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Rainbird, Merced, CA

Rainbird

4.7 (338)
$31 to $50
Californian
609 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 9 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Located in the heart of one of the most productive agricultural regions globally, chefs at El Capitan prepare artisanal fare and spirits that pay homage to the ranchers, farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, brewers, and winemakers that have re-fashioned Merced into one of California’s best kept epicurean secrets.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 6:30 am–11:30 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef Evan Morrison
  • Neighborhood
    Merced
  • Cross street
    Main and M
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 338 people are saying

Rainbird reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

    Best Overall

  • Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

    Best Food

  • Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

    Best Service

  • Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

    Best Ambiance

  • Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

    Best Value

  • Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

    Innovative

  • Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

    Healthy

  • Fresno / San Joaquin Valley

    Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Rainbird offers a consistently "amazing" dining experience, perfect for special occasions with its "delicious food," "great ambience," and "attentive" service. Guests rave about the creative dishes, especially the "best cheesecake" and Tomahawk steak. While service timing can improve, the food remains "top notch" in Merced's vibrant dining scene.
338 Reviews
  1. anastasia

    Los Angeles1 review

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I've only been once, but the food and wine were great, the service was perfect, and the vibe was just right for a much-needed date night. Thanks Rainbird!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Nicholas

    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and access to fine dining in Merced. Service could be better. We did feel a bit ignored at first. We’ve been fans of Rainbird since it first opened and remember the fun attentive atmosphere. While still a hidden gem in a place like Merced, the quality for the food and unique ingredients have slightly diminished. 4+/5

    Is this helpful?

  3. Zachary

    California Central Coast7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely amazing anniversary dinner!!! I couldn’t recommend a better place to eat for a special occasion. We had amazing service, delicious food, wonderful service and a great ambience.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Maria

    Fresno / San Joaquin Valley1 review

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    I’m general, food was good, could improve a soft lounge music.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Edward

    San Francisco Bay Area9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual and as expected Rainbird was terrific. Our meals were delicious and we were given our dessert on the house to celebrate our anniversary.

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  6. OpenTable Diner VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wow! Pleasantly surprised, I felt I was somewhere else, for sure not Merced. I plan on returning and staying in the hotel there, El Capitan. I’m going for the full experience.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Chris

    San Diego12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wife and I celebrated our 47 wedding anniversary. Very enjoyable time and delicious meal

    Is this helpful?

  8. Bob VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area39 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Fathers Day dinner! The Tomahawk steak for 2 was a generous cut with plentiful sides. The presentation was five star. The scallops dish was creative and cooked to perfection. Highly recommend.

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  9. Kelly VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dad really enjoyed his Father's Day Brunch. This is my go to and favorite restaurant in Merced

    Is this helpful?

  10. Vanessa

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love going here for a special night out- the food is always amazing. The cheesecake was the best I’ve ever had!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Rainbird is rated 4.7 stars by 338 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
  4. Merced
  5. Merced

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Google Map for Rainbird

609 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Main and M
  • Neighborhood
    Merced
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 6:30 am–11:30 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Executive chef
    Chef Evan Morrison
  • Additional
    Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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