01
Best overall pick
Mono Inn
Mono Lake Shoreline • Upscale Lakeside Restaurant • Best For Sunset Dinners
An historic inn turned destination restaurant with refined cooking and the classic Mono Lake sunset view from nearly every table.
Mono Inn is where locals send anyone looking for a proper sit-down dinner with a sense of occasion. The menu leans seasonal and chef-driven, with thoughtful wine pairings that don’t feel fussy. If you can, book around sunset and ask for a window table—the light over the tufa towers does half the work of making the meal unforgettable.
02
Go-to diner classic
Nicely's Restaurant
Central Lee Vining On Us-395 • Classic Small-Town American Diner • Best All-Day Stop
A bustling roadside diner pouring strong coffee and turning out giant plates of comfort food from early morning through dinner.
Nicely’s is the kind of place where hikers, fishermen, and road-trippers all end up at the next booth over. Breakfasts are the main draw—think big omelets, pancakes, and hash browns that actually crisp. Later in the day, it’s a solid bet for burgers, club sandwiches, and a slice of pie before you get back on 395.
03
Casual evening hangout
Bodie Mike's Barbeque
Lee Vining Main Strip • Casual Barbecue Joint • Best For Hearty Appetites
Laid-back spot for smoky meats, cold beer, and picnic-table dining that feels just right after a long day outside.
Bodie Mike’s does not pretend to be fancy; it leans into big portions and straightforward barbecue. Ribs, pulled pork, and tri-tip are the standbys, with plenty of sides to fill out a platter. Grab a table on the deck when the weather’s good and plan to linger with a beer while the evening traffic on 395 hums by.
04
Most unexpected find
The Basin Cafe at Tioga Gas Mart
Tioga Pass Mobil Station South Of Town • Eclectic Gas-Station Café And Grill • Most Memorable Roadside Meal
A famous Eastside oddity: serious food and Mono Lake views tucked into a gas station above the highway.
The Basin Cafe proves that some of the best food on the Eastside comes from the least likely building. Inside the Mobil station, the kitchen turns out fish tacos, creative salads, burgers, and daily specials that are a big step up from typical road food. On warm evenings, the outdoor seating and live-music nights make it a scene all its own.
05
Best light-bite option
Latte Da Coffee Cafe
Lee Vining Village Center • Cozy Coffee Shop And Café • Best For A Quick, Good Coffee
Friendly little café for espresso drinks, baked goods, and simple breakfasts before you head to Mono Lake or Tioga Pass.
Latte Da is the town’s low-key caffeine stop, with better-than-you’d-expect espresso for a gateway-to-the-park outpost. You’ll find pastries, bagels, and light breakfast options that make it easy to get on the road without resorting to gas-station snacks. It’s also a pleasant spot to linger on the patio when you’re not in a rush to chase the next trailhead.