Dining in Idyllwild includes a surprising array of choices from Mexican, Chinese, steak, seafood, and continental, to specialty sandwich and pie shops. Here are a few of our favorites (in order of distance from the Inn):

Caper's — (951) 659-5205. Two doors from the inn, this cozy cafe features such decadent delights as Lobster-Crab cakes, naturally raised American Angus beef, and individually crafted gourmet pastas with sauces from scratch.

Nature's Wisdom — (951) 659-4300. Owned by a certified clinical nutritionist and practitioner of Quantum Reflex Analysis, this juice bar and lunch bistro also features a reading room full of books on natural health and diet, nutritional consultations and supplements, and world famous raw foods chef and cookbook author Jordan Maerin.

The Gastrognome — (951) 659-5055. The local favorite, "special occasion" restaurant. Although all the restaurants in Idyllwild are pretty casual, The Gastrognome has a more upscale, "dining room" ambiance with a large fireplace. Relatively adventurous menu that is well executed.

Java Lounge — (951) 659-JAVA (5282). Chic yet cozy coffee lounge offering free wireless internet access and a free computer station, in addition to gourmet coffee and tea beverages and pastries. We guarantee you won't miss Starbucks while you're in Idyllwild!

The Bread Basket — (951) 659-3506. A great bakery as well as restaurant. Great lunch spot with a charming, cozy, country feel.

Cafe Aroma — (951) 659-5212. A little more casual, with lots of outdoor seating and (usually) live music. Very interesting menu featuring LOTS of garlic. Doubles as an art gallery with regularly rotating work from local artists . Free wireless internet access.

The Creek House — (951) 659-0686. Another "special occasion" restaurant. Lots of weddings are hosted here, which should tell you a little about the ambiance. Under the same ownership as The Gastrognome. The menu is pretty classic (i.e., nothing out of the ordinary), but everything is fresh, high-quality, and very well executed.