We’ve passed this place so many times and today we stopped! So glad we did! I had the pasta primavera and my husband had the flank steak. He said the best peppercorn and mushroom sauce he’s had! The vegetables were so good and pasta was al dente! Superb! Hidden Gem in the desert! Highly recommend
Mark Wilson
Best French restaurant in the Eastern Sierra! Fine art covers the walls- local sierra paintings.
Jessica Lassiter
This place was absolutely fantastic. It was so cozy and inviting, the food was delicious and perfect portion sizes. Can not recommend this place enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bor Kos
The owner was a great conversationalist, super friendly, the atmosphere is amazing. The burgers with locally sourced beef were phenomenal. Overall we had a great experience. A true oasis for a hungry hiker!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kris K
I thought this was a great restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Great food and great atmosphere. Glad I went.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Marc Gadelin
I can't tell... There is only one woman working there: she cooks, hosts, serves and does dishes I guess. I got there, waited 10 minutes at the counter and I left 😞
Simon
Charming, homey atmosphere from the time we walked in. Relaxing jazz music playing over the house speakers at a mellow volume. The food was excellent, and you could tell that a lot of heart was put into it. As we were wrapping up we hear a push at the front door, and what may be the cutest dog any of us have ever seen walked through the door on his own and sat down right under our table. He didn’t seem to want to leave us. We were very happy we chose the Still Life Cafe, and will definitely be returning the next time we are in Independence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Edward B Standefer
A lovely menu of French favorites and tasty burgers and sandwiches. The setting is pleasantly French and is a great place to converse and sip wine. If you want a rich, delicious meal served at a European pace this is a fantastic place for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Rosenberg
Great find. I went late on a Sunday night so the restaurant was empty but that didn't bother me. The owner (I think) was very attentive and the food (pasta primavera) was fresh with the pasta perfectly cooked.
I had the best pasta and salad. Chef prepared mushrooms to top the pasta. They tasted like a great steak.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marie Beunaiche
Best food you can find in the eastern Sierra. Still Life cafe is legendary. Just don’t be in a hurry to go anywhere. It’s the place to converse and enjoy good food with friends or family.
Excellent unique meals cooked fresh, highly recommend! Great desserts and wine also!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh L.
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.
We’ve passed this place so many times and today we stopped! So glad we did! I had the pasta primavera and my husband had the flank steak. He said the best peppercorn and mushroom sauce he’s had! The vegetables were so good and pasta was al dente! Superb! Hidden Gem in the desert! Highly recommend
Best French restaurant in the Eastern Sierra! Fine art covers the walls- local sierra paintings.
This place was absolutely fantastic. It was so cozy and inviting, the food was delicious and perfect portion sizes. Can not recommend this place enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The owner was a great conversationalist, super friendly, the atmosphere is amazing. The burgers with locally sourced beef were phenomenal. Overall we had a great experience. A true oasis for a hungry hiker!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I thought this was a great restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Great food and great atmosphere. Glad I went.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I can't tell... There is only one woman working there: she cooks, hosts, serves and does dishes I guess. I got there, waited 10 minutes at the counter and I left 😞
Charming, homey atmosphere from the time we walked in. Relaxing jazz music playing over the house speakers at a mellow volume. The food was excellent, and you could tell that a lot of heart was put into it. As we were wrapping up we hear a push at the front door, and what may be the cutest dog any of us have ever seen walked through the door on his own and sat down right under our table. He didn’t seem to want to leave us. We were very happy we chose the Still Life Cafe, and will definitely be returning the next time we are in Independence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A lovely menu of French favorites and tasty burgers and sandwiches. The setting is pleasantly French and is a great place to converse and sip wine. If you want a rich, delicious meal served at a European pace this is a fantastic place for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great find. I went late on a Sunday night so the restaurant was empty but that didn't bother me. The owner (I think) was very attentive and the food (pasta primavera) was fresh with the pasta perfectly cooked.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A very experienced chef
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Friendly and great food.
Of course, a quick pic😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the best pasta and salad. Chef prepared mushrooms to top the pasta. They tasted like a great steak.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best food you can find in the eastern Sierra. Still Life cafe is legendary. Just don’t be in a hurry to go anywhere. It’s the place to converse and enjoy good food with friends or family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salad, Croque Monsieur, Chardonnay, Pine Nut Salad, Pomme Frite
Excellent unique meals cooked fresh, highly recommend! Great desserts and wine also!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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