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Located in the heart of one of the most productive agricultural regions globally, chefs at El Capitan prepare artisanal fare and spirits that pay homage to the ranchers, farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, brewers, and winemakers that have re-fashioned Merced into one of California’s best kept epicurean secrets.
medjool dates stuffed with maytag blue cheese, served with red pepper coulis and balsamic reduction | gf
avocado toastUS$14.00
smashed local avocado, breakfast radish, blistered heirloom tomatoes, pea shoots, served on toasted rainbird sourdough | v
millionaire’s baconUS$10.00
thick cut applewood smoked bacon with brown sugar and aleppo pepper | gf
entrees
half monte cristoUS$19.00
rainbird sourdough brushed with egg custard, pit smoked honey ham, gruyere, powdered sugar, served with sweet potato home fries and local dressed greens
slow baked egg white frittataUS$18.00
shaved grana padano, heirloom cherry tomatoes, baby kale, arugula pesto, served with sweet potato home fries and local dressed greens | gf
huevos rancherosUS$19.00
two farm eggs and style, chipotle-black bean puree, blue corn tostada, smashed avocado, cotija cheese, micro cilantro, roasted tomatillo salsa, crema (add hanger steak +$9) | gf
el capitan breakfastUS$16.50
two farm eggs any style served with sweet potato home fries, choice of smoked bacon or pork sausage links, served with our buttered rainbird sourdough toast and local dressed greens
caramelized custard french toastUS$14.00
rainbird sourdough dipped in egg custard and caramelized with cinnamon and sugar, served with macerated strawberries, whipped butter and maple syrup
sliced turkey breast, bacon, swiss, sliced tomato, smashed avocado, living lettuce, garlic aioli on toasted rainbird sourdough served with house cut seasoned fries
What 320 people are saying
Rainbird reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Overall ratings and reviews
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
4.8Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value
Noise • Moderate
Loved For
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
Best Overall
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
Best Food
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
Best Service
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
Best Ambience
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
Best Value
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
Innovative
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
Healthy
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Rainbird in Merced is celebrated for its "excellent food and service," offering a delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the "delicious" dishes like the Million Dollar BLT and ribeye. With attentive service and a "beautiful location," Rainbird is a "must-go" destination for special occasions or a relaxed meal.
320 Reviews
M
Meg
San Francisco4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
I like the folks who work here, the food, particularly the Mediterranean salad mix is delicious, and they have a fine wine selection. The waiter had the knowledge to ask me if I wanted drier or a more buttery chardonnay. Good ask.
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L
Leigh
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 4
Ambience 5
I love the Rainbird Cafe. It is just the right amount of delicious, nutritious, unusual and wonderful food; gorgeous decor; and lovely people.
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B
Bob VIP
San Francisco36 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 15, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
The Chef’s dinner w J Vineyards was delicious, well paced and fun! It’s nice to have this kind of dining experience in Merced.
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D
Dennis VIP
Los Angeles50 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 2, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Very good menu and service. Definitely the place to go in Merced for a great dinner experience.
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KM
KaarenM
San Francisco7 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 20, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
The Million Dollar BLT did not disappoint! Honey glazed Salmon delicious! Perfectly medium rare served on a bed of orzo w spinach and blistered tomatoes. Our waiter was attentive. A an enjoyable lunch experience!
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V
Vanessa
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
I am so happy we gave Rainbird another try, the food was excellent!
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L
Lee
San Francisco4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
The food, ambience, and service were predictably excellent.
Our server, Savannah, was tremendous, as usual.
Attentive but not intrusive.
We were celebrating a birthday and anniversary.
It WAS special.
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M
Michael
Central Coast2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 28, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Reservations via OpenTable worked like a charm. Staff were friendly & attentive. Food arrived reasonably quick, was hot well presented.
Ribeyes were cooked to order & delicious.
A little pricey, not for the budget diner.
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L
Lynn
Yosemite1 review
5.0
Dined on February 20, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
The food was tasty and the server was attentive. Will definitely be back.
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K
Katie
San Joaquin1 review
5.0
Dined on February 18, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
It’s nice to see downtown merced is adding some really nice places to go. The hotel is very nice and rainbird was very good. The ambiance and decor felt like we were on the coast. The service was excellent and so was the food. We will be back.
Katie
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FAQs
Rainbird is rated 4.9 stars by 320 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.