Thanks to some local entrepreneurs — Brad and Alicia Trevithick of Goat & Vine, Regan Schneider of Matin du Bois, Alex Prestifilippo of Poggio Leano, and Dan and Cathy Gibson of Small Barn — Old Town Temecula is evolving into a dining mecca. And while there are still plenty of terrific gastropubs and barbecue joints to be found up and down Front Street, if you’re looking for an upscale spot to celebrate a special occasion, impress a date, or add on to your “Luxe Escape” weekend, read on.
Open hours, prices, and menu items are accurate as of the time of writing, but menus evolve with the season, so please refer to the restaurants’ websites for the most up-to-date information.
Small Barn
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 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 — and one-time home to a blacksmith shop in the early 1900s — houses the kitchen, bar, and just a few tables.
The locally sourced menu is seasonal. Entrees you might find are a perfectly cooked Wild Atlantic Salmon ($33), Harissa Rubbed Hangar Steak ($48), and a juicy Angus Barn Burger with Havarti Cheese ($27). The starters offer some creative options and are perfect for sharing.
As local winegrowers, Small Barn’s wine list includes their own label, a few other local selections, and a more wide-ranging list of bottles. They have a seasonal list of fabulous cocktails and a collection of West Coast beers.
Things to know: Seating is primarily outdoors. Reservations are strongly recommended and are available through Open Table. 28535 Old Town Front St. Temecula, CA 92590
www.smallbarn.com
Corbeaux Wine and Tea House
For an elegant evening of fine dining, where every element is perfectly designed—from the stamped leather wine list to perfectly placed botanicals to the artful dots of chili oil on your plate—try 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.
The French-Asian fusion menu of small plates like Kinilaw ($18), Raspberry Coffee Filet Mignon ($46), and Blood Orange Black Cod ($29) are generously portioned for sharing. But they also offer a four-course prix fix menu ($99) where guests can sample their choice of Chef Gimeno’s creations and add an optional tea or wine pairing from owner Matin du Bois’ label.
Things to know: The small plate options evolve, so your menu may look slightly different from what I’ve described above. Reservations are available through their website. 41923 Second Street Suite 105, Temecula, CA 92590
www.corbeauxwineandtea.com
Two Travelers Wine Bar
Just up the block from Small Barn on 5th Street, Two Travelers is a relaxed wine bar from the same restauranteurs as the perennially popular Goat & Vine. It’s a dark and cozy establishment, with a thick, dark marble bar and several spots carved out for couples, including a little walled-off library room. 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. On the food menu, you’ll find raw fish and seafood selections, various dips and snacks like Garlic Butter Prawns ($17), as well as an evolving menu of salads and sandwiches like a Brie and Prosciutto with orange fig compote ($17). Our favorite menu items are the caviar-topped Chips & Dip ($8) and the Focaccia “Slabs” — the fluffiest focaccia you’ve ever had with a few different options for toppings (starting at $12). Sometimes, simple is truly the best.
Things to know: Two Travelers is walk-in only, so arrive early to secure a table. 41911 5th Street #100, Temecula, CA 92590 www.twotravelerswinebar.com
Bottega Italia
Bottega Italia, one of the Poggio Leono-owned restaurants, is a bright bistro-style cafe on Front Street with a full bar and large outdoor patio offering everything Italian from gelato and pastries to wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.
On a busy night, it might be fun to squeeze in at the small bar to snack on fried calamari and rock shrimp ($23) and a hand-tossed Napoletana pizza ($18.50) with a perfectly chewy crust. Sip a glass of their Montepulciano, Aglianico, or perhaps an Italian cocktail while you watch the hustle behind the bar. The cocktail menu includes classics like the Negroni, Garibaldi, and Milano Torino, a list devoted to Martinis, and still another dedicated to rocks drinks like an Italian Mojito. You’ll also find a Bottega Sour topped with their house label Syrah.
For a more intimate evening, I’d opt for a table on the patio where tables are a little farther apart and perhaps try some of their more adventurous fare like the superb Beef Tartar ($24), Crudo del Giorno (MP), and Rollatine Alla Mirella—fried eggplant stuffed with angel hair pasta, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and basil ($28).
Things to know: Bottega Italia is open Tuesday through Sunday; reservations are available by phone (951) 699-0066, but walk-ins are welcome. The chef requests no modifications to the menu items. 28475 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590
www.bottegaitaliatemecula.com
