Terrapin Creek

The headline for me is — “The best restaurant by far in Bodega Bay”. Okay, so now some details. The environment is casual, as if having dinner in someone’s home. The host/server was incredibly kind, appropriately chatty, and took me up on the offer to do a taste of the wine we brought via their generous corkage policy ($35 per bottle). We brought a Cersei single vineyard from Kosta Browne. The food was pretty tasty. We started with the crudo, seeded bread, and the scallops. My husband loved the scallops. My crudo was more thickly cut than I’ve seen for crude but the flavors were perfect and just a tad bit of pesto made the flavor unexpected by tasty. (Photos attached) For mains, we had the halibut with quinoa, tomatoes, corn, zucchini, mushrooms, lemon butter sauce. My husband said the sauce was good but the fish was under-seasoned (though cooked perfectly). He gave it a 6 out 10. My main on the other hand was outstanding. I ordered the steak, medium-rare, and it was perfectly cooked/seasoned, along with the mashed potatoes, and broccolini. For dessert we shared a strawberry / basil panna cotta that had fantastic flavor. One final note that I loved. The chef and sous chef had their young sons in helping / learning. A great way to teach work ethic, give them insight into the work. Fantastic to see and gave an even more friendly/family/casual/nice vibe to the night.

We had been traveling from San Francisco to explore the area. We camped at a near by campground for a couple days. We were looking for some great food, great seafood in particular. The parking lot was packed. The restaurant was full. We didn’t have reservations but they were ale to seat us immediately. We ordered a couple appetizers, a few drinks and our entrees. The crudo of hamachi is delicious. So delicate but very flavorful. The basil, lemon juice and sesame oil did not over power the hamachi. The radish gave it a nice crunch and kick. The scallops were so tender. The purée paired with it well. We could definitely eat just this as our main because it was so delicious. I ordered their fresh pasta with Italian sausage. The pasta was Al dense, a good bite to it. The bread crumbs gave it a nice texture. Everything about the pasta was phenomenal. My partner ordered the strip steak. Not pictured but he loved it. It came with trumpet mushrooms , broccolini and a delicious bordelaise sauce. Cooked perfectly to a medium well. The feel of the restaurant was warm and welcoming, everyone was enjoying their time there. The drinks were great, the wines they suggested paired well with the steak, seafood and pasta. We also ordered the cheesecake to go, also not pictured. But when we got back to camp to enjoy it. It was amazing. Nice and creamy, with a good crust. And the sauce paired with it had good acidity to cut through the richness of the creamy cheesecake. Amazing restaurant , can’t wait to try it again next time we’re in the area again!

Do not hesitate. Absolutely go experience what this place has to offer! Great ambiance and service, and the food was so beautifully cooked and presented…it was delightful in every way! It’s approximately $10/more a plate than nearby restaurants and 100% worth it. Splurge on dessert with a French Press of their good coffee!!

We had 1) Monterey sardines; 2) 2 orders of scallops (unbelievable! = nicely cooked melted in mouth no chewiness at all); 3) sea bass; 4) asparagus salad; 5) cheesecake with raspberry sauce. Food made with a top of the class. This would go though after another Michelin star, White Rabbit in Moscow Russia. But do not misjudge. It is a perfect place. Ambiance is very relaxing, we were next to a fireplace and service is a top notch. We will be back for sure. FYI corkage is $30 as of end of May 23

Bonnie D

Normally we pass through Bodega Bay early afternoons, but we took a short vacation here which allowed us to explore. Terrain popped up on Google maps so I made a reservation. It was a delightful experience. We started with the Octopus and roasted cauliflower. The octopus was tender and the cauliflower was roasted perfectly. We followed up with the corn soup which is a don't miss if it's on the menu. Creamy taste of fresh corn. It has a jalapeño oil which isn't spicy, but adds a little something special. For entrees we had the fresh pasta and the rib eye. My rib eye was a perfect mid rare, very tender. The mashed potatoes was luscious. The brocollini was cooked tender, and still had a good bite. I tried the pasta which was homemade and really enjoyed that. The portions were big enough we didn't quite finish, but we made room for the sourdough bread pudding with roasted peaches. So soft and tender, warm and gooey in all the right ways. It made me like bread pudding which I didn't think was possible. If you're in the area, just make a reservation and go.

