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  5. Little River

Albion River Restaurant - Albion River Inn

4.6
4.6
836 Reviews
$31 to $50
Californian
Overlooking the sea on the Mendocino Coast, the Albion River Inn Restaurant celebrates California coastal cuisine in a romantic and cozy ambiance. Chef Stephen Smith's menu draws its inspiration from the sea, and showcases seafood, meat, poultry & pasta dishes prepared with local, organic produce.

The award-winning wine list, acclaimed cuisine, cozy fireplace, full service bar with an extensive Scotch collection, attentive service, and our incomparable Mendocino coast ocean views offers one of the best dinning experiences on the coast.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, reservations are available for outside dining only. With limited availability, reservations are strongly encouraged. Our full menu is also available for take-out and room service. Our current days and hours of operation are Friday-Monday, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please call with questions, 707-937-1919.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 11 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Californian, Seafood, Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Mon, Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (707) 937-1919

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Private party contact

    Chelsea Strupp: (707) 937-1919 ext. 194

  • Neighborhood

    Little River

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Public transit

    Albion River Inn is located on the ocean side of Coast Highway 1, a six mile drive south of the historic village of Mendocino, only minutes from galleries, boutiques, state parks, beaches, golf & tennis, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding along California's Mendocino coast.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 836 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had a gorgeous dinner here! The view is incredible and worth waiting to sit up next to the window. You feel as if you are part of the mountain with the windows all around, the most slowly creeping in as you watch and the wooden beams and simple decor highlights the coast. The food was good, classic 90s California cuisine; the cocktails, appetizers and entrees were great but I would skip dessert next time. Service was lovely and friendly.
  2. ShaniC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Amazing ocean views, excellent service and good food!
  3. redondofan

    Los Angeles

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    With the view from Albion River Inn the food could be mediocre but that is hardly the case. This is fine dining from a world class chef. We had perfectly prepared swordfish and petrale sole. Matt our server was attentive and knowledgeable. Albion is a must visit on all our trips to the Mendocino coast.
  4. miatax

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Petrale sole was done perfectly and served over a bed of mashed potatoes. My wife enjoyed her shrimp as well. It was her birthday and she was provided with a glass of sparkling wine (as was I), and a decadent chocolate mousse for dessewt compliments of the house. Service was great. Just enough.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good meal. Pork tenderloin and Petrale Sole both excellent. Mushroom soup was just ok, but all else very enjoyable.
  6. Local

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely as always with wonderful touches in every dish. The room is special, views extraordinary (even on a rainy evening). Sevice was most attentive.
  7. NanetteA

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting for a delicious meal. Ask for a window table for a breathtaking view of the water.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My family is one of many whom founded the North Coast. Originally they settled in Cuffy’s Cove and then in Elk. We still live in Elk and have cousins ranching there. My wife is from the Bay Area and never has been to The Albion River Inn Restaurant. By happenstance I took her older sister there years ago when she was in town for a wood workshop in Fort Bragg. I have always enjoyed the Albion Inn Restaurant, as did my parents for many years. Last evening I was able (finally) to take my lovely bride to dinner at the restaurant. The service was quite good, our waiter and staff were very attentive to our dining experience. Both of our meals were delicious; my sole was quite good and more food for the price than what I am used to in other restaurants where I have dined in the past. The views from the dining room are, without a doubt, ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR! Of course, the North Coast weather was quite cooperative with the evening and provided a splendid sunset for our dining. Regardless, if you are on the North Coast and you can make reservations here, please dine at the Albion River Inn Restaurant. I daresay that I believe one will not be disappointed. if you seek a romantic week-end getaway then this Inn,and restaurant, are what you seek to make your spouse/partner feel loved and appreciated.
  9. Mezzomorris

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our dining experience at Albion River Inn Restaurant. The view was gorgeous, the food was delicious and fresh and the service friendly and attentive.
  10. SteveM

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Spelt with salmon was delicious and substantial. Cocktails were creative, aesthetic and tasty
  11. MichelaC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall1food4service1ambience2
    We were offered more bread before our main courses were served but then told that unfortunately they had run out of bread. When we joked about running down to the bakery so we could have some bread to enjoy with our main course they said they’d check again and miraculously found more. We were later told that the manager, Bonnie, hadn’t wanted to slice into a fresh loaf in order to save it for the next day.
  12. PJBinSJ

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent fresh fish and chowder. Wonderful drinks and exceptional staff. Never disappoints.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect. The view is incredible. Our family is in love with this place.
  14. Nass

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was very delicious. The mushroom ravioli should be a permanent fixture on their menu
  15. CraigN

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The filet mignon was quite good, and the soul was perfect and plentiful as well. A wonderful place. If we lived anywhere near the area, we would become regulars.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent!
  17. CatherineP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exquisite experience! Beautiful, warm and inviting dining area. Terrific menus - dinner, wine and dessert. Food was delicious and amazing. Wonderful atmosphere and service. A wonderful and special place and experience!!
  18. LCMartel

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    The food is not what it used to be. Caesar salad was warm, wilted and bland. Pesto fettuccine dish was flavorless, except for the one rancid cherry tomato that should have been composited instead of plated. Something has changed…chef maybe? We’ve come here for years to celebrate birthdays/holiday…this will probably be our last time.
  19. JamesS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great overall experience. My wife am I each had a different special. They were awesome. Great and friendly waiter!
  20. 010540

