Dining Guide
Restuarants in Big Bear Lake
Dining in Big Bear Lake ranges from casual local favorites to classic steakhouses and longtime spots with a bit of history. Whether you’re grabbing donuts in the morning or sitting down for a hearty dinner, Big Bear Lake offers a mix of dining experiences that reflect its mountain-town character.
Our Reviews
Local Favorites & Must-Try Eats
These guides highlight a few well-known food spots in Big Bear Lake, including local favorites and places visitors often ask about.
Best of Big Bear
Popular Restaurant Guides in Big Bear Lake
Dining Experience
What to Expect From Dining in Big Bear Lake
Dining in Big Bear Lake reflects its mountain-town atmosphere, with many restaurants being locally owned and more casual than what visitors may be used to in larger cities. Menus often focus on comfort food, classic American fare, and hearty meals that appeal to both locals and travelers.
Restaurant hours and availability can vary by season, with some spots closing earlier or operating on limited schedules during slower periods. On weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons, popular restaurants may experience longer wait times, especially in the Village area. Planning ahead and keeping expectations flexible can make dining in Big Bear Lake a smoother experience.
Where to Eat in Big Bear Lake by Area
The Village
The Village is the heart of Big Bear Lake’s dining scene and the area with the highest concentration of restaurants. It’s ideal if you don’t have a specific place in mind and want to walk around, browse menus, and see what looks good.
The atmosphere is lively, especially on weekends and holidays, with a mix of casual eateries, sit-down restaurants, and bars all within a compact area. Parking is a combination of street spaces and public lots, and while it can take some patience during peak times, the walkability makes it worth the effort for many visitors.
Moonridge
Moonridge has far fewer dining options, but it’s an up-and-coming area with a more relaxed, local feel. At the moment, the food scene here is limited to just a handful of spots, including a coffee shop, The Moonridge Room, and Dank Donuts.
While the selection is small, Moonridge tends to attract newer, more creative, and slightly more “hipster” businesses, making it an area worth watching as it continues to develop. It’s also convenient if you’re already nearby for skiing, hiking, or visiting the zoo.
Along Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Boulevard is the second most popular area for dining in Big Bear Lake, largely because it runs directly through town. Restaurants are spread out along the boulevard rather than clustered together, so dining here is less about walking and more about parking at a specific spot.
Many visitors prefer this area when the Village feels overcrowded, as it’s typically easier to find parking and get in and out without dealing with heavy foot traffic. It’s a practical choice for a straightforward meal without the bustle.
Fawnskin
Fawnskin is a quiet, scenic area on the north shore of the lake, but it currently does not have any restaurants. The area recently lost its only dining option, so anyone staying in Fawnskin should plan on driving into Big Bear Lake for meals.
While it isn’t a dining destination, Fawnskin remains popular for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful lake views, making it a relaxing place to stay even if you’ll be eating elsewhere.
Discover More
Discover More Places to Eat
Local Restaurant Directory
Oakside Restaurant & Bar
A refined but casual restaurant featuring elevated American dishes and mountain charm. One of Big Bear’s go-to spots for quality food and lively ambiance.Oakside Restaurant & BarPeppercorn Grille
An elegant restaurant blending mountain charm with upscale cuisine. Ideal for date nights or special occasions.Peppercorn GrilleThe Pines Lakefront Restaurant
Fine dining with panoramic lake views and an elegant interior. A classic Big Bear experience with excellent food and scenery.The Pines Lakefront RestaurantThe Teddy Bear Restaurant
A long-standing local diner serving classic American comfort meals. Expect friendly faces and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.The Teddy Bear RestaurantAmangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House
Popular morning and lunch café serving fresh, hearty bagels and sandwiches. Great for a relaxed meal before exploring The Village.Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel HouseMurray’s Saloon & Eatery
Lively saloon-style eatery known for generous pub fare, live entertainment, and friendly locals.Murray’s Saloon & EateryTropicali
Vibrant Hawaiian-Caribbean eatery offering fresh, healthy food and colorful décor. Ideal for casual lunches and summer evenings.TropicaliMountain Munchies
A nostalgic diner serving hearty American fare at great prices. Loved by both locals and visitors for casual meals.Mountain MunchiesCafé Crêpe
European-style café specializing in crepes and espresso drinks. Cozy setting with a mountain twist.Café CrêpeSister My Sister Bake Shop
Artisan bakery with a cozy atmosphere and exceptional pastries. Perfect for breakfast or dessert with a view of the pines.Sister My Sister Bake ShopDank Donuts
Trendy donut and breakfast spot known for unique flavors and welcoming atmosphere. A must-stop for sweet-toothed visitors.Dank DonutsThe Copper Q
Chic café and bakery offering quality coffee and pastries. Also features a small retail section with cooking goods and gifts.The Copper QMoonridge Coffee Company
Modern yet cozy café offering craft coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and local hospitality in the Moonridge area.Moonridge Coffee CompanyThe Tea & Coffee Exchange
Inviting café and tea shop with a wide drink selection and comfortable setting in The Village.The Tea & Coffee ExchangeBig Bear Coffee Roasting Company
Independent coffee roaster and café offering top-tier coffee in a rustic mountain setting.Big Bear Coffee Roasting CompanyDe La Nonna
Lakeside Italian restaurant serving elevated dishes with stunning views. A refined yet welcoming dining experience.De La NonnaGrizzly Manor Café
Iconic breakfast diner known for generous servings and local character. Expect lines, laughter, and great food.Grizzly Manor CaféSaucy Mama’s
Family-friendly pizza restaurant in The Village known for good portions and a lively atmosphere.Saucy Mama’sThe Old German Deli
Charming European deli serving authentic German meats and sides. Great for a casual lunch or to-go picnic meal.The Old German DeliAzteca Grill Restaurant
Casual Mexican restaurant offering fresh and hearty plates with a relaxed mountain-town feel.Azteca Grill RestaurantNorth Pole Sweets & Treats
Old-fashioned dessert shop filled with sweets, fudge, and frozen treats. Fun, whimsical, and family-friendly.North Pole Sweets & TreatsPickle’s Pie Shop
Small-town bakery offering scratch-made pies and cozy service. A sweet hidden gem near the city’s edge.Pickle’s Pie ShopCafé Cart (Big Bear City)
Casual roadside coffee stand offering great coffee and fast service for locals and travelers alike.Café Cart (Big Bear City)Frusion Juice & Coffee Bar
Health-forward café offering smoothies, juices, and light bites. Refreshing stop for visitors looking for something nutritious.Frusion Juice & Coffee BarLumberjack Café
Rustic breakfast restaurant serving hearty meals with old-fashioned charm. Consistent food and great hospitality.Lumberjack CaféFire Rock BBQ & Grill
Casual BBQ joint offering hearty smoked meats and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.Fire Rock BBQ & GrillThe Bear Trap (Bar & Eatery)
Relaxed bar and grill offering hearty food, good drinks, and local atmosphere. Great for watching a game or live music nights.The Bear Trap (Bar & Eatery)Masala Craft Himalayan Cuisine
Family-run Indian and Himalayan restaurant known for flavorful dishes and warm hospitality. A hidden gem for international cuisine fans.Masala Craft Himalayan Cuisine











