13 Of The Best Restaurants in Mammoth Lakes California

Mammoth Lakes, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains just five hours from Los Angeles, has long been regarded as a year-round adventure resort.

With a population of approximately 8,000 year-round, Mammoth Lakes is a small town with only four square miles. However, its population increases considerably during the winter and summer when visitors come to ski, snowboard, mountain bike, and visit Yosemite National Park and Devil’s Postpile National Monument.

You’ll come for the skiing, stay for the trekking, and probably fall in love with fishing, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and rock climbing along the way.

Best Restaurants in Mammoth Lakes, California

However, you will need to refuel before and after hitting the slopes, which has resulted in a surge in the local culinary scene.

Here you’ll discover a mix of traditional favorites and modern enterprises that represent the town’s shifting personality.

These restaurants, breweries, wine bars, and bake shops exhibit the best that Mammoth offers, whether it’s a vibrant gastropub or a fine dining restaurant within a bowling alley.

The 13 Best Restaurants in Mammoth Lakes California

Morrison’s Restaurant and Bar

3516 Main St., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93514, United States // +17609347427

Morrison’s is a fantastic restaurant located in Mammoth Lakes, California. Like other Mammoth Lakes, California restaurants, it offers excellent food and service.

Morrison’s is a terrific spot to go out with friends or family because its menu is so diverse.

We began with Morrison’s Old Fashioned Cocktails. They tasted great with a maple sugar ice cube.

The Cajun shrimp and guacamole, as well as the creamy mushroom soup, were delicious. We also had the baby greens salad with a tasty house vinaigrette.

Our entrée was sea bass with a peppery, crispy skin and a tender and delicious ribeye. The dessert was a mouthwatering chocolate ganache. The Prisoner and Emmolo Merlot were the free-spirited wines we tried. Both were excellent. Give it a shot; you won’t be disappointed.

Mogul Restaurant

1528 Tavern Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609343039

If you’ve been to Mammoth before, you’ll recall The Mogul, an unpretentious steakhouse where you could grill your own steaks at your table and enjoy an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

Even if times have changed, The Mogul will always deliver a hearty and enjoyable lunch. Keep a place in your stomach for the Cinnamon Charlotte cupcake and ice cream combo, a house specialty since 1971.

The meal and service were both excellent. I ordered the top flat iron steak with potatoes and vegetables.

This was the most tender, delectable steak I’d tasted in a long time. The entire group tried different meals and agreed that the cuisine was really delicious.

Don’t anticipate a cheap lunch, but expect knowledgeable service and on-site management who genuinely cares about the establishment. Unquestionably a must-try amongst the restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA when visiting!

Toomey’s

6085 Minaret Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609244408

Toomey’s is a fantastic restaurant that many people in Mammoth Lakes rave about. This is due to Toomey’s exceptional food and service.

The Spring Mix Salad with Seared Ahi Tuna was delicious. My friend ordered the ribs and the bison meatloaf, which they raved about.

We also had the key lime pie, which was delicious! This restaurant has a terrific atmosphere and meals that will meet your needs. A must-see amongst the restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA!

The Lakefront Restaurant

163 Twin Lakes Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609147157

Located inside the Tamarack Lodge on the shores of the magnificent Twin Lakes, Lakefront Restaurant is a luxury that’s absolutely worth it. This is an intimate and enjoyable eating experience with only ten tables. It’s one of the finest restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA.

The seasonal cuisine at Lakefront emphasizes sustainable and locally sourced options, and the presentation of gastronomic specialties is meticulously crafted.

They also offer live music regularly, and it’s one of the most incredible places in Mammoth Lakes for a traditional drink, so plan accordingly.

The Lakefront Restaurant French Onion Soup

I started with the French Onion Soup with Gratinee and Ciabatta croutons and loads of Gruyere cheese, which was delicious!

My friends had a Spinach Salad with a Madeira Shallot Dressing, which they thoroughly appreciated.

My friend and I had the Elk Medallions au Poivre, grilled medium rare and served with a juniper and blueberry sauce. Oh, my goodness, this was the most incredible dish, a fantastic way to sample elk.

My friends also enjoyed the Fillet Mignon Grilled with Deux Sauce, Port wine demi-glace, oyster mushrooms, and Bernaise sauce. Our service was flawless throughout the lunch, and we all had a great time.

