My wife and I enjoyed our last meal with our kids and family at the start of 2026 that we booked another meal on Saturday and I'm glad we did. We live FT in The Sea Ranch so Harbor House is an easy drive and it's like having our own neighborhood Michelin star resort and dining in the hood. Lunch was as good as I remember it. We started with a raw smoked trout stater and it was gently smoked which kept the trout firm and with only a hint of the curing process. Their freshly made bread followed and that kelp churned butter is to die for. The next two courses were a poached black cod in a home made miso sauce that was a lesson in how to ferment properly ! Delicious. The pork loin followed and I must admit it was a little tough - perhaps not rested enough post cooking or just a little over. The dish had teenie tiny wasabi leaves among all the veggies and greens on the plate and they really imparted a lovely natural zinginess...desert was some sort of a custard with a thin meringue and some other wonderfulness that made the whole thing refreshing but not too sweet and a lovely end to the meal. It was our 34th anniversary and we had made it a point to mention it when we made the reservation but they didn't even stick a candle in the dessert they gave us as a part of the meal...which seemed a missed opportunity IMHO. Just saying, we eat out quite a bit and most of the time not to celebrate anything special so it's nice when an establishment makes mention and notice of it in some way... We had the wine pairings ($100/each) along with the five course lunch ($150/each) and they do a nice job with the pairings, mainly featuring nice Italian varietals and of course some local favorites from the area - like Baxter (Pinot) and a dessert style wine that was very nice and not something I would have normally thought to order on my own. The grounds are as beautiful as always and now that spring has sprung and the flowers on their grounds are in full bloom and the beach area is starting to take on that summer sheen - it was a stellar afternoon once again. We will be keeping this place on regular rotation for sure and we look forward to our next meal later this summer when the tomatoes are ripe and the fruits and vegetables are in all their glory ! Highly recommend. read more

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I enjoyed our stay at Harbor House Inn. The views were spectacular, and the grounds were peaceful. We spent two nights in the Greenwood Room and reserved the tasting menu for our first evening, followed by in-room dining on the second. While both dinners were exceptional, I especially appreciated the breakfasts each morning. Thank you to the team for their thoughtful hospitality and care throughout our stay. Shout-out to Cory, Amber, and Willhelm who made our time special. We look forward to returning. read more

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We visited Harbor House Inn after discovering it on Apple TV's Chasing Michelin and had been very excited to dine here. I had done extensive research beforehand and arrived with high expectations, especially given its two Michelin stars. Much of the evening lived up to that reputation. The restaurant was able to accommodate my non-dairy dietary restriction, which I truly appreciated. We also opted for the non-alcoholic beverage pairing, which was excellent, creative, well-balanced, and genuinely memorable. Unfortunately, our experience took a sharp turn during the fourth course. The dish featured grilled abalone and leek served in a large shell. As abalone is my favorite seafood, I was especially looking forward to it. To my surprise, there was an ant crawling on top of the shell. While I was still processing this, a second ant appeared shortly afterward, at which point I flagged down a server. The plate was removed promptly, and I was asked whether I wanted a replacement. Given what had just happened, I declined. A server apologized but mentioned that these types of bug incidents are inevitable. I was surprised by how nonchalant this explanation felt, especially at a restaurant of this caliber. When the bill arrived, the dish was not removed or comped, which added to the disappointment. There were many things Harbor House Inn does exceptionally well, but the way this situation was handled significantly affected my overall experience. read more

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We love everything about the restaurant, from friendly staff, beautiful interior decoration, to the exquisite culinary creations! This place is a true gem of california coast. Looking forward to many more dinning experiences here! Thank you for the unforgettable treats! read more

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The Harbor House Inn is a phenomenal restaurant. I would rated it as one of my top two favorite restaurants in all of California. The staff is extremely engaging from the moment you go into the lobby to wait and be seated. You can feel the passion for all of the experience. And throughout the night, different individuals from the restaurant team to bring out dishes and explain them. I felt like I was surrounded by philosophers with a passion for food. The conversation, coupled with the ambience and exciting views of the pacific or second to none. The menu is never the same, but the experience is where the consistency happens. I definitely loved every moment of this restaurant, and I think it's the best hidden gem in California. read more

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Great service and excellent chowder. Views are easy on the eyes as well. Perfect spot at the mouth of the harbor.

