If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Mendocino that go beyond the typical sightseeing, then let me take you on a culinary journey through some of the best restaurants in Mendocino, California. I went on a mini food tour of this charming coastal town and discovered that every bite tells a little story. So, grab a glass of wine (or a coffee if that’s more your vibe) and settle in as I share my favorite dining spots
➞ Need a place to stay? See my picks for the best lodging in Mendocino.
Where to Eat in Mendocino
Café Beaujolais
Café Beaujolais is not your typical French restaurant—it’s a pleasant surprise for anyone who’s not usually a fan of French cuisine (that’d be me). Every dish here is freakin’ delicious!
When you first step into the 1893 Victorian farmhouse, and once you get past the yummy smells, you’ll immediately notice that the walls are adorned with photos of local purveyors and the hardworking people behind the scenes. This was a special touch that warmed my heart, but so did the food.
One of my absolute favorites was the pear mixed green salad, which featured candied walnuts, Pt. Reyes Blue cheese, local Nye Ranch greens, pears, and a delicate champagne vin. And then came the roasted squash agnolotti—the sage browned butter sauce paired with honey nut squash, parmigiano-reggiano, and chanterelle mushrooms had me loving every bite.
I also tried the Liberty Farms duck breast, served with potato pavé, local braising greens, quince gastrique, poached quince, and a hint of Chinese five spice. It’s dishes like these that make you forget that you weren’t a fan of French food when you entered the restaurant.
Trillium Cafe
Next on my foodie adventure was the Trillium Cafe, located right in the historic village center of Mendocino. This place feels like a breath of fresh air—a modern yet inviting spot that perfectly embodies quintessential California cuisine. With a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, Trillium Cafe quickly became one of my go-to spots.
I had the best smoked salmon ravioli with a zesty pesto sauce that was so memorable I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days afterward (and yes, I even attempted to recreate it at home!).
Their menu also has favorites like the wild caught nightly fish with a mushroom risotto, oven roasted tomato cream, roasted baby carrots, broccolini and seafood bouillabaisse with prawns, fish, clams, Dungeness crab, tomato & saffron broth, crostini with rouille.
10390 Kasten St, Mendocino, CA
The Brickery
If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes the simplest meals are the best, and that’s where The Brickery steps in. This wood-fired pizza place is tucked away behind The Waiting Room, which makes it even more of a hidden gem. With an outdoor ordering window and a cute garden seating area, it offers a relaxed and fun dining experience that makes you feel right at home.
I had the posto pizza and was blown away by the thin crust, crispy yet chewy texture that perfectly balanced the flavors of creme fraiche, red onions, calabrese pepperoni, ricotta, basil, spicy honey, and mozzarella. And let’s not forget the baby gem salad with burrata, grapefruit, almonds, and avocado—a refreshing companion to the rich pizza.
What really charmed me about The Brickery was its commitment to local ingredients, sourcing produce from Fortunate Farm, Nye Ranch, and Wavelength Farm (shout out to all the local heroes!).
PS: They’re owned by the same people as Café Beaujolais.
Fog Eater Cafe
Now, let’s talk about a place that brings something a little bit different to the Mendocino restaurant scene—the Fog Eater Cafe. This vegetarian gem blends the hearty recipes of the deep South with the fresh plant-based flavors of Northern California.
The moment you step inside, the artistic interior design and cozy ambiance make you feel at home. And the best part? Nearly the entire menu can be made vegan, with plenty of gluten-free options available too. You’ll find menu items like a chickpea pot pie and gumbo made with vegan sausage. Even us meat lovers adore this place!
Little River Inn Restaurant
Most people heading to Mendocino have heard about staying at the Little River Inn, but they also have a restaurant for the nights when you’re craving hearty, comforting seafood.
You can choose to eat in their cozy dining room or have your food in the rustic bar, either way you’re gonna get a delicious meal.
To kick off the meal, we started with crispy brussel sprouts tossed with parmesan and capers—a perfect appetizer that set the tone for the rest of the night. Then came their clam chowder which is something you just have to try—creamy, with a subtle touch of cream that accentuates the briny goodness of freshly steamed clams cooked right in their shells. It’s one of the best versions I’ve ever had!
As we moved on to the mains, the bouillabaisse loaded with a bounty of seafood and the Thai Inspired local rock cod, which was a crispy, fried whole fish, stole the show.
Terra Farm Kitchen
Terra Farm Kitchen is set against the serene backdrop of SCP Mendocino Inn and Farm, but that’s not the only thing that is special. Their deep connection with local purveyors and community-focused ingredients makes them extra special.
Don’t miss the yummy cauliflower appetizer (with a pistachio and pomegranates) and the crispy yet perfectly seasoned brussel sprouts topped with hazelnuts. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the simple yet unforgettable squash salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette .
For the mains, they have some great pizzas to choose from—like the pear and prosciutto with burrata, arugula and saba.
8211 CA-1 Lodge Building, Little River, CA
Good Life Cafe
Good Life Cafe is a quirky cafe that offers a delicious mix of freshly baked breads and pastries that are crafted from scratch every morning, plus some great breakfast dishes. I literally went back twice for their avocado toast—yes, I know avocado toast might sound basic, but when it’s made with quality ingredients, it becomes an absolute must-have!
Their raspberry almond scone is also a treat (so good that I almost had a hard time sharing), and the chile rellano omelet on special was a hit with my husband.
10483 Lansing St, Mendocino, CA
Luna Trattoria
If you are craving a taste of Italy, then Luna Trattoria is the place to go. They have taken their family recipes and brought them to downtown Mendocino. Their menu has all the Italian favorites — Linguine alla Vongole, Cioppino, Pollo Parmigiana, etc. But, one of the best things I ate there was the lasagna.
You’ll find the restaurant hidden down an alley, which only adds to the experience. The inside has a warm and inviting ambiance, though we chose to sit outside on their garden patio.
955 Ukiah St, Mendocino, CA 95460
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Book Your Flight
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I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
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If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
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Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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