Noel Reeves

Food was outstanding, amazing flavor profiles on everything. Would definitely come again for the food. Definitely not a high end restaurant vibe but food delivered high end quality.

jcl

Terrapin Creek is a fantastic spot! We loved their fresh, seasonal menu – everything tasted amazing. The vibe is super chill and the service was friendly without being overbearing. Definitely a must-try if you're in the Bodega Bay area for a relaxed, delicious meal.

Jason Aranda

A true culinary gem in the area! The food was spectacular and the service was impeccable. The most impressive part? When we mentioned we were sharing dishes, they thoughtfully split and plated everything for us individually. It's a small touch of class that made a huge difference. Highly recommend!

Keegan Smith

We have been wanting to come here for a while! It did not disappoint. The scallops were amazing and you must get them if you go! We definitely enjoyed the crab cake and crudo of hamachi as well. Our favorite main course was the pasta, there were so many flavors and the sausage was amazing. The seafood stew was not our favorite compared to our other mains, the Alaskan halibut was to die for!! We got a cheesecake to go as well, and it was great, all the desserts look so good. The owners are so sweet, and friendly. This is definitely on the pricey side though for pretty small portions, but it is great quality.

Sean B.

We had the duck rib eye med rare. Dessert was the delicious bread pudding.

Jason B

Terrapin Creek was worth every penny. My Wife and I went here 2 nights in a row. First night I had the pork chop ( best pork chop I’ve ever had). Wife had the Duck. ( also the best duck I’ve had at a restaurant. We had scallops as an appetizer and Ceaser salad. Scallops were cooked perfectly. Salad was probably the only thing I wouldn’t rate as a 5⭐️. The second night I had the Steak and Wife had the fish stew. ( both were delicious) We also tried the corn soup which was a corn purée with jalapeño oil. Great soup and the jalapeño oil adds a nice flavor. Service was incredible, ambience was great. You could get dressed up but you could also go there with casual attire and not feel out of place. All around a really great restaurant with amazing food. The passion fruit cheesecake is a must try. Extremely good food with service to match.

Minh Vu

We had dinner here at a friend’s recommendation. The crabcake, Wagyu steak, and seafood stew were all delicious. Even better, the first two items were dairy free. Service was attentive, but not overbearing. The space itself is not the most exciting but they did have nice white tablecloths to elevate the experience. we definitely would eat here again in the area.

Suki Skye

This was my wife's second visit in three days, and my first, and the experience was lovely from start to finish. We came right at opening without a reservation, and they welcomed us into the warm and inviting space. We had two starters and two mains, and all were perfectly prepared and seasoned: octopus, scallops, pork, and wagyu steak. The server was very kind in meeting my dairy and gluten free needs as well. Truly a gem in Bodega Bay!

Paul Richardson

The headline for me is — “The best restaurant by far in Bodega Bay”. Okay, so now some details. The environment is casual, as if having dinner in someone’s home. The host/server was incredibly kind, appropriately chatty, and took me up on the offer to do a taste of the wine we brought via their generous corkage policy ($35 per bottle). We brought a Cersei single vineyard from Kosta Browne. The food was pretty tasty. We started with the crudo, seeded bread, and the scallops. My husband loved the scallops. My crudo was more thickly cut than I’ve seen for crude but the flavors were perfect and just a tad bit of pesto made the flavor unexpected by tasty. (Photos attached) For mains, we had the halibut with quinoa, tomatoes, corn, zucchini, mushrooms, lemon butter sauce. My husband said the sauce was good but the fish was under-seasoned (though cooked perfectly). He gave it a 6 out 10. My main on the other hand was outstanding. I ordered the steak, medium-rare, and it was perfectly cooked/seasoned, along with the mashed potatoes, and broccolini. For dessert we shared a strawberry / basil panna cotta that had fantastic flavor. One final note that I loved. The chef and sous chef had their young sons in helping / learning. A great way to teach work ethic, give them insight into the work. Fantastic to see and gave an even more friendly/family/casual/nice vibe to the night.

