2 Best Restaurants in The Inland Empire, California

Known for having the best poke bowls in California, this food-shack-turned-restaurant has a friendly, service-oriented hipster staff and dishes like smoked teriyaki chicken and Hawaiian pulled pork that blend the flavors of Tahiti, Jamaica, Hawaii, and other tropical spots. The tiki-style setting and consistently fresh food make this family-run restaurant a favorite in town, so plan to wait during high season. If you ask how sashimi-grade tuna lands in Big Bear, prepare to hear “from mystical mermaids” (it’s a secret source). 

After surviving three major setbacks (a fire, the pandemic, and mudslides) this family-owned restaurant, a traditional steak house with a modern twist, is now one of the best eateries in town. Classic American dishes have a Southwest-meets-Californian influence, as evidenced by the cowboy burger, steak house asada tacos, lobster mac and cheese, and salmon with honey-ginger carrots. Among the 10 “handhelds” is the top-seller “OG Burger” with your choice of shoestring or hand-cut fries or a side of onion rings. This upscale saloon draws a crowd for the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas.