Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Temecula / Wine County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Temecula / Wine County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Guadalajara Mexican Grill

4.8

4.8 (44)

$30 and under

Mexican

Temecula

About the restaurant

OUR STORY:
Founded in 1986 the Solano family opened Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Lake Elsinore, California. Eleven years later in 1997, we opened our second location Guadalajara Mexican Grill and Cantina in Temecula, California. At Guadalajara’s, we take real pride in providing the freshest ingredients to ensure high-quality Mexican food. We pride ourselves in having generous portions, a festive environment, and the best margaritas in town!

Top review

Stephenvip

Dined 5 days ago

When we are in the area, it's our go to Mexican Restaurant.

The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon

4.7

4.7 (1765)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Temecula

About the restaurant

The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon is located in the heart of Old Town Temecula and brings a new standard to local casual fine dining. Expansive views from our third floor veranda and elegant turn of the century setting offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Our Classic Steak and Seafood menu features only the highest quality aged Midwestern corn-fed beef along with many other sumptuous selections. We offer an impressive wine list featuring vintages from many local wineries and from the finest regions of the world. Our bar features Premium Spirits, Draft Beer, Fine Wine and mouthwatering appetizers. Enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights. Join us for a casually sophisticated Brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Closed on Mondays. Always a romantic Dinner and truly distinctive dining experience! Parties over 4 are considered large parties please call to check availability & please do not double book. 2 hour table limit on all reservations

Top review

melanie

Dined 6 days ago

Huge portions, delicious food and great selection. Very fun ambience, kitschy decor and very festive at the holidays. We always have the nicest servers. It's always busy, so make a reservation.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Stroganoff

Popular dish

Steak & Fries

Black Angus Steakhouse - Temecula

4.7

4.7 (1712)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Temecula

About the restaurant

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget. To learn more visit www.blackangus.com

Top review

Lori

Dined 2 days ago

Our server Caroline was amazing. She is Very friendly & attentive and came to check back at the right times.

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4.7

4.7 (765)

$31 to $50

Californian

Temecula

About the restaurant

Miramonte is one of Southern California's most beautiful, dynamic and forward-thinking wineries. Our award-winning wines are elegant, harmonious and trendsetting. Our popular Bistro features delicious, innovative soulful fare prepared fresh every day. And our gorgeous outdoor verandas are a benchmark experience in wine country. We invite you to join us, and see what all the excitement is about!

SEATING:
2 hour maximum

MIRAMONTE RESERVATION POLICY:
For restaurant reservations, we offer a 15-minute grace period.

Top review

Rosa

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

It's always fabulous at Miramonte! Hands down the best wine in Temecula 🍷!! The service is excellent & the employees are accommodating & wonderful! We've been members for a short time & wish the member area would be open on Sundays as those are the best days for us of the week. My husband works 6 days a week & loves to relax there. Hopefully one day our wish will cone true! Ashleigh & Nexi are the BEST

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4.6

4.6 (1553)

$31 to $50

Italian

Temecula

About the restaurant

At Gourmet Italia, experience Italy without ever leaving Temecula. Restauranteur, Alessandro (Alex) Prestifilippo moved to the states from Sicily in 1996. He takes much pride in our attentive, friendly staff, knowing they’ll provide the exceptional “Sicilian” experience Alex prides himself in. The menu and wine selection is vast and reasonable and the special dishes vary from Seafood Pescatore, Halibut, Salmon, Filet, Osso bucco, Lamb Shank, Wild Boar, Ostrich, Lobster Ravioli and much more! Visit the website for more about the restaurant, Alex, the menu and specials.

Top review

Parul

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Great food and beautiful place. We went for our anniversary. Gets bit crowded and narrow walk ways. We had to wait almost 30 min despite of reservation. But main thing we go is for food and that was amazing. Every dish was very flavorful and deliciously perfect. Highly recommend.

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Popular dish

Fettuccine alla Bolognese

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Temecula

4.6

4.6 (72)

$30 and under

American

Temecula

About the restaurant

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

Top review

Mark

Dined on Oct 19, 2024

It was great and we will definitely come back again .

Oak Mountain Winery Cave Distillery

4.6

4.6 (89)

$31 to $50

Winery

Temecula

About the restaurant

At Oak Mountain Winery, tucked away from the De Portola Wine Trails, is where you'll find the 36522 Distillery. The undiscovered jewel of Temecula, California, is our Distillery. You can either celebrate a milestone or escape from everyday life here, but either way, you'll get a refined, traditional experience.

To create the finest spirits, our mixologists look for outstanding ingredients, combine traditional methods, and handcraft everything from scratch.

Whiskey, Rum, Bourbon, Agave, and Gin are among the featured selections.

Reservations are advised as we soon fill up with other cocktail enthusiasts. No pets are allowed; this is a bar for adults 21 and older.

Top review

Ann

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

My only issue with this place is the exorbitant price of the mixed drinks. Paying $22-26 for one single mixed drink is sheer insanity. The drinks were good, but no better than any other place for the price to be at least $10/more per drink. Other than that, the food was good, service was good (although a bit slow), and the hostess was phenomenal (Maddie).

Oak Mountain Winery Cave Café

4.4

4.4 (297)

$31 to $50

Winery

Temecula

About the restaurant

The Cave Café offers indoor and outdoor dining. Enjoy the enchanting ambiance of dining inside the cave or outdoor dining overlooking the majestic views of the De Portola Wine Trail. Our friendly, approachable, and extremely informed staff will make your dining and wine tasting experience unforgettable.

Our Cave Café welcomes diners Sunday - Thursday, between 11am to 6pm and Friday - Saturday, between 11am to 8pm. Reservations are not required but highly recommend during the weekends. We can comfortably accommodate parties with up to 8 guests in the restaurant. For larger parties, please feel free to contact us at 951-699-9102.

***FOR CAVE TOURS, please book through OpenTable Experience tab.

Top review

Maura

Dined 4 days ago

We did the Cave tour with James. He was informative and accommodating. The charcuterie board had some interesting, tasty components.

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Experience

Cave Tour & Tasting

Public House

4.3

4.3 (205)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Temecula

About the restaurant

"Full bar and limited menu available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays."

Right in the heart of Old Town Temecula, Public House is your spot for good times. We've got happy hours, weekend entertainment, fantastic food, and craft cocktails that hit the spot. Plus, we're the place for your corporate or private shindigs. Come hang out with us at Public House Temecula – where it's all about the fun, the flavors, and the good vibes.

Top review

Billie

Dined 7 days ago

Public House has amazing food and the service is fantastic. Whenever we’re in town, it’s a must stop!

Benihana - Temecula, CA

4.0

4 (749)

$30 and under

Japanese

Temecula

About the restaurant

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

Top review

Jesse

Dined 4 days ago

Always very nice experience at benihana! Look forward to going again.

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Experience

$39 Taste of Benihana - Bar & Lounge Seating Only

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