Big Bear Restaurants, Cafés & Local Eats

Big Bear’s mountain air and lake views are only part of the reason visitors fall in love with this place. The food scene here is warm, surprising, and built for families who want comforting classics, global flavors, quick refuels, and memorable meals. If you are searching for the best places to eat in Big Bear, this guide from Big Bear Getaway brings together local favorites, hidden gems, and practical tips so you and your family can enjoy every bite.

If you are craving an enormous breakfast before a day of skiing, a fresh poke bowl after a summer hike, or a cozy lakeside dinner, Big Bear offers plenty of choices. Below you will find curated lists, neighborhood suggestions, allergy-friendly options, and everything you need for a delicious stay.

Why Big Bear’s food scene works for families?

Big Bear combines old school institutions, new arrivals, and comfort-forward eateries. You will find diner classics for hungry kids, international foods for adventurous eaters, and reliable, quick meals for days packed with activities. Expect welcoming service, hearty portions, and a relaxed mountain vibe that suits families and groups.

Best Restaurants in Big Bear: Top Picks

Below are the restaurants most often recommended as the best places to eat in Big Bear. Each category is organized by meal type to help you choose easily.

Best breakfast and brunch spots

Grizzly Manor Cafe – A Big Bear institution known for plate-sized pancakes and huge breakfast plates. A classic choice.

Lumberjack Cafe – Famous for sourdough pancakes and generous brunch portions. A family favorite after a long morning outdoors.

Amangela’s Sandwich and Bagel House – A Village staple for breakfast bagels, smoothies, and quick coffee.

Cafe Crepe – Offers espresso drinks and a selection of sweet and savory crepes. Ideal for those who want a lighter morning meal.

Best lunch spots

Tropicali – A vibrant poke and island-inspired eatery widely recognized for fresh bowls and bold flavors. Visitors often call it one of the most unique dining experiences in town.

Old German Deli – Known for giant sandwiches, brats, and comforting German potato salad. A great stop for a hearty lunch.

Get The Burger – A retro-style burger spot that delights families with fun decor and dependable burgers.

Bear Noodle Bar – Serves warming noodle soups and Taiwanese beef noodle bowls. Ideal on colder days.

Best dinner restaurants

Captain’s Anchorage – A classic steakhouse with a long local history. Perfect for a cozy, traditional dinner.

The Pines Lakefront – Known for elevated dishes and stunning lake views. A memorable spot for a special dinner.

Oakside Restaurant and Bar – Serves American classics with a refined touch. The heated patio is a popular choice for cooler evenings.

Himalayan Restaurant – A welcoming restaurant serving Indian and Nepali cuisine. The tandoori and momo dishes are especially popular.

Cafés, bakeries and sweet stops

Big Bear is home to excellent sweets and coffee shops. These stops are perfect for an afternoon break or a treat after exploring the lake.

Dank Donuts – Known for creative donuts, cronuts, and inventive flavors. A Moonridge favorite.

Pickle’s Pie Shop – Famous for scratch-made pies, seasonal fruit fillings, and warm, comforting flavors.

Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company and The Copper Q – Excellent for locally roasted coffee and a relaxed café environment.

Local eats and hidden gems

These restaurants offer authentic flavors and a true local experience.

Sonora Cantina – Well-loved for breakfast burritos, Mexican plates, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Gaby’s Latin Flavors – A combination of Bolivian and Mexican dishes prepared with care and traditional recipes.

Fire Rock Burgers and Brews – Known for creative burger combinations and a lively, casual vibe.

Mountain Munchies – A long-standing local spot offering sandwiches and diner classics with generous portions.

A notable newer addition is De La Nonna. Known in Los Angeles for its Italian-inspired pizzas and plates, it recently opened a lakeside location that has quickly become a popular dinner choice.

Fast casual and quick options

For families on the go, Big Bear has plenty of quick meal choices. Chains like Subway, Domino’s, Wingstop, Jersey Mike’s, Carl’s Jr., and others offer convenience during busy days. Local quick stops like Dank Donuts, BJ’s Restaurant and Sandwich Shop, and Village Pizza provide alternatives to fast food with a local twist.

Best places to eat in Big Bear by neighborhood

Near The Village

Oakside, Peppercorn Grille, Tropicali, Himalayan, Barrel 33, and 572 Social Kitchen are all located in the heart of The Village. This makes the area ideal for guests staying in a Big Bear Getaway cabin near town.

Near Moonridge and Bear Mountain

Dank Donuts, Captain’s Anchorage, and several breakfast cafés are perfect for early mornings before hitting the slopes.

Big Bear City and the airport area

Lumberjack Cafe and Pickle’s Pie Shop are popular among travelers and families staying outside the main Village.

Family-friendly dining picks

Families often look for filling meals, flexible menus, and comfortable seating. Big Bear offers plenty of options.

• Grizzly Manor Cafe and Lumberjack Cafe provide hearty breakfasts that satisfy all ages.
• Tropicali is great for bright flavors and healthy choices.
• Get The Burger and Fire Rock appeal to kids and teens with fun style and big portions.

Dietary needs and allergies

Big Bear’s dining scene continues to expand its allergy-friendly and dietary-aware options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing and can be found in places like Stella Luna and several modern cafés. Gluten-sensitive travelers will find options at Dank Donuts and other bakeries.
If you have strict allergies or dietary needs, call ahead so restaurants can prepare or guide you properly.

Practical dining tips

Make reservations during peak times – Winter ski season, summer weekends, and holidays fill dining rooms quickly.

Bring cash for small vendors – Some bakeries and small shops prefer or require cash.

Plan parking – The Village gets busy. Consult your Big Bear Getaway welcome guide for nearby parking tips.

Expect a relaxed mountain pace – Service can be slower during peak seasons, but it is almost always friendly and sincere.

How Big Bear Getaway Enhances Your Dining Experiences?

Big Bear Getaway helps guests stay close to the restaurants, cafés, and local eats they want to explore by offering thoughtfully located Big Bear cabins. Many stays are near The Village, Moonridge, or the lake, making it easy to reach breakfast spots, coffee shops, and dinner restaurants without long drives. Big Bear offers a wide range of food experiences, and choosing a cabin in the right area adds ease and comfort to every meal plan. After dining out, return to a cozy space that feels relaxed, welcoming, and truly like home.

Frequently Asked Questions