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

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    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. Apple Annie's

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    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
  • 3. Belgian Waffle Works

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    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
  • 4. Bert & Rocky's Cream Company

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    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
  • 5. Himalayan Restaurant

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    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
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro

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    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
  • 7. Vince's Spaghetti Route 66

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    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
  • 8. Wilshire’s Apple Shed

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    This café and cider-tasting room is about as charming as it gets, with a wraparound porch, rocking chairs, and views of Wilshire Peak. In winter, cozy up by the fire with a hot caramel apple latte, or linger longer for wood-fired pizza topped with pulled pork, apple slices, and mozzarella. Other eats include quiche, sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The “Shed” is also home to the Mercantile gift shop and the Oak Glen Tobacconist where you can light up the night.

    11925 Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, California, 92399, USA
    909-790–3322

    Known For

    • Local hard ciders and fresh pastries
    • Country atmosphere
    • Wood-burning pizza oven

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner

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