Cool spot for a breakfast date with family or friends. Get dressed cute and feel fancy.

Great food and great service! Love this restaurant!

We had dinner in the Courtyard, which was serving its own cocktails and Rainbird's food menu. The setting was lovely, with foliage, a fountain, and a variety of seating options, from tables for larger parties to comfy couches for intimate couples. Our party ordered the burrata starter, the sweet corn soup, the Mediterranean salad, the crispy duck confit, the duroc pork chop, and a chocolate peanut butter mousse cake for dessert. All were well-portioned and delicious, with the corn soup, pork chop, and cake being the stars. Our server, Leticia, was attentive without being intrusive - and gets bonus points for being an Oakland As fan. When I advised Leticia I was looking for the less sweet of two particular cocktails, she took extra steps to ensure the cocktail I ordered was not too sweet and offered to remake it if it was not to my liking (it was - I ordered two). When my companion ordered the Mediterranean salad, Leticia asked her if she wanted to add a protein, which she declined. Realizing my companion was vegetarian, Leticia offered the addition of falafel to the salad. The atmosphere, food, and service at this spot were on point. What a gem for Merced.

Exquisite dining experience! The 5 course dinner was spectacular served attentive, knowledgeable and friendly staff!

Food was excellent and generous. wonderful service and nice atmosphere. Thank you for accommodating our party of 14 for a 65th birthday celebration. We will enjoy future visits I’m sure. Kao was the perfect server for our group, very attentive and helpful.

Jino was great. He made our day. Awesome guy.

Leticia saved our evening. We had just had a bad experience at Bella Luna in Merced. We came to the El Capitan Courtyard and she made our night. She was everything that the staff at Bella Luna wasn’t. Kind, friendly, helpful and courteous. Our meal was fantastic. She restored our faith in good service. Definitely will always come back and look for her again.

Wonderful experience for an anniversary dinner! The flavors throughout were truly unique and delicious (I’m looking at you, Smoked Cauliflower Custard). I normally wouldn’t consider bread a course but with how they did it, it was one of my favorites! Service was fantastic as well, everything was well-timed and our server Montana was friendly, well-informed, and helpful without giving any sense of hovering. If I had to critique anything, the ribeye could have been trimmed or rendered a little better as both my husband and I had several gristly bites that we had to work our way through, and the acorn old fashioned cocktail, although delicious, should have been in a different glass as I had to remove the aromatic to drink. But again, the flavors of everything throughout the courses cannot be denied as a wonderful and inventive experience. All I want in life now are bone marrow carrots! It is a pricey meal ($85 per person and $15 per cocktail), so we can’t do it all the time (although I wish we could!), but we will definitely be back for special occasions. I really hope more businesses like this come to Merced!

The best dining experience I have had in Merced. I cannot get over how delicious the food was. The service was also wonderful. Our server was kind and enthusiastic.

Had a great time at this spot and the food was delicious! If you are in Merced, you should definitely try out this restaurant. Staff were attentive and knowledgeable, and the food was excellent. All around great experience!

This place is amazing! From the atmosphere to the flavor profiles, everything was absolutely perfect. The food was beautiful and and delicious. Definitely keep in mind, this restaurant is about the dining experience: It’s about the flavor profiles and the presentation. I saw a negative review about their portion sizes, which is the whole point of a 5-course meal! If you’re looking for a full slab of steak, go to a steak house - that’s not what Rainbird is about. It’s about 5 separate courses, each several bites of pure bliss. That said, it was more than enough food as I was actually uncomfortably full by the end and my partner (a full grown man) was also full to satisfaction. So don’t let the portion size fool you. 5 courses any larger would be an insane amount of food. Also, again it’s FIVE courses. Of course it’s going to take a little time. Again, it’s not a slab of meat, greens, and potato on a plate and then you’re done… it’s an experience. You’ll be there for an hour or two, but it’s well worth it (and this isn’t due to slow service by any means. I feel we had just enough time to cleanse our palate before the next course. I thought it was timed perfectly. Any faster would’ve had plates piling up and food getting cold on your table). Lastly, I saw someone complain about the bread being served before the main meal and I just had to say that that person is crazy!! Lol. That bread was soooo good, we wanted to take a loaf home. Overall, staff was amazing - atmosphere was amazing - food was seriously top notch. I highly recommend this place.

Breakfast was okay but dinner was superb.

Everytime I have been here the food is delicious. The atmosphere is welcoming, calm, and peaceful. I have had the privilege of being waited on by Kao several times. Kao's service is always outstanding and he is attentive to his tables.

This restaurant I visited about four times. At no time whatsoever was I disappointed in the food or the service. Kao A server there was amazing detailed and helped us with our service and made us feel very welcomed. If it’s not for the food it’s the service and if it’s not for the service, it’s for the food so either way you win here.

Rainbird is so relaxing & beat Native Son with their hospitality! Go to Rainbird their breakfast options are much better

My wife and I love this place. The servers are so thoughtful and kind, the food is consistently excellent any time of day, and the ambiance is just right. Tasteful, cozy, well-lit. It’s a perfect place to dine alone on a lunch break, meet friends for brunch, or celebrate special occasions. We love sharing rainbird with every person who comes to visit us. P.S. just say yes to the flan. You won’t regret it.

If this restaurant were in SF / Bay area it would cost 3 x as much and be booked 6 months out. Fantastic food and even better service. We were blown away. The restaurant was empty which worried me...it might not make it...support this place!!! Go try it today if you can!!!!

What a great place. Delicious food with yummy flavors and grateful to have a decent restaurant open on a Sunday night in Merced.

Everything from the moment we arrived was fantastic! The host, Andrew was the absolute sweetest! Our server was very helpful and attentive. Our meals were delicious! Can't wait to go back!

Mary was a great server. First time here & food was great

I just finished having a very nice lunch at Rainbird. One of the best that I have had in our town in a long time. The menu options offered a good variety. I ordered the turkey club with fries and it was excellent! Our waitress did a wonderful job keeping an eye on us without hovering. I will definitely be returning to try more of their options.

