Best Historic Restaurants in Glen Ellen

Lunch after a matinee is one of our Holiday traditions- this year it was just perfect. The restaurant was packed with diners waiting for tables lined up at the bar, so thank goodness we had a reservation (on a Monday at 3:00PM- who knew?). Once past that minor inconvenience, everything was absolutely wonderful. We shared the Tortelloni appetizer and even though I am an accomplished Italian home cook, it was the best we have ever had. Then we shared the Jack LaLane salad - partly because we grew up with him on TV and the nostalgia was undeniable- and it was perfect. It had a respectable amount of seafood and avocado and was very large. My husband said his Manhatten was excellent. We left vowing to come back soon and often.

Fantastic dinner! Service was great. Ambiance was lovely. We started with a Halibut and shrimp ceviche. Then split a salad that had apples, cheese, pepitas, and fresh greens. I had the scallops which were cooked perfectly, and I'm pretty picky! My husband enjoyed his Halibut dinner. We were too full to have dessert unfortunately. Would definitely recommend this place for a special occasion.

The short ribs on polenta were excellent as was the lemon chicken.

A Perfect Lunch Spot in Glen Ellen My wife, Barbie, and I had a wonderful afternoon exploring Glen Ellen, and we decided to stop for lunch at The Mill after finding its stellar Yelp reviews. The Mill’s location is enchanting—nestled beside a fast-moving creek. Parking was convenient in a nearby lot near the bridge leading to a charming complex of restaurants and shops. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the owner (Sanjeev), who escorted us to a cozy table for two right at the creek’s edge. The lunch menu was thoughtfully curated, offering a variety of dishes and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. On the owner’s recommendation, we started with their special bread, a favorite among many Yelpers. It was fresh, perfectly seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley—absolutely delicious! For our main courses, we had the clam chowder and the spicy chicken salad. Both dishes were flavorful, satisfying, and generously portioned. Whether you’re on a wine-tasting weekend or simply a local out for a scenic drive, we wholeheartedly recommend The Mill at Glen Ellen. It’s the kind of place that combines excellent food, picturesque views, and genuine hospitality to create a memorable dining experience.

This was a cozy and romantic outdoor dining experience. We went on a Tuesday night which made for a quiet, seemingly private experience. There were some guests who curiously looked and one couple stopped to ask about the food. The ski chalets are decorated super cute and can fit many people at the one table. It was adorned with furry blankets both to sit on and to throw over you along with cushy pillows. There was also a tall standing heater and a fire pit so it’s definitely warm enough. Our servers were very attentive and both food and drinks came out in a timely manner. The holidays cocktails were well balanced. We also chose the cheese fondue which came loaded with a plate of vegetables to dip. My favorite was the broccoli and potato. We also splurged and got the chocolate fondue for dessert. Again, very flavorful but less fruit than the vegetable plate. Both were priced at $35 each. Drinks were in the $20-$27 range which is steep but normal for a Fairmont. The grounds are lit up for Christmas with music playing as well. It was a very pleasurable Happy Hour experience and we’d definitely go back for this or the dinner experience. One thing to know is to check the restaurant days/hours in advance. You’ll need to know to check in at the bar if you go on a day the restaurant is closed.