01
Best overall pick
Oakside Restaurant & Bar
The Village • Upscale California Cuisine Restaurant • Best For Date Night
A stylish two-story spot in The Village with polished comfort food, a deep drink list, and a lively yet relaxed mountain vibe.
Oakside is where locals send friends who ask for “the” dinner reservation in Big Bear. The menu leans California comfort—think elevated burgers, steaks, and shareable starters—backed by a solid whiskey and craft cocktail program. Grab a table upstairs or on the patio for a grown-up night out that still feels very much like the mountains.
02
Classic special-occasion spot
Peppercorn Grille
The Village Main Drag • Cozy American And Italian Grill • Romantic Dinner Choice
Dim lighting, attentive service, and a steak-and-pasta-heavy menu make Peppercorn Grille a go-to for celebrations and lingering dinners.
Peppercorn Grille feels like a classic mountain-town dining room, with white tablecloth energy but none of the stuffiness. The kitchen turns out reliable favorites—filets, seafood, hearty pastas, and well-executed appetizers—so everyone at the table can find something they want. It’s an easy pick when you want a sure thing after a day on the lake or slopes.
03
Most flavorful comfort food
Himalayan Restaurant
Pine Knot Area • Casual Indian And Nepalese Restaurant • Best For Warming Up After The Slopes
Hearty curries, momos, and fragrant rice dishes offer a welcome break from burgers and pizza, especially on cold mountain nights.
Tucked just off the main Village stretch, Himalayan serves the kind of rib-sticking, spice-layered food that hits perfectly after a windy day on the chairlifts. The menu runs from tikka masala and saag to Nepalese specialties, with plenty of vegetarian options. Expect cozy, low-key surroundings and generous portions that are ideal for sharing around the table.
04
Lively group hangout
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
Near The Lakefront In The Village • Craft Brewery And Gastropub • Best For Beer Lovers
House-brewed beers and an upgraded pub menu make this a natural stop for post-hike pints and casual group dinners.
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company pairs a constantly rotating lineup of in-house beers with burgers, tacos, and shareable bar snacks that go well with a flight. The space has an easygoing buzz, with TVs for game days and enough room for families and friend groups. It’s the spot to swap trail stories over IPAs and a plate of fries while the sun drops behind the pines.
05
Iconic breakfast institution
Grizzly Manor Cafe
Big Bear Blvd East • Tiny No-Frills Breakfast Café • Best For Hearty Pre-Adventure Breakfast
A beloved hole-in-the-wall where towering pancakes, big breakfasts, and a wait out the door are all part of the experience.
Grizzly Manor is the kind of place where the coffee is always on, the griddle never cools, and the portions look sized for lumberjacks. The dining room is cramped and the walls are cluttered with stickers and scribbles, but that’s half the fun. Plan on a wait, then dig into omelets, biscuits, and pancakes that will keep you full well past lunchtime.