Our top picks for restaurants with excellent wine lists, handcrafted cocktails, expertly prepared cuisine, and settings designed to impress. Without even realizing it, Temecula Valley has become a dining destination. The Temecula Olive Oil Company hosts a dinner series at its ranch, Cork Fire Kitchen recently held a festival featuring chefs from all over SoCal, Pechanga restaurants draw customers from around the world, and local wineries hire executive chefs to helm their restaurants.
At the corner of Old Town Front Street and Fifth Street, Small Barn immediately makes an impression with oversized barn doors leading into an al fresco dining room strung with twinkling lights. A combination of sofas, lounge chairs, and dining tables are artfully placed around the yard, resulting in a casually elegant atmosphere. On a given night, you might find small groups celebrating an engagement or couples relaxing after a day at the wineries.
Behind the main seating area, a small structure β and one-time home to a blacksmith shop in the early s β houses the kitchen, bar, and just a few tables. The starters offer more creative options and are perfect for sharing. They have a seasonal list of fabulous cocktails and a collection of West Coast beers. Things to know: Seating is primarily outdoors. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are strongly recommended and are available through Open Table.
Temecula, CA www. For an elegant evening of fine dining, where every element is perfectly designedβfrom the stamped leather wine list to perfectly placed botanicals to the artful dots of chili oil on your plateβtry Corbeaux Wine and Tea House in the beautiful Truax building on Mercedes Street. With a drop ceiling, marble-topped tables, and an eclectic mix of seating, the feeling is slightly feminine and decidedly cool.
Read about my experience at Corbeaux Β». Open Wednesday through Monday. Reservations are available through their website. Just up the block from Small Barn on 5th Street, Two Travelers is a relaxed wine bar my husband and I frequent on date night s. Just be aware that there is also a large communal table that, if full, can make the whole place significantly more lively. The wine list is curated by friendly staff sommeliers who are well-prepared to help you make a selection if the list is unfamiliar.
