Mono Inn

Name: Mono Inn
Address: 55620 US-395, Lee Vining, CA, United States, 93541-8016
Telephone: (760) 647-6581
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.9

4.9

37 Reviews

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Top Tags:

Built on the shores of Mono Lake in 1921 and originally used as a bunkhouse, Mono Inn has a long history as one of the best gathering places for miles around.

Offering weary travelers a welcome respite from the road, the famed bar and dining room afford breathtakingly unparalleled and ever-changing views of Mono Lake.

Chef Jason Custer takes our modern farm-to-table cuisine concept to another level with his Winter Tasting Menu and emphasis on local sourcing.

Located at the back gate of Yosemite National Park, close to Mammoth Lakes, and easily accessible from the Bay Area and Southern California, the new Mono Inn offers one of the most extraordinary dining experiences in all of California.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 11, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Californian, Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–7:30 pm
Phone number
(760) 647-6581
Website
http://www.moninn.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jason Custer

Location
55620 US-395, Lee Vining, CA 93541-8016
Neighborhood
Yosemite
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Loire Valley Wine Dinner
$95.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 17, 2023 only
Bonjour! Chef Jay is excited to showcase four wines from the Loire Valley brought to us by Breakthru Beverage with this 5-course wine dinner. Each course will highlight a dish inspired by the wines from the Loire, many with origins from the Valley. We look forward to serving you! Merci!

What 37 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Best Overall
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Best Food
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Best Service
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Best Ambiance
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Best Value
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Healthy
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Neighborhood gem
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Great for fine wines
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Great for scenic views
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Good for special occasions
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Lively

