Dining
 Nature’s Wisdom • 54235 Ridgeview Dr. • 951.659.4300 • natureswisdom.org“Delicious food that you feel good about eating,” is how one diner described the fare offered at Nature’s Wisdom, located in downtown Idyllwild. The restaurant offers homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and fresh juices made from organic ingredients. Many vegetarian options are offered. For dessert, be sure to try the homemade European strudels. Dog companions are welcome on the outdoor deck. Nature’s Wisdom also sells supplements and offers education in nutrition and health.
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 Jo’An’s Restaurant & Bar • 25070 Village Center Dr. • 951.659.0295Located in the heart of downtown Idyllwild, Jo’An’s serves home-style American food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. A fun and casual atmosphere, be sure to see the model train running! Live music is featured on Friday and Saturday nights. On summer weekends, you can choose to dine in the outdoor Barbecue Beer Garden, where BBQ ribs, chicken brats and foot-long hot dogs are served and live music is performed all afternoon. Canine friends welcome in the garden.
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 Idyllwild Pizza Company • 54391 Village Center Dr. (Strawberry Creek Square) • 951.659.5900Serving lunch and dinner, Idyllwild Pizza Company provides a fun and casual atmosphere for dining with family and friends. Featuring many different types of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads and 31 different beers, the restaurant also has a game arcade and sports TV. A great place to hang out, eat and have fun!
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 Café Aroma • 54750 North Circle Dr. • 951.659.5212 • cafearoma.orgCafé Aroma is known as Idyllwild’s “funnest and funkiest fine dining establishment,” and prides itself on providing a relaxed and arty social club environment. Works by talented local artists are featured as a rotating exhibit. Diners are regularly treated to live musical performances. And the food … working in tandem with some of California’s best rising culinary stars, manager Frank Ferro blends his Italian grandmother’s time-tested classic recipes with unique new ingredients. Ask about the Casey Abrams Gnocchi.
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 The Creek House • 54905 North Circle Dr. (Fern Valley) • 951.659.0686 • thecreekhouse.comOpen for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, The Creek House is Idyllwild’s classic creekside restaurant, offering fine dining and great ambiance. The new chef’s extensive menu includes steaks, seafood, pasta and more. A happy hour lounge menu is available. Dine inside near the fireplace or outdoors on the deck overlooking Strawberry Creek. Live music by local musicians is featured on Friday and Saturday nights, and weekend afternoons. One of Idyllwild’s premier locations to hold a private party or wedding.
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 Oma’s European Bakery & Restaurant • 54241 Ridgeview Dr. • 951.719.0206Serving breakfast and lunch all day long and featuring homemade soups, chili, breads, baked goods and specialty cakes and pies upon request. Featuring healthy doses of delectable organic teas and coffees. Canine friends are welcome on the outdoor patio, where local musicians perform mellow music on the weekends. Inside the restaurant is an art gallery featuring the work of local artists and a shop offering unique gifts, teas and tea accessories.
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 Restaurant Gastrognome • 54381 Ridgeview Dr. • 951.659.5055 • gastrognome.comAn Idyllwild institution since 1973, Restaurant Gastrognome — affectionately called the “’Gnome” — offers fine dining and exceptional service in a mellow atmosphere. Open at 10 a.m. daily, the extensive menu includes fresh fish, unique pasta dishes, steak, lamb (“the best I’ve ever had!” one diner wrote), homemade bread and desserts. Located in downtown Idyllwild, you can enjoy the mountain view from the deck. In winter, the fireplace enhances the ’Gnome’s tasteful and cozy ambiance.
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 Paradise Valley Cafe • 61721 Highway 74 (Anza/Garner Valley) • 951.659.3663“A great lil’ cafe to stop at on the way through the mountains,” one person said about Paradise Valley Cafe, located at the junction of highways 74 and 371. “Down home, local-owned, unexpected and fun,” said another. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, visitors rave about the friendly service and tasty food. Burger lovers, be sure to try the 1/2-pound angus beef burgers. The cafe is a popular stop for motorcyclists. Live music is often featured.
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 Mile High Cafe • 26600 Highway 243 • 951.659.2008“A great little surprise in the mountains!” raved a visitor after dining at Mile High Cafe with his family. There is something for everyone at this unique restaurant with a menu that ranges from American breakfast, burgers and steaks to Asian cuisine, including sushi, Korean barbecue and Japanese bento boxes. For extra local flavor, diners may be treated to hearing the sushi chef play lovely classical music on the piano when she has an extra moment.
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 Arriba Mexican Restaurant • 25980 Highway 243 • 951.659.4960“We love the food here and we eat a lot of Mexican,” and “We always have a special time when we come here,” are just two of the rave reviews of Arriba. Loved by diners for its authentic Mexican dishes and friendly service, Arriba is also known for its delicious omelets that are served all day. Live jazz or rock musicians perform on the deck on warm Friday and Saturday evenings.
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 La Casita • 54650 North Circle Dr. • 951.659.6038 • idyllwild-lacasita.comOpen for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week, La Casita features great Mexican dishes, including vegetarian, and also offers American fare. Known for its home-style cooking, generous portions, good value and fast and friendly service, La Casita provides a satisfying dining experience from the first dip of a warm tortilla chip in mouth-watering homemade salsa to the last bite of dessert. The outdoor deck is a relaxing spot to enjoy your meal on a warm day.
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 Hidden Village Chinese Restaurant • 25840 Cedar St. • 951.659.2712Hidden Village, Idyllwild’s only Chinese restaurant, has been called a “hidden gem” with “the best Chinese I’ve ever had.” Tucked on a side street within easy walking distance from downtown Idyllwild, Hidden Village offers an extensive Mandarin and Szechwan menu, with specialties that diners come back for time and time again. The dining room is charming, with traditional Chinese décor. Or, dine on the patio under the tall pines. The service is attentive and gracious.
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 Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe Bistro • 54254 North Circle Dr. #C8 • 951.659.WINE(9463)Locals call the Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe Bistro “The Cheers of Idyllwild.” When you drop in, everyone will know your name by the time you leave. Open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, the bistro, which specializes in wine tastings and imported beers, also serves up delicious panini, Cuban sandwiches, soups and meat/cheese/fruit platters. Located in the Village Centre Plaza in downtown Idyllwild, the Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe Bistro is a great place to relax and make new friends.
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Other local restaurants |
| Goodtimes Pub & Grill • 26245 Highway 243 |
| Little Chef in the Forest • 54710 North Circle Dr. |
| The Lumber Mill Bar & Grill • 25985 Highway 243 |
| The Red Kettle • 54220 North Circle Dr. |
| Candy Cupboard • 54250 North Circle Dr. |
| Claudine’s Ice Cream & Snack Shop |
| Country Farms • 25980 Highway 243 |
| Fairway Market • 54411 Village Center Dr. (Strawberry Creek Square) |
| Gary’s Deli • 54423 Village Center Dr. (Strawberry Creek Square) |
| Honey Bunns & Joe • 54385 North Circle Dr. #154 |
| Idyllwild Shell Cafe • Highway 243 & Ridgeview Dr. |
| Mountain Harvest Market • 54423 Village Center Dr. #3 |
| Mountain Top Liquor • 26015 Highway 243 |
| Village Market • 26000 Highway 243 |
| The Market Place at Pine Cove • Highway 243 at Pine Cove Rd. |
