The Mountain House

Good food options. Great value. Nice environment. Just too busy so the dishes served a bit slow.

+6

A delightful restaurant in one of the most beautiful places in the world, they have a new happy hour Wednesdays and Thursdays all night which make it extremely affordable. The menu is incredible vaz seasonal offerings including fish and elk burger, a vegetarian's delight with many meat-free options as well.

The area and service is amazing. From looking out at redwoods to an amazing flavorful dishes the waiters were very polite and explained each dish that is being served at the table. There were free appetizers and baked bread with whipped butter for the table. The prices for each person is decent, the 20% service charge is not bad but taxes included made the bill $50 more

+5

Came for valentine's dinner! Overall the cooking here is quite good. The meats especially were superb. The filet minion, duck breast, grilled quail, and foie gras were all excellent. The dishes in general were well constructed with an interesting mix of ingredients complementing the centerpieces well. The trend in utilizing some more local variations on mainstays added unique flair to each one. Drinks were pretty strong and fairly creative. It is worth getting a cocktail or two. If we may offer a critique: we felt the dessert course was a little weak. The Panna Cotta was bit overpowered by the passion fruit jelly topping, and the Hazelnut Tart while good, was not really outstanding in any way. We do plan on visiting again, overall the meal was compelling, so I'm pretty excited to explore their day to day menu. Edit Apr 2024: Had my family birthday dinner here with 8 and it was truly a memorable meal. Service was excellent. We were accidentally served sour wine but they of course quickly corrected this graciously. The food came out all fabulously. Personally I was fascinated by the stuffed quail made somehow boneless except for legs and wings. The rack of venison was uniquely herbaceous. My favorite dish I tried was the scallops, exceptionally fresh presented on a savory background of roasted onion. 😋 Everyone was well impressed by the meal and I'm sure we'll all be back in the future.

+6

Update on their reserved back rooms with a pre set 3 course meal.....Delicious! The quail and venison were my favorites : ) Recent reopened under new ownership and doing the former legacy right. Lovely mountain vibe and elevated elegance. A destination restaurant with private parking which includes a Tesla home charging station and dedicated handicap parking. Excellent food and wonderful staff await your reserved table... be sure to book in advance during the busy weekends. Full bar and a causal atmosphere which is very welcoming and inviting. Enjoy : )

+6

Stumbled on this accidentally after a hike in the park, turns out there are several Michelin Star Chefs that own this place and are living their best lives, to the benefit of all of us! Food was incredible and a unique experience. It’s not often you get to experience quality plating at this level more casually. The staff were genuine, warm, and passionate. The kind of staff you only get from good owners/managers. The prices were shockingly low for what this is. This is a chef run kitchen with serious ingredients and plating. Portions are small because ingredients are expensive at this quality, as is the preparation. If you’re a fan of bread pudding, the pumpkin custard bread pudding is a genuine treat/experience! It’s subtle, but incredible on texture and moistness! Special thanks to Ally for being so accommodating and to Robin for being so competent and genuine. We’ve been to the best of the best around Half Moon Bay and felt the most special about our anniversary here! Keep living your dream, and compliments to the staff/kitchen!

+3

I’ve been here twice and both experiences were excellent! The staff is incredible and both dining rooms are lovely. Everything I’ve tried is delicious and the portions are pretty generous for an upscale restaurant like this. My favorites have been the carpaccio, the beet salad, the pork, and the short rib. The creme brûlée is solid and I loved the seasonal galette. Oh and the bread is amazing. I tried the salmon on my most recent visit and found the sauce to be pretty watery, but it was still good. My only wish is that they change the menu more from season to season. We went in February and again in July and most of the items on the menu were the same.

+5

Don't want to use the cliche of "hidden gem", but Mountain House felt like a rare find! I made it up the mountain for happy hour and got 2 cocktails, soup, salad, a slider, and 2 small plates for under $75. The cozy cabin is nestled in giant redwoods and had a nice toasty fire roaring inside. I hope I make it back to the west coast again some day, so I can enjoy another upscale meal.

Mountain House is by far one of our most favorite restaurants. My family and I recently had a wonderful meal. We sat in the bar area and ordered almost every dish on the menu for our whole family to try. Everything was perfect! Plating was beautiful, each bite was so delicious, the staff was attentive and knowledgeable of each dish. The ambience is warm and inviting with a lovely decor surrounded by beautiful redwoods. Thank you Mountain House for a wonderful dining experience.

