3 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.