There’s plenty of cute cafes and tempting restaurants in Mendocino, but which ones are worth the hype? Where can you get the best bang for your buck without falling into a tourist trap? Worry not, as we’ve got a quick list of great places curated for you. From vegan choices and gluten-free menus, to both casual and upscale dining options, we’ve got you covered so that you can relax and enjoy your dinner.
Feature Photo: @trilliumcafeandinn on Facebook
Luna Trattoria is proudly bringing big Italian flavors to Mendocino, one order of bruschetta at a time. Their extensive pasta menu is to die for, from the beloved Spaghetti al Pomodoro to the lesser-known Linguine alla Vongole with steamed clams. They also have a large section of ever-changing weekly specials, and a smaller list of homemade pastas, such as their orecchioni with butter and sage. Don’t skip dessert, as their classic Italian sweets are worth the extra buck.
10390 Kasten St, Mendocino
707.937.3200
You don’t need to be staying at the picturesque Trillium Inn to reserve a table for dinner either in their cozy dining room or outside in their heated garden patio. Try their duck confit with house-made fettuccine and pesto-beurre blanc, or get their fresh sautéed wild gulf prawns with fujikake and sticky rice. This is a great place for those with special dietary requirements, as almost everything on the menu is gluten free (including their pastas!). Make sure to grab one of their many delicious dessert options, helpfully labeled as either gluten-free or nut-free.
5200 N Hwy 1, Mendocino
707.202.9000
Attached to the Heritage House Resort & Spa is the timeless yet modern 5200 Lounge. Share some small plates like their miso deviled eggs with micro greens or their flash-fried brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup, or go for their hearty entrees like the local petrale sole with mushrooms or the chicken breast parmigiana with fettuccine. Their cocktail bar is also something to behold, with classics like a sazerac or vodka gimlet alongside some of their own original creations.
45104 Main St, Mendocino
707.456.0688
Right in the heart of Mendocino Village is the hearty Fog Eater Café, with a fully vegetarian menu that can be made almost entirely vegan or gluten-free if you so desire. They’re bringing the flavors of classic Southern dishes with vegetarian twists, like their tempeh and grits with green garlic bread or their gluten-free hush puppies with pepper jelly aioli. Finish off your meal with their beignets with jam or coffee chocolate dips, or a generous helping of strawberry rhubarb pie with coco whip.