Magical setting for a 3- our 5-course seasonal tasting menu. The venison and vanilla parsnips were phenomenal, and the cocktails are top notch. Highly recommended for special occasions

Always top shelf in the most amazing redwood forest setting. Great care in menu preparation & wine pairing. Exception service ~☆~

Absolutely beautiful location nestled in the redwoods. Service was impeccable. We came here for my birthday, and can't wait to celebrate another special occasion here. This review was made in connection with a Toast promotion.

I’m still dreaming about my experience at The Mountain House! Their tasting menu is delicious, with many options for each course that will satisfy any appetite. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the venison was the best tasting venison to exist. The fig panna cotta and pistachio cake were so rich and delicious, my taste buds will still bursting well after dinner was over. The views of the redwoods were a beautiful touch to the ambiance that made dinner even more magical.

The restaurant on Skyline Road offers an unexpectedly lovely atmosphere nestled in the mountains. Enjoy exceptional service and an inviting bar that enhances your dining experience!Mountain House Bar and Restaurant is a hidden gem in the mountains. I recently had the pleasure of dining there and I was blown away by the delicious food and cozy atmosphere. The staff was incredibly friendly and the service was top-notch. I highly recommend trying their signature dishes, especially the mountain trout. The view from the outdoor patio is breathtaking and adds to the overall dining experience. I will definitely be returning to Mountain House Bar and Restaurant for more delicious meals and mountain views.

the environment is really 'in the mountain', they have a M* chef and the 3 course tasting menu doesnt't come with cheap price（88d for seasonal seletions)and great service, though!! So if you want come for a different SF vibe, yes; considering extra driving effort, I say it's more of a experiement experience for me.

it's hard to describe Mountain House because it's so good. the two fellows at the reception found us a table at the windows. the head waiter for our table and all of the other waiters on her team took care of us. she listened to us, explained the menu and items, made suggestions, and made sure we would have a great time. they have us the correct amount of attention, not intrusive but also not having to flag down a waiter for something. the food and preparation also is hard to describe. many combinations, tastes, and flavors I've never seen before. we grew up hunting and I've had venison many times; the Mountain House rack of venison is the best I've ever had. yes, it's expensive, but folks, it's not a dinner, it's an experience. the amount of preparation and care they put into their work and taking care of you is remarkable. we'll definitely return again and bring friends who will appreciate the place.

Beautiful restaurant! The location is beautiful, the service was absolutely wonderful and the food was delicious. I did not know beforehand that you had to specifically request in your reservation to sit in the mountain room.....which was why I chose this place. They do their best to seat people there if requested however it is a very small room. Hopefully next time knowing this we get a table in there, the hostess at least however put us by the window which was very kind.

We celebrated our anniversary here and were thoroughly delighted with everything. My husband had the squash soup, braised short rib, and the chocolate bomb and said everything was just delicious. I had the chicken breast with the lemon risotto. I always hesitate to order chicken breast because so many times it is dry but this was cooked absolutely perfectly! And the lemon risotto did not disappoint. I also had the scallops and they were very good and the pistachio cake for dessert was incredible! They also gave us a little complementary crème brûlée for our anniversary celebration. The forest room was gorgeous and cool and not too noisy and just a delightful atmosphere. We really enjoyed our dinner here!

Went here for my 27th birthday! It was absolutely delicious. I was surprised that we each got out our own appetizer, main and desert- some restaurants that serve set menus make you share. We didn't get to sit in the window room but the ambience was great nonetheless. We went while the Summer 2025 menu was out and we selected the summer squash soup and caramelized diver scallops for the first. The summer corn agnolotti, grilled venison loin for seconds and the nectarine/blueberry tart and panna cotta for thirds. Everything was so fresh and delicious!!!! I wish I had more adjectives to describe it. The portions were great too. There was also homemade bread before the apps came out and they surprised me with a flourless chocolate cake for my bday. Amazing. 10/10 will recommend to all my friends.

Perfect 10/10 experience. Went here for a special occasion, and it was a fantastic time. Every part of the meal was so well executed, the staff was very attentive, and the ambience of the forest room was breathtaking. The owner clearly had a vision, went for it, and it really worked. Loved it!

Booked for our anniversary. We dressed up but the crowd was mixed - some casual (jeans) others dressed up. We sat at the bar until our reservation was ready - bartender was nice and chatted about drinks. Made our way to the table which was amazing with views of the forest. Service was attentive and all the food was delicious. It was hard to make a choice. I didn't get photos of the salad or soup (both amazing) but did get photos of entrees (pork chop and short ribs). The short rib was amazing - so tender that no knife was needed. Dessert included an extra anniversary treat which was very kind. Pistachio cake was so amazing and my husband loved the flourless chocolate cake. Highly recommend but be careful driving - long curvy road.

