Coarsegold is one part foothill homesteaders, one part “I just escaped the Valley and searched ‘mountain towns near Fresno,'” and two parts gold rush legacy. Fortunately, this blend of histories yields a surprisingly robust dining landscape. Here are our top picks in the region.
Oakhurst Grill & Whiskey 41 Lounge
$$ | (559) 641-2477 | WEBSITE
A nicer steakhouse-style spot that will cost you a bit, but isn’t overpriced for what it is. Nobody plates comfort food more heartily than the kitchen at Oakhurst Grill. Load up on the simple steak bites and fish and chips, but make sure you try at least one of their piccata-style specials.
Yosemite Grill
$ | (559) 517-3467 | WEBSITE
Yosemite Grill makes for a scenic-yet-still-relaxed evening by the water. It’s ideal for a casual outing with friends who appreciate nature, and a good option for dinner with the family as well. The food is hearty, and even simple-sounding things like the Pot Stickers are memorable. You can order a la carte, or try the full bar menu for around $25 if you really want to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Clouds Rest Coffee
$ | (559) 683-7575 | WEBSITE
The baristas at this cozy coffee shop will probably greet you with steaming pitchers in hand, pouring expertly crafted lattes and mochas like they’re painting a watercolor. It’s ideal foreshadowing, since the house-made mocha is exactly what you want. Like breakfast spots that rhyme with ‘shmarbucks,’ you can get that rich coffee in a cup, but the breakfast burrito is the best thing here.
Order yours with the mouth-tingling red salsa, which gets drizzled so it’s vibrant and swirled like a sunset, then packed with flavorful fillings, plus avocado toast with a hint of chili oil.
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (559) 683-7772 | WEBSITE
Papa Murphy’s is a local favorite with friendly service and customizable pizzas. When you’re staying nearby, you want to grab a take-and-bake option. When you’re in a hurry, order through the app for easy convenience. Try the new calzone for dinner, too, because you need that crispy outside and gooey cheesy middle in your life.
Mountain Oaks Cafe
$ | (559) 683-1120 | WEBSITE
In the Coarsegold dining scene, you’ve got the familiar chains on one side, the upscale spots on the other, and this bright, open newcomer Mountain Oaks Cafe right in the sweet spot. The huge, satisfying portions with that fresh, delicious quality are what make the difference here. This hidden gem may force you to reconsider where you take the family for dinner.
Noodle Bar
$$ | (866) 794-6946 | WEBSITE
Noodle Bar is part of the parade of best restaurants near Coarsegold—and this cozy spot is a welcome addition. The menu has tasty options like the popular Double Dragon roll, flavorful Mongolian Beef noodles, and crispy Asian Wings that can be ordered with sauce on the side. Everything can be enjoyed at table or bar seating (well, maybe not the Mango Mochi Ice Cream dessert) with options like cashew chicken over noodles, fresh tuna nigiri, and some delicious crispy wings that taste amazing.
The space is always busy, the servers can be hit-or-miss but some provide exceptional service even on busy nights, and it’s a great option for dinner with those complimentary vouchers in the neighborhood.
Nativos Italian Restaurant
$$$ | (559) 692-5200 | WEBSITE
You didn’t think we’d skip this one, did you? Nativos Italian Restaurant is the spot to hit, whether you’re craving a fancy brunch on Sunday or swinging by for dinner after a long day. The seafood is actually incredible, so yes, reservations are recommended.
Snowline Country Bar
$$ | (559) 683-2364 | WEBSITE
With a menu that covers classic American comfort food, this Coarsegold spot offers a wide range of dishes to get excited about. Burgers and tots, smoked ribs from the Bar-B-Q spread, chicken quarters with corn bread mash-up—they’re all fantastic. And if you don’t mind a little extra work and getting messy, grab some friends and dig through the party platter of ribs and chicken: a tasty pile of smoked meat covered in savory sauce with sides of beans and potato salad.
The Elderberry House
$$$$ | (559) 683-6800 | WEBSITE
Oakhurst’s gain is our delight—after years in the Chateau du Sureau hotel, The Elderberry House offers a remarkable dining experience with its villa-like entrance and elegant ambiance. In their lovely dining room, you can often find couples celebrating anniversaries enjoying the five-course tasting menu with well-paired wine. At another table, a group might be sharing dishes like hamachi crudo and lamb loin next to the professional and attentive service.
The Elderberry House doesn’t hold back on the thoughtfully prepared and presented food, which is also a great excuse to get an amazing mocktail, too.
Round Table Pizza
$ | (559) 683-7472 | WEBSITE
In between That Bar That Serves Beerzillas and That Bar You Played Nintendo 64 in, you’ll find Round Table Pizza serving up some great pizza and salad. Their specialty is BBQ Chicken pizza (make sure you try the cheese garlic bread too), and they have excellent veggie options, too. There’s a serious buffet operation going on here, so consider Round Table Pizza when you need something all-you-can-eat.
The Cellar
$$$ | (559) 683-6860 | WEBSITE
The Cellar opened in Coarsegold years ago, but it has settled into its woodsy location with a menu full of outstanding food. There are some signature dishes like oysters or yellowtail ceviche, along with a delicious cheddar burger & fries and a fantastic poached halibut prepared with care. The Cellar has also kept its cozy, laid-back atmosphere and warm lighting, which makes it a great destination when you’re coming through Oakhurst after exploring Yosemite National Park.
But we’d also happily swing by just for a solo smoked Old Fashioned and ceviche at the bar, especially with bartender Chris’s attentive service.
Reimer’s Candies, & Ice Cream
$ | (559) 642-3232 | WEBSITE
Reimer’s Candies and Ice Cream arrives with high hopes—it’s not simple being a beloved local sweet shop near Bass Lake. But this charming spot defines its own identity with outstanding homemade ice cream and gourmet treats. The display case is packed with winners: blackberry ice cream bursting with flavor, Mint and Chip that’s truly one of the best around, and mocha almond fudge that’s rich and smooth.
And while it’s perfect to pop in for a quick cone, the neatly decorated shop has ample room to linger with your ice cream, candies, and company near the displays of peanut butter cups and white chocolate strawberry cake pops.
Los dos Carnales Restaurant
$ | (559) 603-8539 | WEBSITE
This family-friendly spot has everything we look for in a solid Mexican meal. The $12-18 entrees never disappoint, dishes come out piping hot, and (most importantly) the food is delicious. Plus, the classic diner atmosphere makes sure everyone feels comfortable and like they belong in a cozy neighborhood joint. The food is satisfying without being too heavy, with options like chicken and beef fajitas served with fresh flour or corn tortillas.
There’s also huge, soft breakfast burritos made fresh daily, and a salsa bar that’s always crisp and vibrant. So if you’re looking for a very welcoming place to grab a tasty, affordable meal, you can confidently pull up a chair here.
Deli Delicious
$ | (559) 683-3033 | WEBSITE
Deli Delicious is a popular, bustling-but-not-overwhelming sandwich spot just outside Yosemite Park. It’s perfect for quick lunches after hiking, generous turkey and cheese sandwiches, and the occasional furry companion. And it’s the kind of place that’s full of clean tables and park visitors from down the road asking for extra pickles. Deli Delicious’s sandwiches are pretty good overall, but the made-to-order BLT is why this restaurant is more than just a convenient stop.
It has thick bacon that stands up to fresh lettuce and ripe tomato slices. Just know that this place is busy, so start looking for parking at least fifteen minutes early.