Amazing hyper-seasonal and local ingredients. This is the pinnacle of Californian cuisine. Explore exquisite food with precise techniques, pan-Asian sensibility, and Nordic influence in an intimate setting. The staff were warm, personal, and exuded joviality. This is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in California. The boutique hotel that houses the restaurant is understated. It had great views, but don't expect pampered service, amenities, and freebies in the room. You are paying for the tranquility and the proximity to the restaurant (inn review 4/5). Visited November 2025. ---- A very long drive from San Francisco that almost makes us doubt whether it's worth it. The staff welcomed us in and sat us down on the patio overlooking a secluded cove. Sitting in front of the fireplace under the blanket, the sound of the waves and the cool late autumn wind reminded us of why we fell in love with Northern California in the first place. Some canapés were served, and they gently introduced you to the restaurant, of its sensibility and philosophy. The long drive in wet weather no longer mattered. Dish after dish, the Harbour House Inn kept us excited and curious. I love how the chef introduced unfamiliar flavors. On the salad course, there were greens we recognized, fresh or pickled, and once in a while, we would bite into something new: whether it's the kind of bitterness that reached the root of your tongue, or herbal grassiness that maybe you can recognize in a hoppy IPA. It really set the tone for the meal. It's about exploration and curiosity for us. We loved everything, but the highlight of the night had to be the potato dish. A new potato on a bed of first-of-the-season chentrelle mushrooms foraged in the morning. As the broken yogurt broth infused with fir on the property was poured onto the potatoes, the milk protein solidified on the potatoes, forming tiny dots of white crystals. I couldn't overstate how delicious the dish is, and for me, the dish is Harbour House Inn. It's unexpected, hyper-seasonal, and one can really sense the warmth it expresses. read more

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Ok, so I owed this restaurant a big appology . There's a $$$ bogus charge on my credit card happening on the same day and I thought it came from this restaurant. BUT IT WAS NOT. My credit card company has identified the issue and resolved it. I'm so sorry for my previous angry review. Anyway, I really had a fabulous lunch at the restaurant. How do I know? I dropped $$$ for a lunch there (I usually only do it for dinner) and I didn't even have a single regret for any of it. I'm on my diet and the food was so lovely that I devoured a single bit. The service was imppecable and they were always patient to answer all of my random questions. And the view (inside and outside)!!! I can't even describe how breathtaking it is. I actually wanted to have dinner at the restaurant but I couldn't book it. And all I can say is that if this restaurant is in San Francisco, it will be sold out all the time- lunch or dinner . I will be back for dinner for sure. Maybe even for my birthday . read more

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Had a fantastic experience here and was definitely worth the trip!! It was super serene, limited data / cellular service here and it was just a great experience at a BNB with incredible food. We stayed for 2 nights and got the full experience of the breakfast and the 2 Michelin star dinner with wine pairing. All the food was truly remarkable and we loved that it was all locally sourced daily. The breakfast was also a stand out, where we loved the bacon and freshly squeezed juice, coffee, and their pastries as well as all forms of eggs!! read more

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First off, what a beautiful property on the coast! I enjoyed the little town of Elk coming up from Santa Rosa. Although the inn is out of my budget, we treated ourselves to a fabulous lunch at the Michelin starred Harbor House. We had a 5 course lunch overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Before we had our meal, we enjoyed their oceanfront garden as well! We were seated in a little table with great views, and had a garden mocktail to start. It's a bit of an herbal tonic as it's filled with herbs from their garden. Lunch was 5 courses: the silken tofu with wildflowers, bread, fish (hubby had mushroom substitute since he doesn't eat seafood), pork chops with bokchoy (comes with salad & croutons) and last but not least the oolong ice cream. It's well deserved 2 stars for the excellent cooking, local foraged ingredients, attention to detail, presentation etc. Service was excellent from check in to the end. What a hidden gem on the coast, I will always treasure the memories made here. The small town vibes makes me happy, grateful to be alive and enjoying some of the best food produced in the area. The relax, slow paced town sets the mood combined with the deep blue ocean, the beauty is surreal! read more

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Has the pleasure of spending 2 nights at harbor house inn to finish off my bucket list for ca restaurants. We experienced everything except the grilled cheese. We did the in room dinner, main dining room dinner, lunch, and breakfast x2. The food: Main dinner tasting menu: Phenomenal. I dont say this lightly but almost all dishes were great. The crab: in kelp with blood orange with clarified butter was amazing. The umami of the kelp really infused the crab. The abalone: the liver rice wasn't overpowering and really worked. The abalone itself was glazed and grilled but just right so it wasn't tough. Great dish Kohlrabi: sweet plant with salty sauce and the zest of a fingerlime. The cod: smoked with bayleaf. Perfectly done The only dish that was fine was the American wagyu. Very tough like a skirt steak but the mushroom puree and mushroom saved this dish. Desserts all great ------- In room dining: Beautiful experience in your room that's served family style. Food was good for a family style meal. From chawamushi, pork, cod, bread and butter, salad. It was a solid in room experienced and fun to sit in the cozy room by the fire plqce place. Lunch: Similar to in room dining but coursed. After having had the dinner it was a bit disappointing. Im also kind of disappointed in that they served the exact same ingredienta to in room dinner with different preparation. It wouldve been nice to see a wider array of dishes. Breakfast The bacon is amazing. We enjoyed the ricotta pancakes and congee. ----- Service great and very hospitible hospitable ----- Stayed in the cypress room which is on the first floor right next to the dining room with a ocean side view. Very comfortable room with a nice fire place. You can however slightly hear the humm. There was also some construction overnight on the roads which the inn cannot control but it was reasonable. Ultimately great stay. Dinner is phenomenal. Lunch and in room dinner are just ok. If you could go for dinner do it. If its just passing by for lunch or in room, food wise I would skip it or schedule around attending dinner. Beautiful and warm place to stay. read more

