Ursa Kitchen — Restaurant in Mammoth Lakes

Last weekend while visiting Mammoth with family, we had the absolute pleasure of dining at Ursa, and I am thrilled to report that this once-beloved spot has transformed into something truly extraordinary. Under the meticulous care and brilliant vision of Chef Steve and Tracie Shatkin, Ursa has been reborn as a culinary destination that Mammoth Lakes can proudly call its own. Let me start by saying: this isn’t just a step up from last year—it’s a leap into a whole new stratosphere of dining. The ambiance, now intimate yet vibrant, sets the stage perfectly for what can only be described as an unforgettable meal. The standout dish of the evening was, without question, the house-made squid ink pasta with lobster. Every bite was a harmonious blend of the ocean’s briny richness and the delicate sweetness of lobster, perfectly complemented by the subtle, umami-forward flavors of the pasta. It’s a masterpiece of craftsmanship and creativity. And then there were the duck fat fried smashed potatoes—crispy, golden, and indulgent, with a luxurious depth of flavor that elevated this humble side dish to new heights. Together, these dishes encapsulate the thoughtful yet bold approach to flavor that defines Ursa’s new menu. It’s clear that Chef Steve and Tracie have poured their hearts into this revival. Their passion for excellence radiates through every element, from the artfully plated dishes to the warm, attentive service. They’ve taken a beloved local café and transformed it into a fine dining destination worthy of any food lover’s pilgrimage. Ursa isn’t just back—it’s better than ever. It’s a triumph of vision, execution, and love for the craft. Mammoth, you’ve got a gem here. Don’t walk—run to experience it...

Food was pretty good. Visually more appealing than the actual taste. The cauliflower was 8/10. Not hot or crispy enough, but tasty. Pasta tasted good and was cooked well, but sauce was a bit thin (8/10). The trout was not well executed at all. Skin tasted like it was fried ahead of time. Cold and chewy and fishy (1/10). The fish itself had little flavor, was a bit mushy, and not very warm (4/10). Blueberry cheesecake was really good (9/10).

The worst part was the service and atmosphere. It is in a coffee shop, so not much ambiance. The table we had wobbled and we had to ask for a fix. The server didn’t know the menu well, didn’t eat meat so couldn’t really make recommendations, and generally didn’t make us feel at home or that welcome.

The worst part is that after we ordered dessert, she arrived with our plate and asked if we would mind moving to a bar seat as they had another reservation behind us. We had been there less than 75 minutes and were not delaying anything. If anything, the food was a touch slow. If I’m paying the prices they are charging, I expect much better service than that and not to be asked to leave my seat for their convenience. Unacceptable. I had a hard time enjoying the...

We really enjoyed this place! Went here with a group of 7 to celebrate a birthday. Everything was really well-executed, delicious and beautiful on the plate. Our group had beet salad, cauliflower, orecchiette, lamb chops and trout, and everybody was happy. Servers were very nice and accommodating. Chef Steve came and talked with us for a bit toward the end of the meal. Super friendly and welcoming. And you can just tell he’s a great guy with a huge heart and work ethic. He is running this restaurant out of his coffee shop (Mammoth Roasting Co.) so the decor isn’t the fanciest in the world but I would so prefer friendly people and delicious food and this place has that. The next morning my husband and I went for a coffee and it was great. Chef Steve was there in the morning too - I don’t know how he does it! Really excited that there is actually good “fancy” food in Mammoth again. It’s been awhile....