Lake Arrowhead is a wonderfully gorgeous four-seasons resort nestled a mile high in the San Bernardino National Forest, surrounded by tall cedars, ponderosa pines, and oaks. It is also one of the deepest man-made lakes in the United States, and since it is a private lake, it is preserved in immaculate condition.
This outdoor enthusiast’s paradise also has some fantastic dining options, with numerous restaurants in Lake Arrowhead offering views of the stunning lake or nearby mountains. Lake Arrowhead boasts a surprising variety of food choices for such a tiny community. These vary from informal pizzerias and food trucks to bistros and somewhat more upscale dining establishments. But, no matter where you lunch, the outside fresh-air atmosphere is always relaxed, laid-back, and lovely.
Our selection criteria encompass a variety of variables such as food, location, vistas, environment, service, and our entire eating experience. Let’s take a look at some of the best locations to dine, drink, and relax in this lakeside paradise.
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Lake Arrowhead, California’s Top 6 Restaurants
BIN 189
Highway 189 (909) 336-151127984
Even before customers are seated and treated to spectacularly gorgeous lake views, the inside of BIN 189, the hallmark restaurant of the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, symbolizes an ode to Mother Nature. Birch panels, tree stumps, antler chandeliers, and a comfortable stone fireplace are prominently displayed throughout the restaurant.
BIN 189 is open for breakfast, lunch, and supper and has both indoor and outdoor dining. The views are magnificent from wherever you sit.
We had the pleasure of dining here for both breakfast and supper. With Greek yogurt, oats, honey, and seasonal berries, my Morning Parfait was light and delicious. My husband, who enjoys breakfast much more than I do, chose the Buttermilk Pancakes with Mixed Berries, topped with a dab of whipped cream. A side of maple bacon was the perfect complement, and the pancakes were fluffy and delicious.
The evening offers its own distinct enchantment to Lake Arrowhead as the sun sets over the lake. The restaurant’s soft lighting creates the ideal atmosphere for a relaxing supper. Salad with Burrata Cheese and Roasted Beets was a tasty appetizer to share. A delicious Butternut Squash Ravioli with sage brown butter, smashed tomato, and basil was one of our evening meals. The Prime Rib, served with a house salad, baked potato, asparagus, and dessert, was recommended by our server. The steak was medium rare, just as asked, and melted in our mouths. Oh, and for dessert, the white chocolate cheesecake with strawberry sauce and mixed berries is a delightful treat to enjoy.
In addition to the high grade cuisine, the service here is second to none. Dining here is a must-do for anybody visiting Lake Arrowhead.
Jetties Waterfront Restaurant + Bar
Highway 189, Suite B-100 (909) 744-82692
Jetties is a charming café with magnificent dockside views that serves dishes made from scratch using the finest local ingredients (which means the menu will occasionally change).
Diners walk in and order their meal at the counter or the bar, and wait staff from the kitchen brings the dishes to the table. The restaurant is open for lunch, supper, and happy hour. From the former location, the restaurant underwent a comprehensive repair, name change, and ownership change. And as Lake Arrowhead lovers, we couldn’t be happier with the outcomes.
Jetties has an open-air, spacious ambiance, with vintage lake images adorning the walls and the hull of an old Chris-Craft boat gracing the counter that welcomes guests as they enter. There are both inside and outdoor eating choices.
Starters and shareables, fresh salads, burgers, sandwiches, and lake platters are on the menu. And the cuisine here is fantastic. Poke nachos are fantastic for sharing, but you may need a to-go box. To be honest, it’s main-entree size. This meal is made with wild caught marinated ahi, avocado, cilantro, nori, green onion, chopped cucumber, sesame seeds, sweet soy, sriracha, and wasabi aioli, and served over wonton chips. On a hot day, the poke goes well with a somewhat oaked Chardonnay.
My favorite dish was the Peach Burrata Salad, which is a must-order. It’s an incredible burst of taste and texture, made up of fresh field greens, grilled peaches, gently fried burrata cheese, pickled onions, basil, toasted almonds, and topped with a house-made vinaigrette.
Jetties is a fantastic pick for the freshest, most inventive meals and breathtaking vistas.
The Word on the Street
+1909328826228200 CA-189 C-210
Purveyors of the good things in life is the name of this wine bar, cafe, and retail shop. We refer to it as one of Lake Arrowhead’s most valuable hidden jewels. It’s also one of our favorite hangouts.
The Grapevine, located in the picturesque European-styled Lake Arrowhead Village, not only serves and sells a range of hand-selected premium wines and beers on tap, but the bar snacks here are as outstanding.
Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wine and beer enthusiasts may choose individual options or opt for a fun experience by ordering a flight. Seating is offered both inside at the bar and outdoors on the big terrace.