Fantastic experience here. Can’t remember the name of the hostess but she just went above and beyond for this anniversary dinner. Will be coming back to try the rest of the menu. Highly recommend the venison.

This is a very romantic restaurant. Great food and service. I had the quail, short rib and pistachio cake.

Amazing from start to finish. Beautiful ambience, perfect service, and the food was incredible. The diver scallops were maybe the best dish I've had anywhere all year. Perfect blend of flavors. I got extra sourdough to scrape every last molecule of sauce off my plate. The paired wine absolutely enhanced the dish too. We all tasted each other's orders, and not one wrong note among them. All expertly cooked, seasoned, plated, and presented. I don't have a single bad thing to say about our dinner. It was fantastic, and actually an excellent value for the price. Bravo chefs.

Three of us had dinner on a Thursday. We did need a reservation but were seated immediately upon arrival. It’s a rustic cabin with wood fires burning and separate rooms so it doesn’t feel crowded. They have a fixed price of $80 per person for a three course meal. The service was some of the best I have had! Meals were brought to the table by enough staff that everyone at the table is served at the same time. Frankly I don’t recall dinning anywhere with such clear staff coordination and teamwork. The food selection is varied enough to meet every palette and beautifully presented. The flavors are well thought out. This is your classic American fare with fish, game, meat, vegetarian options with no biases. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise but the small touches like the warm, fresh homemade bread was excellent etc. this is a perfect special occasion destination, especially if paired with an earlier walk in the redwoods etc.

One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had! The food was delicious, with every bite full of flavor. The building itself was gorgeous with the main dining hall modeled after a log cabin and the Forest Room having glass walls and ceiling. It looked stunning in the afternoon sun! The service was also outstanding. We came without a reservation and asked to be seated in the Forest Room, and while they couldn’t at the moment we walked in, they checked in throughout our service to see if they could move us. All in all, it was an outstanding dining experience and I would certainly come again.

Ashley

I’m still dreaming about my experience at The Mountain House! Their tasting menu is delicious, with many options for each course that will satisfy any appetite. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the venison was the best tasting venison to exist. The fig panna cotta and pistachio cake were so rich and delicious, my taste buds will still bursting well after dinner was over. The views of the redwoods were a beautiful touch to the ambiance that made dinner even more magical.

Han Ding

the environment is really 'in the mountain', they have a M* chef and the 3 course tasting menu doesnt't come with cheap price（88d for seasonal seletions)and great service, though!! So if you want come for a different SF vibe, yes; considering extra driving effort, I say it's more of a experiement experience for me.

Kal Jawara

The restaurant on Skyline Road offers an unexpectedly lovely atmosphere nestled in the mountains. Enjoy exceptional service and an inviting bar that enhances your dining experience!Mountain House Bar and Restaurant is a hidden gem in the mountains. I recently had the pleasure of dining there and I was blown away by the delicious food and cozy atmosphere. The staff was incredibly friendly and the service was top-notch. I highly recommend trying their signature dishes, especially the mountain trout. The view from the outdoor patio is breathtaking and adds to the overall dining experience. I will definitely be returning to Mountain House Bar and Restaurant for more delicious meals and mountain views.

Andreas Ramos

it's hard to describe Mountain House because it's so good. the two fellows at the reception found us a table at the windows. the head waiter for our table and all of the other waiters on her team took care of us. she listened to us, explained the menu and items, made suggestions, and made sure we would have a great time. they have us the correct amount of attention, not intrusive but also not having to flag down a waiter for something. the food and preparation also is hard to describe. many combinations, tastes, and flavors I've never seen before. we grew up hunting and I've had venison many times; the Mountain House rack of venison is the best I've ever had. yes, it's expensive, but folks, it's not a dinner, it's an experience. the amount of preparation and care they put into their work and taking care of you is remarkable. we'll definitely return again and bring friends who will appreciate the place.

Kim Walters

Beautiful restaurant! The location is beautiful, the service was absolutely wonderful and the food was delicious. I did not know beforehand that you had to specifically request in your reservation to sit in the mountain room.....which was why I chose this place. They do their best to seat people there if requested however it is a very small room. Hopefully next time knowing this we get a table in there, the hostess at least however put us by the window which was very kind.

