15 Best Restaurants in Lake Arrowhead, CA

Jomar Teves

Sep 8, 2022 • 14 min read

Jo_Diongzon / iStock.com

Lake Arrowhead in San Bernardino County, California, is a stunning, cozy, and welcoming place perfect for a romantic weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Plenty of outdoor recreational activities will keep you busy in this beautiful village.

A thriving destination for those who love nature, Lake Arrowhead offers great spots for hiking, backpacking, fishing, bicycling, and snow skiing during the winter.

However, one of its most underrated aspects is its food scene.

Lake Arrowhead and its surrounding areas offer great restaurants that suit any taste and budget.

From fine dining to casual eateries, here are the best restaurants in Lake Arrowhead, California:

Diane's Saddleback Grill

Located on CA-173, Diane's Saddleback Grill is a full-service restaurant and bar that serves American comfort food favorites.

Since it's located at the heart of Lake Arrowhead, it's also a premier destination where locals and visitors alike can come to relax, have a few drinks, and enjoy some great food.

The menu offers all the classic American dishes you would expect to find at a grill, such as baby back ribs, grilled burgers, gourmet chicken pot pie, and more.

The portions are large, and the prices are reasonable, making this restaurant the perfect place for a casual meal.

Diane's Saddleback Grill also hosts weddings and meetings.

The meeting area can accommodate up to 60 people, and the outdoor gazebo and patio area are perfect for hosting a larger event.

The lodge-style interiors and natural lighting give Diane's Saddleback Grill a cozy and inviting atmosphere—you'll love dining and socializing here!

Bin 189

Bin 189 is one of the best restaurants in Lake Arrowhead, California—if not the entire South California region!

This upscale eatery on CA-189 offers a truly unique dining experience with its stunning location and exquisite cuisine.

It's located on the top level of the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, providing diners with an unparalleled view of the lake and mountains.

In addition, the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows give you a front-row seat to the area's natural beauty.

The interiors are just as impressive as the view, with birch wood accents, a lounge area, and a cozy stone fireplace that will make you feel comfortable and at home.

The menu features a variety of modern American dishes with a global influence.

Some standout dishes include roasted chicken, filet mignon, and seared scallops.

The restaurant also has an impressive list of exquisite wines.

Bin 189 is run by Executive Chef Luis Martinez and his culinary team of professionals.

They're passionate about creating a memorable dining experience for every guest that steps through their doors.

Belgian Waffle Works

The trend for many restaurants in Lake Arrowhead is that they showcase their menu items and the area's breathtaking views.

Belgian Waffle Works is one of these restaurants, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a hearty breakfast while basking in the beauty of the mountains.

This breakfast and lunch restaurant on CA-189 specializes in, you guessed it, Belgian waffles!

They have a variety of flavors and toppings to choose from, so you can customize your waffle exactly to your liking.

In addition to the delicious waffles, Belgian Waffle Works also serves great breakfast classics like pancakes, pies, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, biscuits, and more.

They also have a stacked lunch menu featuring salads, soups, entrees, and waffles.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Belgian Waffle Works is one of the best restaurants to check out when in Lake Arrowhead.

Papagayos

When it comes to Mexican food, Papagayos is the go-to place in Lake Arrowhead.

This family-owned restaurant on CA0189 has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine for 17 years, and its consistent quality has made them a local favorite.

Papagayos is known for its large portions and reasonably priced dishes, making it the perfect place to go if you're craving quality Mexican food.

The menu features all of your favorite Mexican staples, such as tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and more.

Papagayos also has a selection of American dishes like burgers and sandwiches, fries, egg rolls, and soup, so there's something for everyone at this restaurant.

It's also hard to miss Papagayos when in town—their building has quite a unique design that features a pointed roof and a colorful exterior.

Lake Arrowhead Sports Grille

Hungry and looking for a place to watch a big sports game?

Look no further than the Lake Arrowhead Sports Grille on CA-189.

