Brian Nagele
Riverside, California, is famous for its citrus industry, but there is so much more to this area than just oranges, lemons, and limes. From French to Italian, you’ll find the meal you’re craving among Riverside’s top restaurants.
Although it may be challenging to find the best locations for food and drinks, our list is ideal for a great night out. With this guide, it will be easy to find the best restaurants in Riverside, California!
The Backstreet LLC
3735 Nelson St, Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: 951-683-6650
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This cozy restaurant has all the comfort food you may be looking for while going through Riverside, California.
This location is a perfect lunch stop, with a menu that includes a classic roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese.
It is no wonder that this restaurant made our top places to eat in Riverside, California, as it has the Best Sandwich and Best Outdoor Dining Experience in the Inland Empire! If you stop by, definitely try the tuna sandwich with potato salad and coleslaw.
Mario’s Place
3646 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-684-7755
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Mario’s Place is the ideal location for a dinner date or group dining experience. This restaurant has iconic Italian dishes like risotto, fritti, and Caesar salads.
Mario’s Place also offers classic pizzas, made using a wood-burning oven and the option for add-ons as you please.
The pasta options and main courses at this restaurant make it ideal for a family gathering or dining out with friends.
This restaurant has various options for health-conscious guests, though it doesn’t skip out on the flavor!
I recommend Mario’s wild mushroom ravioli, which features a cream sauce and locally-sourced shiitakes.
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-784-0300
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This location is one of eloquence and sophistication. Although the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is most famous for its clean rooms and access to the best spa services in town, it also has a stunning dining establishment.
This inn has several dining areas and various menus, and the restaurant is vibrant, offering a wide selection of meals.
Whether you are looking for late afternoon drinks at the tequila bar or a plate of seasoned pasta, you will be able to find something on the menu.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available at the Mission Inn Restaurant within the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. I recommend the Innerkeeper’s Spicy Pasta, which includes zesty sausages and parmesan cheese.
Duane’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 888-326-4448
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At Duane’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, you can get any seasoned steak or seafood dish you desire. Filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, and any other classic surf-and-turf dishes you want are available at this location.
There are also plenty of sides for your entree, including baked potatoes, green beans, creamed spinach, and roasted mushrooms.
Plenty of appetizers line the menu, all of which may have your stomach sated before you even touch the main course. I recommend the crab cake and lamb chops, even if I was too full to finish them both.
The Salted Pig
3750 Main St STE 103, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-742-5664
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The Salted Pig has a long and robust menu full of options. They also have a menu for children, making dining easy for those who have little ones.
Diners can choose from unique starters, like Brussel sprouts or bacon fat popcorn. You can even order bone marrow from the menu, served with cabbage salad and a dash of lime.
Sandwiches, burgers, and fish are all staples of this restaurant, and you can experience a delicious meal made from some of your favorite meats, sweets, and unique concoctions. My personal favorite was the braised duck, which was served sweet and crispy with a cherry glaze.
Ancho’s Southwest Grill & Bar
10773 Hole Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: 951-352-0240
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Ancho’s Southwest Grill & Bar offers all the flavors of Mexico in one convenient location. This restaurant has everything, from classic nachos to loaded chicken or beef fajitas.
The entrees and sides at Ancho’s Southwest Grill & Bar are grilled and fried to perfection, using only the freshest, most natural ingredients to bring your favorite meals to life.
A catering menu is also available if you can’t make it out to the restaurant itself. I recommend the Pollo Fajita, which includes fresh grilled and seasoned chicken breast. Don’t forget to make it a combo!
Market Broiler Riverside
3525 Merrill Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: 951-276-9007
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Market Broiler Riverside is an ideal location for diners who need special accommodations for gluten and dietary restrictions.
Alongside a special gluten-free menu, there is a happy hour menu and a standard menu. The Market Broiler Riverside menu has a comprehensive list of options for your dining experience.
From the shellfish bar to their signature cocktails, this restaurant has everything to make your evening special. I recommend a glass of chardonnay and a freshly-baked lava cake.
ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen
3597 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-222-2110
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This contemporary location is a far cry from the classic feel of Riverside, California. With an outdoor seating area and LED lights that heighten its romantic characteristics, ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen is perfect for relaxing with someone you adore.
There are several menus to browse depending on the time of day, including a menu for happy hour and drinks.
This location offers everything from calamari to roasted chicken and burgers. For a comprehensive flavor package, I recommend the Street Taco Trio and the Love Potion cocktail.
Le Chat Noir French Restaurant
3790 9th St, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-786-9266
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Le Chat Noir French Restaurant is a sophisticated and elegant location that emulates the local culture of France.
Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and rest above the tables, giving the dining area a regal atmosphere.
The menu features some of the best French dishes in existence. There is a wide variety of options to try, including fish, escargots, and assorted cheese trays to start.
There are also plenty of decadent dessert and wine choices. In particular, the Coupe Ardechoise captured my eye–and my heart!
Goodwin’s Organic Foods and Drinks
191 W Big Springs Rd, Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: 951-682-2667
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Goodwin’s Organic Foods and Drinks is a health-food store and restaurant combination. This cozy and friendly location offers only the freshest, high-quality ingredients possible.
Additionally, Goodwin’s Organic Foods and Drinks provides access to freshly roasted coffee, natural foods that appeal to all lifestyles, and organic ingredients for the healthiest possible meals.
Soups, salads, sandwiches, and various other meals are available for patrons to enjoy after they shop. This restaurant and store has been in Riverside since 2006 and originated over 75 years ago. I advise leaving plenty of time to look around at all they have to offer.
Heroes Restaurant and Brewery
3397 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-292-7160
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This restaurant has two menus; one for food, and another for whiskey. Heroes Restaurant and Brewery serves everything from barbequed meats to salads and pasta, making their location unique and eye-catching.
This menu is long and has everything a family might want in a good, solid meal, including an entire barbeque feast.
Beer, wine, and other drinks are available all day. Heroes Restaurant and Brewery is where good friends can meet up in Riverside’s unique historic district. When you visit, try some of their locally-brewed beers, such as the Brain Fog Hazy IPA.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for a classic dining experience or a sophisticated meal, Riverside, California has every option you could want.
Although it may be challenging to find the right location to satisfy every craving, Riverside’s best restaurants are sure to please. Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
Best Restaurants in Riverside
- The Backstreet LLC
- Mario’s Place
- Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
- Duane’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
- The Salted Pig
- Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar
- Market Broiler Riverside
- ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen
- Le Chat Noir French Restaurant
- Goodwin’s Organic Foods and Drinks
- Heroes Restaurant and Brewery
Thank You for this. Always love to try new restaurants. Great Variety.