Benbow Inn Restaurant — Restaurant in Fortuna

Nestled in the heart of California's Redwood Country, the Benbow Historic Inn (445 Lake Benbow, Garberville, CA 95542) is a timeless gem, just off Highway 101 Exit 636, overlooking the serene Eel River and ancient giants of the Avenue of the Giants. This 1926 Tudor Revival masterpiece evokes old-world elegance amid Humboldt County's misty forests, offering a perfect escape for nature lovers and romantics alike—think stone bridges, manicured lawns, and whispers of celebrity guests like Clark Gable. The on-site restaurant shines with seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, blending French-American flair with local bounty. From the dinner menu, appetizers like truffle fries tossed in herbs ($17) or mussels in butter-wine sauce with bread ($28) set a tantalizing tone. Soups and salads, such as the classic clam chowder ($12) or organic baby greens with toasted almonds ($15), lead into stellar entrées: pan-seared salmon with tomato vinaigrette ($42), grilled pork tenderloin in coconut BBQ sauce ($42), or the indulgent ribeye with compound butter ($58). Vegetarian options abound, like Benbow Pasta Primavera with fresh veggies and basil pesto ($42). Sides, including sweet potato fries ($10), complement perfectly, while the Wine Spectator Award-winning list boasts over 450 bottles from Humboldt to Napa. Portions are generous, flavors vibrant—our seared salmon was flaky perfection, paired with a crisp local Chardonnay. But the true star? Ted's exceptional customer service. This warm, attentive server embodies Benbow's hospitality, anticipating needs with genuine smiles, expert wine pairings, and seamless coordination. From guiding first-timers through the menu to ensuring a flawless anniversary toast, Ted elevates every moment, making guests feel like cherished insiders. In a world of rushed service, his thoughtful touch—refilling glasses mid-story, sharing Redwood lore—turns a meal into a memory. Don't miss this riverside haven; it's five stars for...

We had a lovely dinner last night. I had coq au vin and she had an eggplant dish. The entrees were fantastic. We saw lots of other great looking dishes being served around us to the rather casually dressed patrons. Service was pleasant and attentive, and we had nice cocktails from the bar. This AM (Sunday) I went for brunch (8AM - 1PM), in which one orders one of the rather normal breakfast items. I was quite alone at 845! I ordered a 2-egg scramble, and requested fruit substituted for potatoes, and got a lovely fruit bowl of fresh, appetizing berries and banana slices. The only issue was the rather young staff had trouble bringing butter, coffee, and pepper to the table. It didn't ruin the meal, just a little annoying. In summary, the food and drinks were great, staff were friendly and pleasing, but some of the most youthful staff need more experience. Should be 4.5...

Hotel is beautiful, would stay again. Will not be giving my money to this restaurant again.

We went in last night and ordered the wedge salad for $18. What arrived was an offensively small and sad portion - the smallest salad either of us have ever received in a restaurant. Like plane food portions and quality. Sloppily dressed, a few tiny toppings dumped on top. We were both shocked. This place has fancy restaurant prices, and the food is...