O

We had been traveling from San Francisco to explore the area. We camped at a near by campground for a couple days. We were looking for some great food, great seafood in particular. The parking lot was packed. The restaurant was full. We didn’t have reservations but they were ale to seat us immediately. We ordered a couple appetizers, a few drinks and our entrees. The crudo of hamachi is delicious. So delicate but very flavorful. The basil, lemon juice and sesame oil did not over power the hamachi. The radish gave it a nice crunch and kick. The scallops were so tender. The purée paired with it well. We could definitely eat just this as our main because it was so delicious. I ordered their fresh pasta with Italian sausage. The pasta was Al dense, a good bite to it. The bread crumbs gave it a nice texture. Everything about the pasta was phenomenal. My partner ordered the strip steak. Not pictured but he loved it. It came with trumpet mushrooms , broccolini and a delicious bordelaise sauce. Cooked perfectly to a medium well. The feel of the restaurant was warm and welcoming, everyone was enjoying their time there. The drinks were great, the wines they suggested paired well with the steak, seafood and pasta. We also ordered the cheesecake to go, also not pictured. But when we got back to camp to enjoy it. It was amazing. Nice and creamy, with a good crust. And the sauce paired with it had good acidity to cut through the richness of the creamy cheesecake. Amazing restaurant , can’t wait to try it again next time we’re in the area again!

Dondy Bentley

Do not hesitate. Absolutely go experience what this place has to offer! Great ambiance and service, and the food was so beautifully cooked and presented…it was delightful in every way! It’s approximately $10/more a plate than nearby restaurants and 100% worth it. Splurge on dessert with a French Press of their good coffee!!

Yulia Faytelson

We had 1) Monterey sardines; 2) 2 orders of scallops (unbelievable! = nicely cooked melted in mouth no chewiness at all); 3) sea bass; 4) asparagus salad; 5) cheesecake with raspberry sauce. Food made with a top of the class. This would go though after another Michelin star, White Rabbit in Moscow Russia. But do not misjudge. It is a perfect place. Ambiance is very relaxing, we were next to a fireplace and service is a top notch. We will be back for sure. FYI corkage is $30 as of end of May 23

Lesli L

What a treat—delicious food, attentive, warm and friendly service, comfy vibe. The pasta with shrimp and sausage was fantastic; my seafood stew was wonderful; great scallop appetizers; perfect light airy not too sweet chocolate cake. Overall, a delightful birthday dinner!

Eric Flanagan

Terrapin Creek is an oasis of hospitality and culinary excellence in Bodega Bay. Great locally sourced ingredients, simply and perfectly prepared, are matched with a thoughtful wine list. The staff is top notch too!

From the moment we sat down, it was clear this restaurant pours an abundance of passion and craftsmanship into every dish. Each plate arrives with layers of flavor that speak to meticulous work and a genuine love for food. The staff are warm and welcoming, and Rosie—our server—is truly one of a kind. Her genuine smile and attentive check-ins made the experience even more memorable. The pork dish was cooked to absolute perfection, rich and tender in every bite. The American Wagyu, already a quality cut on its own, became exceptional through the magic of the chef’s technique. The crab cake came bursting with beautifully layered flavors, while the scallops were paired with an incredible sauce and fresh greens that made them irresistible. Dessert was unforgettable—the warm carrot cake had just the right sweetness with a perfectly crusty bottom that was simply to die for. And to top it off, the Old Fashioned from the bar was so smooth and balanced it made you want to savor every drop. An outstanding dining experience from start to finish—one that leaves you grateful for the artistry behind every dish.

Every time I’m in Bodega Bay I book a reservation here. It’s a must have. I have been here through the years and most recently brought a group of friends here to enjoy it with me. I enjoy the simplicity of the dishes, but yet a delicate balance in flavor and texture with quality ingredients. I don’t remember having a bad dish here yet. I also relish the hometown feel that this restaurant brings the chefs are kind and friendly, as well as the hostesses. Thank you for being a staple for me and my family all these years!

Loved the food! Sea food and lovely local selections. We love a small menu where you don’t have 39 options but rather handpicked, focused dishes with taste and deep expertise. We tried oysters, a fresh salad with feta and peaches, halibut and homemade pasta as well as a sourdough bread pudding. Just excellent! Felt a bit elevated without being snobby. I would recommend making a reservation.

jocelyn santiago

From the moment we sat down, it was clear this restaurant pours an abundance of passion and craftsmanship into every dish. Each plate arrives with layers of flavor that speak to meticulous work and a genuine love for food. The staff are warm and welcoming, and Rosie—our server—is truly one of a kind. Her genuine smile and attentive check-ins made the experience even more memorable. The pork dish was cooked to absolute perfection, rich and tender in every bite. The American Wagyu, already a quality cut on its own, became exceptional through the magic of the chef’s technique. The crab cake came bursting with beautifully layered flavors, while the scallops were paired with an incredible sauce and fresh greens that made them irresistible. Dessert was unforgettable—the warm carrot cake had just the right sweetness with a perfectly crusty bottom that was simply to die for. And to top it off, the Old Fashioned from the bar was so smooth and balanced it made you want to savor every drop. An outstanding dining experience from start to finish—one that leaves you grateful for the artistry behind every dish.