This restaurant and bar is where local and visiting sports enthusiasts come to catch the latest game while enjoying some good food and drinks.

The Lake Arrowhead Sports Grille has a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, with flat-screen TVs throughout the restaurant, so you won't miss a minute of action.

They serve American bar food classics, such as wings, burgers, fries, onion rings, and more.

And, of course, they have a fully stocked bar with all your favorite drinks.

The bright atmosphere with a tavern-like design makes it the perfect place to watch a game and have a great time with friends.

Dine in an Actual Gastropub at The Lakefront Tap Room Bar and Kitchen

Gastropubs are pubs that specialize in serving gourmet comfort food.

They are all the rage these days, and The Lakefront Tap Room Bar and Kitchen is the original and one of the best gastropubs in the area.

This place on CA-189 offers a unique dining experience, focusing on fresh, locally sourced, hand-crafted menu items, over 44 rotating taps, and a wide variety of rare cans and bottles.

Enjoy patio dining with a beautiful panoramic view of the lake while indulging in some great comfort food.

Some of their bestselling items include beer-battered fried shrimps, steakhouse fries, mini corn dogs, signature Lakefront wings, beer mac and cheese, and more.

If that's not enough, the gastropub also offers live music and events.

The Lakefront Tap Room Bar and Kitchen also hosts various events such as craft nights, holiday parties, and more.

Jetties Waterfront Kitchen + Drink

If you're bringing your family with you on your Lake Arrowhead trip, you'll want to take them to Jetties Waterfront Kitchen + Drink for a casual and fun dining experience.

Good vibes, fresh eats, and great views—that's what you can expect at this restaurant on CA-189.

They serve American comfort food classics with a twist.

Some of their unique signature dishes include Nacho Nacho Nacho, a bowl of nachos garnished with diced oven-roasted chicken, cheddar, and pico de gallo, all dredged in their signature cheese sauce.

Their take on mac and cheese is also a must-try, made with a four cheese blend and topped with their signature bread crumb toppings.

While you're enjoying your food with the drink of your choice, you can sit back and enjoy the view of Lake Arrowhead.

Jetties Waterfront Kitchen + Drink is the perfect place to enjoy some quality family time!

The Grapevine

For wine lovers out there, The Grapevine is a great spot to visit!

This wine bar on CA-189 offers great-tasting wine with awesome views of the village and nearby lake.

It's the ideal place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.

With a wide variety of wines to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect drink at The Grapevine.

If you can't decide on just one, you can order a tasting flight with four different two-ounce wines.

They also have a selection of complementary sides to accompany your wine.

Some bestselling options include bacon-wrapped dates, cheese fondue, Italian olives, nachos with spicy queso dip, and soup.

Just imagine sipping on some high-quality great-tasting wine while enjoying the stunning night view of the lake and village—it doesn't get any better than that!

Tea & Coffee Exchange

Tea & Coffee Exchange is a cafe chain offering a great selection of tea, coffee, and other drinks.

It has other California branches in Big Bear Lake and on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."

However, its scenic location sets its Lake Arrowhead branch apart from the other two.

Situated on CA-189, this cafe is in a quaint neighborhood surrounded by nature and is only a few blocks away from views of the nearby Blue Jay Bay.

It's the perfect place to take a break from all the outdoor activities and relax with a good cup of tea or coffee.

They have a wide range of hot and cold drinks, pastries, and snacks.

If you want to try something new, they have a "Tea of the Month" and a "Coffee of the Month," which features either a new drink or a special house blend every month.

The Tea & Coffee Exchange is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of joe or tea while enjoying the fresh mountain air and the tranquil surroundings.

Lake Arrowhead Brewing Co.

The climate in the mountains is perfect for brewing beer, which is why there are several craft breweries in the area.

One of the best ones is the Lake Arrowhead Brewing Co., located on Villa Way.

This nano-brewery offers a great selection of house-made beers, all brewed on-site.

Their beer menu is ever-changing, so there's always something new to try.