Dori

We celebrated our anniversary here and were thoroughly delighted with everything. My husband had the squash soup, braised short rib, and the chocolate bomb and said everything was just delicious. I had the chicken breast with the lemon risotto. I always hesitate to order chicken breast because so many times it is dry but this was cooked absolutely perfectly! And the lemon risotto did not disappoint. I also had the scallops and they were very good and the pistachio cake for dessert was incredible! They also gave us a little complementary crème brûlée for our anniversary celebration. The forest room was gorgeous and cool and not too noisy and just a delightful atmosphere. We really enjoyed our dinner here!

Ysabel Thorn

Went here for my 27th birthday! It was absolutely delicious. I was surprised that we each got out our own appetizer, main and desert- some restaurants that serve set menus make you share. We didn't get to sit in the window room but the ambience was great nonetheless. We went while the Summer 2025 menu was out and we selected the summer squash soup and caramelized diver scallops for the first. The summer corn agnolotti, grilled venison loin for seconds and the nectarine/blueberry tart and panna cotta for thirds. Everything was so fresh and delicious!!!! I wish I had more adjectives to describe it. The portions were great too. There was also homemade bread before the apps came out and they surprised me with a flourless chocolate cake for my bday. Amazing. 10/10 will recommend to all my friends.

Sara

Perfect 10/10 experience. Went here for a special occasion, and it was a fantastic time. Every part of the meal was so well executed, the staff was very attentive, and the ambience of the forest room was breathtaking. The owner clearly had a vision, went for it, and it really worked. Loved it!

Sheri Freitas

Booked for our anniversary. We dressed up but the crowd was mixed - some casual (jeans) others dressed up. We sat at the bar until our reservation was ready - bartender was nice and chatted about drinks. Made our way to the table which was amazing with views of the forest. Service was attentive and all the food was delicious. It was hard to make a choice. I didn't get photos of the salad or soup (both amazing) but did get photos of entrees (pork chop and short ribs). The short rib was amazing - so tender that no knife was needed. Dessert included an extra anniversary treat which was very kind. Pistachio cake was so amazing and my husband loved the flourless chocolate cake. Highly recommend but be careful driving - long curvy road.

Adam G

Fantastic experience here. Can’t remember the name of the hostess but she just went above and beyond for this anniversary dinner. Will be coming back to try the rest of the menu. Highly recommend the venison.

Thad King

This is a very romantic restaurant. Great food and service. I had the quail, short rib and pistachio cake.

Laura Hamilton

Amazing from start to finish. Beautiful ambience, perfect service, and the food was incredible. The diver scallops were maybe the best dish I've had anywhere all year. Perfect blend of flavors. I got extra sourdough to scrape every last molecule of sauce off my plate. The paired wine absolutely enhanced the dish too. We all tasted each other's orders, and not one wrong note among them. All expertly cooked, seasoned, plated, and presented. I don't have a single bad thing to say about our dinner. It was fantastic, and actually an excellent value for the price. Bravo chefs.

Glenn Reynolds

Three of us had dinner on a Thursday. We did need a reservation but were seated immediately upon arrival. It’s a rustic cabin with wood fires burning and separate rooms so it doesn’t feel crowded. They have a fixed price of $80 per person for a three course meal. The service was some of the best I have had! Meals were brought to the table by enough staff that everyone at the table is served at the same time. Frankly I don’t recall dinning anywhere with such clear staff coordination and teamwork. The food selection is varied enough to meet every palette and beautifully presented. The flavors are well thought out. This is your classic American fare with fish, game, meat, vegetarian options with no biases. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise but the small touches like the warm, fresh homemade bread was excellent etc. this is a perfect special occasion destination, especially if paired with an earlier walk in the redwoods etc.

Maansi Gupta

One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had! The food was delicious, with every bite full of flavor. The building itself was gorgeous with the main dining hall modeled after a log cabin and the Forest Room having glass walls and ceiling. It looked stunning in the afternoon sun! The service was also outstanding. We came without a reservation and asked to be seated in the Forest Room, and while they couldn’t at the moment we walked in, they checked in throughout our service to see if they could move us. All in all, it was an outstanding dining experience and I would certainly come again.

Dani Howell

Don't want to use the cliche of "hidden gem", but Mountain House felt like a rare find! I made it up the mountain for happy hour and got 2 cocktails, soup, salad, a slider, and 2 small plates for under $75. The cozy cabin is nestled in giant redwoods and had a nice toasty fire roaring inside. I hope I make it back to the west coast again some day, so I can enjoy another upscale meal.