Choose an artisan cheese platter, charcuterie, classic cheese fondue, or other daily specialities like handmade flat-bread pizzas to complement your wine or beer.
The Grapevine also serves a soup of the day, which that day happened to be an exquisite French onion soup. We could smell it before entering the wine bar.
On your way out, don’t forget to browse The Grapevines shop for wines, olive oils, and artisan spreads and dips. Make space in your suitcase.
The Antlers Inn Grill
26125 State Highway 189 (909)336-2600
The Grill is open for supper only Wednesday through Saturday and is situated at Antlers Inn, which shares the historic 100+ year old rustic wood-beamed farmstead in Twin Peaks, Lake Arrowhead.
Reservations are strongly advised since this is one of the area’s most popular restaurants, not only for tourists but also for residents. Even a spot at the bar to eat without reservations might involve a 30-60-minute wait. On chilly days, a table beside the fireplace is great.
cabin-inspired, with massive oak beamed ceilings and a chandelier so intriguing that we had to inquire about its provenance. It’s amazing to learn that it was originally a prop on Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. It was put up for auction, and The Grills owner won! The decor is unsurprising.
The menu isn’t big, but it’s unique, and the popularity of its sushi appetizers surprised us. There are also salads and major dishes that highlight the finest of the land and sea, as well as daily specials. Caribbean Salmon is a house favorite, and I can vouch to the distinctive, innovative, and well cooked entree served with grilled banana, mango-lemon Dijon and chutney sauce, spicy sticky rice, and fresh vegetables.
The Beef Tequila Fettucine with sweet onion, roasted red peppers, and lime, served over spinach fettucine and tequila cream sauce, was a daily special that was delicious. There is also the option to substitute chicken for the beef.
We have been incredibly delighted and satisfied every time we have eaten at The Grill at Antlers Inn. Every time we come Arrowhead, we look for this wonderful area.
Diane’s Saddleback Restaurant & Bar
300 S. Highway 173 (909) 337-3113
Who can resist a peaceful 34-room rustic and historic lodge in the midst of Lake Arrowhead?
Even if you are not staying at the Saddleback Inn, you may still eat at the 1919 on-site restaurant. The standard American dish menu isn’t huge, but the meals are well crafted and delicious. It’s particularly popular among locals for its handmade meals and karaoke evenings. And it’s a Lake Arrowhead landmark that symbolizes so much of the area’s history.
The Pixley Pear Salad with fresh baby spinach, blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, candied walnuts, and a raspberry vinaigrette is our favorite way to start. Ideal for sharing. Every day, in addition to the standard entrée options, there is a special. The fish and chips here are delicious, gently battered and delivered with potatoes and coleslaw on the side. The portion is ample enough to share, including three enormous chunks of fish. Order a pint of beer and you’ll be in for a wonderful treat in a cozy, friendly setting.
Again, reservations are strongly advised since the restaurant is small in size but huge on wonderful cuisine and atmosphere.
Stone Creek Restaurant
Highway 189 (909) 337-366326824
Stone Creek Bistro, one of Lake Arrowhead’s best eating locations, opened in 2013 as an upmarket Southern California bistro with a Southern and French touch. That may seem perplexing, but you must believe that everything will work out. And it’s all really imaginative, wonderful, and tasty. One visit here for lunch or supper and you’ll realize why it’s such a popular spot in the region.
The restaurant, which is family owned and run, serves fresh fruit, locally produced dairy and meats, and house-made sweets. As a result, the menu might vary on a regular basis. Yet, there will always be a particular chef-favorite meal to eat.
We appreciate the environment, which is almost industrial rustic, and the cool alpine atmosphere this establishment exudes. The service is excellent. We loved Stone Creek’s varied food and vast wine selection (impressive for a small eatery).
Go for the Shishito pepper appetizer if it’s on the daily menu. The inventive manner in which this meal is cooked will take your breath away, both in terms of taste and how wonderfully charred the peppers are. There is usually some kind of fish or seafood entree on the menu, whether it’s snapper, salmon, scallops, shrimp, or mussels. On one of our trips, we had a delicious Thai Snapper. Leave room for dessert because Stone Creek’s made-to-order beignets are a must-try.
We can well see how this cafe gained the moniker “King of the Mountain” after eating here. That’s how fantastic it is!
One of the best things about life, according to Luciano Pavarotti, is that we must frequently stop whatever we are doing and dedicate our attention to eating.
Without a doubt, Lake Arrowhead not only makes us pause to savor the simpler life of an outdoor paradise, but the gourmet experience here in this mountain getaway adds the whipped cream to the whole experience of the good life.