gastrognome
Restaurant Gastrognome provides fine lunch and dinner dining in Idyllwild California. We are located in the very center of town, approximately one hundred feet South of the park flagpole.
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gastrognome
Restaurant Gastrognome provides fine lunch and dinner dining in Idyllwild California. We are located in the very center of town, approximately one hundred feet South of the park flagpole.
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RESTAURANT GASTROGNOME: A culinary Destination
"Service is great!. Been here a handful of times. Last night we had the duck and it was FLAWLESS!!! Cooked perfectly with seasoning out of this world."
- Yelp (Jan, 2024)
Conversation
The Gastrognome is built to provide a venue for extraordinary food and uninhibited conversation .
Conversation
The Gastrognome is built to provide a venue for extraordinary food and uninhibited conversation .
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HOW DID WE GET OUR NAME?
Gastronomy is the study of the relationship between food and culture, art of preparing and serving rich or delicate and appetizing food, a style of cooking of a particular region, and the science of good eating. One who is well versed in gastronomy is called a gastronome. At Restaurant Gastrognome, you will likely observe that our menu is extensive. There is a separate a menu for each area of Gastronomy, which is to say, a main menu for adults, a children’s menu and a wine and beverage menu.
Restaurant Gastrognome first opened its doors for Memorial Day Weekend in 1973 and paired with a "gnome" rich theme. A gnome is a small forest creature that dwells within the earth and guards its treasures, is our namesake.
Excellent Food under the Stars
"We always make this one of our top choices when visiting Idyllwild. Tonight we ordered the Salmon and Pork Loin. My wife loved the perfectly cooked juicy salmon and fresh veggies on the side. I had the Pork Loin also done to perfection, juicy and tasty right to the last bite. This had to be one of the best anywhere Porterhouse style bone in chops I have had. Great choices of wine by the glass at decent prices. Daniel brought us a Chocolate mousse on the house to go since we were both so full from dinner." -- Trip Advisor (Oct 2020)
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Pet Friendly and a Good Time!
“Great outdoor patio. With the shades down in the evening, it creates a partially enclosed feeling, which is really nice. Heat lamps were on so it was nice and toasty. Good variety of food options, including vegetarian and vegan options. Everyone in our party was happy with their food, beverages, and service. Pups were happy. We will return!”
-- Bring Fido (March 2022)
The Setting
Three Restaurants in One.
The Setting
Three Restaurants in One.
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The Restaurant Gastrognome is really three in one designed to suit everyone's needs. Our grand showcase is the Main Dining Room and is designed for communication. The cozy nook near the bar is called The Cafe, more for the casual thing. The expansive and spectacular third area is located outside and is known by everyone in Idyllwild as the Deck.
MAIN DINING
ELOQUENT
The showcase of all the areas of the Gastrognome is the Main dining area. It is at the intersection of cuisine and consistency. It will be here that your worldly culinary adventures will be expanded. Everything from creative and thoughtful food preparation and presentation to attentive service will be quite memorable.
The dominant fixture of the main dining area is the expansive fireplace and the surrounding architecture, with high-beamed ceilings and grand archways.
The large fireplace dominates the room and during colder days, houses a large flickering fire that seems to reach everyone. The ceramic and wooden gnomes that adorn the mantle were presents given to the owner over the years. The original painting, which is located above the fireplace, was provided by a local artisan and is certainly one of the most enigmatic in all of Idyllwild. You might want to ask about some of it hidden features when dining at the Gnome.
THE CAFE
COZY
If you've spoken to any resident of Idyllwild, they can relay a story about a memorable evening in the Gastrognome's Cafe area, which is the first sight you will see when entering the inside portion of the Gastrognome. Contrasted to the Main Dining area, The Cafe area’s coziness is intimate as it is designed to share the exciting events of your day.
With a crackling ski-resort-like fireplace located in the center, generously spaced tables radiating from it and a full bar on one side, you really get the feeling that you at the precise pulse of our hamlet.
THE DECK
OUTDOOR
What would a fine restaurant be without a dramatic entrance? The Restaurant Gastrognome has one for the ages ... nestled in grandeur of the San Jacintos, with a view of our iconic Tahquitz Peak. Its the entrance of our spectacular deck and outdoor eating area.
On any given day, you can see unique nature and visitors passing by. You will see walkers and joggers, bicyclists to the trail adventures and backpackers looking for a place to rest. If you get a seat early enough, you might get a glimpse of the Gnome's gardeners tending to the gardens. Like a cafe in a popular square of Paris, you will not soon forget the beauty of our mountain habitat. Finally, the Deck is dog friendly!
THE MAIN DINING ROOM BOASTS STATELY AND REFINE DINING PUNCTUATED WITH HIGH CEILINGS, DELICATE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS AND A MAJESTIC FIREPLACE.
OUR KITCHEN STAFF
We are so proud of our kitchen staff. Over the fifty plus years we have been serving fine dining dishes, it has clearly separated us apart. Our chef takes pride in creating new and exciting menus. Often times, he will travel to culinary oases, such as Los Angeles, San Diego or Palm Springs, to see what's out there in the farther fringes of extraordinary meal preparation. He will typically return to “the Gnome” and add his own special twist and in this way, the menu always stays fresh and exciting. The kitchen itself is large and spacious with state-of-the-art equipment.
THE DECK is immensely popular during the warmer as well as cooler days, one can see our majestic mountain range from every table.
THE CAFE HOSTS A SIMPLER SNACK THEMED MENU IN A LESS FORMAL BUT COZY SETTING.
OUR SERVERS
Our staff can accommodate all kinds of diners, including those with special needs, such as provisioning for fat free, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and diabetic meals. Our servers are also trained to have extensive knowledge of our wine, drink and other offerings from our full bar. We have gluten free pasta and bread, all sandwiches and pasta dishes can be prepared gluten free.
Our stunning Bar, which is located on one side of THE CAFE, is fully stocked and maintains a large selection of fine wines and beers from around the world.