We stopped by Mountain House for a steak dinner the other night. It was my first time there and definitely not my last. The steak was solid and the whole experience stood out because of the service. Our server was great, but Alejandro and Vicente were both welcoming and attentive. They checked in, asked how everything tasted, and gave solid recommendations. What I appreciated most was that they didn’t hover, but they checked on us throughout dinner to make sure we were good. The hospitality felt genuine, the atmosphere was super chill, and the whole staff was friendly and engaging. Great food and even better service.

Heather Fichtner

Mountain House is by far one of our most favorite restaurants. My family and I recently had a wonderful meal. We sat in the bar area and ordered almost every dish on the menu for our whole family to try. Everything was perfect! Plating was beautiful, each bite was so delicious, the staff was attentive and knowledgeable of each dish. The ambience is warm and inviting with a lovely decor surrounded by beautiful redwoods. Thank you Mountain House for a wonderful dining experience.

It was a good experience. The food was decent, I had the short rib which was good and my wife had the trout which was a little under cooked for her liking. They have a great bar with good drinks. The fun part about this spot is the drive up to skyline in a remote location in the redwood forest and out of the city. Great spot for a special occasion.

The place is very cute and the location is wonderful and secluded. It is kind of pricey and we ended up paying $8 for a bottle of still water. ASK FOR TAP WATER because they will just ask if you want still or sparkling. The food was very delicious but the portions were on the small side. We did have a good time, but we felt we paid a lot.

Good food and an amazing atmosphere combine for a magical experience. Nestled within the forested mountains adjacent to Silicon Valley, the Mountain House is a local institution. It's new owners have sustained it as a place worth the drive. Walking in from the redwood forest, you enter into the bar room, appointed in an immaculately rustic style. Custom and traditional cocktails await you. I was surprised to find a milk punch being served; the bartender and I chatted about the lengthy process one must go through to craft such a beverage. My wife enjoyed that libation while I drank their riff on the classic Churchill, with a burnt cinnamon stick in place of a cigar. If I wanted to take visitors to a scenic bar for a drink, the Mountain House has already justified its presence. However, the star attraction is dinner within the Forest Room. Elevated thirty feet from the forest floor, with walls and ceiling made of glass, one is treated to dining within the redwoods. I would recommend waiting up to an hour for a table within this very special environment. The food is good and the prix-fixe is at the lower end of a fine dining experience. We both enjoyed the roast quail starter -- truly, the star of our meal. My wife enjoyed the short ribs, while I had a decent venison rack. For desert, she enjoyed something off menu -- a wonderful fusion of pecan pie, chocolate cake, and tarte. Mine, a peach galette was just a mess of dense dough with little fruit. The service was nice, helpful, though inexperienced, with the exception of the bartenders. Without the atmosphere or location, this is probably a place you'd go to once, enjoy, but never make a return trip. But add those elements in, and you'll happily go back.

Came in on their first week of reopening. Overall the food was good, not blown away, but solidly good. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. We waited a bit for our reserved table (last group hadn't left), but enjoyed the bar and drinks. I had to share the drink order 3 times (maybe don't have long cutesy names that are hard for bartender to remember). Server was very helpful and engaging. It was a VERY long time before we even got the bread and butter we had order let alone other starters. Seeing that they knew we had checked in for a long time prior, it would have been nice to have something to graze on during that the last time. I'm going to assume they are working out some bumps. They did share that they are looking for staffing. Willing to try again.

It has a thing that you feel like you're in a giant tree house. The service was good but you had the feeling that the servers were new and nervous but they did a good job. The food tasted fresh however I felt like the price of the food was 15% more than it should be and the portions were very small. You believe in not wasting food but it's nice for the amount of money I spent to have a little doggy bag to take home. Nestled along highway 35 in a beautiful scenic drive it's good to have a car that can handle the twisty roads there.