Sebastian

Loved the food! Sea food and lovely local selections. We love a small menu where you don’t have 39 options but rather handpicked, focused dishes with taste and deep expertise. We tried oysters, a fresh salad with feta and peaches, halibut and homemade pasta as well as a sourdough bread pudding. Just excellent! Felt a bit elevated without being snobby. I would recommend making a reservation.

Second visit and it was just as good as the first. Made a reservation in advance via open table and was seated immediately upon arrival. Menu is small but changes often. $30 corkage fee. No complimentary bread. We ordered the crab ragout $26, duck $40, spare ribs $40. Asked for no added salt and they accommodated. It was nice that they offered to split our entrees and serve them nicely on separate plates. Felt like a coursed meal. All the food was high quality, reasonably priced and portions. Did didn't take too long to come out. Service was decent. I indicated on the reservation it was for a birthday but I guess they don't do anything for celebrations. Small, cozy restaurant. Medium sized parking lot that can fill up, but street parking is available as well.

We didn't know the place was so popular and walked in without a reservation. But we got lucky and got a seat because someone canceled! It's a cute little restaurant with nice views and artwork for sale on their walls, which was quite interesting. The server was very professional and good at his job (definitely 5 stars for him) and food was really good too! We had their seasonal asparagus salad, pork chop, fish stew, and sourdough bread pudding. All were very good except the clams in my stew had sand in them. I had to spit out quite a few of them :( But it was still a pleasant experience overall and I would recommend it if you want fancy dinner in the area!

Yeonhwa Seo

We didn't know the place was so popular and walked in without a reservation. But we got lucky and got a seat because someone canceled! It's a cute little restaurant with nice views and artwork for sale on their walls, which was quite interesting. The server was very professional and good at his job (definitely 5 stars for him) and food was really good too! We had their seasonal asparagus salad, pork chop, fish stew, and sourdough bread pudding. All were very good except the clams in my stew had sand in them. I had to spit out quite a few of them :( But it was still a pleasant experience overall and I would recommend it if you want fancy dinner in the area!

Monica M.

Stopped here for a late dinner after being on the road for. Not many options for food open late but we’re happy we found this cute spot. Definitely more on the pricey side but both the scallops and salad we had were delicious.

This is the worst restaurant experience I’ve had. I’ve been to many Michelin-star restaurants, but this one was extremely disappointing. None of the food was hot—everything was barely warm. The duck meat was chewy and tough; I couldn’t even bite through it. The texture was rubbery and unpleasant. There was no sauce, no bread with butter, and no balsamic vinegar unless you specifically asked. The portions were incredibly small. After spending $120, I was still hungry and had to get a hamburger afterward. The fish stew contained only two small pieces of salmon. Other than that, there were just a couple of tiny calamari and octopus pieces—so small they were hard to even find. The amount of food was ridiculously minimal. Everything lacked flavor. At a good restaurant, flavors usually linger pleasantly after the meal, but here there was nothing. As soon as I left the restaurant, there was no taste in my mouth at all. The spaghetti portion was laughable—only about 9 or 10 noodles. On top of that, the food presentation was not appealing at all. There is nothing special about this place. Do not come here—you will be very disappointed. yuck!!

Richard Jacobson

This is the worst restaurant experience I’ve had. I’ve been to many Michelin-star restaurants, but this one was extremely disappointing. None of the food was hot—everything was barely warm. The duck meat was chewy and tough; I couldn’t even bite through it. The texture was rubbery and unpleasant. There was no sauce, no bread with butter, and no balsamic vinegar unless you specifically asked. The portions were incredibly small. After spending $120, I was still hungry and had to get a hamburger afterward. The fish stew contained only two small pieces of salmon. Other than that, there were just a couple of tiny calamari and octopus pieces—so small they were hard to even find. The amount of food was ridiculously minimal. Everything lacked flavor. At a good restaurant, flavors usually linger pleasantly after the meal, but here there was nothing. As soon as I left the restaurant, there was no taste in my mouth at all. The spaghetti portion was laughable—only about 9 or 10 noodles. On top of that, the food presentation was not appealing at all. There is nothing special about this place. Do not come here—you will be very disappointed. yuck!!