We were in the area for two nights and we had dinner here twice. The chef was lovely to talk to and you can feel the passion she has for the meals she makes. The inside is very cute rustic but lovely. ---Only down side, it's so difficult to get a hold of anyone and make an appointment. We were in town again and weren't able get a hold of anyone. --- read more

Amazing at every course! The escargot was packed with herbs and butter, so delicious. The bread, fresh, warm, and crisp. Our endive and blue cheese salad was excellent. We don't know if we've ever had better French onion soup! Croque madam was served with a thin sliced, flavorful ham and crispy brioche slices, an over medium egg on top. We finished up with a pistachio ricotta cake that was perfectly not-too-sweet. This is a family place, run by a mom and daughter. They were friendly, offered great advice, and didn't get annoyed when asked questions and browsed their many art books around the place. It is also in a beautiful old storefront and you might be able to spot the black and white photo of the previous restaurant from almost a century ago that graced this spirited house. read more

Wonderful eclectic and relaxed atmosphere that has the best French/American/North African fusion food in the Eastern Sierra. I have gone for years when visiting the region and love it each time. Chef Malika is one of a kind. You won't be disappointed. read more

This little plain restaurant packs a big wallop in the food presentation, service and taste. It was a WOW just WOW all around. Some classic French dishes and some American but everything was perfect. And it's not pricey. The french onion soup was wonderful, the baguettes fresh out of the oven and every dish was served with care. read more

Still Life Café is, without a doubt, the finest dining experience you'll find within a 100-mile radius--and in the most unexpected of places. I'm so glad my friend, who has been coming here for years, insisted we stop for a leisurely lunch. This is truly authentic French cuisine, as if you've stepped into a small village in France. We shared an endive and frisée salad--a welcome dose of fresh vegetables after too many burgers on this trip through the Owens Valley. To all the skiers rushing to Mammoth: slow down and treat yourself to a real meal. We also shared the filet mignon in a rich mushroom pepper sauce, served with pommes frites and a side of green beans and asparagus. Every bite was outstanding. And then there's the atmosphere. This intimate bistro is adorned with beautiful artwork and photographs, including a dedicated wall featuring portraits of jazz legends. But they don't just honor them in pictures--the soundtrack is a carefully selected mix of great jazz, making for a perfect dining ambiance. Make sure to get a glass of wine. The selection is curated with real attention to detail and served at the ideal temperature. Chef Malika, who has owned this gem for over 30 years with her late husband, came out to chat with us. She was absolutely delightful, adding a personal touch to an already memorable experience. A true hidden treasure. I can't wait to return. read more

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Amazing at every course! The escargot was packed with herbs and butter, so delicious. The bread, fresh, warm, and crisp. Our endive and blue cheese salad was excellent. We don't know if we've ever had better French onion soup! Croque madam was served with a thin sliced, flavorful ham and crispy brioche slices, an over medium egg on top. We finished up with a pistachio ricotta cake that was perfectly not-too-sweet. This is a family place, run by a mom and daughter. They were friendly, offered great advice, and didn't get annoyed when asked questions and browsed their many art books around the place. It is also in a beautiful old storefront and you might be able to spot the black and white photo of the previous restaurant from almost a century ago that graced this spirited house. read more

enjoyed the steak with mushroom peppercorn sauce. Outstanding! The fresh baguette started us off.

A Hidden Gem in Independence! We had the absolute pleasure of dining at Still Life Café during a recent trip through Independence, CA, and it was a truly memorable experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and beautifully charming -- you feel like you've stepped into a cozy French countryside bistro. The service was excellent as well: friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring without ever feeling rushed. Our group ordered the Lamb Shank à la Gasconnaise, the Brie Burger, and the Filet of Pork Tenderloin, and every single dish was outstanding. Two of us had the lamb shank, and it was fall-off-the-bone tender, hearty, and rich, perfectly complemented by the cannellini beans. The Brie Burger was cooked perfectly, with the brie melting luxuriously over the juicy patty, and served with a generous side of fries. The Pork Tenderloin came with caramelized onions and a white wine mustard cream sauce over pasta -- so flavorful and comforting, it was hard not to lick the plate clean! Everything about Still Life Café -- from the thoughtful menu (see photo) to the cozy setting and wonderful service -- made this one of the best meals we've had in a long time. This is a must-visit if you find yourself anywhere near Independence or the Eastern Sierras. We can't wait to return! read more

