The Lakefront Restaurant

What a unique and extraordinary place this is. Sophisticated but friendly with superlative food and delightful staff. Nothing was too much trouble, an attentive manager, a bar tender who really knows how to read a room and live beautiful piano playing made the two evenings I spent here a real highlight of my trip to California. The elk medallions with risotto I would highly recommend. I have never tasted anything quite like it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a waste of $230. My entree of elk medallions was average at best, and my partner's grilled sea bass was barely edible. She was hungry and did not want to make a scene so she ate it, but when we mentioned to the waiter how bad it was, there was literally no acknowledgement. We talked to the manager and he said hey you are it so there's nothing we can do about it now. This place is terrible, please do not waste your time and money eating here. Very very disappointing.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

We had an amazing dinner tonight. Ordered the short rib ravioli, elk medallions and bison short rib. All were 10/10. The chef really put his love into that food! Restaurant is really cute and small, we had a wonderful server and the entire experience was one to remember. Definitely recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Elk Medallions

Beautiful Lakeside Restaurant that's stood the test of time and has only gotten better. This rustic wood garnished gem has everything you need and oozes Atmosphere. My wife and I spent our Anniversary enjoying the bar/lounge while our table was set. Once seated started with the Diver Scallop app before we moved on to the Elk Medallions over Risotto, and a Bison (osso bucco style) entre. The Elk was perfect! We then washed it down with a incredible 2017 bottle of Ridolfi Brunello. It was magical. We look forward to enjoying this beautiful place again in the winter.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fine dining in the middle of outdoor magic. What a treat to get a first class meal while we were camping close by. Fabulous old lodge vide with a high end menu. Great cocktails too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shaved Manchego, Fish, Sweet Potatoe Soup, Soup of the Day

simply amazing experience spectacular food mystically cozy atmosphere and attentive service as well as very good ice cream

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Thank you Clay (!) We had a wonderful day (!) The service was beyond … Okay ? - and we appreciated the umbrella ☂️ - on a Windy Day - as it protected us ‘seniors’ ?? - from the the solar rays ? - Which we could have stayed - but knew it was time to leave … after we paid … Cheers from the SLO ‘Girls’ / as we go back to … the Bay .. ?️ ? ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food and service subpar. Absolutely no one at the restaurant and can see why, the place is dark, dingy with creepy vibes. Bread is overpriced and terrible, beer isn’t good. The portions are small, the food is under seasoned and undercooked, and prices are ridiculous for what one gets. They try to make it seem like champagne is included by offering it at the beginning of the meal which is a huge scam (around $20 a glass)! They tried to charge a split charge fee even when ordering two entrees off of the menu. Although we didn’t enjoy the meal we didn’t fuss and did not expect this extra fee, we stated this and it was removed. Would never recommend and will not return, they just seem all about the money and not the customer experience. Save your money and go elsewhere in town!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

I come here annually, always good food and pleasant/prompt service

Parking: Easy, often just outside the front door.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Elk Medallions

Exceeded expectations! You usually have to choose between great view and great food, but with this restaurant - you get both!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I feel inclined to share our experience at this restaurant. My husband and I finally visited after waiting a bite (due to the high prices), hoping I’d find our new favorite Mammoth restaurant… unfortunately, we were seriously disappointed. I do not mind paying top dollar for these special ingredients offered on this menu. However, this was not the problem. Each dish we received, although presented well, seemed to get more bland and underseasoned. We started with the mushroom soup and ($16!) bread basket which was fine and worth it, yummy bread. Second course we ordered lobster ravioli and gem salad. I’ve never had a more lacking ravioli. Hardly any lobster and simply no flavor. The salad was fine but again, overpriced for what you get. I would imagine more decadence than a squirt of balsamic over 5 lettuce leaves and a few nuts. We had caviar prior so the main dish we (thankfully, despite the waitress trying to make us order 2) decided to share was the black cod and it was equally as underwhelming… it was a mash of mystery ingredients and an overcooked, under glazed piece of cod. I opted out of dessert (and that’s saying something since I’m pregnant!) and my husband also mentioned the beer tap needs cleaning. I can’t help but wonder if we made the wrong decision by ordering seafood. I’m not sure. As someone who has traveled and visited many 5 star restaurants and an experienced chef, I feel this place has some updates to do and hope they take customer feedback into account! I would loved to have had a different experience but it is what it is!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Atmosphere is what I expected rustic with beautiful views.I have to start off by saying weak management is obvious based on our negative experience.Our waitress was not knowledgeable about the menu or basics regarding liquor. BTW serve your drinks off a tray.I ordered our appetizer twice. She forgot. I was very specific about my pork chop prepared medium rare. It was served well done and had to wait and wait for the check back. My go to is Convict Lake Restaurant. Consistent professional waitstaff and the chef always delivers. Restaurants are only as good as its management.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Easily one of the best dining experiences in all of Mammoth, hidden at the Tamarack Lodge in plain sight. The intimate dining room is perfect when the snow is falling and cold outside. The food and wine list is very well curated. I’ll definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of the most memorable dinners I remember. Excellent food and top service in a stunning atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Beautiful restaurant with amazing food and service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Elk Medallions, Soup of the Day