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We celebrated our 4 year anniversary at harbor house with 5 course lunch meal. The place is beautiful' breathtaking views from your lunch table. Everything seemed so well choreographed. You see the difference being at a 2 Michelin star restaurant vs your usual fine dinning place. The service was outstanding, shout out to Adam and Jacob. I was feeling hot after drinking 2 cups of tea (oops) I ordered an ice tea and they dint have any so by the end of the meal the server got me one from their vending machine for our drive back! The meal started with a bang, loved the egg custard with uni, fresh and perfectly cooked. The came the fish and veggies cooked with butter, also great! However the main course pork and veggies with salas was pretty average. The potatoes were hard and pork dish could use some flavors. The pork itself was well cooked. The desserts were okay too. The apple crumble pie was on the drier side and very less sweet. I was hoping they would do something special for the anniversary but I guess they don't. We did wine pairing too. They let you share one pairing, so that's good because one of us was driving. Wines were pretty good. It was $95+tax. Overall, great experience. read more

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A much needed weekend getaway I was looking forward to for a long long time! The scenery here is just absolutely stunning, and it's not often you can find a resort-like property that comes with a 2 Michelin starred restaurant too! We stayed in the Meadowview room for 2 nights. I have to say, the room was extremely underwhelming for the price we paid. The site advertises it with "panoramic views of our garden, nearby pasture, and the forested ridgeline beyond", but it's essentially just a view of the parking lot. The view is what makes a bulk of the trip out here worthwhile, so without it, it's just a bed to sleep in that could've been anywhere. Meadowview isn't even the cheapest room offered here, so I highly recommend picking any other room that has a coastal view. The breakfast was our first preview of the dining experience here. Breathtaking views first thing in the morning! The breakfast food offerings were simple, yet, wonderfully presented. The French omelette was especially pretty and garnished with flower petals. Finally, the highlight of the trip - the dinner. We had a 5:30 seating that ended up lasting until around 9. Everything was well paced, and I was extremely full by the end! We were also fortunate to be seated by the window for the view. Many of the ingredients were sourced locally right in the surrounding coast. I noticed that one of the main themes of our dinner was the use of seaweed. Even our ice cream was wakame flavored and very very tasty! I am unfortunately an extremely picky eater when it comes to veggies, but seaweed is one of the few greens I do happen to enjoy! I can't say the same for some of the other veggies served though. No matter how skilled a chef is, a salad is still a salad and I can only stomach so much of it :') Veggies aside, I overall enjoyed the dining experience very much, and it was definitely the best fine dining meal I've had in the past year! For $325 per person though, I do think it's quite steep for what we got. I've had better experiences at 1 Michelin starred restaurants around the world that did not cost nearly as much, so it does feel like we're paying for a California markup. But again, most of this is paying for the ambiance and views that you would not easily find elsewhere! read more

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UPDATED REVIEW: Check your credit card statements! I rarely check mine, but logged on for something else. Glanced at my statement from a couple months ago and had $118 charge that I had no clue what it was for. I called Harbor House and was told that it was for additional gratuity and I had two separate charges for gratuity: the amount that I had written in for extra tip, as well as the $118. I asked why would I tip twice ON TOP of the 10% MANDATORY SERVICE FEE?! She apologized for the miscommunication and said she would credit back my credit card. I find it hard to believe this is a miscommunication. How does that even happen? Totally shady and was insult to injury considering how much this place charges for a stay. read more

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Had a very good dinner there. I think the savory courses were a hit. I had mixed feelings about the sweet courses. I especially liked the rice with abalone offal, words I thought I'd never say. Location is spectacular. We stayed there and so had the complimentary breakfast. I highly recommend the congee, with some of they fantastic bacon read more

It was a culinary experience. I've been a foodie my whole life but this was like an eye opener. This was 10 courses of a Mendocino coastal experience. It was expensive, however dining at a 2-Michelin star accredited restaurant was amazing. I highly recommend. read more