I made two failed attempts to come here in the past (they were closed for private events) but the third time was the charm, because I finally got to try the famous Still Life! I knew from reading the reviews here that it would be a "slow food" experience, and I'm glad it was, because we got to savor the experience and cozy home atmosphere and enjoy every bit of it. We had some delicious bread and butter, then an endive salad a while later. I had the braised lamb shank with white beans, and it was insanely flavorful and tender. Our server (the chef's daughter) was so sweet and down-to-Earth. Awesome experience, and well worth the wait. read more

Still Life Cafe - Braised Lamb Shank with White Beans - Specialty Food Near Me - Independence, California

Very Strange experience to say the least. Called the day before asking if they would be open the following day, the lady told me she would be open for lunch and dinner, Showed up for dinner, waiting outside were 5 other people, i looked through the window, saw a lady in the kitchen, she moved out of view and left a standing out there, and never opened the restaurant and didn't answer the phone read more

I saw the posted hours, but called to confirm on Sunday, wishing to eat on Monday. When I asked them if the hours for Monday were correct, a lady told me "No, we open a 5 on Monday." I told her they were different from the posted hours and said that "Okay, we will see you at 5 on Monday. Guess what? They were closed. We only get up this way once a year and we're so hungry after a hike. I don't know why this lady would do this. read more

c'était très magnifique !! perhaps the most wondrous café i've ever found myself stopping by. the service is excellent; the food is delicious; the space is warm, kind, friendly... like home. what a gem ! 100% will return and highly recommend to anyone lucky enough to find themselves nearby read more

Fantastic food! Obviously freshly prepared, don't come here in a hurry. Very pleasant service. Nicely appointed old building.

There are treasures and then there are hidden treasures. The Still Life Cafe in Independence, CA is a perfect example. There are a few good places to eat on Highway 395 through the Owens Valley, but in the case of the Still Life Cafe, the town is so small, blink and you could miss it. It's combination of funky (in the best sense) artistic charm and cool jazz sophistication is paired with a small menu that features American standards with French and North African cuisine. It is totally unique. The long-time Chef (and owner) Algerian, Malika Adjaoud, founded the cafe decades ago with her late husband (a crusty Frenchman who was traditionally installed at the bar with a glass of wine-- FRENCH WINE! A small painting of him (with his back to the viewer) is now in the main dining room. When I dinned there last (on August 27) it was a night when the menu included a special Moroccan-style tajine of chicken prepared with homemade preserved lemon and Greek green olives. It was perfectly prepared and served in a traditional clay tajine. I also enjoyed a half-dozen escargot with Cote de Rhone rose. I was served by Chef's charming daughter, Kanza, as her 3-year old daughter romped around and the perfect restaurant dog, Carlos, looked on hopefully. I will never miss a chance to return to the Still Life Cafe. If you're in the vicinity, you have a treat in store. read more

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This is great place to eat if you are driving through the Eastern Sierra up Highway 395. You will feel like you are having a leisurely dinner in the French countryside! Delicious food and not expensive considering the quality and ambiance. Be sure to check the days/hours it's open if you want to make a reservation or just walk-in. read more

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Super charming little restaurant in an expected place, just north of Lone Pine. The owner/chef is as charming as her place, and the Very French food would score well in San Francisco, making it an unexpected joy in the middle of the Owens Valley. The place itself is a very nice mix of sleek and informal.l with a very well trained hospitality dog. read more

Still Life Cafe - Restaurant - Specialty Food Near Me - Independence, California

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Just at the bottom of the hill leading to Gray's Meadows campground, Robinson Lake Trail, Kearsarge / Onion Valley this little gem, Still Life Cafe, is delightful! And they have Carlos, the Weiner Wolf! I got the Pasta Bolognese, and my friend got Pasta Primavera, both were fantastic! Old slat flooring, muted lighting, and very cozy, great for families and dates and friends! Tasty traditional warm sourdough baguette and butter in a basket. read more

Still Life Cafe - Carlos - Specialty Food Near Me - Independence, California

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Bacon cheeseburger was fantastic. The atmosphere is l lovely. I'll be back next weekend. read more

Still Life Cafe - an open book and a glass of water - Specialty Food Near Me - Independence, California

I love this place! It's like walking into another dimension a portal of sorts. Ambiance like David Lynch meeting with Edith Piaf to lead in his next movie "Still Life"!! Do not miss the opportunity if open you won't be disappointed! All orders are made with fresh ingredients and takes a little time if you are a big group. Food is delicious better than most Michelin starred restaurants I've been - casual with a fine dining in Europe feel. Don't be surprised if you run into a stranger that turns out you have met 20 years before! Yes that happened. read more