Ok… Now maybe I’m just starstruck because I was surprised to find top tier fine dining in a historically working class, agricultural town. But wow. This food and paired wine was so good that I found myself pondering flavor combinations, the memories they evoked, and literal confusion over if or where I’d encountered some of these flavor combinations before. One of the best meals I’ve ever had, made all the better by their use of locally sourced foods. Even the bread was house made sourdough with locally produced goat cheese, sunflower butter and honeycomb. And, quintessentially American because the fresh ingredients and classy vibes aren’t pretentious. I was in shorts and flipflops and welcomed just as any other customer. PS, the chocolate mousse at the end blew my mind with a hint of smoky chocolate crunch. The chef hails from Napa wine country, apparently. I’m in awe.

Food was excellent and service was top notch. Price was exactly what was expected for an upscale restaurant. The atmosphere and decorations make it a nice place to have a relaxing meal and evening with adult friends. Robust cocktail and drink menu. The beet salad and risotto were excellent.

Had a wonderful time enjoying breakfast at Rainbird with great company. The ricotta blueberry pancakes were phenomenal and the strawberry French toast was equally delicious. When I go back, I will be ordering the eggs benedict on the menu!

Outstanding restaurant for a Sunday morning brunch. No lines, classy environment with impressive artwork, friendly service and a well-balanced, healthy, sophisticated menu made Rainbird the perfect half way point between SF and Yosemite.

We went as a family for lunch and wow this place is amazing . Our server was Kao we mentioned it was our 1st time and was eager to let us know what are popular dishes . We ended up having the grilled cheese with tomato bisque for our little one , crispy chicken sandwich for the old ball and chain and I had the angus burger . The quality of everything was sooo good . We also had a few drink . I got the grapefruit beer which was fire and also the butterbeer which is now one of my favorite drinks . It was so good we promised to come back but this time to try their dinner menu .

This is the gem of the Valley. Widely a restaurant that takes pride in how they present their food. The service is incredible as you get multiple well informed people helping you. The restaurant is also very beautiful in an also beautiful hotel

The food was so incredible, delicious, healthy, savory and wonderful. Kao was my waiter, he was sweet and friendly. What a beautiful start to the day!🌱

The menu was awesome. They had a great chef. I had confit duck with grilled stone fruit (peaches). I am used to potatoes and green beans and love it that way. However, the grilled peach was even better. The skin was crispy, the meat fell away from the bone and was succulent, and the acidity and sweetness of the grilled peach balanced it out. The service was attentive but not overwhelming and outside seating was great. If I am in town, I will definitely stop by again.

We came to Merced for a wedding . The food here was amazing ! Fresh, delightful choices. The lemon zest ricotta pancakes with blueberry pistachio compote and seasonal scramble , with goat cheese , asparagus, greens and sweet potatoes home fries was divine ! Mary and Rodney provided excellent service ! Bravo !! Wish you could open up in Santa Cruz!!

Food was good, a little different than what I was expecting. I had the goat cheese, ravioli. Our waitress, Faith, was very nice.

Rated it 5/5 but really more of a 9/10 mostly everything was exceptional I tried everything that night the amuse buche was excellent as were the starters the real stand out there being the smoked cauliflower custard a well thought out dish silky smooth and rich and filled with deep flavor the bread course too was exceptional such a beautifully buttered hand crafted bread nothing like that elsewhere in the valley the meal unfortunately reached the main course which though well seasoned was poorly executed the lamb underdone and tough because of it the cod was the better of the 3 main courses the dessert was a return to the exceptional quality previous exemplified by the previous dishes the walnut cake was well thought out and extraordinary the service was top notch the servers were well informed on the dishes they served regardless of the main course truly a wonderful experience

+4

My first time here was very impressing. I ordered the over night oats and it was SO good. The portion was HUGE ! Service was nice, the atmosphere was very relaxing and somewhat "homey". It felt like I was in a cozy living room. I also had the eggs Benedict and that was pretty good as well. Although my guest said it tasted a little mayonnaise-y , overall the taste was good. I would recommend giving them a try

Great dinner experience - the food, service, and atmosphere are all outstanding. The 5-course dinner was delicious. Our initial fear of leaving the restaurant hungry was quickly dispelled after the 3rd course. There is a wide array of wine selection, and they even have a non-alcoholic cocktail offering. The wait-staff will ensure that your glass of still/sparkling water is always near full, and tableware are diligently replaced after every course. I'm hopeful toward the future of this establishment. I look forward to the various local-sourced-and-inspired dishes that the head chef will bring to our little town of Merced.

+1

I would have done a 2-3° less on the sea bass, but the food was great, better than I was expecting. Wines were exceptional. What a surprise! Service was universally friendly, but mixed in promptness. Would be happy to return if I were in the area.

This restaurant is adorable. Food is great. Service is excellent. Diana really took care of us. Had breakfast here twice during our stay at El Capitan. Will definitely try dinner here next trip.

+1

Came in for breakfast and we were very happy. My wife had the Benedict and it was top notch.

The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was perfect for celebrating our 6 year wedding anniversary. Will definitely come back with friends.

+3

My partner and I had an amazing time dining at Rainbird. First and foremost, the food is absolutely incredible. This was our second time dining here and everything we have eaten on the menu has been perfectly balanced and delicious. No matter what you get on their menu, you will be blown away. The chef took a moment to speak with us after our meal and he is clearly very passionate about the food he is making, and it's clear that he attempts to innovate and bring new and exciting flavors to the restaurant on a regular basis. We will certainly be returning as he updates his menu with new items. The service was also top notch. Our server Rachel was prompt and professional. All the hosts throughout the restaurant were knowledgeable and dedicated to providing top notch service. The team at Rainbird are proud of what they are doing and it shows. On top of all that, it feels like the price is completely reasonable for the meal you are being provided. Thank you all for the experience!

A true Michelin experience in downtown Merced. Took my brother here for his 21st birthday. $400 for 3 people including drinks. When I tell you each bite has flavors that picky “with their food people” all of the sudden are foodies. Me personally, was truly amazed. Fine dining can be intimidating. But the Raindbird has exceptional service that gives you a comfortable and special experience. Each plate had like a poem upon presentation. Rainbird will most likely get a Michelin Star in the future. If you love yourself or anyone, go to Rainbird.

+5

My first visit was met with excellent service and the staff were so welcoming. Eggs Benedict hollandaise was kissed with the right amount of lemon. The menu is still calling me back.