+5

🍲 Exceptional Cuisine with Consistent Flavor This has become a repeat destination for us because it is consistently really good. While many restaurants struggle to maintain their standards over time, the kitchen here continues to deliver at a high level. The food is phenomenal, offering bold, authentic flavors that are both complex and satisfying. Whether it’s the signature spice levels or the preparation of the proteins, every plate that comes out reflects a high level of culinary skill. It is easily some of the best food in the area, which is exactly why we keep coming back despite some of the operational hurdles. However a medium-well steak seems to be challenging. 🍽️ The Service Experience: A Mixed Bag While the kitchen excels, the front-of-house service is hit or miss. Forgetful Service: It has become a bit of a pattern where there are usually at least two things that are forgotten during our meal. Whether it’s a drink order, an extra set of utensils, or a specific side dish, the attention to detail in the service doesn't quite match the precision of the food. Lack of Follow-up: Another area for improvement is the engagement after the meal begins. We found that we don't get checked on much after the food comes to the table. If you need a refill or an additional item halfway through your dinner, it can be quite a challenge to catch a server's attention. Atmosphere and Expectations: It is the type of service you expect for a set menu fancy place—somewhat formal and distant, where the staff stays out of the way, sometimes to a fault. If you go in expecting a high-touch, attentive experience, you might leave feeling a bit neglected. ✨ Highlights of the Dining Environment The ambiance of the restaurant complements the "fancy" nature of the menu. It has a great energy and a well-designed interior that makes it feel like a special occasion spot. Food Presentation: The presentation of the dishes is beautiful, matching the high quality of the ingredients. Consistency: The fact that the food quality has remained stable across several visits is a major plus and the primary reason this remains a top recommendation for foodies. 🍱 Final Thoughts and Recap To recap, this is a destination where the phenomenal food is the undisputed star of the show. While the service is hit or miss and often includes forgotten items and a lack of follow-up, the culinary experience is consistently really good enough to justify a 4-star rating. As long as you are prepared for a more hands-off service style, you will likely have a memorable meal. I’ll definitely be back for the food, but I’ll make sure to double-check my order as it arrives!

It is stuck away on 35, and the drive there is very scenic (however super dark when you leave late evening). The setting is just like inside a rustic old house, with super friendly staffs. Wines are reasonably priced but some exclusive offerings as well. But we ended up ordering their cocktail special which was bourbon with lemons and pineapple juice… very refreshing. For appetizer we ordered the sea scallops which were done perfectly, and stuffed quails which i preferred the skin to be a bit more crispy but overall not bad. For main course I had the wide mushroom fettuccine and it was good. We also had the pork loin which I didn’t care too much about. Maybe it was just overshadowed by the fettuccine. We end the night with a lemon tart and crème brûlée, but the highlight was a surprise bday chocolate cake by our friendly server.

Sohrob H

🍲 Exceptional Cuisine with Consistent Flavor This has become a repeat destination for us because it is consistently really good. While many restaurants struggle to maintain their standards over time, the kitchen here continues to deliver at a high level. The food is phenomenal, offering bold, authentic flavors that are both complex and satisfying. Whether it’s the signature spice levels or the preparation of the proteins, every plate that comes out reflects a high level of culinary skill. It is easily some of the best food in the area, which is exactly why we keep coming back despite some of the operational hurdles. However a medium-well steak seems to be challenging. 🍽️ The Service Experience: A Mixed Bag While the kitchen excels, the front-of-house service is hit or miss. Forgetful Service: It has become a bit of a pattern where there are usually at least two things that are forgotten during our meal. Whether it’s a drink order, an extra set of utensils, or a specific side dish, the attention to detail in the service doesn't quite match the precision of the food. Lack of Follow-up: Another area for improvement is the engagement after the meal begins. We found that we don't get checked on much after the food comes to the table. If you need a refill or an additional item halfway through your dinner, it can be quite a challenge to catch a server's attention. Atmosphere and Expectations: It is the type of service you expect for a set menu fancy place—somewhat formal and distant, where the staff stays out of the way, sometimes to a fault. If you go in expecting a high-touch, attentive experience, you might leave feeling a bit neglected. ✨ Highlights of the Dining Environment The ambiance of the restaurant complements the "fancy" nature of the menu. It has a great energy and a well-designed interior that makes it feel like a special occasion spot. Food Presentation: The presentation of the dishes is beautiful, matching the high quality of the ingredients. Consistency: The fact that the food quality has remained stable across several visits is a major plus and the primary reason this remains a top recommendation for foodies. 🍱 Final Thoughts and Recap To recap, this is a destination where the phenomenal food is the undisputed star of the show. While the service is hit or miss and often includes forgotten items and a lack of follow-up, the culinary experience is consistently really good enough to justify a 4-star rating. As long as you are prepared for a more hands-off service style, you will likely have a memorable meal. I’ll definitely be back for the food, but I’ll make sure to double-check my order as it arrives!

