Elk is a small community in Mendocino County, California. Given that the town has about 200 inhabitants, your choices will be limited when looking for Elk Restaurants. Therefore, it is recommended that you expand your options by driving up Shoreline Highway (US State Route 1) to nearby Mendocino, which is about a 20 minute drive. You'll find many more restaurant choices when you take a drive from your Elk Bed And Breakfast. BBOnline recommends the following beautiful seaside eateries: Queenie's Roadhouse Cafe, Mendocino Cafe and Bonterra Victorian Dining Room Restaurant.
Queenie's Roadhouse Cafe
6061 North Highway 1
Elk, CA 95432
(707) 877-3285
Just like the town of Elk, this small roadhouse cafe had a different name a while back. Elk used to be formerly known as Greenwood, then as Elk River, and now it is just known as Elk. Queenie's Roadhouse Cafe was known before as the Road Apple Cafe. This seaside cafe is very easy to find in Elk because it is near the town's post office, between the Elk Studio Gallery and the Elk Store. From your choice of Elk restaurants, this one is great for breakfast; local favorites include Mexican style huevos rancheros and Roundman's pork chops. Service is pretty slow because of the small staff, but it's worth the wait and also has a good bang for your buck. Queenie's Roadhouse Cafe is within walking distance of a path that leads to the local beach. No matter which Elk Inn you stay in, this is one restaurant you don't want to miss.
Just a short 20 minute drive away from your Elk Bed and Breakfast, the Mendocino Cafe has been offering great menus for both lunch and dinner since 1987. It uses only certified organic vegetables and produce in its meals, a rarity among Elk restaurants. A great dinner option is the Pasta Florentine (about $20) because of its generous portions and its availability of 2 versions: free range chicken or vegetarian tofu. You will find plenty of off the beaten path creations such as the Thai burrito and the Brazilian seafood stew. BBOnline recommends the Mendocino Cafe's wine list for red wine enthusiasts, because it has a wide variety and quite a few gems. This restaurant is open daily for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closing then for 1 hour and reopening for dinner from 5:00 p.m. until closing time. Pets are welcome at the Mendocino Cafe.
Bonterra Victorian Dining Room Restaurant
(707) 937-0511
Last but not least, the Bonterra Victorian Dining Room Restaurant is another nearby establishment within a reasonable driving distance. If you're looking for a beautiful seaside eatery, this one will be at the top of your list. Located in the Mendocino Hotel, this restaurant specializes in American cuisine and curating a great wine list. A local favorite for romantic dinner dates, it's not unusual to see many couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions. Be aware that like in most restaurants in the area, the wait and bar service is quite slow. Fortunately, you will have a beautiful ocean view to enjoy while you wait for your food and drinks. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for dinner around 7:00 p.m.