17 Best Restaurants in The Inland Empire, California

This former homestead once belonging to Temecula’s first settlers, landed in the right hands with Dan and Cathy Gibson, who transformed the historic building into the most charming spot in town. As vintners and greenhouse growers, they invested 25 years toiling the fields before their hobby harvest made its way onto plates inside the little white barn. While preserving the residential scale and historic façade, the cozy dining space spills onto a corner courtyard where innovative dishes are served. Start with the broiled feta drizzled with local honey and olive oil. Other items like the foraged mushrooms and pear salad will take your tastebuds straight to the farm. You can’t go wrong with the whole sea bass or Barn Burger smothered in bacon-mayo on a Parker-House roll. Those with a sweet tooth will have a hard time choosing between butter cake and Cordillera chocolate chip cookies.

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). 

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.

This former trading post-turned auto shop-turned-church-turned-saloon finally found its purpose as Temecula’s most popular bar and restaurant. Gone are the 1960s brawls, replaced by friendly service and a scratch kitchen turning out burgers, sandwiches, and main-event entrees like cast-iron ribeye, blackened achiote pork chop, and rustic chicken with risotto. For an impressive starter, kick off with the charcuterie board made with local cheeses, breads, and meats. The industrial-style bar means business, boasting 23 ingredients in the Bloody Mary alongside beers and wines produced in Temecula. Other than ice cubes and ice cream, you won’t find anything in the freezer. All desserts are made in-house, meaning you can clean that plate of bourbon bread pudding and salted caramel ice cream knowing that the chef was behind the magic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.