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The Harbor House Inn is both a luxurious resort with a 2 star restaurant. For any people looking to explore the lost coast in absolutely comfort, this is the premier destination for your palette and mind. While dining here in the beginning of April, we had the pleasure of partaking in the spring-ish menu. Contrary to my usual reviews that include in depth detail, I would like to replicate the simplicity of their cuisine in my review - and that is the restaurant is simply spectacular. The menu will change but I'm sure any items you come across no matter the time of year will exceed your expectations and your imagination. No "cheat codes" of A5, uni, caviar or truffles here. Everything is original, loocal, and the originality, technique, and quality come out in spades. Service was also very attentive, seem less and all but stuffy like other equally high end establishments. To cap it off, this has arguably the best view I've had in any restaurant as well. The venue itself is also extremely beautiful in its expertly finished wood surfaces, creating a feast for the eyes as well. Please do yourself a favor and come here if you can. read more

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Stayed here and had an in room dinner and dining room dinner. All the meals were wonderful. This restaurant is both cozy and fancy at the same time. The location is magical. Can't wait to go back. read more

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Our First Lunch Visit To The Harbor House Inn!! Love This Beautiful Restaurant!! Stunning Views & Gorgeous Setting!! We Enjoyed Our Time Together & Loved Our Amazing Course Lunch!! Love The Pierre Gerbais Rose Champagne!! Ended With Zucchini Cake With Infusion Garden Herb Tea!! Amazing Staff, ThankU To Chef & Servers For A Wonderful Lunch Experience!! Hopefully, When We Return, We Can Try The Dinner Experience Too!! Looking Forward To Our Next Visit To The Harbor House Inn!! ThankU Shout Out To Our Servers, Jason, Jaclyn & AD, ThankU For All Your Smiles, Kindness & Hospitality!! read more

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Beautiful spot! The staff were absolutely delightful... and the food was packed with flavor! read more

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Second time here for lunch and this was an amazing experience! Service all around was perfect and of course the setting is gorgeous. Every single dish we had hit all the high notes, including popcorn and bread. So many creative touches in everything and was absolutely delicious. The wine pairing was lovely but two of us just did wine by the glass which had a great selection. Five star all around. Great way to celebrate a birthday! read more

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A beautiful place for a weekend getaway or longer, just to clear up and enjoy the nature for once. It is a drive to get here but an hour and a half from flying to Sonoma County Airport for an hour from LAX is very much doable and worthy. I was first introduced to this beautiful gem in Elk by my boyfriend and I absolutely fell in love. It has become our yearly commitment to come to Harbor House to enjoy the nature, great food and hospitality. Everyone here is very kind and makes you feel at home, literally. The rooms are so beautiful and depending on which room youre staying in, you will enjoy the different vibe with different view. I stayed at two different rooms and loved each one of them. The fireplace makes you feel so cozy and makes you want to just lounge inside even for an individual like me who just cannot stay at home all day. The view is astonishing! Unlimited view of the ocean and the waves coming in and out and especially when the weather is on our side, it is so precious. Not to mention the sunset is to die for especially looking out the window when you are dining. Once in a lifetime experience, I want to say. Thoughtfully curated food by Chef Matt is absolutely astonishing and marvelous, hence, they received Michelin 2 stars. Its farm-to-table, fresh is not enough to explain. So crisp, even for people who do not enjoy the greens will fall in love just eating salads and pickles. Reservations for dinner is an absolute must and could be hard to land one. With extensive beverage menu from Champagne, wines to even sake, they got what you want. Lunch experience is a five course menu which is on the lighter side comparing to dinner option but it sure does not disappoint. You will love every each ingredient in the dish and the Sea Lettuce Butter with Sourdough cannot be overlooked. Breakfast in bed or in suite/room is the most amazing part of Harbor House Inn personally. I am not a breakfast eater but when I am here, I'd wake up early just for their breakfast. It is so hearty, focusing on ingredients to present its very own flavor at best. Seasonal fruit, freshly squeezed juice and jam is abaolutely devine. The main dish with perfectly poached egg with mushrooms melts in your mouth and makes you feel so relaxed and comfortable. It really is hard to explain so you just need to have it then you will know exactly what I am trying to convey here. All in all, besides the cost of staying which could be too much for some people, it really is a pefect destination for a getaway to seize the moment with our nature all around. Plan your next vacation with Harbor House and let them walk you through what they got to offer. read more

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Had our 29th anniversary dinner here. We enjoyed the wine pairing with it and tried some wines we wouldn't have necessarily purchased. Great selection. Looking forward towards to trying them again as the menu changes. read more

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Stunning views, incredible stay and dining experience in this remote location! The Pacific Ocean providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying one of the most delicious meals I have had the pleasure of experiencing. I felt honored to be at the table of the amazing Chef Matthew Kammerer and his wonderful team! This definitely will be a place to revisit. I'm looking forward to seeing how the menu evolves from the wonderful bounty of local flavors, sourced from within a 30-mile radius of this beautiful jewel on the coast. read more

