The Best Restaurant in The Inland Empire, California

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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.

Small Barn

$$$ Fodor's choice

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.

28535 Old Town Front St., Temecula, CA, 92590, USA
951-225--2820
Known For
  • Tuesday night burger and beer specials
  • Boutique collection of high-quality wines
  • Products grown and produced in the region
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.--Thur.

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