Kelvin Chan

It is stuck away on 35, and the drive there is very scenic (however super dark when you leave late evening). The setting is just like inside a rustic old house, with super friendly staffs. Wines are reasonably priced but some exclusive offerings as well. But we ended up ordering their cocktail special which was bourbon with lemons and pineapple juice… very refreshing. For appetizer we ordered the sea scallops which were done perfectly, and stuffed quails which i preferred the skin to be a bit more crispy but overall not bad. For main course I had the wide mushroom fettuccine and it was good. We also had the pork loin which I didn’t care too much about. Maybe it was just overshadowed by the fettuccine. We end the night with a lemon tart and crème brûlée, but the highlight was a surprise bday chocolate cake by our friendly server.

This place is a great location for a fancy evening out. The food was immaculate. The gnocci with the truffle pecorino absolutely melts in the mouth. Every single meal I ate was phenomenal. I only wish I could have sampled the meats, but I suffer from gout and cannot. It would've been 100% perfect if we weren't vegetarian. I asked to be seated somewhere out of view of the many mounted animal heads - my girlfriend isn't a big fan of them. They said they would try, but one of the servers walked up to us at the bar and (what felt like) mockingly started petting a stuffed phesant. For the price point, that was umacceptable. A redeeming factor - the chef created a delicious vegan meal that was not on the standard menu and we appreciated that. It has a deceptively fancy menu for a place that looks like an old biker bar on the outside. I reccomend asking to be seated in the back room with views of the redwoods. They have lights illuminating them at night.

Venison medium (highlight) was cooked really well, clean cut and very juicy, although the gamey flavor was cooked out so it kind of tasted like mystery meat by itself (can be viewed as a plus or minus). I thought the pairing of poached pear and bitterness from brussel sprouts was an exceptional flavor combination. The amuse bouches (fried cheese ball and some nuts covered in chocolate) and dessert selection felt a bit low effort, especially compared to thought put into the mains. The sourdough was cut too thick for my preferences which made the butter taste like nothing, and the sourdough crust was closer to “hard” than “crunchy.” Dining companions said scallop was the best of the meal. I tried a bit of the pork main dish and it was much more dry/tough than the venison. The main portions were gigantic! We left with our stomachs about to burst. Service was very attentive, water glasses were never less than half full. They were able to accommodate my dietary restrictions.

Greg Ellis

This place is a great location for a fancy evening out. The food was immaculate. The gnocci with the truffle pecorino absolutely melts in the mouth. Every single meal I ate was phenomenal. I only wish I could have sampled the meats, but I suffer from gout and cannot. It would've been 100% perfect if we weren't vegetarian. I asked to be seated somewhere out of view of the many mounted animal heads - my girlfriend isn't a big fan of them. They said they would try, but one of the servers walked up to us at the bar and (what felt like) mockingly started petting a stuffed phesant. For the price point, that was umacceptable. A redeeming factor - the chef created a delicious vegan meal that was not on the standard menu and we appreciated that. It has a deceptively fancy menu for a place that looks like an old biker bar on the outside. I reccomend asking to be seated in the back room with views of the redwoods. They have lights illuminating them at night.

Meh, food was decent but not worth the money or the drive in our opinion. This place seemed confused on whether it was fun and relaxed or bougie and uptight. A mediocre experience for our personal styles which is not what you want when you’re spending $500 for dinner.

Tried The Mountain House for the first time to take my girlfriend and I out for our anniversary. The experience was mixed, to say the least. We made a reservation for 5:45pm, and we were seated right on the dot in the Forest Room. The view was nice and felt like you were in a cabin in the middle of the woods. The server (I apologize to her as I can not recall her name) was extremely friendly and asked if either of us had food allergies. I told her that I do have a nut allergy and she was happy to accommodate. For the first course, I got the Seared Scallops w/o the pine nuts, and my girlfriend got the Yellowtail Crudo. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and everything on the plate paired well. My girlfriend noted that the Yellowtail Crudo was really good, although the citrus (I think it tasted similar to grapefruit?) was way too bitter for the dish and was very off-putting. The sourdough bread that was brought out had great flavor. However, I believe it was a bit overcooked since the crust was a bit too burnt. Second course, my girlfriend got the Scottish Salmon, and I got the Briased Short Rib. Both dishes were solid, but I think they both could use a tad more seasoning. After the second course, things went a little downhill. One of the servers comes out and serves us a complementary chocolate tart with walnuts, almonds, etc, w/ a bourbon cream on top. Due to my nut allergy, though, my girlfriend was the only one who could eat it. Although it was complementary, it was still a little off-putting that they would serve this at a table with a person who is allergic to nuts and was aware of this. I didn't want to make a scene, however. Creme Bruleé comes out for me, and my gf got the pistachio cake. My gf was full, and we asked for the cake to be boxed up to take home. The creme Bruleé was really good and paired well with the Satuma mandarins. Our server comes out with another complementary puff pastry dish from the kitchen, but she realized halfway through explaining that there were nuts in it. She was apologetic and offered to bring out a sorbet for me, which was fine. Again, this was a little off-putting, but I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. I just wish there was a little more attention to detail, especially with someone who has a food allergy. tl;dr food was good, The Forest Room is lovely. However, if you have a food allergy, I would be a little vigilant into what you are being served, especially if it's a serious allergy. I would hope that for a $200+ dinner that worrying about allergies wouldn't be an issue.