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This review is for the restaurant -- had a lovely lunch and some time in the garden. Detailed breakdown below: **Service, 5/5** Exceptional. Everyone was incredibly professional, attentive, and friendly. I wasn't able to make a reservation for 5 on Tock for lunch, but was able to secure a reservation at my preferred date and time via email. I was also really impressed at their attention to detail: when I stepped away to use the restroom, they kept my palate cleanser cool so it wouldn't melt too quickly, and promptly brought it out at soon as I was reseated. I also appreciated being able to linger a bit after the lunch, enjoy the tea, and explore the grounds. **Decor & atmosphere, 5/5** The dining room overlooks the private garden and the ocean. So serene! I'd also saw the garden (and not necessarily the food) are what make this a must-visit. Views of the coast are just breathtaking. **Price & portion, 4/5** There was obvious skill and care in each of our dishes! Just docking a star because the pork, which was the main dish, was unfortunately dry. I was a bit disappointed given the 2 (!) Michelin stars. If that had been juicy and tender, I'd say it's definitely worth trying at least once. **Presentation of the food, 5/5** Every dish was a work of art. The flowers and garnishes are also all grown on their farm nearby! **Taste of the food, 4/5** Each course was amazing except for the dry and slightly tough pork in the main. The bread and butter was perfect (I could have easily eaten another 3 slices if I didn't need to save room for the rest of the lunch) -- airy, chewy interior with a beautiful crumb with a wonderful crisp (but not tough) crust with a fluffy and delicate mushroom butter. The salad with green goddess dressing looked simple but was also perfect -- so fresh and crisp with just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and herby flavors. My favorite course was probably the black cod with a potato sauce; I've had melt-in-your-mouth black cod, but this one still surpassed anything I've tasted. The fish was incredibly delicate, cooked with so much care and precision, and the light potato sauce had so much flavor and coated everything. I wish I could eat this again! The main was a pork loin with polenta. Unfortunately the pork was dry and tough, and the polenta could've used quite a bit more flavor. It was such a promising empty canvas I wish there was more going on here. I really enjoyed the little surprises they threw in over the course of the meal: the palate cleanser was delicious, the mint tea was a nice wind down, and the black lime candies were interesting and fun. I'd love to come back for dinner one day! read more

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Went there for lunch. The highlight of the dining experience were the views from the property. The food and service were ok but not 2-star Michelin nor even 1 star in my opinion. I think their Michelin star may be for their dinner service as their lunch service did not live up to expectations. Dining music was either too loud or server spoke too softly as we had trouble hearing what our server was saying each time they tried to describe our dish when bringing to our table. We both ordered a glass of wine when we started but server never asked if we wanted another drink after we finished and took our wine glass away (we would have ordered another) so this was another data point that resulted in my surprise that they maintain 2-Michelin stars. The portions were small and we thought the fixed lunch menu could have included 1 more dish (something with starch or carbohydrate) as we left feeling hungry and ended up going to get a sandwich somewhere else afterwards. All in all, the value was not there for the food and service experience but the views can't be beat. read more

Service and food were fantastic! This was our second visit. We did the prefix lunch. Everything was just perfect. The hostess took us out to the back deck and helped us take great pictures. We were seated on the windows with the most breath taking view. They accommodated my wife's dietary needs as requested. Service was very attentive and explained each course as it was served. They print up a custom menu and deliver each course accordingly. We had the popcorn added as a starter, defiantly recommend. We made our reservation through Tock, you have to prepay, but that's expected for a Michelin Star experience. They put a candle in dessert for my wife's birthday, thankfully they don't sing. We will be back next year for sure read more

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My husband and I had the privilege of staying at HHI for a few nights and having dinner at the restaurant. The inn itself is lovely, the grounds are peaceful and beautiful to explore. The breakfast was delicious and the staff is friendly, welcoming and helpful with suggestions. Dinner was phenomenal. We have dined at many Michelin restaurants around the world, and this menu was by far one of my absolute favorites. The progression was thought out nicely, every dish was beautiful and packed with flavor. My favorites were the seaweed sourdough bread with seaweed butter, wagyu and the lamb. I didn't even mind the sea urchin, and I usually dislike it! I was pregnant during our visit and the restaurant was willing to accommodate any dietary restrictions I wanted, but I trusted them to have sourced all their seafood and meat from reliable sources and enjoyed the menu as intended. read more

Terrible customer service and policies. You prepay for the entire meal (several hundred dollars) in advance in order to make a reservation. They have a 24-hr cancellation policy so if you get sick the day before, you're out of luck and out of money. read more

Came back for dinner and was worried the novelty from years ago would have rubbed off - but it was exquisite! Amazing service and creative menu with very thoughtful presentation. For such a remote place, they take farm to table quite literally and source the best seafood. Note no cocktails (sake and whites pair beautifully with the tasting though) and close to 3 hours - so would recommend lunch if you don't have time for the full commitment. Can't wait to go back a third time! read more

Harbor House Inn - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Elk, California

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Perfect meal - we went for lunch. Got there early so we could explore the property and walk down to the beach. The only thing I would've done differently is had our last dessert course on the patio. So lovely. read more

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This is our 4th visit to the Harbor House Inn (first visit in 2021) and our first time staying the night at the Inn. Reservations for the restaurant are a little difficult however guests of the Inn can get access to dinner reservations 6 months in advance. This is our absolute favorite restaurant to visit in the world. The view is second to none. The private beach is absolutely stunning! The dinner experience is awesome, definitely leans towards seafood, but if you're into an absolutely stunning experience, I highly recommend staying the night and enjoying dinner here. It won't be long before they receive their 3rd Michelin star because this is absolutely "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey." Seeing similar faces is always enjoyable as well, makes the experience more casual relaxed (Adrienne is always extremely friendly a pleasure to reconnect with!) Highly recommend visiting, arriving early to enjoy the property and the view! read more

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We recently had lunch at Harbor House to celebrate my birthday. When we arrived, we realized that we had made the reservation for the wrong day. Fortunately, the staff was very accommodating and confirmed with the chef to see if they could seat us, given that they procure their fresh ingredients locally. They were even able to accommodate our pescatarian diet on short notice. The food was outstanding, both in presentation and in taste. The food wasn't overdone like you might find with molecular cuisine--the tastes of the ocean really shone through. From the uni and cod, to the interesting custard for dessert, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Since we were headed to wine tasting afterwards, we did not do the paired wine tasting. Service was friendly and well-paced. The view is phenomenal and I felt like I was in a Julia Morgan home when I stepped into the waiting area. As a bonus, they have charging if you drive an electric car. read more

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This was our third time visiting Harbor House for dinner as our first two times were both exceptional. They no longer offer outdoor seating so no need to layer for the meal! What was remarkable is that they remembered that I was left handed even though it had been over a year since my last visit and I never even mentioned it. I was a bit disappointed to see that their offering of half bottles of wine has decreased. It would be great to see them offer more options in the future! They do give complimentary sparkling water, which is a win! Food was outstanding, which is hard to do when you have expectations after coming before, but they do such a consistent job. The Fort Bragg uni with egg white custard, fried maitake mushroom and abalone were highlights of the night. I love how they end the night with a tree based tea that is absolutely delightful with the grilled honey. Overall, another fantastic meal here that I would happily come back for! read more

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We were fortunate to return to Harbor House for a few days and it truly is one of our favorite places. The location is beautiful; the people are so kind, thoughtful, and provide top notch service; our room was well-appointed; the food is OUTSTANDING. Our goal was to only eat at HH for the entire stay and we have zero regrets. Breakfast is included in your stay and is different each day - so delicious and a great way to start your day. We also recommend their fantastic lunch if you're staying there or can't grab dinner reservations. While dinner in the restaurant is undoubtedly the highlight (it's so good that I was kind of depressed when it was over), don't miss out on the in-room dinner. A multi-course tasting menu that you can eat in the comfort of your room!? Highly recommend staying in oceansong if it's available - the room is cozy, the view is spectacular and the deck is partly shaded. The overall experience somehow has gotten even better than the last time we were there, which says a lot since it was the highlight of last year for us. We're already planning our next trip. read more

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After some thoughts, I've decided to leave an honest review because of what was said to me: "Imagine if this dinner was a big bucket list that someone was looking forward to, as Elk is not exactly easy to travel to. Not to mention how expensive the meal is. Your experience should be shared." We stayed at the inn and booked the dinner months in advance to celebrate our anniversary. And to that special date: The menu given to us at the end of the meal had the previous date printed on rather than the date we were there. This made the menu no longer special to us, which may not be a big deal but still surprised me that a 2 Michelin stared establishment would have such a mindless error. And the dinner. While food was definitely executed well and supports the chef's overall philosophy of letting the ingredients shine (and I absolutely tasted the restraint and appreciated the effort), our dinner for two lasted more than 4 hours, with so much idle time in between. It was not the relaxed pace for the diners' sake, but a serious delay with no explanation or apology on what was happening in the kitchen. Half way through dinner our server thought we had the fish dish when we hadn't yet. And my husband wasn't sure if he should use the bathroom in fear that they'd hold off firing the next course further. At one point the staff offered to take our photos at sunset outside, which sounded like a lovely suggestion, except that we returned to our table and continued to wait for our food at even longer intervals, making that photo detour seem like some tactic to justify more waiting. This impatience was observed around the dinning room as well. Yawn, frown, the constant looking down at the watch, and the eventual silence from everyone who had nothing more to chat about. There was even resentment as I overheard a conversation about who got food before them despite having seated after. NOT a Michelin 2 star experience to say the least. My husband said he looked up at one point and locked eye with another diner who rolled her eyes and shook her head to share her annoyance nonverbally. For $275+ pp, that annoyance is warranted. It might've been some disaster in the kitchen that night causing the delay, but keeping mum did not help. Our server disclosed only at dropping the bill that they had new staff in training and therefore sorry about the wait. Too little too late. The inn itself is actually beautiful, and their breakfast the day after was delicious. But that dinner that night, was way below par. I really hope the management will take notice and improve. read more