Can I give six stars? I absolutely would. Thank you for such a wonderful dinner. We enjoyed every single dish we chose. The amuse buche was so lovely: both the plum tart and potato were creamy, flavorful, well balanced and works of art. They started the meal on just the right foot, with an expectation of more to come. The starters were both perfectly acidic: the tomatoes contrasted against the varied butter flavors of the flowers and with the creamy backnotes of avocado, and the salmon with roe and radish was a lovely salty and slightly sour bite. The bread: not much bread lives up. Well done. And the golden raisin marmite? It felt as though dinner didn't need to continue. The main was perfectly rich: the duck breast perfectly done with pickled daikon and plum sauce made for lovely savory and sweet bites of dinner, with the lamb and peach doing just the same. Dessert, both options were just sweet enough to not be cloying, showcasing each flavor well whether on their own or with the other ingredients. The staff was lovely and attentive. We can't wait to come back for our next spacial occasion.

+5

Breakfast in a cool , lovely atmosphere Delicious Ricotta Pancakes. My waiter Kaio .. perfection🌺 Staying at the El Capitan is well worth it. Breakfast Happiness🙏thank you

The restaurant was absolutely beautifully styled. Our server Montana was delightful. She did a perfect job at explaining every portion of the meal that we had. Her recommendations were impeccable. Food is my love language and I can honestly say I fell in love Tonight. Each course was made with Passion and love and you can tell. The presentation was beautiful and the flavors were indescribable. I enjoyed every single bite. These flavors really moved me and I got teary eyed. I inserted the photo so you guys can see 😂. I'm looking forward to going again. Compliments to the chef.

Excellent breakfast experience. We tried their Caramelized custard French Toast and the Spanish Omelette. Omelette was seasoned well. I would have preferred a softer outer shell, but nothing wrong with what they served. Sweet potatoes were excellent accompaniment. French Toast was good. They were apparently short-staffed for server and kitchen staff, hence had to wait us to get seated until the actual reservation time, even though we arrived 15 min early and many tables open. The server explained after being seated, so we were a little uncertain about the service until then. 😁

We had the Eggs Benedict with bacon and gravlax. We are never disappointed with our choices at Rainbirds.. The staff is always kind and courteous. Our drinks are always topped off. Highly recommended!!

Very nice place. Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, and great service. Lilly was out waitress and she was delightful. We got the Mediterranean platter and ten risotto. Definitely recommend and we will be back. Don't break anything else Lilly. Lol.

I went to the lunch time and it is a very ekegant atmosphere. Very relaxed at the same time as far as dress. Prices for the lunch are in line with most restaurants.But this definitely gives you an upscale feel. Tried the hamburger and the hanger steak sandwich. Would definitely say the hamburger was amazing & the steak was good. Definitely a place I would go again. I am interested returning to try their dinner menu.

Came here to celebrate birthday with husband and friends. We enjoyed a five course tasting menu that was an adventure in every bite. Service was superb and attentive to every detail. We enjoyed everything but their house baked bread was a game changer…we had to go home with some and talk about it to this day! I do recommend coming here if you are a foodie with an open mind to flavor pairings.

I recently visited Rainbird in Merced, a restaurant that not only serves thoughtfully prepared dishes but also offers a beautifully designed interior ✨ with elegant plating 🍽️. 📸 Dishes Ordered: 1. Crispy Duck Confit (pic 1) 🦆 The duck leg quarters are slowly cooked in duck fat until tender and rich in flavor. The savory depth of the duck is beautifully balanced by the sweet grilled peach 🍑, earthy beet purée ❤️, and honey ricotta 🍯. Pairing the duck meat with one or more sides created a true melody of flavors—complex yet harmonious 🎶. 2. Foraged Wild Mushroom Risotto (pic 2) 🍄 This dish celebrates mushrooms at their best. The tender, bouncy texture of the foraged mushrooms combined with the umami-rich flavor made every bite deeply satisfying 🤤. The creamy rice and cheese 🧀 brought everything together for a comforting yet elevated risotto. 3. Fried Oysters (pic 3) 🦪 Crispy and golden, these oysters were enjoyable but didn’t quite reach the level of creativity and depth found in the other two dishes. A solid starter, but less memorable. ✨ Verdict: Rainbird offers a refined dining experience in Merced that feels special, from its aesthetic ambiance 🌸 to its carefully crafted entrées. If you’re passing through, this is a spot worth stopping for 🙌. Ratings: • Tastiness: 8.5/10 😋 • Price Appropriateness: 8/10 💵 • Portion Size: 7/10 🍴 • Overall Experience: 8/10 🌟

The Rainbird was a delightful surprise on our travels. Dining here felt like an experience fit more for Beverly Hills, with its chic decor, classy ambience, impressive presentation, and creative menu options. Farm-to-table makes a real difference in taste, not just in health, as everything down to the sweet potatoes and thick-cut bacon was more flavorful than other upscale restaurants I’ve been to who don’t choose to source locally. The portions were generous and the service was stellar: attentive, friendly and prompt (thank you, Kao!!). I look forward to making this a regular stop.

We had a wonderful dinner experience at Rainbird. The Halibut with the chorizo oil was delicious and we both especially enjoyed the fresh sourdough bread course with sunflower butter, fresh honey comb, and ricotta - sooo good! Everything was prepared and presented beautifully and the flavors were all very well executed. We did the wine pairing that went along with each course and also enjoyed cocktails at the end of our dessert course, which were both delicious and yet again, beautifully presented. If I only had one critique, it would be that our wine pairing wasn’t always poured prior to plating. Other than that, it was a fantastic experience.

I wish I could give this restaurant a 10 out of 5 star rating. The tasting course was to die for and completely unexpected in terms of fantastic (and knowledgeable) service, top-quality food and drinks, and overall relaxed vibes. I will ABSOLUTELY go back! HIGHLY recommend. Update: Went back for their brunch, and it did not disappoint! The food was absolutely delicious and the presentation made it feel like a luxurious experience.

My husband and I decided to attend a special 5-course dining experience here, featuring Chef Tu David Phu and Executive Chef Quentin Garcia. It was amazing! The food was exceptional and unexpected, the atmosphere was great for a date night and the service was spot-on. We will definitely do something like this again. It's so nice having something like this in the Central Valley. It's pricey but worth it!

Michelle Black

We had the Eggs Benedict with bacon and gravlax. We are never disappointed with our choices at Rainbirds.. The staff is always kind and courteous. Our drinks are always topped off. Highly recommended!!

