01
Best overall pick
Rossetti's at The 19th Hole
Avery – Highway 4 Curve • Relaxed Italian-American Roadhouse • Best Overall Pick
Hearty Italian-leaning plates, big burgers, and a friendly bar make this the go-to dinner spot right in Avery.
Rossetti's at The 19th Hole feels like the kind of place regulars claim as their own, with generous portions and a menu that runs from pasta and chicken-in-a-barrel to one of the better burgers on this stretch of Highway 4. The room is casual and lively, mixing locals and visiting cabin crews without any fuss. It is an easy first choice if you want a full sit-down meal without driving farther down the hill.
02
Best for beer lovers
Snowshoe Brewing Company
Arnold – West End Near Meadowmont • Mountain Brewpub And Grill • Best For Craft Beer And Burgers
A classic Sierra Nevada brewpub pouring house beers alongside pub favorites, from wings to big burgers and pizzas.
Snowshoe Brewing Company is where Arnold gathers after bike rides, ski days, and hikes, thanks to its lineup of house-brewed ales and hearty comfort food. The menu is built for hungry trail legs: think burgers, fish and chips, pizzas, and sharable starters that land fast. It is loud, friendly, and very kid-tolerant, with plenty of space and a relaxed, vacation-town feel.
03
Coziest dinner
Sarafina's Italian Kitchen
Arnold – Village Center • Cozy Italian Kitchen • Date-Night Choice
A warm, intimate spot for handmade pastas, rich sauces, and a glass of wine after a day in the mountains.
Sarafina's Italian Kitchen brings a surprisingly polished Italian experience to this small mountain town, with candlelit tables, house favorites like osso buco, and pastas that feel made for lingering over. It is on the smaller side, so reservations are smart on weekends and holidays. Come here when you want a slower-paced, sit-down evening instead of another burger-and-beer night.
04
Best breakfast stop
Bistro Espresso
Arnold – Cedar Center • Woodsy Café And Breakfast Spot • Go-To Breakfast And Coffee Stop
A relaxed, wood-trimmed café known for strong coffee, hearty breakfasts, and a low-key patio scene.
Bistro Espresso is where the day quietly starts in Arnold, with locals in fleece jackets lining up for espresso drinks, breakfast burritos, and generous scrambles. The space feels very mountain-town: wood, mismatched mugs, and a sunny patio when the weather cooperates. It is an easy pick before heading up to the high country or as a mid-morning break from the cabin.
05
Iconic roadside stop
The Red Apple
Between Murphys And Arnold On Highway 4 • Roadside Bakery And Deli Stand • Essential Highway 4 Snack Stop
A longtime roadside favorite for fresh pies, cider doughnuts, and simple deli-style bites in an orchard setting.
The Red Apple is more than a bakery counter; it is a Highway 4 ritual, especially in apple season when the smell of pies and doughnuts drifts across the parking lot. You can grab slices, whole pies, sausages, and simple sandwiches, then eat at a picnic table with a view of the orchards. It is perfect for a casual lunch on the way to or from Avery, or a snack run that turns into an impromptu picnic.