01
Best overall pick
Anchor Bay Thai Kitchen
Anchor Bay Village • Cozy Thai Café-Restaurant • Local Favorite
A warm, family-run Thai spot that’s become the go-to dinner choice in tiny Anchor Bay.
Expect a compact dining room, friendly service, and curries and noodles that are far better than you’d ever guess from the unassuming roadside exterior. The portions are generous, flavors are bright, and they do a nice job accommodating spice preferences. It’s a relaxed, no-rush place to sit down after a day of beaches or hiking, and calling ahead is smart on busy weekends.
02
Best for breakfast and brunch
Trinks Café
Central Gualala • Coastal Bakery-Café • Daytime Crowd-Pleaser
A cheerful café known for strong coffee, baked goods, and California-comfort plates with ocean views just steps away.
Trinks is where locals send people for a casual breakfast or lunch in Gualala, thanks to its baked goods, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials. The vibe is friendly and easygoing, with a mix of locals on laptops and road-trippers lingering over pie. Grab a window seat or take your order to the nearby bluff trail for one of the better picnic spots on this stretch of coast.
03
Top date-night option
Vue Kitchen
Cypress Village, Gualala • Upscale Coastal Restaurant • Ocean-View Splurge
A polished dining room overlooking the Pacific, serving seafood-forward California cuisine and coastal cocktails.
Set above the water in Cypress Village, Vue leans into its name with sweeping views that are especially dramatic at sunset. The menu skews toward seafood and seasonal ingredients, with familiar dishes given a slightly more refined treatment than elsewhere in the area. It’s an easy choice for a lingering dinner, whether you’re celebrating something or just want a more dressed-up night out after days in trail shoes.
04
Best for groups and sunset drinks
Cove Azul Bar & Grill
Cypress Village, Gualala • Casual Mexican Seafood Bar & Grill • Lively Hangout
A laid-back bar and grill with Mexican plates, local seafood, and a friendly, social atmosphere overlooking the cove.
Cove Azul is the spot when you want a relaxed meal with plenty of options, from fish tacos and fajitas to burgers and salads. There’s usually a mix of locals at the bar and visitors grabbing a window table for the view, and service tends to be upbeat rather than formal. It works especially well for groups or families who want something easygoing with good portions and a drink list to match the sunset.
05
Quick caffeine stop
White Cap Coffee & Tea
Anchor Bay Roadside • Laid-Back Coffeehouse • Best Grab-And-Go Option
A tiny, welcoming coffee spot ideal for fueling up before coastal drives or beach walks.
White Cap is more low-key than a full restaurant, but it’s exactly what you want for a morning latte, tea, or a simple bite before getting back on Highway 1. The space is unpretentious and neighborly, the kind of place where staff remember regulars and chat with travelers. Stop here when you’re heading out for the day or need an afternoon pick-me-up without committing to a full sit-down meal.