Google User Tf

Very nice place. Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, and great service. Lilly was out waitress and she was delightful. We got the Mediterranean platter and ten risotto. Definitely recommend and we will be back. Don't break anything else Lilly. Lol.

Ziwang Long

I recently visited Rainbird in Merced, a restaurant that not only serves thoughtfully prepared dishes but also offers a beautifully designed interior ✨ with elegant plating 🍽️. 📸 Dishes Ordered: 1. Crispy Duck Confit (pic 1) 🦆 The duck leg quarters are slowly cooked in duck fat until tender and rich in flavor. The savory depth of the duck is beautifully balanced by the sweet grilled peach 🍑, earthy beet purée ❤️, and honey ricotta 🍯. Pairing the duck meat with one or more sides created a true melody of flavors—complex yet harmonious 🎶. 2. Foraged Wild Mushroom Risotto (pic 2) 🍄 This dish celebrates mushrooms at their best. The tender, bouncy texture of the foraged mushrooms combined with the umami-rich flavor made every bite deeply satisfying 🤤. The creamy rice and cheese 🧀 brought everything together for a comforting yet elevated risotto. 3. Fried Oysters (pic 3) 🦪 Crispy and golden, these oysters were enjoyable but didn’t quite reach the level of creativity and depth found in the other two dishes. A solid starter, but less memorable. ✨ Verdict: Rainbird offers a refined dining experience in Merced that feels special, from its aesthetic ambiance 🌸 to its carefully crafted entrées. If you’re passing through, this is a spot worth stopping for 🙌. Ratings: • Tastiness: 8.5/10 😋 • Price Appropriateness: 8/10 💵 • Portion Size: 7/10 🍴 • Overall Experience: 8/10 🌟

Pelton Farr IV

I went to the lunch time and it is a very ekegant atmosphere. Very relaxed at the same time as far as dress. Prices for the lunch are in line with most restaurants.But this definitely gives you an upscale feel. Tried the hamburger and the hanger steak sandwich. Would definitely say the hamburger was amazing & the steak was good. Definitely a place I would go again. I am interested returning to try their dinner menu.

Nicole Youkhaneh

Came here to celebrate birthday with husband and friends. We enjoyed a five course tasting menu that was an adventure in every bite. Service was superb and attentive to every detail. We enjoyed everything but their house baked bread was a game changer…we had to go home with some and talk about it to this day! I do recommend coming here if you are a foodie with an open mind to flavor pairings.

Deanna Barnes

The Rainbird was a delightful surprise on our travels. Dining here felt like an experience fit more for Beverly Hills, with its chic decor, classy ambience, impressive presentation, and creative menu options. Farm-to-table makes a real difference in taste, not just in health, as everything down to the sweet potatoes and thick-cut bacon was more flavorful than other upscale restaurants I’ve been to who don’t choose to source locally. The portions were generous and the service was stellar: attentive, friendly and prompt (thank you, Kao!!). I look forward to making this a regular stop.

Erin Milnik

We had a wonderful dinner experience at Rainbird. The Halibut with the chorizo oil was delicious and we both especially enjoyed the fresh sourdough bread course with sunflower butter, fresh honey comb, and ricotta - sooo good! Everything was prepared and presented beautifully and the flavors were all very well executed. We did the wine pairing that went along with each course and also enjoyed cocktails at the end of our dessert course, which were both delicious and yet again, beautifully presented. If I only had one critique, it would be that our wine pairing wasn’t always poured prior to plating. Other than that, it was a fantastic experience.

Ronald Evans

A true Michelin experience in downtown Merced. Took my brother here for his 21st birthday. $400 for 3 people including drinks. When I tell you each bite has flavors that picky “with their food people” all of the sudden are foodies. Me personally, was truly amazed. Fine dining can be intimidating. But the Raindbird has exceptional service that gives you a comfortable and special experience. Each plate had like a poem upon presentation. Rainbird will most likely get a Michelin Star in the future. If you love yourself or anyone, go to Rainbird.

Ramona V Ramos

My first visit was met with excellent service and the staff were so welcoming. Eggs Benedict hollandaise was kissed with the right amount of lemon. The menu is still calling me back.

Jenny

I wish I could give this restaurant a 10 out of 5 star rating. The tasting course was to die for and completely unexpected in terms of fantastic (and knowledgeable) service, top-quality food and drinks, and overall relaxed vibes. I will ABSOLUTELY go back! HIGHLY recommend. Update: Went back for their brunch, and it did not disappoint! The food was absolutely delicious and the presentation made it feel like a luxurious experience.

Amber Flores

My husband and I decided to attend a special 5-course dining experience here, featuring Chef Tu David Phu and Executive Chef Quentin Garcia. It was amazing! The food was exceptional and unexpected, the atmosphere was great for a date night and the service was spot-on. We will definitely do something like this again. It's so nice having something like this in the Central Valley. It's pricey but worth it!

My daughter took me for a belated Valentine’s dinner due to her work schedule. We were seated promptly for our reservation. Drinks were served quickly and never ran out. Food was out with 15 minutes. Waitress was very sweet and friendly as were the rest of the staff. Food was very tasty. I had the salmon and my daughter had the duck. Perfect portions. Highly recommended this lovely restaurant.

This restaurant is the absolute truth. A standing ovation for the chef and staff. Every dish is prepared to perfection with elegant presentation. Taste and texture prevail!!! This is always my first stop in Merced. Please never cease to articulate this culinary excellence!!!

Quaint upscale restaurant located in the el capitan hotel. I had the bone in chicken breast served with the delicious risotto. Server was kind and paid attention to detail. Dirt martini with blue cheese olives 👌🏼

Well-appointed restaurant with great food and service. Relaxed setting. Good place to catch up with friends over good food and drinks. Many vegetarian/vegan options. I had a salad while my friend had a grain bowl. Both were so good! I'd definitely come back!

Samantha

Quaint upscale restaurant located in the el capitan hotel. I had the bone in chicken breast served with the delicious risotto. Server was kind and paid attention to detail. Dirt martini with blue cheese olives 👌🏼

Elizabeth Zdradzinski

Well-appointed restaurant with great food and service. Relaxed setting. Good place to catch up with friends over good food and drinks. Many vegetarian/vegan options. I had a salad while my friend had a grain bowl. Both were so good! I'd definitely come back!

