Harbor House Inn restaurant offers multi-course tasting menus featuring food grown on the property and stunning ocean views; what more could anyone ask for in a fine dining experience? Afterward, guests retreat to the Harbor House Inn for an intimate, breathtaking stay on the 10-guest room property, featuring a private cove with panoramic views, and pretty gardens through which to stroll. The restaurant at the Harbor House Inn is a meal you won’t soon forget. Located in the small town of Elk, next to California State Route 1, this oceanfront restaurant is one of the nicest restaurants in America.

Most of Northern California’s five-star restaurants are located in big cities like San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento. But it’s possible to find some world-class restaurants in small towns.
Harbor House Inn/Facebook
Located inside a 1916 Craftsman building, this restaurant draws in-the-know visitors from around the state. But mostly, this hidden gem is only known by Northern Californians. And now you!
One of the best restaurants in Northern California has been awarded two Michelin stars. According to the Michelin Guide, that means the Harbor House Inn is “excellent cooking, worth a detour.”
Harbor House Inn Facebook Page
However, by the many positive reviews of this place, returning guests have taken more than a detour to get to the Harbor House Inn restaurant.
Guests have raved about the creativity of the Japanese fusion menu, the quality of the food, and the excellent service.
Harbor House Inn Facebook Page
The multi-course menus are very popular. These options rotate, but there can be a three-course Prix Fixe Menu, as well as a 10- and 12-course tasting menu option.
It's no wonder Executive Chef Matthew Kammerer has earned so many prestigious awards.
Harbor House Inn/Facebook
It all comes down to the tiniest details.
Since one of the best small-town restaurants in Norcal overlooks the ocean, the menu is often sea-to-table and loaded with various seafood courses.
Harbor House Inn/Facebook
Many ingredients are harvested from the on-site garden, making the story of each dish extra special.

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When in season, order the sea urchin with chopped chawanmushi (Japanese savory custard).
Harbor House Inn/Facebook
Reservations are recommended, as the dining room only seats 18 people.
Harbor House Inn/Facebook
However, if you’re driving through and want to dine at this incredible restaurant it’s possible to get placed on a waiting list.
Guests can sit inside or outside, depending on the weather.
Harbor House Inn Facebook Page
We recommend the pairing of the fresh ocean breeze with our meal.
Make it an extra indulgent evening, order a wine tasting along with a meal.
Harbor House Inn Facebook Page
For non-drinkers, the restaurant offers a non-alcoholic beverage pairing – a very unique and thoughtful offering.
For dessert, the toasted kombu ice cream, with coffee, honey, and lavender takes the cake.
Harbor House Inn/Facebook
Come experience one of the nicest restaurants in Norcal.
Are you ready for a getaway?
Harbor House Inn/Facebook
Book one of the lovely rooms and wake up to the ocean.

Harbor House Inn restaurant is an extraordinary adventure in fine dining. Have you been to this award-winning eatery in Northern California? If so, please tell us what you thought about the cuisine in the comments. Discover more on the Harbor House Inn website.

Learn about more fun activities available in the tiny, rural community of Elk. And find some beach gear on the REI website.

The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Northern California

 

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More to Explore

Outdoor Fun In Northern California

Carolyn Harmon | February 15, 2024

What are some fun outdoor adventures in Northern California?

Here is a list of seven free outdoor activities in Northern California. Some of the highlights include:

  • San Francisco Botanical Gardens: If you seek some inner peace, this lovely place just might be where it can be found. Take advantage of the first Tuesday of the Month when you can explore the 55 beautiful acres of landscaped gardens and verdant spaces for free. It's an extraordinary place with more than 8,000 types of plants from around the world tucked into the gorgeous property.
  • Land's End and Sutro Baths (San Francisco): Land's End is a lovely park within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Among other unforgettable, natural offerings, a 3.4-mile loop trail allows a glimpse into the historic Sutro Baths' history. It takes folks on a journey as it meanders around rock cliffs above the Pacific with forested treasures and picturesque scenery beyond belief. Begin your visit with a stop in the visitor center called the Lands End Lookout full of history and designed for perfect views.
  • John Muir National Historic Site (Martinez): This is a place to enjoy beautiful grounds, orchards, and the historic Victorian house of the Strenzel/Muir families. Walk the 360 acres of trails on Mt. Wanda and enjoy the natural habitat drawing many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. For more information about John Muir: The naturalist wrote and published 12 books and more than 300 magazine articles about his true love of nature.

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5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432, USA