Why do you need a list of the best Temecula restaurants when you go wine tasting? Becuase it's easy to forget to eat when you’re having a blast wine tasting. Sipping on that chilled rosé and then all of a sudden BOOM! Your stomach and head are like, you need to put the wine glass down and get a few carbs or better yet, some protein. Thank goodness Temecula has that hunger dialed in. There are many great Temecula restaurants that can extend your wine tasting experience with a delicious meal filled with even more wine, or perhaps a change of alcoholic scenery with a beer or a handcrafted cocktail.
Top 8 Restaurants in Temecula
The Goat & Vine
You’ll find a wide array of creative dishes at one the best farm-to-table Temecula restaurants. Some of the popular choices are Mother’s Meatballs made from a secret recipe and featuring mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, and the Fig on the Farm pizza made with fresh figs, goat cheese, and Prosciutto topped with arugula. Their philosophy is serving food made for comfort and storytelling - every dish has a history. Many Temecula restaurants close early to coincide with the early hours of the wineries, but The Goat & Vine stays open until 10 pm. 41911 Fifth Street Temecula, CA 92590 951-695-5600
PUBlic House
This gastropub has just the filling dishes to absorb all that wine you just tasted. In the heart of Old Town Temecula restaurants, PUBlic House is a charming 1950s retrofitted home featuring romantic patios and balconies where guests can dine in the rustic outdoors. The Spicy Corny Cheesy is a popular dish made with grilled summer corn tossed with pepper greens, Manchego cheese, and citrus vinaigrette. Their southern-style dishes are comfort food at its best like Shrimp n Grits 2.0, BBQ Brisket, Maple Pork, and Jackfruit BBQ sandwich for the vegetarians. Don’t forget the cocktails - all handcrafted by their master mixologists. 41971 Main St. Temecula, CA 92590 951-676-7305
Trattoria Toscana
Get a piece of Italy right in Temecula at this authentic Italian restaurant. The owner, Pietro, is from Sardinia and you can find him when not preparing his tasty dishes, out greeting and chatting with guests. All their pasta is made fresh in-house and word on the street is their Vanilla Bean Tiramisu is something you just have to order because it’s amazing. Other favorite dishes to consider is the Bruschetta (which comes three different ways), the gnocchi, and the lasagna with ground beef and prosciutto. If you are looking for a taste of Italy this is one of the best Temecula restaurants for you. 26485 Ynez Road Suite N, Temecula, CA 92591 951-296-2066
The Restaurant at Ponte
Sunny days are easy to come by in Southern California, but they are sweeter when you can enjoy them while sipping a glass of wine over an exquisite meal at this Temecula restaurant.
The Restaurant at Ponte features al fresco dining surrounded by the beautiful vineyards and gardens of Ponte Winery. Reservations are recommended for this popular spot, but if there is a wait there is a tasting room adjacent to the restaurant where you can squeeze in a wine tasting before your table is ready. Menus are seasonal and include specialties like Shrimp & Chorizo, Wine Country salad with farm-picked baby greens, candied pecans, and feta cheese, and the Summer Bowl - a vegan option made with fresh veggies and tri-color quinoa with a cilantro cashew pesto. 35053 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 951-252-1770
Espadin
One of the newest Temecula restaurants, Espadin features authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by different regions throughout Mexico. Their $2 Taco Tuesday includes $2 street tacos and $2 cans of Tecate. The menu is fresh and vibrant and all dishes are made from scratch. The menu has something for all tastes with four different types of ceviche, six different varieties of tacos, and specialty dishes like Ribeye Carne Asada, Chicken with Tequila and Lime, and Grilled Red Snapper Filet. Desserts are also a mouthwatering adventure that includes Churros de Coco with toasted coconut and chocolate dipping sauce and Capirotada made with brioche, egg, pepita crisp, vanilla, and an orange caramel sauce. Their brunch menu is equally tempting as well as the cocktail menu featuring nearly 20 handcrafted cocktails. 28544 Old Town Front Street, Temecula, CA 951-216-7311
1909 Temecula
This restaurant has some real history behind it. Established in 1909, this was once a trading post and livery. In the seventies, it was an infamous saloon called Longbranch which was notorious for being the most dangerous place to get a drink. Shootings and brawls would break out and bullet holes that still echo in the ceiling are souvenirs from those times. Now 1909 is a bustling Temecula restaurant that serves upscale pub food, brunch, and even have a menu for your four-legged friends. The dishes are creative and include Pulled Pork and Quail Egg Sliders, Braised Volcano Lamb Shank made with a blackberry sauce, and Blue Corn Kobe Corn Dogs. Their mixologist always has something boozy up his sleeve by way of handcrafted cocktails and their craft beer list is popular among patrons. 28656 Front St. Temecula, CA 92590
Havana Kitchen
A fast-casual Cuban restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner also has an added bonus - a coffee shop where they feature their own in-house roasted blend used for their Cuban espresso and Cortadito. The menu is inspired by authentic Cuban recipes that have been in the owner’s family for generations. You’ll find Chicken Fricassee, Empanadas, and Cuban Roast Pork Sandwiches. Some of the most popular dishes among patrons include the Chicken Mojo Empanada and the Cuban Brisket Sandwich. The sangria and Sal Latte are the must-sip drinks! 41955 5th Street (Old Town Temecula) CA, 92590 951-699-7300
Bushfire Kitchen
This locally owned and family-run Temecula restaurant takes pride in offering fresh, healthy, and organic ingredients and all dishes homemade from scratch. Bushfire Bowls are all the rage where you can choose from a wide variety of organic protein including Chipotle Braised Short Rib, Panang Chicken Curry, and Braised Lamb Curry. The bowls are made with your choice of organic brown rice, Himalayan basmati rice, or garlic mashed potatoes and served with grilled veggies or roasted squash. Diners love the macaroni and cheese and french fries and of course the wine menu because there’s always room for cabernet. 40665 Winchester Rd. Temecula, CA 92591 951-296-0190
Beyond Temecula Restaurants | Temecula Travel Resources
We love the restaurants in Temecula, but we also LOVE the wineries and the resorts. This SoCal destination has it all if you are a wine lover. The combination of great food, great wine, and nice places to stay make Temecula a no-brainer when you are looking for an escape.
You can find more about the Temecula Wineries here.