Nice atmosphere

Well tell you after, Afterthoughts, Well thought out concept Remembrance: Spain before joining the European Union Dessert, also better to-go- savor, enjoy a little; set down, return to dessert later... enjoy! Commissioner, RSVP; Master Teacher.

The food is like nothing I have ever had in my life, however, I'm just a peasant. The service was amazing and so professional; the servers were on their game. I had the same feeling of opening a gift as a child on Christmas morning every time a course was gently placed in front of me. The experience made me feel like I wasn't in Merced anymore. The seasonal cuisine feels so fresh and tickles the palate in the softest way. FYI: Just know, everything placed on that table will be added to your bill. You are paying for the food with a set price, but water, and extra "as much as you want" bread is being added to your bill. Sparkling water cost more than the cocktails. The bathrooms needed a little love; the trash was overflowing and one the door locks was broken. Overall, I would definitely come back for the next season. No sparkling water for me and I'll take the extra bread order home to share the deliciousness with my kids.

cool food options! especially for merced's limited fine dining scene. cocktail menu was fun and really good. service was really nice and our waitress answered all my questions abt the menu or would go to the kitchen to find answers (i was genuinely curious abt an entree; was not pulling a karen). only caveat is that their flan was giving creme brûlée. but a sweet treat is a sweet treat, and i left satisfied! we also stayed past their closing time, and they respectfully packed our leftovers without rushing us:)

I am changing my review, after discussing with my husband because we didnt want to admit to eachother that it was not that good after paying so much for the meal. We both felt the food was not worth the price tag. Most of the courses felt like they were made way in advance, although different they didnt seem fresh. I am expecting for this kind of money to have freshly prepared food. The duck was not very tender and hard to cut. I would not go back. Service was very good.

Quiet, friendly, yummy! Convenient location right under the El Capitan hotel. Good fresh tasting food with many options.

My friend and I ordered the El Cap Burger, requesting it medium well, but they arrived a bit undercooked and red inside. However, we decided to go with it instead of sending them back, and despite that, the burgers were still incredibly juicy and flavorful. Our server, Mouakao, was very friendly and attentive, adding to the positive experience. The restaurant’s contemporary style—with hardwood floors, stylish furniture, framed art, and thoughtful decor—created a calm and welcoming ambiance. Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience.

We came for my birthday dinner. We were told there were no servers for the dining room and offered the patio (the dining room was empty). The Bartender was attentive and his drink recommendations were spot on and delicious. Appetizers and dinner were great. I love that everything is locally sourced. However $200 for dinner on their patio takes away from the "atmosphere". I have always wanted to try Rainbird. Now that I have, I don't know if I would return.

Perfect service by Lorenzo. Sweet corn soup, bruschetta and 1/2 Mediterranean salad were good appetizers. 2 diners shared Duroc porkchop with potatoes. We substituted kale for carrots. The entree was great. Followed up with delicious creme brulee.

We loved coming to this place when they were doing the tasting menu concept. It was truly a unique experience in the central valley, and the food was mostly delicious. With the current à la carte menu, the service and the food is still great, but just kind of lost the magic.

I waited a bit before posting this review so I could really get an overall feel for my experience. First off the food is pretty good. It was a nice experience with good customer service and the pace was alright. However, I think it’s a bit pretentious to offer water, and charge $8 per bottle, one of which was half empty when we received it. I literally just wanted tap water. Secondly, the amount of food you receive for what you pay was off. I felt that the portion sizes could have been bigger, but apparently this is what you pay in a restaurant attached to a hotel. $150 for brunch was a bit excessive. Know what else was excessive?? A $12 liquor fee, and a $12 fee for the mimosa. OJ separately was $8. When asked about the liquor fee, I was told “yes, that’s the liquor fee” and left me confused what the other $12 was for. So by the rationale that liquor is $12 & OJ $8, my mimosa should have been $20 AT MOST. $24 for a mimosa was a bit much. Hear me out. I am not opposed to paying for a good meal (I do it all the time). But this restaurant had good food but was pretentious at best. And is why I rate it 4 stars. You pay for an experience and maybe the food.

+6

Well to start, the restaurant is beautiful, sophisticated and nice mood lighting. You can definitely tell a lot of planning went into this spot. Service was excellent and like nothing you will find in Merced. Drinks, also excellent and well crafted. These are the good points, however I'm still trying to wrap my head around the food. For 85 dollars just felt like it lacked content and didn't have any 'meat on the bones.' and the salt content, as others have mentioned, was outrageous on two of the dishes. The squash blossoms and the halibut. Two dishes had shrimp and crab but trying to find any of these ingredients in the dishes proved challenging. The pumpkin dish was also very mediocre. You're starving from the first two dishes and then you are given a 5 LB butter soaked loaf of bread with some tasty accompaniments but the bread was just way to heavy for me. Then when the main dish halibut came it was super tiny and a salt bomb. I really should have said something at the beginning but I just kept eating it because I was starving :] I mentioned something at the end... if anyone else had complained about the salt but didn't receive a response. Not sure if I will return. I expected more substance and dishes that had a bit more wow but for me it felt a bit flat, especially at $160 a person. But give it a try and let me know what your thoughts are.

Christophertravelz

Well to start, the restaurant is beautiful, sophisticated and nice mood lighting. You can definitely tell a lot of planning went into this spot. Service was excellent and like nothing you will find in Merced. Drinks, also excellent and well crafted. These are the good points, however I'm still trying to wrap my head around the food. For 85 dollars just felt like it lacked content and didn't have any 'meat on the bones.' and the salt content, as others have mentioned, was outrageous on two of the dishes. The squash blossoms and the halibut. Two dishes had shrimp and crab but trying to find any of these ingredients in the dishes proved challenging. The pumpkin dish was also very mediocre. You're starving from the first two dishes and then you are given a 5 LB butter soaked loaf of bread with some tasty accompaniments but the bread was just way to heavy for me. Then when the main dish halibut came it was super tiny and a salt bomb. I really should have said something at the beginning but I just kept eating it because I was starving :] I mentioned something at the end... if anyone else had complained about the salt but didn't receive a response. Not sure if I will return. I expected more substance and dishes that had a bit more wow but for me it felt a bit flat, especially at $160 a person. But give it a try and let me know what your thoughts are.