    Las Vegas

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Waitress was friendly and took our orders quickly
  21. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 6, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    If you are looking for a pleasurable dining experience, this is not it. Snotty waitress, underwhelming food, zero attention to customer need. After letting them know that my food was cold and tasteless I was pointed to the salt shaker and asked to help myself. Ambiance is that of a dining hall in a retiree institution. Avoid. There are far better options around.
  22. db99040

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Waiter was efficient but not standing over us. I had him select my entree between the two I couldn’t decide he selected the chicken Marsala and it was excellent!!!!
  23. MarkK

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The service was fantastic!! The pork tenderloin was great. Seafood chowder had great flavor, Cesar salad without anchovies was very good. We were greeted by the friendly staff and from then on, they were very attentive. Only disappointment was we missed the sunset, so now we have another reason to visit again. If you like whiskey, this is a must!
  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Never disappointed . Excellent service .
  25. Abby

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious and large portions. A nice ambiance at bar and dining room. Our second time there.
  26. MelindaM

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Heather was a wonderful server. The food was fantastic! We came back two nights in a row during our visit to Mendocino. The view was surreal at sunset! Window tables are first serve. It would be nice if the bar opened at 4:30 and the restaurant 5:00, so you could check in for your table and sit down and have a drink at the bar as I have mobility problems. Better than standing in line outside.
  27. KimA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had table overlooking the ocean and then the moon rose. So romantic. The restaurant was cozy, but not crowded. Had a lovely meal. Very happy!
  28. NannetteW

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We have being going to Albion for 30 years. As always the food was excellent. We do miss Chef Steven. The service was perfect.
  29. Roger

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great view! Excellent service. Highly recommend!
  30. JadeL

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Was very unhappy & satisfied w/food, services, EVERYTHING!
  31. SteveB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Don’t hesitate. Make a reservation and go. You will not be disappointed.
  32. stuartw

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Food was bland - tasteless and unimaginative- nothing special and expensive for what it was
  33. happy

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of our favorite restaurants to go to in Mendocino. They have a new chef and his dishes were outstanding.
  34. KathleenB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Excellent autumn salad and I really enjoyed the halibut.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Halibut and rice arrived cool, not hot. Filet mignon was supposed to be rare but was raw inside and cold to the touch.
  36. AaronG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I were excited to visit this restaurant on our honeymoon. The sun had long set by the time we arrived, so we missed out on the beautiful ocean view, but the ambient lighting inside was warm and enchanting. Our server’s name was Heather; she was wonderful and made us feel right at home! The food was, of course, spectacular—we shared the scallops appetizer and both ordered the filet mignon. Incredible. Even the water was some of the best I’ve ever had. I highly recommend the Albion River Inn Restaurant, especially if you can get there before the sun sets!
  37. JenniferH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing, the drink selection was the most extensive I have ever seen, and the ambiance was magical. I highly recommend dining here.
  38. FoodAkula

    Central Coast

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    This was our first time dining at this restaurant. When I made the reservation I asked for a window table with an ocean/sunset view and notified them we were celebrating my dad's 93rd birthday. We were the first to be seated at 5:00 pm and the hostess gave us the best table in the house. The young woman who brought us bread and poured our water was excellent. Our server, on the other hand, seemed a bit green and unsure of herself. While she was attentive she mixed up our drinks, and entrees, upon serving them and, more importantly, she placed the wrong entree order for my husband (which the kitchen corrected within a few minutes). When I asked for my hanger steak to be cooked medium well, her response was that they serve it medium. I replied that I wanted no pink in the interior and offered that I would order another entree if necessary. She responded that she'd ask for the steak to be cooked longer...so I went ahead and ordered. It was disappointing that it arrived mostly cooked medium. Because it was a very good entree I made my way through much of it and gave portions to my husband that were too raw for my liking. My husband enjoyed his petrale sole entree and my dad liked his pork tenderloin entree. While we had a very nice meal on the whole, it was disappointing that not one of the restaurant's employees acknowledged it being my dad's birthday (93). How hard would that have been? We watched a candlelit dessert delivered to another table for a child so they apparently do celebrate birthdays for some customers.
  39. LauraB

    Sacramento

    48 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall3food1service5ambience3
    Service was great and attentive. Sadly the food was a big disappointment. The gnocchi special was under cooked and over sauced, returned. The Petrale sole was a nice flaky white fish but not local Petrale sole, portion much too large. Good bar and wine list but don’t go for the food.
  40. JackC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very customer oriented dinning experience. We have chosen the Albion Inn for several special occasion celebrations and have never been disappointed. The food, drinks and service are top notch.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Albion River Restaurant - Albion River Inn is rated 4.6 stars by 836 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 11 times today
Google Map for Albion River Restaurant - Albion River Inn

3790 Highway 1, Albion, CA 95410

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Little River

  • Hours of operation

    Mon, Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Californian, Seafood, Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Public transit

    Albion River Inn is located on the ocean side of Coast Highway 1, a six mile drive south of the historic village of Mendocino, only minutes from galleries, boutiques, state parks, beaches, golf & tennis, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding along California's Mendocino coast.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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