Best Lunch in Mendocino

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Clean Plate Club

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Between the beautiful beaches and hikes along the coastline, there’s a lot to do in the Mendocino area, and no one wants to have to stress out about lunch when they’re in the middle of a fun-filled day. Regardless of whether you want to grab something quick and keep on adventuring or sit down for a while and relax, we’ve got the perfect lunch spot for you in this curated shortlist.

Feature Photo: @mendocinocafe on Facebook

A plate of creamy pasta topped with shredded cheese and yellow squash slices is placed outdoors. The pasta is garnished with herbs and includes various ingredients like cherry tomatoes and greens. A garden and pathway are visible in the background, making it the best lunch in Mendocino.
Photo: @mendocinocafe on Facebook
 
10451 Lansing St, Mendocino

707.937.6141

With a fusion of flavors to choose from, Mendocino Café is a go-to for many in the area. For something unique, try their Thai burrito with house-made peanut sauce or their Healing Bowl with soba noodles and red miso broth. In the mood for seafood? Don’t miss out on their fan-favorite crab cake sandwich draped in creamy tartar sauce and crunchy coleslaw. If it’s a nice summer day, make sure to ask for a table outside in their adorable garden patio. 

Corn husks laid out on a wooden surface, each topped with a portion of pink masa dough containing visible dark bits, likely to be used for making tamales—the best lunch in Mendocino. The dough portions are evenly spaced on the husks, ready for wrapping.
Photo: @Garden-Bakery on Facebook
10450 Lansing St, Mendocino
707.937.3140

This little bakery is tucked away in a lush, backyard garden with plenty of outdoor seating to sip your coffee, munch on a taco, and savor the day. Like many bakeries, they offer your classic mix of traditional pastries like blueberry Danishes and cinnamon rolls, but unlike the average bakery, they also serve up fresh carnitas tacos, Chile relleno burritos and red salsa pork tamales. Garden Bakery is the perfect place for a satisfying lunch that you can take at your own pace without worrying about table service. 

A sandwich on ciabatta bread, filled with layers of deli meat, fresh lettuce, and pickles, is cut in half and placed on a white plate. The plate also holds a side of pickled red onions. Enjoy the best lunch in Mendocino against a backdrop of an outdoor setting with a wooden fence and greenery.
Photo: @good.bones.kitchen on Instagram
14957 Caspar Rd, Caspar

This casual yet classy restaurant is located in a historic California roadhouse, offering a simple yet elegant menu. All their sandwiches are served on their house-made bread, such as their flavorful pulled pork sandwich with kumquat kosho and coleslaw. For vegetarians, try their veggie sandwich with carrots, fennel and a pesto hummus. They also frequently host events and live music, so if you’re lucky, you might get some entertainment with your lunch. 

A glass of amber beer and a blue bowl filled with grilled fish, a lemon wedge, edamame, cucumber slices, and a small cup of dipping sauce are placed on a wooden surface with a body of water in the background. This delightful setup truly embodies the Best Lunch in Mendocino.
Photo: @princessseafood on Instagram
32096 North Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg 
707.962.3046

With two outdoor decks right on the waterfront, Princess Seafood boasts some incredible views to go with their equally incredible seafood. Tuna lovers simply have to get their ahi poke bowl, complete with edamame, avocado, seaweed salad and more, all atop fluffy sushi rice. Just as popular is their grilled rockfish sandwich, rubbed in their own blackening spice and served on a toasted rustic loaf. And if you head over to their fish market area, they also sell jars of marinades and sauces for you to take home. 

Two hands pull apart a grilled cheese sandwich, revealing gooey melted cheese. The background shows a beach scene with some driftwood and cliffs under a clear blue sky. It's the best lunch in Mendocino.
Photo: @elkstore on Instagram
6101 S Hwy 1, Elk
707.877.3544

For a quick grab-and-go lunch during a busy day, you can’t go wrong with Elk Store’s incredible deli. If you’re planning on a picnic on the beach or a hike along the coast, pick up a fresh caprese sandwich with basil pesto on sourdough or a veggie panini with red onions and provolone. They also have a great selection of craft beer for those craving a cold drink, and organic French roast coffee for those needing a caffeine boost. 

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For more suggestions on the best restaurants in the North Bay, the best things to do in the North Bay and the best places to stay in the North Bay, click here.
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