The Chocolate Mousse for dessert was delicious and the perfect finale for a lovely lunch. I strongly recommend the Lakefront Restaurant to anyone visiting Mammoth looking for a good dining experience.

Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl

3029 Chateau Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609344200

Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl offers superb meals and one of the nicest vistas in Mammoth. The site is positioned atop the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, which provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the surrounding mountains.

Their Angus beef carpaccio is topped with white truffle olive oil, capers, and Parmesan. In addition, we were fortunate to have a white asparagus special that was delicious!

The Crispy Duck Confit, with garlic parsley butter sauce, potatoes of the day, vegetables, and the unforgettable French Onion Soup, rounded out the meal nicely.

French chef Frederic will serve the greatest of French food. This is a must-try amongst the French restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA.

Mammoth Tavern

587 Old Mammoth Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609343902

Mammoth Tavern, located just off Old Mammoth Road and on the second level of a shopping mall, is easy to overlook if you aren’t looking for it.

That would be a shame because you would be losing out on what is, in my opinion, Mammoth Lakes’ best tavern.

I like it for the upscale comfort cuisine, which ranges from a terrific burger to a delicious fried chicken sandwich. The cocktails are good, and there’s always a good selection of craft beers.

Other dishes I enjoy are homemade potato chips with artichoke dip, smoked salmon potato skins, Brussels sprouts, and shepherd’s pie.

You may go as soon as you get off the mountain because they offer a huge happy hour. And, before or after, you can stop by Bevi Bene next door for a glass of wine.

Stellar Brew

3280 Main St., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609243559

Stellar Brew, founded by Andrea Walker, who was born and raised in the Eastern Sierra, is a favorite among locals and one of the best restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA.

This spot is located just off Main Street and is ideal for refueling before a day spent outdoors. The cuisine is healthy-ish, including vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free options.

They’re known for their breakfast burrito, but other popular made-to-order options include the egg-cheese sandwich (with pesto and avocado) and the Basin Bowl. Smoothies, açai bowls, soups, and salads are also frequently available.

This is the spot to go if you’re in Mammoth and want a latte or coffee drink!

Noodle-Ly

437 Old Mammoth Rd. Suite 146, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17607090856

Mammoth Lakes is severely short in Asian cuisine, which is unfortunate given the great Asian cuisine available across the Golden State. Fortunately, Pat and Taylor Kumlue, long-time residents, have helped fill that hole with Noodle-ly.

As a homage to Pat’s Thai and Chinese heritage, the menu includes the most pleasing hit of Asian noodle meals, including Khao Soi, Pho, and BBQ Pork Noodles.

In addition, they provide vegetarian alternatives and will try their utmost to accommodate gluten-free customers.

The meal was fantastic! And also genuine. The khao soi was delicious and not very hot. My friend approved of the BBQ pork with egg noodles as well.

This was one of the best Asian restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA! Give it a try!

Bleu Market & Kitchen

106 Old Mammoth Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609142538

Bleu is a restaurant and gourmet grocery shop in Mammoth Lakes, California, located in the former Chart House building.

We had the pleasure of stopping by and are really glad we did. This is a fantastic find, with delicious food and a lovely country-style atmosphere, complete with starched white tablecloths and linen napkins.

You can also sit in the front half of the restaurant, which features a full-service bar and a dining menu.

We enjoyed the delicious Hot Pastrami Reuben, with sliced hot pastrami, sauerkraut, and whole-grain mustard on house rye bread, served with amazing chips and dill pickle!

My friend also tried The Warren, which he described as “heaven on earth” since it was excellent!

We also shared a slice of strawberry cake to continue the “wonderful” experience, and we were both pleasantly astonished by how moist and tasty this cake was! So, just give it a shot; you won’t be disappointed!

The Yodler Restaurant & Bar

10000 Minaret Rd. #2120, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609340636

The Eastern Sierra is known as “the Alps of California,” and places like the Yodler prove this. This balcony at the foot of Mammoth Mountain, across the parking lot from the Main Lodge, is the greatest restaurant in Mammoth Lakes to view the activity on the mountain.

Head here for lunch or an early after-work drink to sample their German-inspired menu, which includes everything from fondue to spaetzle.

The schnitzel sandwich, the massive pretzel, the duck fat fries, and the sausage hunter’s plate, which includes a pretzel roll, bratwurst, and sauerkraut, were all delicious.

