In one's life, they will encounter a certain number of sandwiches that are truly life changing…read more Sometimes it's the magic combo of high quality ingredients. After all, a smuckers pb&j doesn't have the same effect as an artisanal hand pounded nut spread with homemade jam. Sometimes it's because of the locale--a caprese on a baguette in Italy for example, might include the same ingredients but be as memorable as the one at the corner cafe. And it's understandable to think that perhaps Black Sands Bistro may have the benefit of the breathtaking view. And yes, their offerings are humble. But my. Goodness. This place is amazing. The life changing sandwich in question was the breakfast sandwich special: fresh, home made foccacia. Marinated, grilled veggies. Thick sliced quality ham. Covered in perfectly melted cheese. It was incredible. I had a meatball sandwich the next day, and while it was pretty damn good I will be thinking about the Alice in Wonderland special for a good long time. As a horde of comedians descended onto the town, full of last nights beer and quippy one liners, the kitchen didn't blink an eye as they fried up plate after plate of hearty, breakfast sandwich perfection. The owners were so welcoming to all of us. They make all the baked goods in house, including that delicious foccacia. And THAT VIEW. Where else can you enjoy a good meal with a view to match? Pair with a cold beer or a hot coffee and this is the perfect quiet ritual to begin your days in Shelter Cove. I will absolutely be back, again and again, whenever I am lucky enough to return to this beautiful part of the world.

I frequently visit another California coastal town ,(touristy) that I have tried several…read morerestaurants and been disappointed with - I gave up trying to find good food in that OTHER town. This was my first time to Shelter Cove, and Black Sands Bistro was my first place to try food at. I wasn't expecting much. But I must say, we were very pleasantly surprised! I got a cheeseburger for $17 and being that it was a tourist town, expected a small, generic McDonald's type hamburger. But it was good sized, not preformed patties, with 3 slices of tomato and generous helping of lettuce and it was juicy and very good. They gave a nice selection of baked desserts (all $5) and they are large servings and not the generic baked items you find in every other aery in California. We got the German Chocolate Cake and it was quite good. I got coffee, too and it was better than average. While not cheap, it did seem to be one of the less expensive options. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. If we go back to Shelter Cove, this will be the place we always go to.

Fantastic service and the food was delicious too! The…read moreservice was too notch! Thank you Mr P!

Great tacos and huge burrito. Great flavor!!! Tasted fresh and homemade. The salsa and chip were so…read morefresh!

Great food and service very reasonable prices. We had never…read morestopped there and glad we did. The waitress was very nice and we love to support family businesses

Very good. For a 1/2 lb burger very well cooked. I was dreading it would be over cooked but it was…read morejust right. Other half loved her sandwich. Service was amazing and polite. Wish they had more beer on tap or at least dark beer. But that's a wish. Not a criticism. Will be back if I am up this way

American version of Mexican food. Apparently the cheese used in one of the shrimp dishes is…read moremozzarella, so that sort of sums it up. Also, the food was out to our table within minutes, so definitely not made to order. Edible, but not interesting. The waitress was attentive and the service was good.

Had to dig in to get a taste and it smacks! I recommend the…read morewet burrito and carne asada fries

We had a great time. The service and food choices were excellent. Went for lunch with friends…read more Relaxed setting, great service, fresh food with ton of vegetarian choices. The dishes were made uniquely with locally sourced ingredients.

The atmosphere is perfect for a date night or the family. The food is incredible. And the service…read moretop tier!!! Highly recommend!!!

Friendly, efficient, excellent service 5+ Food 5…read moreInterior3 (no frills, got the job done, our table was a little wobbly) booths and traditional seating We all had burgers and they were fresh and yummy!

Great spot to stop and have a nice dinner in the mountains. The dinner plates are served nice and…read morewarm.

We ordered smash burger and a burrito plus fries, all super yummy! What a find, looks like an old…read moreregular food truck, don't go by stereotypes and images, this one's special!

In support of family owned businesses, we gave this a try. We came at a bad day because nothing we…read moreread about on past reviews were present. Best food? 5 stars? Yummy? A bit exagerrated. Chicken quesadilla was not good. Chicken was flavorless and dry. Cheese tasted old. How do you mess up quesadillas? It didn't come with salsa, sour cream or any kind of sauce. Vegetarian husband ordered Veggie bowl with beans and it had ground beef pieces in it. Giving 1/2 star for the spicy mayo. Smash burger with cheese wasn't smashed, it's just frozen burger patties. No flavor or texture of what a smash burger is. Giving 1/2 star for toasting the buns. I do not recommend this place to first timers.

Had a great time celebrating new years at Mario's Marina. First time in shelter cove and first time…read morehere. Had a great night and met some really cool people out celebrating too.

Killer views. Probably on my top 5 list for view along with a bar i went to in Wyoming with views…read moreof the Grand Tetons and a couple others in Hawaii and Belize, but unfortunately everything else about this place was disappointing. I ordered there beer with kimchi bloody Mary mix. Did not have enough mix and tasted nothing like kimchi. Second cocktail, the margarita special was good but way too sweet with too much agave. I ordered the mushroom bisque and it wasn't disappointing, it was down right pathetic. I love mushrooms, but this didn't taste like it even had any in it. Watery as all hell, and tasted of dirty water with not even salt to season it. I took two watery spoonfuls and one glance at the burnt ass from a frozen box, garlic knot that came with it and literally walked away from it. I love shelter cove, but won't be returning to marios probably ever after that. This and the ale house feel like since they have no competition in such a remote location, that they feel being half assed is okay. And me saying half assed is generous