In addition, they have a variety of beer styles, from IPAs and stouts to pale ales and wheat beers.

If you're feeling hungry, they also have a food menu with some great pub grub to go along with your beer.

Their burgers and wings are particularly popular and have a few vegetarian options.

Lake Arrowhead Brewing Co. is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing beer brewed in the mountains.

Other Restaurants Nearby

LouEddies Pizza

The nearby village of Skyforest, California, has something special for pizza lovers—LouEddies Pizza, a great spot for fire-roasted artisan pizza.

Located just two miles south of downtown Lake Arrowhead, this pizzeria is known for its wood-fired pizzas made with fresh ingredients and various unique toppings.

They have meat and vegetarian options, so there's something for everyone.

Some of their popular pizzas include the LouEddies Special, a mozzarella cheese pizza with homemade sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and caramelized onions.

Another local favorite is the Summer Delite, a vegan parmesan cheese pizza with cherry tomatoes, red onion, crushed red peppers, fresh spinach, and dredged in garlic olive oil.

They've got tons of other unique pizzas on their menu, so stop by LouEddies Pizza in Skyforest and try them!

Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub

Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub is located in Blue Jay, California, just 1.7 miles west of downtown Lake Arrowhead.

If you're into these types of food and dining atmosphere, this is the place for you.

Their menu has a great selection of classic and contemporary pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, rooties, tacos, cheesesteaks, subs, and pasta.

They also have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Whether you're looking for a classic pub meal or something a little more adventurous, Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub has something for everyone.

The Grill at Antler's Inn

Most of the time, the ambiance and atmosphere of a restaurant can be just as important as the food itself, and that's the case with The Grill at Antler's Inn.

Located in nearby Twin Peaks, about four miles southwest of downtown Lake Arrowhead, this unique-looking restaurant serves New American fare.

This means that you'll find a mix of traditional American dishes and some modern twists on classics.

The restaurant has a lodge-like setting, complete with a cozy fireplace and large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

It's the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal after a day of exploring the area.

Their menu features a selection of meats, pasta, sushi, and sashimi.

If you're looking for something lighter, they also have a great selection of salads and soups.

No matter what you're in the mood for, The Grill at Antler's Inn is sure to have something that will suit your cravings.

Stone Creek Bistro

If you're a fan of American and French cuisine, you'll definitely want to check out Stone Creek Bistro in nearby Blue Jay.

Located 2.5 miles from downtown Lake Arrowhead, it's a great spot for American and French comfort foods.

Their menu features a variety of classic and contemporary dishes that change almost daily, depending on the availability of ingredients.

This level of variety means you can expect to find something new and exciting each time you visit.

Some popular dishes include American classics such as a cheeseburger, steak frites, braised short ribs, duck fat fries, duck breast, pork belly, roast chicken, and more.

In addition, their French dishes include items such as escargot, onion soup, bouillabaisse, and more.

They also serve vegan options such as vegan curry, chili, and a vegan BLT.

No matter your dietary restrictions, Stone Creek Bistro has you covered.

The Original Cottage

Look no further than The Original Cottage in nearby Rimforest for some delicious Italian food.

As the name suggests, it's a cottage-style eatery specializing in Italian cuisine.

Their menu includes all your favorite Italian dishes, including spaghetti and meatballs, marinara, deep-fried mozzarella, Italian cobb salad, meat lasagna, and more.

They also have a great selection of pizzas, including pepperoni, classic New York-style cheese, and vegan-style pizza.

If you're looking for some Italian food during your Lake Arrowhead visit, take a short trip to The Original Cottage to satisfy your cravings—you won't be disappointed.

Final Thoughts

While Lake Arrowhead may be best known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, it's also home to great food and a selection of iconic restaurants.

There's a ton of variety in the restaurants in this quaint village—from American and French comfort foods to Italian classics.

No matter what you want to eat, you're sure to find it in Lake Arrowhead.

The next time you're in the area, make sure to check out some of the best restaurants in Lake Arrowhead, California.

Bon appetit!