This location is equally suitable for a family with children as it is for a group of friends. Everyone should visit this restaurant! It’s one of the best restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA.

Skadi

94 Berner St. a, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States

Don’t be fooled by the remote location: this modest restaurant serves the most fabulous, exquisite dining in Mammoth Lakes.

This famous establishment, named after the Norwegian goddess of hunting and skiing and led by Chef Ian Algeren, delivers seasonal dishes with an Alpine flair.

Don’t be deceived by the setting, which appears more appropriate for a garage than a restaurant. However, once inside, it has the sense of a traditional Scandinavian restaurant.

The wooden skis on the wall and the antique hiking boot in the bathroom, which is apparently used as a doorstop, are both fantastic.

The smoked red deer heart with cloudberry jam and brown cheese was our first course. It was delicious. Then we tried the savory crepes with wild mushrooms, which were very delicious.

Following that, the duck with Arctic Lingonberry sauce and spaetzle entrée was delicious! Finally, we had Gateau Financier and Lychee Sorbet for dessert. So delicious!

The atmosphere complemented the meal, and the service was competent and kind. For example, I wasn’t sure how to eat the smoked deer appetizer, but my server helped me with a delicate method.

He also understood the menu well, was able to answer my preparation concerns, and gave excellent recommendations when requested.

Please remember that the restaurant is tiny, so do not bring a large party; reservations are essential. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA.

Petra’s Bistro & Wine Bar

6080 Minaret Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609343500

Petra, located right across the street from the Village in the Alpenhof hotel, consistently provides exceptional service. We like that their wine list is reasonably priced and their cuisine varies regularly.

Petra's Bistro & Wine Bar Shrimp Pasta Primavera

We appreciated the German/Austrian influence in even the smallest elements, such as the lighting, being asked if we wanted “still water,” or being served the Hofbrau beer with lemon.

The baked Brie appetizer and ahi poke shared plate were both excellent. Like, extremely tasty. And the chicken and shrimp pasta primavera was out of this world. This is one of the most highly recommended restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA.

GOJIRA Ramen & Sushi

452 Old Mammoth Rd. #109, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States // +17609650080

Do you want a huge bowl of soul-soothing ramen? GOJIRA will not disappoint you. Have you ever tried fried sushi? Regular sushi rolls and rice bowls are also options.

You might come for the food but stay for the atmosphere. Gojira is the Japanese term for Godzilla, and the room is filled with items ranging from posters to collectible toys.

Don’t forget to order a boba drink, which comes in various flavors such as taro, coconut, and lavender milk tea.

We tried Gojiramen, hot miso ramen, California roll, and Karage chicken. Everything was delicious. We also paired it up with a fantastic Avocado Boba tea.

I’ll return the next time I’m in the area. I definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone who seeks ramen and sushi in Mammoth Lakes. It’s one of the best restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA.

FAQ

What are the most popular restaurants in Mammoth Lakes CA?

Skadi, Mogul Restaurant, and Mammoth Rock Brasserie are among the greatest restaurants in Mammoth Lakes.

What is Mammoth Lakes known for?

Mono County’s most popular destinations are Mammoth Lakes and June Lake. Both 20-minutes-apart mountain resort villages attract skiers and snowboarders in the winter and anglers and hikers in the summer.

Is Mammoth Lakes worth visiting?

Mammoth Lakes, CA, is not only a popular summer and winter destination for outdoor activities, but it also has natural hot springs, enormous mountains, and exciting geology sites to visit. The travel from Los Angeles to Mammoth is around 5 hours, 7 hours from San Diego, and 6 hours from San Francisco.

Final Thoughts About The 13 Best Restaurants In Mammoth Lakes California

Mammoth Lakes is one of those towns that hold a particular place in the hearts of many people, including mine.

It’s easy to forget that it’s more than just a ski resort, but the town makes much more sense when considering everything else. We all are passionate about the town’s natural beauty and small-town atmosphere.

However, keep in mind that for many visitors, dining out is one of the only things to do in Mammoth Lakes aside from skiing, and it’s a worthwhile way to spend your time.

When you eat at a restaurant, you’re not only supporting local businesses and workers, but you’re also receiving access to fresh food, culinary techniques, and regional flavors.

And nothing beats trying out some of the area’s best sites when vacationing or visiting a new town. Enjoy!

Visiting other destinations in California? Check out our other delicious guides:

Igor Jovanovsky

Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever