Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Temecula / Wine County

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Temecula / Wine County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Anthony's Lounge & Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (367)

$31 to $50

Italian

Temecula

About the restaurant

Welcome to Anthony's Lounge & Ristorante!
Anthony's Lounge & Ristorante is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the Murrieta and Temecula area. Named BEST OF SOUTHLAND: ITALIAN RESTAURANT by LA TIMES 2022. The food is based on authentic family recipes brought by the owner's parents when they emigrated from Calabria, Italy in 1954, which led to them to following their passion and opening their first restaurant in 1963 in Anaheim, CA. Everything on the menu is homemade, from the sausage, ravioli and lasagna, to the crepes used to make their manicotti and cannelloni, ricotta gnocchi and over 50 traditional entrees from pasta, veal (vitello), chicken (pollo), seafood (pesce), antipasto, minestrone and other specialty dishes prepared by our experienced chefs.
Whether you are new to the area or your friends and family want to enjoy the best Italian dining experience, come enjoy our live entertainment and family atmosphere.

Top review

Bob

Dined 7 days ago

Good food, Good price, Good ambiance. Very enjoyable experience.

The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon

4.7

4.7 (1870)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Temecula

About the restaurant

The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon is located in the heart of Old Town Temecula and brings a new standard to local casual fine dining. Expansive views from our third floor veranda and elegant turn of the century setting offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Our Classic Steak and Seafood menu features only the highest quality aged Midwestern corn-fed beef along with many other sumptuous selections. We offer an impressive wine list featuring vintages from many local wineries and from the finest regions of the world. Our bar features Premium Spirits, Draft Beer, Fine Wine and mouthwatering appetizers. Enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights. Join us for a casually sophisticated Brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Closed on Mondays. Always a romantic Dinner and truly distinctive dining experience! Parties over 4 are considered large parties please call to check availability & please do not double book. 2 hour table limit on all reservations

Top review

Kimberly

Dined 1 day ago

The restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere, a variety of steak options, and generous portion sizes. A children's menu is available, making it suitable for families with young children.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Stroganoff

Popular dish

Steak & Fries

Gourmet Italia

4.7

4.7 (1631)

$31 to $50

Italian

Temecula

About the restaurant

At Gourmet Italia, experience Italy without ever leaving Temecula. Restauranteur, Alessandro (Alex) Prestifilippo moved to the states from Sicily in 1996. He takes much pride in our attentive, friendly staff, knowing they’ll provide the exceptional “Sicilian” experience Alex prides himself in. The menu and wine selection is vast and reasonable and the special dishes vary from Seafood Pescatore, Halibut, Salmon, Filet, Osso bucco, Lamb Shank, Wild Boar, Ostrich, Lobster Ravioli and much more! Visit the website for more about the restaurant, Alex, the menu and specials.

Top review

TedVIP

Dined 7 days ago

We've eaten here several times. We chose to eat dinner here for our anniversary. Our experience was fine but from now on we will request a table away from the bar as it is noisier than the rest of the restaurant.

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Popular dish

Fettuccine alla Bolognese

Black Angus Steakhouse - Temecula

4.6

4.6 (1759)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Temecula

About the restaurant

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget. To learn more visit www.blackangus.com

Top review

Steven

Dined on Apr 24, 2025

This is one of the best steak houses around. Favorite meal is the Campfire Feast for two. Wife loves the prime rib and I like the filet Mignon. I get the larger 8 oz and ask for a baseball cut. It’s a taller/thicker version. Erin is the super great manager and we have grown to love Carmel as our favorite server. She has a great personality… makes sure that we are happy… and just makes dining there a truly pleasurable experience.

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Experience

Martini Experience featuring Grey Goose Vodka

Blackbird

4.5

4.5 (366)

$30 and under

American

Temecula

About the restaurant

The people who work at Blackbird Tavern make us who we are. They’re artists and foodies, lovers of bourbons and Whiskey and connoisseurs of Craft Beer. They’re like a family, in all the best ways. Walk in and you’ll sense the creative and independent spirit here, a continual experiment in what it means to be a Tavern. A great one. And the food will welcome you back again and again. We reside in an old Feed and Mercantile Building in the heart of Old Town Temecula. We believe in quality over quantity, cutting no corners and most of all, in our community. Blackbird Tavern has an “Old Farm-House” feel with Modern amenities. Our 12,000 Square foot venue was designed to accommodate events of all sizes, from a 40 guest rehearsal dinner to a 200 guest reception. If you are looking for a casual and laid back get together or a more refined evening with family and friends, Blackbird Tavern is sure to meet and exceed all your expectations.

