Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Inland Empire

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Inland Empire? 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!

Mario's Place

4.9

4.9 (28)

$31 to $50

Italian

Riverside

About the restaurant

Mario's Place takes pride in its commitment to culinary excellence. The menu specializes in fresh, seasonal ingredients. Complement your meal with a selection from Mario's Place's extensive wine list, featuring an array of award-winning vintages from around the world. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through the options, ensuring a perfect pairing for your chosen dish.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined 2 days ago

Always a great experience and the food is fantastic!

SHOKUNIN - Rancho Cucamonga

4.9

4.9 (194)

$50 and over

Sushi

Rancho Cucamonga

About the restaurant

Here at Shokunin we serve traditional omakase styled courses.
Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means "I'll leave it up to you”. The chef chooses the fresh fish selection daily and garnishes it into a 11 or 13 course meal. Our mission is to deliver a fine dining experience in a casual environment all at an affordable price.

As a disclaimer, we do not sell any rolls that are baked, fried, or contain eel sauce or spicy mayo. We also do not sell any kitchen items, such as teriyaki bowls.

Top review

Alejandra

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

This was about our 4th time going and like alway it was amazing! The food, the ambience, and drinks are always superb and leaves me wanting to come back everytime.

Bar Ni Modo

4.8

4.8 (18)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Riverside

About the restaurant

Bar Ni Modo is tucked into the Farmhouse in Riverside, CA, dreamed up by the Arcade Coffee Roasters team—Chef Ulises Pelayo, Jesus Figueroa, and Bartender Jessica Neblina. They’re bringing Oaxaca and Mexico City flavors to the table with some remarkable cocktails and food. Think mezcal and tequila drinks, paired with dishes full of smoky, spicy flavors that mix old-school Mexican roots with a fresh twist. The name "Ni Modo" says it all—"it is what it is"—and that’s the vibe you’ll feel in this bar.

Top review

Briana

Dined on May 17, 2025

this place is amazing! the food and drinks are so delicious, and the staff went above and beyond. Olivia was so cool to talk to and she always made sure everything was up to our expectations. definitely going back soon!

The State - Redlands

4.6

4.6 (257)

$30 and under

American

Redlands

About the restaurant

The State restaurant is a casual & comfortable dining experience you can enjoy your favorite foods, small batch whiskeys, craft cocktails & beers with friends & family. The joint venture began with Southern California natives that pooled their collective life savings and began work on their dream concept: The name pays homage to the restaurant’s first location on State Street in historic downtown Redlands.

Top review

Summer

Dined on May 19, 2025

Amazing food, cocktails, decor, and vibe. Highly recommend.

THE CUT Modern American Eatery & Bar

4.6

4.6 (69)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Rancho Cucamonga

About the restaurant

OUR MISSION: ELEVATE THE DINING EXPERIENCE
Through focus on:
QUALITY - Prime grade, grass fed, beef hormone and antibiotic free, humanely raised chicken & pork products.
FRESHNESS - Locally sourced, prepared from scratch in house recipes without use of additives or preservatives.
TRADITION - Artisanal culinary techniques.
We believe that dining is more than just eating. While exemplifying the true spirit of hospitality,
in a sophisticated, yet casual, atmosphere, we strive to create a unique dining experience that honors culinary
heritage while creating something new, exciting, and delicious.

Top review

Andres

Dined on May 15, 2025

This was my second time coming back and the food was so good on top of that my service was amazing

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Kalaveras - San Bernardino

4.5

4.5 (111)

$30 and under

Mexican

San Bernardino

About the restaurant

We're creating a new concept of modern rustic dining with a fusion of traditional and vanguard Mexican ingredients. Our food is chef-driven, using classic cooking techniques with fresher and healthier options. We're elevating bold, authentic flavors and presenting a new way of eating. In the bar you'll find over 60 different tequilas and Mezcal spirits, as well as carefully crafted cocktails.

Coming Soon!

Top review

Jeffrey

Dined on May 6, 2025

It was Cinco Dey Mayo . So i get it . Place was def well run and clean . Delicious guacamole . But the food came all at once

Kulturas Latin Kitchens & Cantina

4.5

4.5 (57)

$30 and under

Mexican

Ontario

About the restaurant

Welcome to Kulturas Latin Kitchen & Cantina!

At Kulturas, we pride ourselves on being a chef-driven, scratch kitchen that reimagines traditional Latin dishes with a modern American twist. Our culinary team uses only the freshest ingredients to create dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Our Director of Mixology has curated a selection of authentic Latin-inspired drinks, featuring nixta elote liqueur and a variety of agave-based spirits such as pox, racilla, and the ever-popular mezcal.

Kulturas is a family-friendly destination, offering special plates for the little ones. Our cozy lounge area is perfect for a date night, and our dog-friendly patio space invites you to relax and unwind in a vibrant, fun atmosphere.

Whether you're here for a casual meal or a special night out, Kulturas promises an experience full of flavor and excitement. Come join us and be a part of our culinary adventure!

Top review

Adriana

Dined 6 days ago

Tacos and margaritas were exactly what the doctor ordered! Everyone was so nice and the service was great. I will definitely be back!

Kalaveras - Moreno Valley

4.3

4.3 (135)

$30 and under

Mexican

Moreno Valley

About the restaurant

We're creating a new concept of modern rustic dining with a fusion of traditional and vanguard Mexican ingredients. Our food is chef-driven, using classic cooking techniques with fresher and healthier options.
We're elevating bold, authentic flavors and presenting a new way of eating. In the bar you'll find over 60 different tequilas and Mezcal spirits, as well as carefully crafted cocktails.

Top review

Iriana

Dined 3 days ago

The waiter was amazing thr good was amazing just everything was honestly amazing. Definitely coming back again.

Durango Cocina

4.3

4.3 (83)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Rancho Cucamonga

About the restaurant

Rooftop seating is walk-in only. Guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are only for Durango Cocina downstairs restaurant.

We invite you to experience the bold flavors and rich traditions of Durango, Mexico, like never before. Our restaurant is a celebration of Latin cuisine, where age-old cooking techniques meet modern culinary innovation. Every dish is a tribute to the authentic flavors of Durango—we bring these traditions to life with the finest locally-sourced ingredients and contemporary flair.

Nestled in Rancho Cucamonga inside the Sanctity Hotel, Durango Cocina offers more than just a meal—it’s a journey into the heart of Mexico. Here, we believe in the power of family, togetherness, and sharing extraordinary food. Our open dining space and exclusive private areas invite guests to connect and enjoy an elevated dining experience, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Mount San Antonio from our rooftop.

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Overall the food was very good, the guacamole was exceptional, however their bar tenders don't pay attention to instructions as they made a drink twice with salt when no salt was requested. Their attempt to make it right was to transfer the drink to a new glass...pouring all the salt with it.

Mama Por Dios - Rancho Cucamonga

3.8

3.8 (5169)

$30 and under

Mexican

Rancho Cucamonga

About the restaurant

Mamá por Dios is a restaurant that highlights the best of México, with its flavors, aromas, colors, traditions and art. Bringing it closer to its customers and every drink in every corner.
Mamá por Dios is a Mexican gourmet restaurant where you can celebrate every moment to the sound of live Mariachi or enjoy a shot to the beats of a great DJ.

****SEATING INSIDE IS NOT ALWAYS GUARANTEED. LARGE PARTIES MAY NOT BE SEATED TOGETHER BASED ON RESTAURANT CAPACITY. SEATING FOR LARGE PARTIES IS NOT GUARANTEED INSIDE*****

Top review

Larry

Dined 2 days ago

The Puerto Nuevo lobster 🦞 was not that good, everything else was delicious, great place to celebrate any occasions.

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Explore Diners' Choice best of Inland Empire