This little gem surprised us! We were staying at the El Capitan next door and stopped in for dinner. Delightful; high quality ingredients, well-made food, good flavors, great service. Lorenzo, our waiter, was lovely. Really just a delightful, intimate experience. Order the salmon with orzo!

Leigh Ann Osborne

This little gem surprised us! We were staying at the El Capitan next door and stopped in for dinner. Delightful; high quality ingredients, well-made food, good flavors, great service. Lorenzo, our waiter, was lovely. Really just a delightful, intimate experience. Order the salmon with orzo!

Jung Chen

We loved coming to this place when they were doing the tasting menu concept. It was truly a unique experience in the central valley, and the food was mostly delicious. With the current à la carte menu, the service and the food is still great, but just kind of lost the magic.

The entree was delicious. Perfect. The corn soup was also good. The jumbo prawns were terrible. Why do they leave the shells on and tell me that they are edible? The heads too? Sorry to say this, but this dish should be butterflied and served without the shells. Eating the shrimp shell is not compatible with the human digestive tract.

Went there Friday evening. Service was very good. Food was simply OK. Realize that this "tasting" meal is of very small portions. Dinner for two with only one drink , with tip (20%) was over $250! Each dinner was of 5 not 8 items. Wine would have increased the price substantially. Yes, there are very few ( if any) "fine dining experiences" available in Merced. But at those prices , it makes more sense to take the two hour drive to the Bay Area and have. a great sushi dinner! Or perhaps drive to Turlock where there are many good restaurants of a quality not available in Merced at much less cost.

I was really on your side, Rainbird. I know that Merced is capable of a transcendent eating experience. We had it with DeAngelos, which was 5 star for sure. On a positive note, the service was very good. Could have been more in tune with the menu, But other than that, friendly and helpful. The presentation and appearance of the food was beautiful, but it was all show and not so much go. It was as if the chef knew how something should look, but not how it should taste. Both main courses were oversalted. My duck was salted so strongly that it overpowered duck meat, let alone The delicate sauces that came with it. The plum tarts were made with unripe supermarket plums. The beautifully presented salmon tartar hinted at something delicious, But the seasonings were so light that you ended up with just mouthfuls of chunky raw fish. The bread course was very good and the chocolate moose was fantastic. Everything you could ask for in a dessert. I want Merced to have nice places, but I feel that Rainbird has probably hit their ceiling and in so doing has missed the mark. I hope that I am wrong.

This is the second time I have been to Rainbird in the last two weeks. I can honestly say that I am disappointed with the service and likely will not return. On both instances the busser Gabby and the host were far more attentive to our table than the server. The busser "touched our table several times checking up on us asking if we needed anything. Shoutout to her and the hostess! Our sever on the other hand was mostly absent and basically only coming by to take our order and deliver our check. We went on Valentines Day which I realize is an incredibly busy day for restaurants. Parts of my meal were cold, and our food was delayed due to a kitchen mishap which wasn't communicated until we had been waiting sometime already. Being that this is the second time we received poor service we won't be returning. If we received poor service twice in a row how many others have experienced the same?

The atmosphere was so great I had high expectations for their food. The server we had was amazing, she was very friendly and helpful. I even thought the menu prices were reasonable till I received my entree. When you pay basically 50 for an entree you expect high quality. The presentation looked thrown together, was surprised that fries were served with steak and mine were limp and soggy. My steak was unevenly cooked and was okay. Partners meal looked presented well and the appetizer was pretty good. Would like to give them another shot because of the positives. Hopefully the quality goes up!

The food is delicious. It tastes amazing but the portions are so, so small that I don't think a place like this will survive long here in Merced 2 person almost 300.00 us no wayyyy

The menu was fun and unique. Overall our group had a good experience. The only qualm we had was we felt that the duck portion was too small with a subpar amount of meat. Not filling. The pork chop was delectable with a perfectly savory, sweet sauce. The ravioli was creamy and full of flavor. The service was also amazing! Our group accidentally stayed after close and they were super accommodating!

We decided to drive an hour to come here for brunch, drawn by the intriguing menu. The overall experience was good, and the price point of $38 per person certainly offers value for money. **Dishes Reviewed**: - **Grits**: Enjoyed the quality of cheese, pancetta, and the creamy texture. However, it was incredibly heavy and could use some acid to balance the richness. The greens were too stringy and had to be picked out. - **Pancake**: A very good pancake with delicious syrup. Would have preferred a simple high quality grass-fed butter over thyme butter. - **Eggs Benedict**: An interesting departure from the classic, with an excellent gravlax. The brioche and hollandaise were areas of contention, with the former having an odd texture and the latter missing the traditional buttery flavor. I think the interpretation of the Hollandaise is acceptable, but I think the brioche has to go. - **Pomme Rosti**: The skirt steak was fantastic, perfectly cooked with a luscious marinade. However, the dish itself didn't meet expectations in terms of its traditional recipe and the taste of chorizo. I probably just wouldn't call it a rosti so that the expectations are different. - **Malted Beignets**: A standout dish with a soft fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior. Could use more honey and jam on the plate. But, a truly exceptionally execution. - **Stroop Waffle**: Fine, but lacked sweetness and could benefit from more syrup or honey. - **House Made Bacon**: Quality meat sourced but the preparation was disappointing. Felt more like an afterthought than a culinary experience. I think there's a chance to turn this into a signature dish that people just come for, but as of now it should be consideration to take it off the menu. - **Duck Fat Fries**: The confit preparation made them dense. Would benefit from a triple cooking process for a better texture. Huge disappointment. **Ambiance and Service**: The restaurant boasts a gorgeous setting and the service is attentive. While there are a few highlights on the menu, the food feels like it's in the midst of finding its identity. Well it's not a closed door for visiting here again, it'll probably be a little while before we come again.

Lillian Rhinehart

The menu was fun and unique. Overall our group had a good experience. The only qualm we had was we felt that the duck portion was too small with a subpar amount of meat. Not filling. The pork chop was delectable with a perfectly savory, sweet sauce. The ravioli was creamy and full of flavor. The service was also amazing! Our group accidentally stayed after close and they were super accommodating!

