Dining Guide

Restaurants in Big Bear Lake

From mountain steakhouses and lakeside meals to quick breakfasts and local favorites, choosing where to eat can become one of the most memorable parts of your trip. This guide brings together restaurant reviews, dining ideas, and local insights to help you decide.

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Start With a Dining Guide

Not sure where to begin? These curated guides help narrow down your options and highlight some of Big Bear’s most popular dining experiences.

GUIDE

Best Steakhouses in Big Bear Lake

Explore local steakhouse favorites for date nights, celebrations, and classic mountain dining.

GUIDE

Best Donuts in Big Bear

Find the best places for coffee and sweet morning stops including donut spots and local bakeries.

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Featured Restaurant Reviews

Detailed reviews and local perspective.

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Search Our Restaurant Directory

Not sure where to eat? Browse restaurants across Big Bear and filter by cuisine, location, meal type, and more.

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Local Tips

THings to Know About Dining in Big Bear Lake

The secret to a great meal in Big Bear is timing. Because we are a resort town, our 'rush hours' are different than the city. These logistical tips ensure you spend more time eating and less time circling for parking or standing in a lobby.

Busiest Times

Dinner crowds peak at 5:30 PM on Saturdays. To skip the wait, aim for a 4:15 PM seating or a late-night bite after 8:00 PM.

Parking Tip

Don't fight for a street parking spot on Pine Knot Ave. Use the public lots on Knickerbocker Rd for a 2-minute walk to the best Village restaurants.

Reservations

Most local favorites are first-come, first-served. We’ve noted which spots allow call-aheads so you can plan your evening accordingly.

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BY DISCOVER BIG BEAR LAKE

Ideas, seasonal picks and local insight to help you decide what to do while you're in Big Bear.

Steak dinner with wine glass, in a restaurant setting.

The Haunting of Captain’s Anchorage

May 21, 2026
Discover the chilling story of George, the resident ghost at Big Bear's historic Captain’s Anchorage. Read about staff encounters, missing money and local lore!
Exterior of a The Peppercorn Grille, white and brown Tudor style facade, a porch, and a U.S. flag.

Peppercorn Grille Review

By Discover Big Bear Lake • January 5, 2026
Our local review of Peppercorn Grille in Big Bear Lake covers the upscale atmosphere, location, wine list, menu and why it’s a top choice for special occasions.
Wooden cabin restaurant with

Captain’s Anchorage Review

By Discover Big Bear Lake • January 5, 2026
Captain’s Anchorage is a classic Big Bear Lake steakhouse known for consistent food, fresh seafood, honored reservations, and a loyal local following.