Discover Little River Inn Restaurant along the Northern California Coast – a Gourmet’s Paradise Near KLLR
People have been known to fly into the Inn (near KLLR, Little River, CA), just to experience some of the legendary dishes at the Little River Inn’s renowned restaurant, located along the Mendocino Coast of Northern California and just a few minutes’ drive from the airport.
The award-winning chef-driven restaurant offers modern American fine dining and is known for hearty California coastal fare and beloved dishes such as Ole’s Swedish Hotcakes, Clam Chowder, and Blackberry Cobbler. Executive Chef Marc Dym and Chef de Cuisine Noah Kaplan create new twists on traditional dishes, using the freshest local ingredients, including produce from the Inn’s Laughing Duck Farm. Their Ole’s Whale Watch Bar is a delightful spot to mingle, enjoy a craft cocktail, and maybe catch sight of a whale spouting offshore.
Dinner can kick off with bread and an edible tallow candle that makes a succulent dipping sauce as it gently melts. Starters might include Gambas al Ajillo, Spanish marinated prawns with garlic oil and crostini, or a crisp Caesar Salad. Seafood entrees like the Thai Inspired local Rock Cod are plentiful, but the Green Peppercorn Flat Iron Steak, with a demi-glace made with Coomb’s Bourbon distilled exclusively for the Inn, is also a tempting choice. Other popular entrees include the “I’ll Just Have the Chicken,” featuring a sous-vide free-range herbed chicken breast in coq au vin sauce, accompanied by rich Yukon gold potatoes and greens; and a Vegetable Chermoula of local seasonal vegetables in a spiced Moroccan sauce served with jasmine rice. House made desserts include their famous Berry Cobbler, Vanilla Hibiscus Panna Cotta with Bourbon caramel, and a Chocolate Mousse with Kahlua and coffee.
With lots of kid-favorites on the menu, crayons, and a staff that loves little ones, they pride themselves on being family-friendly. The restaurant even has a kid’s menu with options such as butter parmesan noodles, a kid’s portion of fish and chips, and a grilled cheese sandwich.
No breakfast is complete without an order of Ole’s Swedish Hot Cakes. Made from a recipe created a century ago by the current proprietor’s grandfather, this melt-in-your-mouth delicacy remains one of the touchstones of a visit to the Little River Inn. They are the centerpiece of Ole’s Favorite Breakfast, which also includes two eggs, a choice of meat, and pure maple syrup. Other enticing items to relish in the morning include Huevos Rancheros, Eggs Benedict, and a Breakfast sandwich with Calabrian aioli on a toasted brioche bun.
For dog-owners, the Inn has recently added cheerful heated blue cabanas in their gardens where guests can dine in style with their pet by their side and enjoy the same cuisine that is on offer in the restaurant. Picnic-style dining is also available in the garden anytime. To reserve a cabana, guests should contact the front desk via phone, text, or email at 707-937-5942 or info@littleriverinn.com.
Aerial View of Little River Inn - Photo by Brendan McGuigan
Named for the Inn’s founder, Ole’s Whale Watch bar is a classic local hangout where guests gather for libations or a casual bite, and at certain times of the year, to watch the migration of the gray whales. It features small tables and bar seating and offers delectable takes on classic bar cuisine, along with the restaurant’s full menu. When the Inn was first open, Ole himself used the bar as an office, and legend has it that he kicked out James Dean when the star misbehaved himself while a guest of the inn. Connoisseurs will want to try their Mendocino Spirits Whiskey Tasting Flight, including that Silas Coombs 7-Year Blended Bourbon made specially for the Inn, and other artisanal spirits from a local distiller. Of course, spirits from around the world are also available, along with outstanding local wines from the nearby Anderson Valley, and a variety of beers and hard ciders.
Many diners opt to savor their meal and spend the night at the fifth-generation family-run Inn, hailed as one of the friendliest places to stay on the Coast. Anchored by a stately Victorian mansion, today there are 65 rooms for every taste and budget, all with a view of the ocean. The Inn boasts an Audubon-certified golf course, regulation tennis courts, and spa services. Hiking trails to Van Damme State Park and Beach adjoin the property, and kayaking, biking and much more are nearby. They offer seasonal rates and festival rates, as well as a variety of unique and fun packages.
Little River Inn Restaurant Hours
Dinner is served nightly from 5PM to 8PM
Breakfast is served Monday to Saturday 8AM to 9:30AM and Sunday brunch is 8AM to 11AM
Ole’s Whale Watch Bar Hours
Open at 4PM Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays
Little River Inn,
7901 N. Highway 1.
Little River, California 95456
1.888.INN.LOVE
www.LittleRiverInn.com
Email: info@littleriverinn.com