Executive Chef Matthew Kammerer is a very friendly, down to earth guy who does "eco-cooking" acting like a conductor and lets each individual ingredient play its tune. Symphony created is masterful yet impressively modest & natural at the same time.   Sustainable, local ingredients. Since Elk is by the sea, expect seafood including seaweeds. Ultra fresh vegetables & herbs from their backyard garden & farm. High respect for precious food so very little is wasted.  Food is not over processed beyond recognition. Harbour House is very much like many Japanese inns called Ryokan which also subscribe to those above principles. Food by Chef Kammerer is not Japanese although it may be Japanese influenced.  Beverage Director & Sommelier John Miller expertly pairs his Sakè (sah keh) & wines to each dish. Tasting his Sakè & wines and hearing his expert opinions & information was an education. At least w/ his Sakè, they mostly tend to be bold, complex, assertive, quirky in a good way. Shy shrinking violets they are not.  Staff is helpful, informative, enthusiastic, passionate. Warm service enhances the well nuanced dining while the hotel staff is accommodating w/ an understated, welcoming  manner which makes for comfortable lodging.  Highlights of the Menu: 2) Fort Bragg Uni, Dulse, chopped Chawan Mushi:  Local large Red Sea Urchin sweet, sea custard. Dulse is like Japanese Ao Nori green seaweed flakes & Mozuku, a gelatinous brown algae.  Barely braised scrambled egg in what seems like a brothy, citrusy, Shōyu/soy sauce based Ponzu sauce, sesame oil? Garnished w/ radish flowers  2a) Kamo Nishiki "Nifuda Zakè" Junmai Daiginjo 50% polish, unfiltered, unpasturized, Nīgata, Japan.  Subtle scent of Katsuo Bushi/dried Umami rich bonito. Bitter sweet, astringent, minty, chalky, toasty soy bean, lacquer, peppery, salty, earthy. Touch of acidic effervesence.  3) Red Abalone   Abalone have parts that come out a bit tough or chewy, but this abalone braised in Sakè Dashi comes out in 3 thick slices soft & plush. The white abductor muscle is toned, smooth in texture.  Shishitō is shiny, emerald smoked. Blanched cauliflower & exotic looking velvety, salty, green Sea Lettuce.  These well behaved flavours contrasted to an earthy, sea funky Béchamel sauce from abalone liver.   3a) Kidoizumi, "Fragrant Jewel",  Junmai Ginjo 60% polish, Yamahai/natural yeast from the Sakè Kura/brewery,  unfiltered, unpasteurized, Chiba, Japan  Subtle bouquet. Toasty Kinako/roasted soy bean, touch melon, earthy, mushroomy. Dry, higher acidity, sweet-bitter, higher alcohol astringency.  4) Maitakè, Lace Lichen: Expertly Tempura'd Maitakè which retained its mushroominess w/ ultra thin, crunchy batter.  Lace Lichen is found hanging on the local conifer branches. In an Ikè Bana vase looking like the gravity field surrounding a blackhole.  Lichen is a dry, moist, chewy texture, garnished w/ nutty white sesame seeds.  4a) Hanabi/fireworks Lager Beer from Baroness barley made by the vaunted Screaming Eagle winemaker. Yeasty scent. Earthy barnyard, sweet, intense green hops like an IPA, bitter, refreshing, dry.  8) Black Cod smoked over Bay Laurel Leaves in Hand Crafted Redwood & California Oak Smoke Box is ceremonially presented. The lid is lifted & fragrant white smoke wafts up around the waiter.  Barely cooked, aged Black Cod is on top of Sprouted Rye Seeds which has a comforting life force in very simple, satisfying broth. So little processing showcasing perfection.  8a) Jikon Tokubetsu Junmai Ginjo 60% polish, Miè Japan:  Wet earth, fennel,  minty, smooth sweetness, dry, bitter  9) 9 month aged, deep red, smoky Pork Shoulder au Jus, Douglas fir rice vinegar, Chanterelle.. Side dish of winter root vegetables. Pleasure to use the rustic Craftsman knife. 9a) Michael Cruse, Syrah, Sonoma 2014: Damask rose, cherry, earthy notes. Dry, acidic, plummy, juicy, raspy tannins.  12) Douglas Fir Tea & Local Honey: Similar to Vespertine in using unusual infusions. Now a Christmas tree can be used to make Winter Holiday tea.  The dramatic seaside view while dining is deeply awe inspiring. The pristine blue inlet is dotted by rocky outcroppIngs, small islands, one w/ a hole in the middle that allows the shimmering sun light to pour through to the shadowy other side looking like a portal to another dimension. The Chef is known to have kayaked through it.  The back terrace & grassy back garden w/ patio furniture are ideal to bask in the sun.  Lookout Room is small, upstairs, cozy w/ a view of the sea. Sounds of waves & sea air lull you to sleep along w/ a super comfortable bed. Best sleep in a long time.  Harbour House Inn is definitely worth a journey. Go along Hwy 128 for travel through shadowed, cool, towering redwood groves flanking the highway. My horseback ride to the beach at nearby Ross Ranch complemented the otherworldly, alternate world of coastal Mendocino County, Northern California.  5+ stars read more

