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The 10 Best Restaurants in Idyllwild, CA

Cafe Aroma

Idyllwild, California, is a popular destination for those who enjoy the outdoors, as it is at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County. There is plenty for people to explore in Mount San Jacinto State Park and the surrounding area. While many visitors to this location spend most of their time outdoors, you will no doubt want to dine out during your stay. There are many outstanding restaurants in the area, with options to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are the 10 best restaurants in Idyllwild, CA.

The Lumber Mill Bar & Grill

10. The Lumber Mill Bar & Grill

Although there are many options on the menu at The Lumber Mill Bar & Grill, it is best known for its gourmet burgers. There are more than 20 different burger options on the menu, including a 5.5-pound giant burger called The Paul Bunyon that is free if you can eat it in under 45 minutes. There is a lively atmosphere at this casual restaurant, and there is a full bar and live music.

Idyllwild Pizza Company

9. Idyllwild Pizza Company

Indigo Buffalo Cabins says that the best pizza in Idyllwild is at the Idyllwild Pizza Company, which has served handcrafted pizzas since the early 90s. The pizza topping options are vast, and there are also some other dishes on the menu to please those in your party who are not pizza fans. It is a family-friendly venue with a welcoming atmosphere, and there is a huge television that usually has football or other sports events playing.

Mile High Cafe

8. Mile High Café

While there are many American and Italian options in Idyllwild, there are fewer examples of restaurants serving Asian cuisines. However, the Mile High Café is a popular option for fans of Korean food. The menu is mostly Korean-inspired dishes, such as bibimbap and galbi, but there are also American options on the menu.

Idyllwild Brewpub

7. Idyllwild Brew Pub

Visitors to Idyllwild tend to get up early to explore the area and retire early so they can make an early start the next day. Therefore, many of the restaurants and bars close early in this area. If you are a night owl who likes to stay out late, then one of the best places to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a few drinks is at the Idyllwild Brew Pub, which is open until the early hours. They serve typical pub grub, such as chili dogs and fish and chips. There is both indoor and outdoor seating.

Tommy's Kitchen

6. Tommy’s Kitchen

If you are heading out for a day of exploring the outdoors, then breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The Infatuation says that the best restaurant in Idyllwild, CA, for breakfast is Tommy’s Kitchen. It is just a few minutes on foot from downtown Idyllwild, and there are some excellent breakfast items on the menu, including Swiss rostis and omelets. In warmer weather, there is the option to eat your breakfast out on the patio.

Ferro

5. Ferro

Frank Ferro is the namesake owner of this Italian restaurant in Idyllwild. The restaurant has a large menu of steaks, seafood, pizzas, and pasta dishes. All the food is made from scratch on the premises, and the pizzas are baked in a pizza oven on the back deck, which is also a popular summer hangout. There is an excellent dessert menu, and the wine list is extensive. Ferro has a cozy interior with options to sit at the table or at the bar on stools.

Idyology

4. Idyology

Idyology is a great venue to combine a delicious meal with a fun vibe and entertainment. Idyology is a rustic country bar and restaurant in Idyllwild that is known as a venue for live bands. It also has an excellent reputation for its food that extends to when the restaurant was previously the Chart House. The food on the menu is hearty and predominantly consists of chicken, beef, and vegetable dishes. It also has an extensive cocktail menu.

3. Plant Food Supper Club Café

**PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Chef-owner Kelly Johnston-Gibson started the Plant Food Supper Club in 2013, and it was originally a monthly event. Now, there is a permanent restaurant with a large kitchen. As its name suggests, it is a vegan restaurant that makes stunning dishes with perfectly prepared local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the menu boasts salads, burgers, sandwiches, bowls, and specials. On Sundays, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet between 11 am and 4 pm.

Restaurant Gastrognome

2. Restaurant Gastrognome

Restaurant Gastrognome is a high-end new American restaurant that was established in 1973. It is owned by restaurateur Edmund Yang, who has previously owned five other restaurants. When he took over the restaurant in 2016, he retained the existing menu as the regulars begged him not to make any changes as they did not want to see their favorite dishes disappearing from the menu. The menu predominantly consists of steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes, although there are specialties such as eggs benedict and beef Thai pasta. There are also some excellent vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. One change that Yang made when he took over the restaurant was expanding the existing wine list to feature more Californian wines.

Cafe Aroma

1. Café Aroma

According to Palm Springs Life, the best restaurant in Idyllwild, CA, is Café Aroma. It has a menu of Italian and French fusion cuisine, including pasta, steaks, and seafood options. It is known for being a venue with live music, and it hosts various events throughout the year. It is owned by restaurateur Robert Garcia, who also owns the nearby La Casita Mexican Restaurant. He bought the property from the former owner after the Cranston Fire, as he did not want to see the popular restaurant close. There is a full bar and both indoor and outdoor seating. Cafe Aroma is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Dana Hanson

Written by Dana Hanson

Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology.

Read more posts by Dana Hanson

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