Finding Great Food and Wonderful Meals
From the simple to the sublime, this little valley offers surprisingly diverse culinary choices. Most visitors come here for river sports or Gold Rush history, and food is often an afterthought. But fine dining is also available. Keep in mind that many of these dining establishments are seasonal, with peak operating times in the summer months.|
Find Restaurants & Cafés in the |
Restaurants, Cafés and Delis
See map and directory in this guide for locations.
$=$5 or less; $$=$5- 10; $$$= $10 and up.
Argonaut - Next to the Coloma post office, this little café, under new ownership, features sandwiches, ice cream, fresh lemonade, and coffee. Reproduction antiques are also sold. 10-5 daily except Tuesday. Mostly $.
Café Mahjaic - In the historic and now extensively remodeled Adam Lowry building on Lotus Road in Lotus, chef John Metropulos prepares New American cuisine and specials that change with the seasons. Organic food used when available. 5 p.m. until close. $$-$$$.
Coloma Club - Classic hearty American fare served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open 6:30 a.m. $-$$$.
Gold Miner Garden Café - Located at Ponderosa Park, this small café features standard breakfast and lunch fare, including egg dishes and sandwiches. A specialty is broaster chicken. Mostly $.
Marco's Café - Serving Roman-style pizza, salads, Italian espresso drinks and local beer and wine in an outdoor setting, this popular hangout offers live entertainment during the summer months. $-$$.
Quail Run - Tucked away in the Grange Hall in Coloma, this cafe offers simple fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs and milkshakes. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily depending on season. Mostly $.
River Shack - Deli sandwiches and beverages are served in a friendly atmosphere. Eat in or out. $-$$.
Sierra Nevada House - Enjoy a fine dining experience in elegant surroundings, savoring such menu items as seafood, pasta and steak. Summer weekends, look for an outdoor barbecue and live music at the more casual River Cafe. $$-$$$.
Sierra Rizing Bakery - Coffee, tea, yummy fresh-baked goods, and simple lunches are served at this busy little place. High-speed Internet access. Open daily year-round from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with extended summer hours. $-$$.
Take a Bite Deli - Renovated and under new ownership, this deli features a diverse menu, including daily specials, soups, salads and vegetarian menus. Open year-round 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. $-$$.