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The Harbor House Inn is more than a Michelin-starred BnB/restaurant that is locally sustained and eco-conscious... it is a slice of heaven on the west coast that is more surreal than real. Part of what drew me to stay here were the glowing reviews and online gushing of many travel and food blogs that I follow. What I now struggle with is to put our experience into words, as it not only met all the accreditation it receives but surpassed it in every single way. We had to reschedule our trip from 2021 due to an emergency hospitalization and eventual terminal cancer diagnosis (for me), which I thought would put a damper on everything - but HH refunded EVERYTHING to us and just asked we visit when we are able to. They didn't NEED to do this, but they did and that's something special to me and my wife. A year later (late June 2022), we finally made it. As you walk through the gates you know you've stumbled onto something special. You hear the animals that are onsite and immediately see the sprawling gardens and self-sustained infrastructure like water retention and composting sites. They are not "industrial" feeling at ALL, but instead it feels like a small farm... which it kind of is. The Inn itself is gorgeous, more of like a cabin retreat with dark, rich wood everywhere and impeccably clean. The decor borders modern minimalist, but has much of the Inn's history front-and-center so you can learn about the owners (current and past) as well as the genesis of the property. However, the real magic is when you walk out back and see the bluffs, the ocean, and your personal piece of heaven that HH has crafted for all its visitors. Fire pits, sprawling gardens, stairs down to the beach, it has everything for EVERYONE to enjoy their stay. It was an emotional experience for me between the immaculate beauty of the property, the perfect weather, and just being there with my wife given my health and situation. Every corner and inch of the property is meticulously cared for and has purpose, including the beach (a few hundred steps down the bluffs) where seaweed is harvested for dishes by staff and soaked and air-dried under the guest decks. There are so many perfect little details that HH takes care of for every guest that you feel like a celebrity or royalty when you stay there. From curated arrival gifts to personalized breakfasts, these are not things that happen by chance. The staff is there to make you feel special, and we did from the moment we arrived until our departure. These are professionals in every sense of the word in the hospitality world, but each interaction oozes with actual compassion and caring of your wants and desires. We've been all over the world, and this experience sticks out in my mind as one of the best we've ever had. The dinner (as many others have said) has been (to date) the best meal of our lives... and that isn't something that I say on a whim. The tasting dinner was the apex of a culinary experience from the dinnerware that is locally sourced (including abolone shells from the beaches) to the meticulous details on every dish and preparation. Despite it being a 3+ hour experience, it felt perfect in every way. The pacing, the education, the chef and servers coming by to chat and present each dish was not something we had ever experienced. I cannot explain or even do justice to the food - you'll have to look at the photos to see some of the whimsical uses of ingredients I never would have thought could be used in a fine dining experience. All of this comes at a cost, of course... but when you think about prices paid for such lavish experiences, it holds a superb value for what you get. We walked away with our bank account or wallets a bit lighter but regret nothing. I would happily pay the same amount again for the experience given some of the other places we've stayed or eaten and paid much more for far less. This is a gem nestled in the cliffs of California... just waiting to be found and enjoyed by those who want to feel and be treated like someone special. HH will do all of that and much, much more for anyone who is willing to put them in charge of your stay. I promise you will not regret the trip or the price paid to have such an experience. It was... to be quite frank... perfect. read more

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A home away from home. Lazily walk around the garden and down to the cove and spot the occasional whale. The restaurant is one of my faves of all time. I would put their sourdough and butter as the best, hands down! Also, I recommend the in room breakfast--plenty of options and what better way to enjoy the morning by looking at the ocean, hearing the waves and birdsongs. read more

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The perfect stay! This hotel has extremely beautiful grounds in a picturesque and very small/intimate town. But the staff was the star of the show. They were outstanding from front desk to the sommelier and even the owners was very friendly. On a separate note, the restaurant experience was outstanding! You can taste the dedication and detail the chef puts into his craft in every bite. But also, the service staff was very friendly, professional, and detail oriented. I want to give a special thanks to our sommelier Jason, who went above and beyond to answer all our questions and give his insights to our wines and other restaurants across CA to try after our trip here. He was a rock star! Thank you HH Inn for a breathtaking and perfect stay/dining experience. read more