Mike Guidry

We decided to drive an hour to come here for brunch, drawn by the intriguing menu. The overall experience was good, and the price point of $38 per person certainly offers value for money. **Dishes Reviewed**: - **Grits**: Enjoyed the quality of cheese, pancetta, and the creamy texture. However, it was incredibly heavy and could use some acid to balance the richness. The greens were too stringy and had to be picked out. - **Pancake**: A very good pancake with delicious syrup. Would have preferred a simple high quality grass-fed butter over thyme butter. - **Eggs Benedict**: An interesting departure from the classic, with an excellent gravlax. The brioche and hollandaise were areas of contention, with the former having an odd texture and the latter missing the traditional buttery flavor. I think the interpretation of the Hollandaise is acceptable, but I think the brioche has to go. - **Pomme Rosti**: The skirt steak was fantastic, perfectly cooked with a luscious marinade. However, the dish itself didn't meet expectations in terms of its traditional recipe and the taste of chorizo. I probably just wouldn't call it a rosti so that the expectations are different. - **Malted Beignets**: A standout dish with a soft fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior. Could use more honey and jam on the plate. But, a truly exceptionally execution. - **Stroop Waffle**: Fine, but lacked sweetness and could benefit from more syrup or honey. - **House Made Bacon**: Quality meat sourced but the preparation was disappointing. Felt more like an afterthought than a culinary experience. I think there's a chance to turn this into a signature dish that people just come for, but as of now it should be consideration to take it off the menu. - **Duck Fat Fries**: The confit preparation made them dense. Would benefit from a triple cooking process for a better texture. Huge disappointment. **Ambiance and Service**: The restaurant boasts a gorgeous setting and the service is attentive. While there are a few highlights on the menu, the food feels like it's in the midst of finding its identity. Well it's not a closed door for visiting here again, it'll probably be a little while before we come again.

Ate here once, look wise they did a great job with decor. Food on the other hand needs much improvement. it's good to see these types of places coming into town but focus should be on food.

My husband and I have given the bar and restaurant side several chances. We are waiting for the courtyard to open. The service last year was great. I am hoping someone will respond with a date of when it opens. We asked the the last two Friday nights and couldn't get an answer. We didn't see our server from the courtyard i hope it is the same person. Have a good day.

We were excited to give Rainbird a try just after they reopened at the beginning of the year. The interior is beautiful and very tastefully done. We thought the ambiance was wonderful. . The service was somewhat impersonal and brief...no warmth and friendliness that makes dining out special. The food was good with the exception of the duck confit. I’m not one who values big portion sizes, but I expected more than one small, boney, dried-out, stringy duck thigh. As a former professional chef with over 20 years in fine dining, I would have been embarrassed to serve that to a guest. While the rest of the meal was enjoyable, I left feeling that the overall experience was overhyped. I don't think we will be back.

Place has changed for the worst. Inexperienced, internet drinks. Food was good but Service is what brings me back. Bartender does more talking with coworkers rather than learning how to master her job. The hotel is wonderful. Probably the reason I would come back.

The food and service didn't match the ambiance. We were the first ones here on a Saturday for lunch. Our waiter took our order and then we didn't see him at our table again for, literally, 40 minutes. The busser/food runner brought out our food right away, but in three trips. He brought prawns and fries on the first trip, but no appetizer plates. We asked him for one or two. Then he brought the grilled cheese and tomato bisque but again, no appetizer or share plate even though he had a hand free. Third trip, ta-da!, share plate. The prawns were really oily. You need a bib or paper napkins to wipe off your hands. The fries weren't crispy, weren't great, and weren't terrible. No ketchup was offered. The grilled cheese was loaded with butter and cheese. If you love that, great, but for us it was way too much butter. However, the bisque was terrific. We ordered iced tea, and no one ever came to offer us more tea or water until the waiter came 40 minutes after the initial order. By the time he came and asked if we wanted more, we'd been waiting so long that we just wanted to leave. I did see one other table get more water while we were there, but the waiter didn't circulate the room with it. He only gave it to that table. To be fair to the waiter, he was pretty much the only one and he had six or more tables with no support from a busser or hostess. She only sat people. There was another person there who took orders for two tables, but she also suffered from a lack of table side service awareness. She brought the table next to us the sourdough bread appetizer without appetizer plates which they had to ask for. It's a mystery where the busser/runner was. He certainly wasn't helping the poor waiter who was bringing out food as well as mixed drinks as well as taking orders. We tipped the normal 20 % because it wasn't the waiter's fault. This is a staffing issue. The daytime manager needed to be helping him more and managing the rest of the staff so that they were helping him more. (Yes, I've worked in restaurants, too.)

We dined at Rainbird today with a birthday reservation, upon being seated we were told that it would cost $30 extra ($5 per slice) for the kitchen to cut the birthday cake that WE brought. We opted out, considering that was almost the price of the cake itself. From start to finish dinner took 2 hours here, so do not recommend if you don’t have that long to stay there. Restaurant was hot, not sure if they have AC issues- it was a hot day as well. Food was really good, we had the salmon, the duck, raviolis, and the bread was a hit. When we got the bill, gratuity was added because we had a party of 6 people- after drinks, apps, and dinner, the gratuity we had to pay was not reflected of our poor experience. We then went to the bar next door and were able to cut our birthday cake ourselves, and then someone came in and informed us we also could not cut it ourselves, and that we should’ve been required to pay. Completely ridiculous and I feel bad for our kind bartender. The whole experience was not the kind you want to have for a birthday and the way things were handled is not the way to get people to come back again- especially in such a small town like Merced. Any other restaurant in town is glad to serve birthday cake in my past experiences- Bella Luna Bistro provides candles, cute the cake, and is more than happy to do it. They also provided a birthday card to the person who’s birthday it is- signed by the whole staff, when you note “birthday” in the reservation.

