restarants between Guala and Mendocino
 

Can anyone recommend places for dinner between the Whale Watch Inn in Gualala and Mendocino? Hate to drive the hour to Mendocino if there are good places closer to WWI. Thanks!

Why are you driving to Mendocino for dinner? (just curious) In Gualala there is Pangea and St.Orres if you want a nice meal. I think it is longer than an
hour to Mendocino.
R5

I might add that I have read raves about Mendocino restaurants in which I have eaten and did not rave.

We stayed at the Whale Watch Inn in Anchor Bay in Feb. (loved it!) and ate at the little Fish Rock Cafe in Anchor Bay (adequate, simple, good) and I think the other place we ate was the Oceansong (seafood) in Gualala. The view from the Oceansong of the sunset was lovely and the food was very good. The waitress was a little cranky at first (we didn't have reservations) but she warmed up eventually and we really enjoyed our meal. The table behind us had a complaint about their entree and the owner came out personally and talked to them and was very gracious and replaced their meal for them. St. Orres is an interesting looking place, onion domes and all.

The restaurant at the Sea Ranch Lodge is quite good, especially if you like clam chowder. My husband loves it, and he says theirs was the best he's ever had.

in snswer to your question, Razzledazzle, our destination was Mendocino for 2 days. I found the WWI on the internet and thought it looked like an adventure. Not knowing it was a good hr. south of Mendocino, I wondered how often we would acturally go to Mendocino and what would be available near WWI. Any thoughts to a good itinary? I thought the Ross ranch horseback riding looked fun. Thanks!!

When we were there I thought the Gualala River activities looked interesting, but it was Feb. and too cold for river fun. Take a look at this website: http://www.adventurerents.com/river.html

When I stayed at the Whale Watch, we ate at St. Orres, and I never thought any place I ate in Mendocino was as good or as atmospheric.

I never made it to Pangaea, but I remember hearing and reading very glowing things about it while I lived just to the south in Sonoma County.

So I think you probably don't need to leave Gualala at all. In terms of places in between Gualala and Mendocino, I've read lots of strong recommendations of the Albion River Inn, and I am familiar with their location and know it to be very scenic, but I never got there either.

Frankly, the Whale Watch is such an attractive property that I doubt you will want to spend too much time away from it while there. It seems to me, although we did not take advantage of it and I may be mistaken, that they offered an arrangement where they would bring in a dinner to you and serve it at a table in their common area, which has a spectacular view, or in your room. But I'm not sure of this. Maybe I'm just remembering that they would bring you the breakfast they serve in the common area rather than in your room if you preferred. Ask them.

It's a small inn and the hostess was very solicitous. It was some years ago that we stayed there, but I hope this level of service has not changed. I remember that upon arrival, the hostess gave us each a glass of wine and sat down with us to discuss our stay, going over dining and recreational choices in the area as well as the amenities of the inn, including candid advice about a couple restaurants in Gualala to definitely avoid.

When we stayed there, they brought the breakfast to our room in a basket. In the closet there was a small table and two chairs, but we ate outside on the deck.

gualala has a little place, not fancy, but very charming and reasonable, called Bridget Dolan's Pub. Very good food.

jtwiss:
As others have testified the Whale watch is a yummy property! If you want to venture out-perhaps a drive to Elk
and lunch at Queenies Roadhouse Cafe
(do not even consider the cafe at
Green-
wood Pier Inn)-outstanding local cafe.
Do take a moment to check out the views
at the Greenwood Pier Inn-you may plan a return trip on the spot! Continue on up to 128 and venture down into and around Boonville for some stellar wineries-Esterlina & Brutaco for starts.
Youc could also wander around Mendocino
shops and galleries for a few hours.
The only place I would consider dining
up there is the Mendo Bistro in Ft. Bragg. Closer to Gualala there is some nice hiking in the Sea Ranch (coastal access). On your way up to the Whale Watch consider a lunch at the River's
End-the MOST spectacular view of the confluence of the Russian River and the Pacific, and a sand bar full of sea lions
The food BTW is excellent-just be sure to call first to see they are open that day. What time of year is your visit here?
R5

Thanks so much for all the good advise. We leave this Fri. for SF and will be heading up the coast on Sunday. Again, all tips are so appreciated.

Gualala, Anchor Bay and Pt. Arena are your best bets for good food close by.

I've lived in the area for a while and my husband is a sous chef recouperating from a work-related injury :( ANYWAY, this part of the Mendocino coast is a hidden gem that no one ventures out to...well, only the adventurous do, actually and it's absolutely worth the journey. Pangea used to be in Pt. Arena, which I had been to years ago and loved. I always brought my out of town guests there. I don't know if it's the same owners, but it's worth it if it's the same folks. There is a great new BBQ place in town which is VERY popular. Oceansong is great for the food and the view. If you're feeling decadent stop at the Sea Ranch Lodge for a meal... I stopped by there recently (I work for a local magazine) and it seemed like a very cozy lodge atmosphere to have a meal. I've heard nothing but good things about their clam chowder and their bar menu looked great too! It's still on our fun things to do at some point list.

In Anchor Bay, Redwood Grill is THE place to eat and the grocery store next door has everything you'd need on your travels.

In Pt. Arena,there's a nice little diner called Carlini's where you might find Carla, the owner, in the kitchen wearing her hawaiian shirt and working away. Pt. Arena has a new bakery called Riptides that's open from 7:30-9:00, the cinnamon buns are EXCELLENT...and there's coffee there as well! If you're in Pt. Arena, take the time to check out the shops and go out to the pier.

I love this part of the coast... I hope more adventurous types like yourself visit more often. Since this "Spring" has been more of a winter for the merchants in the area, I'm sure they'll be glad to see you!

Have Fun!

A couple more things...The lighthouse in Pt. Arena is a must do. It is an excellent idea to take the 128 back to the 101.

Here's the main reason I decided to repost: the best way to enjoy this area is to drive at your own pace and according to the weather. It's better to pull over than to get stressed out by the pressure applied by someone who's on your tail. We tried it yesterday on our way home from Santa Rosa and it worked out much more pleasantly!!! Safe and Happy Travels!

:) terrible, I just noticed the post was from 2004!!!

Not terrible, northcoaster99.

We're renting a house nearby next month and I stumbled on this thread looking for restaurant ideas, so it's much appreciated!

Jim

Thanks, zooey91. It's good to know it wasn't all in vain!

Fodorites: Note the date of this post.