Top review

Charlie

Dined on Mar 29, 2025

We were seated right away. Our waiter was always checking up on us. Our 20.. ish kids likes the aesthetic look of the place.

Small Barn Old Town

4.5

4.5 (1445)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Temecula

About the restaurant

Small Barn is an exciting part of the Temecula restaurant landscape offering a casual but elevated dining experience in the form of a modern bistro. The menu is inspired by classic preparations found on bistro menus around the globe while showcasing the bounty of ingredients produced in the region. The restaurant atmosphere is crafted to be a welcoming gathering place that is beautifully designed and relaxed, but with a vibrant energy that encourages socializing and discovery.

On the site of the historic Knott Family Homestead, Small Barn has brought new life to a landmark building from the early 1900s. Great care has gone into preserving the structure and with it the legacy of a prominent Temecula family that was among the area’s first settlers. Small Barn has maintained the original residential scale and offers extensive outdoor seating including the large wrap-around porch, covered patio and fireside lounge seating.

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 6 days ago

Don’t miss this place! Small Barn offers great ambiance, delicious food and hospitable service! Can’t wait to go back!

Public House

4.3

4.3 (233)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Temecula

About the restaurant

"Full bar and limited menu available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays."

Right in the heart of Old Town Temecula, Public House is your spot for good times. We've got happy hours, weekend entertainment, fantastic food, and craft cocktails that hit the spot. Plus, we're the place for your corporate or private shindigs. Come hang out with us at Public House Temecula – where it's all about the fun, the flavors, and the good vibes.

Top review

Dined 6 days ago

Great spot for Sunday brunch. Accommodating large parties too.

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Experience

Dia De Las Madres

Experience

Mother's Day Celebration Buffet

Red Lobster - Temecula

4.3

4.3 (97)

$30 and under

Seafood

Temecula

About the restaurant

Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration.

Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo.

Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today.

Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.

Top review

Sierra

Dined on Mar 22, 2025

was amazing food and excellent service! we will definitely be back!

Baily's Restaurant

4.2

4.2 (329)

$30 and under

Californian

Temecula

About the restaurant

Baily's Restaurant is the Premier dining and nightlife experience in the heart of Old Town Temecula. We serve California continental cuisine and offer menu items that will appeal to every pallet. Our fare is prepared fresh daily from scratch by our highly skilled culinary staff.

Open for Brunch Every Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 2pm. Our Brunch Menu includes classics such as: Eggs Benedict, Omelets, and French Toast. Bottomless Mimosas with a selection of different Wines and Juices also available.

Call 951.676.9567 for Weekend Brunch or Nightly Dinner reservations.

Top review

Jillian

Dined on Apr 20, 2025

Had a great experience, service and food were wonderful!

Trattoria Toscana - Temecula

4.1

4.1 (283)

$31 to $50

Italian

Temecula

About the restaurant

Trattoria Toscana in Temecula, California serves up an authentic Italian experience. High-quality food and wine are important to the people who work there, and you can be sure to find excellent service. Chef Pietro selects local organic ingredients to create daily specials, as well as importing ingredients from Italy to ensure authenticity. All our pasta is made fresh, in-house - Gnocchi, Linguine, Pappardelle, Rigatoni, Bucatini, Spaghetti and more!

The décor is charming with a full dining room, full bar, and outdoor garden patio with a wood oven for authentic Italian wood fired pizza.

Trattoria Toscana serves lunch on Sat and Sun and dinner (Wed-Mon), as well as hosting events. private parties and catering. Live music every Sat evening. Check our calendar at TTItalian.com for even more events!

Top review

Maria

Dined on Apr 21, 2025

The food was delicious and those that worked there were great.

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Popular dish

Spaghetti con Polpette

Popular dish

Ravioli Filet

Popular dish

Linguine alle Vongole

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