Nicholas ishizaka

Tried The Mountain House for the first time to take my girlfriend and I out for our anniversary. The experience was mixed, to say the least. We made a reservation for 5:45pm, and we were seated right on the dot in the Forest Room. The view was nice and felt like you were in a cabin in the middle of the woods. The server (I apologize to her as I can not recall her name) was extremely friendly and asked if either of us had food allergies. I told her that I do have a nut allergy and she was happy to accommodate. For the first course, I got the Seared Scallops w/o the pine nuts, and my girlfriend got the Yellowtail Crudo. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and everything on the plate paired well. My girlfriend noted that the Yellowtail Crudo was really good, although the citrus (I think it tasted similar to grapefruit?) was way too bitter for the dish and was very off-putting. The sourdough bread that was brought out had great flavor. However, I believe it was a bit overcooked since the crust was a bit too burnt. Second course, my girlfriend got the Scottish Salmon, and I got the Briased Short Rib. Both dishes were solid, but I think they both could use a tad more seasoning. After the second course, things went a little downhill. One of the servers comes out and serves us a complementary chocolate tart with walnuts, almonds, etc, w/ a bourbon cream on top. Due to my nut allergy, though, my girlfriend was the only one who could eat it. Although it was complementary, it was still a little off-putting that they would serve this at a table with a person who is allergic to nuts and was aware of this. I didn't want to make a scene, however. Creme Bruleé comes out for me, and my gf got the pistachio cake. My gf was full, and we asked for the cake to be boxed up to take home. The creme Bruleé was really good and paired well with the Satuma mandarins. Our server comes out with another complementary puff pastry dish from the kitchen, but she realized halfway through explaining that there were nuts in it. She was apologetic and offered to bring out a sorbet for me, which was fine. Again, this was a little off-putting, but I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. I just wish there was a little more attention to detail, especially with someone who has a food allergy. tl;dr food was good, The Forest Room is lovely. However, if you have a food allergy, I would be a little vigilant into what you are being served, especially if it's a serious allergy. I would hope that for a $200+ dinner that worrying about allergies wouldn't be an issue.

We made a reservation half a month in advance for the day after Valentine’s Day and specifically requested a table in the glasshouse over the phone. However, when we arrived, we were only offered a table inside, despite seeing empty spots in the glasshouse. The staff insisted it was fully booked. The restaurant is in a remote area with difficult roads and no signal. The rib was overly greasy, and I ended up feeling sick later that night. Service was poor—waiters were nowhere to be found, and when we asked for takeout boxes, they handed them to us unsealed in a careless manner. On top of that, they enforced a 20% mandatory tip. Overall, a very disappointing experience. Definitely won’t be coming back.

We’ve dined here three times and always enjoyed the food, but our experience on 11/23 was shockingly bad, far below what a restaurant of this caliber should deliver. Our server that night, the woman wearing glasses and jeans, had a consistently hostile and dismissive attitude. Any question about the bill was met with irritation. When we asked about several unexpected charges, she responded with, “It’s on the menu. Do you want to see it?” I said yes, and she never brought the menu over. That kind of behavior is unprofessional and frankly disrespectful. It also didn’t help that a cabernet we never ordered was quietly added to our bill. We had to point it out before it was removed. This is not a trivial error; it raises real concerns about how often this happens to customers who don’t double-check their receipts. On top of that, basic items like hot water, which cost $2 for a tiny glass, were never disclosed upfront. We have zero issue paying for what we actually ordered, but we do have an issue with charges being snuck in or brushed off when questioned. The food remains excellent, but service like this undermines the entire dining experience. For a restaurant that prides itself on quality, what we experienced on 11/23 was unacceptable. We left feeling disappointed and genuinely let down as returning customers.