Check out our complete guide to the best restaurants in Oakhurst, California!
Best Restaurants in Oakhurst California
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
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For those who don't know me very well, Oakhurst, California, and Yosemite National Park are like my second home! It's an area that I have a deep personal connection to and have spent numerous trips here, and it is rare for me not make it here at least once a year. Needless to say, I have eaten at pretty much every restaurant in town numerous times.
I wanted to share with you all of the great restaurants in this area. I even organized them by "Best For" categories so you can find exactly what you need, whether it's a 5 am breakfast, grab-and-go lunch, or romantic date night. Local favorites + hidden gems included!
Best for Early Breakfast Before Yosemite
Perfect for those 5-7am starts to beat the park crowds
Judy's Donuts (Opens 5 am) - Grab warm donuts, apple fritters, and ham and cheese croissants before heading to the park. They open at 5 am, making them ideal for early birds.
Bee's Bakery Cafe (Opens 7am) - Fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches on ciabatta, waffles, and eggs benedict. Great coffee and quick service. Open daily 7am-2pm.
Best Grab-and-Go for Yosemite Picnics and Road Trips
Pack your lunch and save time in the park
Deli Delicious - Fantastic sub sandwiches perfect for taking into Yosemite. Pick up sandwiches, chips, and cookies before heading to the park.
Judy's Donuts - Early opening means you can grab breakfast items and go.
Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery (Madera) - Their Gruyere grilled cheese travels well, and they have great sandwich options.
Best for Families with Kids
Kid-friendly menus, casual atmosphere, and activities
Me-N-Eds Pizza - Arcade games in the back, salad bar, free refills, and comfortable family atmosphere. Perfect for sports teams or family celebrations.
Pizza Factory - The original location! Comfortable, casual, and locals love it. Pizzas, calzones, and pasta dishes.
Miller's Landing Resort (Bass Lake) - Casual lakeside dining with the famous Fudge Bucket (9 scoops of ice cream!), burgers, and sandwiches.
South Gate Brewing Company - Despite being a brewery, it's very family-friendly with great burgers and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best for Date Night/Special Occasions
Romantic, upscale dining experiences
Elderberry House Restaurant - The premier fine dining destination for over 30 years. European-inspired, seasonal tasting menus, extensive wine list. Dress code: elegant casual. Reservations required (559) 683-6800.
Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen - Seasonal menus, weekend brunch, amazing wines, and that incredible house-made spicy honey on the charcuterie board.
The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar (Madera) - Fine dining with epic wine selection. Try the grown-up fried mozzarella with roasted garlic and raspberry-red wine reduction.
Ducey's on the Lake (Bass Lake) - Beautiful views over Bass Lake, excellent dinners, and romantic atmosphere.
Best After a Long Hike (Casual & Hearty)
Where tired hikers can relax and refuel
Smokehouse 41 BBQ - All-natural premium meats, massive portions. The 41 Baker (gigantic sweet potato) and Pit Master Sandwich will satisfy any appetite. Get there early-they sell out!
South Gate Brewing Company - Open 7 days a week, serves classic American food and pub fare with wood-fired Bavarian pretzels, burgers, and award-winning beer. Comfortable and casual.
Oakhurst Grill - Hearty portions, pretzel and beer cheese, and comfort food. Right in the center of town.
Best for Quick Lunch
Fast service when time is limited
Deli Delicious - Sub sandwiches made quickly for takeout.
Mariscos Colima - Burritos, tacos, and tortas with efficient service.
O.M.F.G. Fantastic Grub - Order at counter, quick service, breakfast burritos and lunch options.
Best Views
Dining with scenery
Ducey's on the Lake (Bass Lake) - Stunning views over Bass Lake
Ducey's Bar and Grill (Bass Lake) - Located above Ducey's on the Lake with extensive views.
The Forks Resort Restaurant (Bass Lake) - Right on Bass Lake with beautiful water views. Open seasonally.
El Cid Mexican Restaurant - Ask for a seat near the back windows for bird watching-hundreds of birds visit the feeders!
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Options
Plant-based travelers rejoice
Bee's Bakery Cafe - They have alternative milk products along with daily vegetarian and vegan options
South Gate Brewing Company - House-made black bean quinoa burger that's "beyond good.", Beyond Bratwurst on a pretzel bun, grilled cheese, The green monster (broccolini, asparagus, parmesan on a ciabatta bun with lemon pepper aioli) and great salads.