37 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful meal! Excellent service, seasonal and creative pairings with a personal touch! A hidden gem, we will be back.
Is this helpful?
ML
MammothLover
Los Angeles
42 reviews
vip
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another AMAZING dinner at Mono Inn! It's a beautiful venue, great views of Mono Lake and the sunset, really tasty cocktails, and the food is just amazing. Creative, beautiful to look at, always a new menu every week with seasonal, often local or home grown ingredients and just so dang yummy. Can't wait to get up here again to dine here. It's a bit out of the way but so worth the effort!
Is this helpful?
CK
CKnSB
Hawaii
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Chef Jason is totally invested in providing a creative and exquisite dining experience. He sources local ingredients when possible and travels far and wide when they are not. The Mono Inn is a hidden gastronomic gem, graced with a beautiful location in the Eastern Sierras.
Is this helpful?
LM
LynnM
Boise
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding meal and service. Chef Jason is so creative and everything was delicious! We'll be back!!
Is this helpful?
CM
CharleneM
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
With enough advance notice Chef was willing to prepare a vegetarian option.
Is this helpful?
CB
CBOak
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a wonderful evening looking out over Mono Lake as the sun set. The atmosphere was welcoming, the service was excellent the food was fantastic both in presentation, creativity and taste. Very nice bar and wine selection as well. Loved it and will return.
Is this helpful?
DZ
DanielZ
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Mono Inn is a fantastic place to take your partner for a romantic date over delectable, unique cuisine. Ambiance is understated, yet elegant.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing! Real hidden gem. High quality ingredients and creative menu.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and food. Great experience with a wonderful view
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Yosemite
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
always exceptional food and service...our favorite place
Is this helpful?
PT
PeterT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous restaurant! We had the best time we could have asked for!
Is this helpful?
CS
ChrisS
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Truly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Each dish on the tasting menu was playful, thoughtful, and so delicious! The wines my husband had from the wine pairing menu were amazing on their own and went up a level when we tried them with the food.
Is this helpful?
c
cmschuster
Los Angeles
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The setting overlooking Mono Lake is priceless. I loved talking to the bartender who wanted to get my Black Manhattan cocktail just right. (He did and it was delicious). I really enjoyed how The appetizer and dessert courses mirrored each other in structure. The salad was excellent, though I'm not a huge fan of micro greens. I chose the lamb for the main course which was very good. Very friendly, attentive but not stuffy service. Most importantly, my reservation was for a week later--my fault in the reservation app--but they graciously seated me anyway.
Is this helpful?
MA
MarcA
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food! The whole experience from start to finish is great. The staff is always so friendly and kind. If you call ahead the Chef will prepare a vegan course that will knock your socks off!
Is this helpful?
BZ
BZgal
San Diego
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Seasonal tasting menu was fantastic, each item was not only delicious but had an element of surprise! Service was impeccable and we hope to return soon.
Is this helpful?
AG
AlissaG
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I loved the playfulness of the menu! Everything was about fresh combinations of foods that we thought we knew.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great tasting food and great experience. Enjoyed the view.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Unexpected highlight on 395. Tasting menu well thought out, adventurous and delightful. Would recommend highly to any foodie. Great value. Wonderful attentive service. Chef visit to explain his creations at each course. A must stop.
Is this helpful?
SS
SuzanneS
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were first timers to the small plate concept. We dined there last year and had an excellent menu then. The three of will do this again. We have appreciated the historical Mono Inn for many years. The chef, the bartender and the wait staff added to this wonderful dining experience. Can’t leave out beautiful Mono Lake at sundown, one of the great views in the Eastern Sierra. If you haven’t done it, you should try it.
Is this helpful?
BL
BikerinLA
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Mono Inn is one of the hidden gems in the High Sierra, right by Mono Lake and a short mile north of Lee Vining. I had been to this place many years ago when it was run by the granddaughter of Ansel Adams. Long story short, decades went by and ownerships changed, but the place still has its charm and is waiting to be discovered by travelers up and down the 395. This summer they changed the format and offered tasting menu for a set price $85 pp. IMHO, the chef has crafted the dishes to the Michelin star level. With the panoramic views of the lake and the mountain ranges (best right before the sunset), and meals that challenge your senses (dishes are also very Instagrammable), this place is certainly worth the drive if you are in the Mammoth Lakes area.
Is this helpful?
B
Bird
San Francisco
31 reviews
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Server seem inexperienced but trying hard. Food was uneven. Prices somewhat high for the region.
Is this helpful?
CL
CarolynL
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a great time last night at the Mono Inn. Start to finish the food, service, ambiance was wonderful.
Is this helpful?
SC
SusanC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and service was excellent; the mixologist was very knowledgeable and had great suggestions for inventive cocktails. We look forward to returning!
Is this helpful?
JR
JohnR
Dallas
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It's lost nothing since my last review. The European-style 5 course prix fixe has everything. Start with the starters- you get four small tasty ones, arranged in distinct presentations which are creatively matched by the four bite-sized desserts (but with dessert ingredients.) In between are a perfect salad, rich and moist salmon, and either lamb ravioli or a surf and turf combo that included A5 wagyu. You will not find a more reasonably priced wine list for top grade CA wines.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had Chef Jason Custer’s 5-course summer tasting menu. Wow! The food was creative - with the desserts mimicking the starters - and everything was absolutely delicious. We also had thoughtfully crafted cocktails from the bar. Service was friendly and well paced. It’s so nice to find such a culinary experience in a casual setting. We definitely will be back to this special place - and next time before the sun goes down so we can enjoy the view of Mono Lake. Thanks for a memorable evening!
Is this helpful?
L
Lucia
Sacramento
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was a wonderful meal and a magical setting. What a special memory!
Is this helpful?
JD
JD123
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Superb menu, especially the lamb. great location. Thanks!
Is this helpful?
BW
BrentW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Thanks Tom and Hilary. We had a wonderful evening.
Is this helpful?
PR
PatriciaR
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We would tell people to drive out to Mono Lake just for this tasting menu - outrageous flavors and incredibly friendly staff. Bartender makes a serious Manhattan. The chef called me to check on my non-red meat food preference moments after I made the reservation and the waiter had those preference notes. I was amazed
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Yosemite
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very creative tasteful menu with a view that cannot be beat
Is this helpful?
RL
RenoLocal
Tahoe
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’ve eaten at some of the best restaurants in SF, Napa, and Sonoma counties and the Mono Inn would give any one of them a run for the money. Amazing and unique flavor combinations, everything about the food is so well thought out. The ambiance and mellow, nice, clean, warm and comforting without feeling stuffy. And the view of Mono Lake is one in a million. The beer, wine, and liquor selection is solid with a few tasty drink creations as well. Owners and staff are super cool… All told, Mono Inn is pretty close to perfection. You will not be disappointed.
Is this helpful?
JR
JohnR
Dallas
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Go here and get the prix fixe at a price that is more than fair. This is gourmet stuff, from the four small appetizers to the mains, which for us included perfect duck breast and A5 wagyu. The excellent wine likewise is underpriced. The value is exceptional. Overlooking Mono Lake with the moon casting a bright beam right at you across the water tops it all. This is a rare find. Also, a small but cozy bar with a superb mixologist gives you a reason to arrive early.
Is this helpful?
e
elizabethm
Orange County
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Mono Inn is an incredible gem in Lee Vining. The 6 course tasting menu soars with great flavor, creativity and varied delights. The food , the outstanding service and the magnificent view of Mono Lake make for an over the top dining experience which we will talk about to everyone we know!
Is this helpful?
FF
FoothillsFoodLovers
Sacramento
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We celebrated our anniversary with Mono Inn. From the moment we came thru the door, we felt special. We had drinks at the bar and the owner/bartender told us about the Inn and we had a great conversation. Our food was fantastic, with lots of unique flavors. The chef did an outstanding job with the creation and presentation of the food. The wait staff was very friendly yet professional. All in all, it was a beautiful experience for us, and we highly recommend Mono Inn!
Is this helpful?
HV
HelenV
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
6-course tasting menu, expensive, but completely worth it. Slow paced, so able to savor everything. A cascade of flavors, the best I have ever tasted. I feel my review is not even doing it justice, it was that good. Incidentally, I have celiac disease, was treated so courteously, and the chef kept me completely safe. (Those who share this issue will understand what a treat this wasz0.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Yosemite
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
this is one of our favorite restaurants. Can't beat the view at Mono Lake, the chef is super creative, the staff very attentive. Love it!
Is this helpful?
F
Foodigem
San Francisco
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was a wonderful experience. Your loss if you miss out.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Mono Inn is rated 4.9 stars by 37 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 11, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

55620 US-395, Lee Vining, CA 93541-8016

Additional information

Neighborhood
Yosemite
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–7:30 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Californian, Contemporary American
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jason Custer
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.moninn.com/
Phone number
(760) 647-6581

Mono Inn

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

Loire Valley Wine Dinner

Menu

What 37 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Mono Inn restaurant rated?

Is Mono Inn currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information