Happy hour weekdays 4–7, weekends 8 am–closing

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential

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