Without even realizing it, Temecula Valley has become something of a dining destination. Local wineries are hiring world-class executive chefs to helm their restaurants, several farms are hosting chef-led dinner series, and one of our golf resorts recently held its second annual “Live Fire Festival” featuring top chefs from all over Southern California. There’s even a local chef competition that features some familiar Food Network and Cooking Channel faces entering its 18th season.
Temecula may not have the formal kind of fine dining one might expect in Los Angeles or San Diego. We’re a casual town. Still, you will find noteworthy chefs with impressive backgrounds composing artfully plated, seasonal dishes that are worthy of a celebratory dinner. It’s nice to dress for the occasion, but it’s always come as you are in Temecula.
Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
The chef
Executive Chef Chris Gemino trained at the International Culinary Center in San Jose, CA. He refined his skills at Orchard City Kitchen, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and opened Konjoe Burger Bar at several major sports stadiums. Chef Chris also recently won a Xenia award for his culinary work at Corbeaux.
The setting
The dining room seamlessly blends casual and chic elements with marble-top tables, botanical upholstery, pinkish walls, a black ceiling, and brass fixtures. It’s a great place for date nights or girlfriend outings and service here is some of the best in town. The showpiece dinner offering is a wine pairing dinner, which means the servers understand which wines pair best with which menu item. Find them tucked on a back street in Old Town Temecula near City Hall.
The menu
At Corbeaux, you’ll find French-Asian fusion small plates like hamachi yellowtail sashimi with calamansi, pickled cucumber relish, cherry tomato, and raspberry coffee filet mignon. It’s a seasonal menu, and the staff likes to experiment, so it is likely your menu will be different each time you go back. But familiar or no, each dish is a visual masterpiece that will have you reaching for your phone’s camera. They also serve a proper high tea, complete with lavender scones, tea sandwiches, and pastries, during lunch hours.
Bonus
They have a terrific wine list that includes owner Regan Schneider’s Matin du Bois Vintners’ natural wines, as well as a sommelier-selected menu of fine European wines.
The Great Oak Steakhouse at Pechanga Resort Casino
The chef
Chef Emmanuel Inocencio is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Pasadena and worked at the famous Mission Inn’s steakhouse before moving to Temecula, where he led a winery restaurant before moving to Pechanga.
The setting
Located inside Pechanga Resort Casino, just off the casino floor, the restaurant has been newly renovated and glows in warm tones, fanciful wall decor, and cozy armchairs. The style of service here is probably the closest Temecula gets to traditional fine dining.
The menu
A classic steakhouse menu with steak selections, fresh seafood, classics like a wedge salad or onion soup, plus an interactive “Wagyu Experience” that includes filet, New York, and ribeye cuts. The steak and seafood the chef’s team prepares is top quality, with American A4 and A5 Japanese Wagyu options available. There are wine selections of the kind you won’t find in other Temecula restaurants, like a Furmint blend from Tokaji, Hungary and Grand Cru Bordeaux wines.
Bonus
In-house sommelier Zachary Abeyta’s world-class wine list won an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2024 and a Four Diamond Award from AAA.
On birthdays, the staff signs birthday cards for guests, the manager may stop by for a birthday handshake, and they end every meal with house-made bonbons for the table.
Things to know
On Mondays and Tuesdays, they offer a special four-course “Dinner for Two” menu for $240.
More about Pechanga Resort Casino »
Small Barn
The setting
Let’s call it old-west fine dining. The dining area is primarily al fresco, with tables overlooking Old Town Temecula’s main drag. So while there’s naturally a dirt floor, there’s also a sexy lounge area with fire pits, pretty white-washed wooden tables, twinkling lights, and fresh flowers on each table.
The menu
The Small Barn offers a seasonal menu featuring California cuisine. The chicken, steak, and fish entrees, garnished with local produce, are all plated to perfection. Creative starters include Hamachi Crudo in a Galbi vinaigrette and Chilled Asparagus with a developed egg sauce and smoked salmon roe. There’s also a mouthwatering burger for the diners in your group that aren’t interested in fanciful fare.
Bonus
Small Barn has skilled bartenders and they create an excellent seasonal cocktail menu.
Things to know
Seating at Small Barn is primarily outdoors, so in the hot summer months, it’s best for dinner rather than lunch, and in the winter, you’ll need a coat.
Corkfire Kitchen at Temecula Creek Inn
The chef
So Cal native Chef Ben Diaz, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, has held the position of Executive Chef at the JW Marriott Beach Resort and Luxe City Center Hotel. Additionally, he has made appearances on various Food Network and Cooking Channel shows.
The setting
Corkfire Kitchen is the main restaurant at the Temecula Creek Inn golf resort, and both the formal dining room and casual bar have floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular golf course views. There’s outdoor patio seating as well. In the main dining room, be sure to request a booth; they offer better views than the tables.
The menu
This hotel restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience for all tastes. From perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood to a hearty vegetarian risotto, there’s something for everyone. The Grilled Heirloom Carrots, Burrata di Caprese, Short Rib Bolognese, PEI Black Mussels, and Campo Iberia Pork Flank Steak are must-tries. And for dessert, don’t miss the decadent bread pudding.
Bonus
Corkfire is another place that pours a perfect cocktail, and they have a creative selection designed by their expert in-house bartending team.
Things to know
The energy depends on the crowd du jour. It’s lively when large groups gather to celebrate, and intimate when the dining room is mostly filled with couples.
Fine Dining in Wine Country
Wine country has more than a few wonderful restaurants with excellent food and gorgeous settings, but it’s hard to label the menus as fine dining. For those with a romantic feel, especially at dinner, try one of these spots:
- The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars: A bright and primarily cheerful indoor spot that serves seasonal dishes like Shrimp Scampi Linguini, and Cast Iron Filet Mignon.
- The Restaurant at Ponte Winery: An entirely al fresco restaurant in the garden of Ponte Winery serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes like a Cioppino pasta, pan-seared salmon, and wood-fired pizzas.
- Domenico’s Italian Chop House at Truffle Pig Winery: The latest addition to wine country. Domenico’s serves steakhouse-style fare in the stylish dining room, which features an open kitchen, or on the outdoor patio that surrounds a beautiful olive tree and fountain.