Gnarly Carrot (North Fork) - Juice bar with tons of fresh produce.
Best for Craft Beer Lovers
Local brews and beer selections
South Gate Brewing Company - Award-winning beers brewed on-site, rotating taps with new beers at least once a month, seasonal and signature brews.
Plazuelas Mexican Restaurant - Four rotating micro-brews on tap plus Mexican beers (note: no margaritas here).
Cellar Bar - Excellent cocktail menu and beer selection.
Best for Wine Enthusiasts
Wine-focused dining
Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen - Pair your meal with their amazing estate wines. Seasonal lunch menu and epic dinner menu.
The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar (Madera) - Epic wine selection with fine dining.
Elderberry House Restaurant - Extensive wine list perfect for wine enthusiasts.
Best Gluten-Free Friendly
Gluten-Free Menu Options available
Bee's Bakery Cafe - They offer gluten-free items daily. They have purple tongs to pick up and move gluten-free pastries. They do have gluten in their kitchen and bakery area.
Tandori Express - Many naturally gluten-free Indian dishes available.
Wild Fig Kitchen (Coarsegold) - Known for accommodating dietary restrictions.
Best Mexican Food
Compare the local options
El Cid Mexican Restaurant - Local favorite with some of the best margaritas you'll ever taste. Great menu, fun atmosphere, and bird watching at the back windows.
Plazuelas Mexican Restaurant - Fresh, unique Mexican food with rotating micro-brews. The Carne Asada Steak Taco is a must-try!
Casa Velasco (Bass Lake) - Small but mighty with delicious Arroz Con Pollo and cheese enchiladas.
Mariscos Colima - Seafood-focused Mexican with breakfast burritos, Asada fries, and traditional mariscos.
Best BBQ
Smoked meats and Southern comfort
Smokehouse 41 BBQ - All-natural premium meats, house-made sides prepared daily. The 41 Baker and Mammoth platter are legendary. Arrive early-they sell out frequently!
Buckhorn Saloon (North Fork) - Character-filled saloon with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try the hot wings (seriously hot!).
Best Pizza in Oakhurst
These are the best pizza restaurants in Oakhurst!
South Gate Brewing Company - Wood-fired pizzas paired with craft beer. All dough is stretched to order.
Me-N-Eds Pizza - Amazing garlic cheese bread with alfredo sauce. Comfortable family spot.
Pizza Factory - The original location! Local favorite for over 30 years with pizzas, calzones, and pasta.
Best Coffee Shop to Work/Relax
WiFi, atmosphere, and great coffee
Bee's Bakery Cafe - Beautiful vintage-inspired cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, serving locally roasted Reverent Coffee.
Zanders Coffee (Coarsegold) - Drive-through coffee shop with large menu of coffee and tea drinks.
Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery (Madera) - Instagram-worthy with epic food, great outdoor seating, and perfect for working or meeting friends.
Clouds Rest Coffee - Great place to relax and take a moment during the day.
Clash Coffee Boba Lemonade - Great coffee and tea shop with a super cute kid's play area.
Best Budget-Friendly Meals
Under $15-20 per person
Judy's Donuts - Donuts, fritters, and breakfast sandwiches at great prices.
Deli Delicious - Sub sandwiches, chips, and cookies.
Mariscos Colima - Affordable tacos, burritos, and Mexican favorites.
Pizza Factory - Good value for families.
Me-N-Eds Pizza - Comfortable and affordable.
Best Splurge-Worthy Experience
When money isn't the primary concern
Elderberry House Restaurant - The ultimate fine dining experience with seasonal tasting menus and impeccable service.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad - NY Steak or Chicken BBQ dinner with live music, followed by a steam train ride through the woods. Truly unique!
Best Unique/Can't-Miss Experience
One-of-a-kind dining
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (Fish Camp) - Moonlight Special with dinner, live music, and a steam train ride through Lewis Creek Canyon. Fun for all ages!
Elderberry House Restaurant - Over 30 years of fine dining excellence in a European-style estate near Yosemite.
Buckhorn Saloon (North Fork) - Character-filled saloon with dead animals on the walls, family-friendly dining, and Easter brunch specials. An experience you have to see!
Best Local Hangout (Where Locals Actually Eat)
El Cid Mexican Restaurant - Local favorite for years.
Smokehouse 41 BBQ - Frequently sells out because locals know it's the best.