9 Courses 4/ 8/ 22 1st Amuse Lingon Berry Jam over powered everything in the Macaron the after taste you will definitely get hints of the Onion and chicken skin but no pork flavor 2nd Amuse Potato Mousse a little over salted however the trout roe has a great texture and it taste more like a puree not a fluffy mousse. 3rd Course Monterey Abalone Great flavor but very very Chewy absolutely not edible these were not massaged long enough and the Palate Cleanser is a Bowl of Seaweed (Seriously) smelled like a fish tank. 4th Course Risotto Carnaroli Rice could have been cooked a little longer and seasoned better. Pine nuts add good texture but no flavor. And the Garnish was 2 twigs that were completely in edible 5th Course Bread This was the best dish of this tasting Loved the Variety of butter Cheese and Honey. Bread was a little salty but still very good. 6th Course Rib Eye My Rib Eye was very chewy rare not Medium rare. My Poched Carrots were Raw charred Carrots the Bone Marrow was very good with the sauce. 7th Course Duck This was the worst dish of the whole tasting Coriander cured duck breast WTH Take a beautiful moscovy duck breast and dry the living h*** out of it. I have never in my life seen anything so insane. It was like eating duck beef jerky The mustard seed had a good texture but very overpowering for something like duck. The Radish what you would call an inapplicable garnish that has no place on the plate. The Duck Terrine was good the Burnt Cabbage was ok could have been seasoned better. 8th Course sweet Potato And Gelato This was very interesting but at the end of the day it was a cooked sweet potato with inedible skin around the potato as well as blueberries and pistachio Gelato. The best part of this dish was the Caramel. 9th Course Chocolate Almond Cake Very very Rich. The Meringue helps but over all this isnt ballanced at all very bitter Chocolate with little Almond after Taste. Overall I see that rainbird is trying to do something nobody else is doing and I do give credit where credit is due however to be a very successful restaurant the food has to be superb I think the chef is trying to do too much and his story gets lost in a really mixed and weird translation of food that has not been properly cared for or loved the way it should be. I would like to return to rainbird one day when when they have worked out the kinks of consistency. This has nothing to do with the fact that I asked to see the kitchen and the chef told our server no because there was water everywhere. Every great restaurant every great team is proud of their kitchen at all times. Overall cost of the Meal 2 guests with Tips valet and Server and drinks $268

+6

Came out here for a birthday dinner. Cute little place a different vibe from what I expected. Bruschetta was delicious I enjoyed it very much. We also ordered the fried oyster for appetizer to my surprise it was disgusting. was over powered with popcorn salt on top of the aioli sauce. oyster were presented on a messy bed of dead bitter leafy greens, sandy, gritty and just gross! This is to blame for my high blood pressure. The burger was really bland /boring & over priced I've had better. $50 steak was OK, overprice. Our server was attentive and nice. However I felt robbed and will not return.

RealLo Dorl

Came out here for a birthday dinner. Cute little place a different vibe from what I expected. Bruschetta was delicious I enjoyed it very much. We also ordered the fried oyster for appetizer to my surprise it was disgusting. was over powered with popcorn salt on top of the aioli sauce. oyster were presented on a messy bed of dead bitter leafy greens, sandy, gritty and just gross! This is to blame for my high blood pressure. The burger was really bland /boring & over priced I've had better. $50 steak was OK, overprice. Our server was attentive and nice. However I felt robbed and will not return.

Girls' lunch. Made res a week prior. Our res for 1:45 in a Sunday. We arrived at 1:30, we're never offered water or drink, although the menus were in our table. There were only 3-4 other tables of guest, so not super busy. At 1:45 our server arrived to inform us we had to put our food order in by 2:00! (If you stop taking orders at 2:00, don't offer a 1:45 reservation spot!). We informed her we didn't even have drinks or water yet! She took drink and food order while one of our friends was in the restroom. When our friend returned the server came back with water. Our friend told the server her order and was informed, "It's past 2:00, I can't take your order"! We were shocked. Our friend went over to Native Son, bought some soup and brought it back to our table! When our food arrived, still no drinks, no silverware. Took another 10-15 to get silverware, half the drinks, then finally last 2 friends' drinks arrived when half their food was gone! The icing on the cake is this! When the check arrived, we were never asked if it was together or separate. She brought a single check. We asked to split it 4 ways and were told no, only 2! So we paid, left a tip, only to later realize she called our party of 4 a large group on the receipt and had inserted an automatic 17% gratuity! Never had such horrible service and a rude server!

Check in at hotel as a guest. Occupying a suite for the night at the hotel. Open table VIP for 20 years. Attempted open table reservations to no avail. Checked with hostess, no tables available - hotel guest or not. Not accustomed to rejection as an open table VIP, or as a guest with a Suite on property.

Rainbird is a stunning restaurant, the nicest in Merced, CA. I especially appreciate the fresh atmosphere and focus on local art and locally sourced food. The grilled cheese and tomato bisque soup on the lunch menu are delicious. At first, this lunch was reasonably priced at $12.50 in 2024 after their menu “redesign” in which they advertised more reasonable prices. Unfortunately the price of this sandwich and cup of soup has risen to $16 in just 1 year. This was my favorite meal to eat out in Merced and it’s disappointing that they did not stay true to the advertised lower prices at lunch time. The price increase means I won’t be able to visit as often as I’d like to. Additionally, on one occasion I was charged $18 for a singular plain nonalcoholic mocktail at lunch hour which is absurd. It was just soda water and fruit flavor with a raspberry. Being over charged that much for a beverage with zero alcohol and that they reverted back to higher prices after a promised more affordable lunch menu has left a bitter taste in my mouth of Rainbird which is sad because I enjoyed dining there. Overall, for the above reasons, the experience has felt very inconsistent which makes me not want to return :(

Review MaGee

Rainbird is a stunning restaurant, the nicest in Merced, CA. I especially appreciate the fresh atmosphere and focus on local art and locally sourced food. The grilled cheese and tomato bisque soup on the lunch menu are delicious. At first, this lunch was reasonably priced at $12.50 in 2024 after their menu “redesign” in which they advertised more reasonable prices. Unfortunately the price of this sandwich and cup of soup has risen to $16 in just 1 year. This was my favorite meal to eat out in Merced and it’s disappointing that they did not stay true to the advertised lower prices at lunch time. The price increase means I won’t be able to visit as often as I’d like to. Additionally, on one occasion I was charged $18 for a singular plain nonalcoholic mocktail at lunch hour which is absurd. It was just soda water and fruit flavor with a raspberry. Being over charged that much for a beverage with zero alcohol and that they reverted back to higher prices after a promised more affordable lunch menu has left a bitter taste in my mouth of Rainbird which is sad because I enjoyed dining there. Overall, for the above reasons, the experience has felt very inconsistent which makes me not want to return :(