Been coming to this charming little French Bistro for over 30 years (when it started in Olancha!) The food is always so delicious and worth the wait. Good home cooked food takes time. They have a menu with more American type food (the burger with brie cheese and caramelized onions so good!) And a board with the daily specials, everything on this list is so wonderful. The Still Life cafe location in Independence was a restaurant a very long time ago and so nice that it is again with it's charming and cozy atmosphere. Check the hours and call to verify they will be open and make a reservation if needed. Enjoy the warm, inviting colors inside with background soft jazz playing to relax you, art on the walls and artistic books to look at with their selection of wines and beers. Carlos the family dog is a sweetheart and he sometimes escapes out the back and comes to the front door - just let him in and give him some loving pats. Take your time and Enjoy a delicious special meal in this special place. read more

I've eaten here a number of times over the past few years. I was recently in Independence while doing a thru-hike of the John Muir Trail and we stayed at the Mt Williamson Motel and they reminded us that the Still Life Cafe was open for dinner that night. We made reservations for 6:00 pm and had a fantastic dinner. It is unbelievable to find a restaurant of this quality in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere. It's like stepping into a French restaurant in a tiny little town in France. We enjoyed the French Onion Soup, Salad, and Pasta along with warm bread and a great bottle of red wine. Warning - you cannot be in a big hurry. Take your time - enjoy the food and talk to others in the restaurant, it's a great evening! We will be back in the future. read more

Chef Malika is phenomenal. Anything she cooks has a touch of magic. Bestest French Onion soup in North America! Her own signature strawberry crepes... the list goes on... read more

It's hard to catch them when they're open, but we've tried to time at least three road trips to land in Independence at exactly the right hour. We finally made it this time, and it was worth it! The French Onion Soup is the best I've had since Petit Trois by Ludo Lefebvre, and the French-imported Escargot is absolutely perfect. The best part is the flaky pastry puffs on top that soak up the garlic butter in the wells. The Moules Marineres are an awesome special. I've never had a mussel feel like it was melting in my mouth, and it's incredible that this huge bowl didn't have a single bad one. The sauce is a stunning white wine, good enough to drink. The Croque Madame is a simple classic. Just a delicious comfort food, one that never gets old. Everything about this place is perfect. It's the life's work of a sweet family of awesome chefs, and it's the kind of food that transports you the fields of France without a ticket. And if you're lucky, you'll get to hang out with their dog Carlos, who is undoubtedly the best part of the experience! read more

Still Life Cafe - Specialty Food Near Me - Independence, California

What a jewel! This restaurant would stand out as great even in a big city, that it is in Independence is a pleasant surprise. All the food was prepared to perfection. We had a salad, the onion soup and a steak together with a glass of Châteauneuf du Pape Dessert was a wonderful light cheese cake. They could not have been better. The only comment (not negative) would be that this is not McDonalds. It is not fast food, so leave yourself time to enjoy it and you must pay for what you get. I was happy to paid the price (similar to Santa Barbara) but some will be surprised to do so in Independence. I will be stopping by on every occasion going forwards. read more

I simply cannot believe how excellent this restaurant is. Everything is fresh, made to order, of the highest quality, and carefully crafted. Truly superior food, and the service is quiet, friendly, and unassuming. I was absolutely floored by this little gem. It would stand out in any metropolis--here in the Owens Valley, it's as improbable as it is delightful. Brava, the owner! Brava, the chef! read more

Bomb French Algerian food. Old world food on point. Great chef. Friendly staff. Place is awesome read more

We loved this charming french restaurant, but we had time to wait. When we arrived at 6:30pm there was a friendly and cozy hound dog and some jazz music playing. We waited for 20 min before a very charming and kind french woman welcomed us in with open arms and made us feel very much at home. She let us know that it was just her- taking orders, cooking, ect. so we knew we were in for a wait for our meal to arrive but it was well worth the wait. Delicious wine to start, and salads, burgers, steak arrived about an hour after we ordered. We entertained ourselves by playing the piano and and coloring with crayons. We will definitely come again. I sensed from the owner that she will have help coming so hopefully less of a wait next time. read more

Wow, that was amazing! French food on a road trip through the desert...this exceeded our expectation! During COVID they are curbside pickup or delivery only. We waited outside in our car, and the exchange was safe, masked, and gloves by woman who delivered our order to our car. My Niçoise salad was spectacular, my husband loved his croque monsieur, and my 10 yr old daughter said it was the best turkey sandwich she's ever had. For those on a road trip needing to eat on the move, I suggest calling in your order about 20 minutes out. Now we know, but we'll certainly be back to explore more of the menu. read more