Pizza Factory - The original location, loved by locals for 30+ years.
South Gate Brewing Company - Popular with residents, especially on weekends.
Best for Solo Travelers
Counter seating and welcoming atmosphere
Bee's Bakery Cafe - Great local cafe with delicious food, comfortable seating
Cellar Bar - Bar seating with excellent cocktails.
Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery (Madera) - Perfect for solo work or reading.
Clash Coffee - Relaxed coffee shop atmosphere.
Best Breakfast/Brunch
Morning meals done right
Ducey's on the Lake (Bass Lake) - Eggs Benedict is delicious. Multiple outdoor seating options in summer.
Bee's Bakery Cafe - Waffles, eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, chicken fried chicken, and baked goods. Open 7am-2pm daily.
Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery (Madera) - Gruyere grilled cheese with tomato bisque, breakfast and lunch options.
Wild Fig Kitchen (Coarsegold) - Fresh pastries, chicken and waffles, breakfast burrito. Awesome service and epic food.
Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen - Weekend brunch service.
Best Dessert/Sweet Treats
End your day on a sweet note
Reimer's Candies and Ice Cream - Over 80 varieties of chocolate treats, locally grown ingredients in ice cream. Epic ice cream cones!
Judy's Donuts - Apple fritters, cherry or apple burritos, and warm donuts.
Miller's Landing Resort (Bass Lake) - The Fudge Bucket: 9 scoops of ice cream in a sand pail coated in hot fudge!
Yosemite Pie Company - Delicious pies and cookies made fresh daily.
Best Late-Night Eats
Limited options but here they are
South Gate Brewing Company - Open until 8:30pm Monday-Thursday and Sunday, until 9pm Friday-Saturday
Chain restaurants - McDonald's, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell for typical late-night hours.
Note: Oakhurst is not a late-night town-most restaurants close by 8-9pm.
Best for Rainy Days
Cozy indoor atmospheres
Cellar Bar - Intimate bar atmosphere with craft cocktails.
South Gate Brewing Company - Warm brewery atmosphere.
Bee's Bakery Cafe - Cozy vintage cafe with comfortable indoor seating.
Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery (Madera) - Perfect coffee shop for lingering.
Best Outdoor Seating
For nice weather dining
All Bass Lake restaurants - Ducey's on the Lake, Ducey's Bar and Grill, The Forks Resort
South Gate Brewing Company - Outdoor areas available.
Bee's Bakery Cafe - Dog-friendly patio with mountain views.
Hemlock Restaurant & Bar - Beautiful courtyard with warm fire pits
Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery (Madera) - Great outdoor seating.
Whether you're fueling up at 5 am for a sunrise hike in Yosemite, celebrating a special occasion with fine dining at Elderberry House, or simply craving authentic Mexican food and margaritas after a long day on the trail, Oakhurst's restaurant scene has something for every appetite and adventure.
This small mountain town punches well above its weight when it comes to culinary options, from family-run favorites that locals have loved for decades to hidden gems serving everything from craft beer to house-made spicy honey.
Make sure to spend time exploring these spots. Your Yosemite adventure deserves great food to match those unforgettable views, and remember that many of the popular spots like Smokehouse 41 sell out early, so plan ahead and come hungry!
Tours of the Oakhurst/Bass Lake surrounding area and to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1-3.5 Hours | 🚂 Check Rates and Availability
Take a train ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad that is perfect for everyone including families and multi-generational groups. You will get to learn the area's amazing history with a narrated tour by the conductors! There's several options to choose from including the one-hour steam train and several special trips including the Haloween Limited, Moonlight Special, Moonlight Melodrama, and the Yosemite Jazz Train.
California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:
- Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
- Death Valley's Unique Geology
- Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
- Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters
Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Visit Yosemite National Park on a full day tour from Oakhurst that starts early to beat the crowds, with time to see the very best of the spectacular Yosemite Valley. Take in Bridalveil Fall, Sentinel Bridge, and Half Dome, then eat lunch at the base of Yosemite Falls and spot rock climbers from the El Cappitan Meadows. Includes pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Oakhurst.
Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point(Denny's in Oakhurst).
The tour includes stops at Glacier Point(April-November), depending upon the weather, and several stops in the Yosemite Valley. The valley stops include Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge, Chapel, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more!
Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!
Check out all of the California National Parks along with neighboring Arizona National Parks, Oregon National Parks, and National Parks in Nevada
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