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. 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
  • 2. 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
  • 3. 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
  • 4. 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
  • 5. 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
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