4 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.

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.

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.