Amazing atmosphere and food. It was lovey! Service was also great especially by the pint sized little helper of the owner/chef. The dog was an added plus to everything. read more

An unexpected gem in Independence. A French inspired, fily run restaurant in a small town a the foot of the Eastern Sierra? Our group loved loading up with a rich and hearty dinner before going into the Backcountry for a few days. The staff and setting were warm and inviting. A fantastic spot that I hope to be able to visit again. read more

Delicious, charming French café. I had the primavera, which was loaded with fresh veggies. Bonus: Carlos the dog, who did get one of my pasta noodles (it was an accident). Would definitely come back and dine here. read more

This is a French restaurant which is family owned and operated. We walked into a beautifully decorated space and were greeted by the family dog which was refreshing as we have dogs of our own. The service was fast. The wait time for our was reasonable considering it's made to order. We had multiple dishes all were cooked to perfection. If you're looking for fast cheap food then grab a hot dog at the gas station. We wanted quality fine food and that's exactly what we got. The quality of the food and service was amazing. By far the best French food actually prepared by a French family.. We will be going back to support this local business.. worth every penny!! I wish I took more food pictures! read more

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I called for a reservation one week in advance and gave my name and phone number. When I arrived on Saturday, Oct 14, 2023, at 6:30 pm, the time of my reservation, the restaurant was closed and dark. No one answered the phone. Very disappointing, as I had scheduled my trip to allow for dinner at the Still Life Cafe. read more

Always love to get lunch or dinner at this great French cafe in Independence, CA. Today I'm getting both lunch (Croque Madame) and dinner (Pasta Primevera - not French, but delicious with local vegetables) to go when I finally arrive back home. No pics because I devoured it all! read more

They randomly serve our steaks(they serve medium-well, medium, medium-rare to wrong people and everybody in our group were eating wrong str) and the waitress refuse to take the responsibility. They also tried to charge us mandatory 20% tips for a group of five. The waitress says "our chef can't distinguish which steak is medium and which one is medium rare". What a joke! read more

Great French food, wine & beer in the middle of the desert. Enter Still Life Cafe; a fusion vibe of Old West mining and Paris. Soft lighting, dark burnished wood, fabulous art on the walls. Like the guy in the Talking Heads song, "You May Ask Yourself: How did I get I get here?" Place your order with chef Malika--and wait to experience Paris, with a touch of Morroco. Food is Hand-crafted with love; will not disappoint. From that first cup of coffee or glass, the road melts away. Husband & wife team Michelle & Malika Patron, provide a delightful High Sierra welcome. Relax & enjoy the journey. You're not in So-Cal any more. Ho. Note: They are NOT racist. They do sometimes close early due to staffing issues or family needs.# read more

Really great spot, totally unexpected gem in the middle of nowhere, independence. If you are on your way to mammoth and want to get lost, stop here and dine with fantastic French food in a homey setting. read more

The atmosphere is very comfortable. The hosts are very friendly to those they seem to know or who fuss over them, not so much to those who don't. We were there last night and there was a group which the woman, Saluah (sp?), was very friendly with - they were speaking French with her, engaging with her, etc., which was nice. Later, seeing how friendly she seemed to be, I asked about the dog that roams around - what his mix was and she shot us a side glance and tersely replied, "That's not my dog." Okay. The menu is limited. The food is pretty good. My partner had the lamb shank special which came with a white bean side and it was okay. Kind of a single note flavor. The lamb was very tender but not a lot of flavor other than salt (not to say it was salty, just not much other flavor) and the beans were slightly overdone and had a single herb flavor - thyme? Again, not much going on there. I had been craving a burger all day so went with the cheeseburger which was pretty good. Nice bun. Good flavor in the beef but overcooked and a little tough. I asked for medium which should be pink inside but it was well done. It came with a dab of mayo or aioli on the top and bottom bun, a couple of pickle slices, two tiny pieces of romaine and about 5 tiny slivers of red onion on the side. The minimal topping options were fine because they allowed me to appreciate the burger itself and I don't like big, sloppy burgers. The fries that came with it were okay as well. Nothing great but nothing bad. This is the second time we had been there, the previous time we had a roast chicken which was, again, good but not great. Thought we'd try it again because it is so quaint and the food was decent but, I don't think we'll bother going back. The dog, however, is awesome. read more

An I opener for me good food great service... a must stop and try!!! Especially with its French leanings ... French onion soup was awesome

Had a lovely time here for a quick meal with my partner. Our server and her daughter were a breath of fresh air. A true ma and pa old school jazzy feel here! Felt like home :) our fries and beer were great too! read more