This Coastal California B&B is Also a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Harbor House Inn is a truly special and unique hotel. Located on a quiet, often foggy, piece of the Mendocino Coast, it’s an ideal location for a peaceful, nature-filled getaway. However, it’s the food at its 2-Michelin star restaurant that truly makes it stand out. While you can absolutely swing by just for a meal (which is what we did on our first visit), those looking to turn a great meal into a romantic getaway won’t regret spending a night—or two.
LOCATION
5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432
OVERVIEW
A quaint, historic bed and breakfast on the Mendocino Coast that’s also home to a 2-Michelin star restaurant.
HIGHLIGHTS
The food
Beautiful, coastal location
Cozy, romantic vibes
ROOMS
11
WEBSITE
Who’s the hotel for?
The adults-only, Harbor House In, is a romantic and cozy getaway ideal for anyone who loves food, and especially seafood. The restaurant takes advantage of the bounty of the local area, so expect to see creative uses of kelp, mushrooms, or pine on your plate.
What’s the vibe?
Quiet luxury and high-end food in a quiet, rustic, cabin-by-the-sea setting.
Pros
You’re there for the food. It’s high-end, but not overly stuffy. Beautiful, and definitely not boring,
Hospitality: Staff is attentive, gracious, and very helpful.
Comfortable rooms: The inn is rustic and charming, but was fully renovated in 2018. Rooms include plush comforters, cozy bathrobes, and (my favorite) a pair of binoculars.
The nature: Every room has beautiful views, and the property has an on-site garden and private beach.
Cons
Location is beautiful, though there’s nothing within walking distance. Prepare to drive to reach any other nearby attractions.
It’s a splurge but absolutely worth it.
Food and dining
It’s a rare accomplishment, but Harbor House Inn is more often talked about as a “restaurant with a hotel”, versus the other way around. Thanks to the creativity of chef Matthew Kammerer (formerly executive sous chef of Saison in San Francisco), guests come here primarily for the food. Meals draw both inspiration and ingredients from the surrounding area (kelp harvest from the beach below; salt from the ocean) to create beautifully executed plates that have earned them both two Michelin stars and a green star, Michelin’s designation for sustainable restaurants. Although the menu changes with the season, expect items like red abalone with sea vegetable vinegar and candy cap mushroom ice cream.
Since there’s not much else around, pairing your dinner with a stay at the inn is the ultimate treat. Not only does it mean you can simply stroll back to your garden cottage or sea-facing room after an indulgent dinner, overnight guests also get to enjoy the restaurant’s culinary creativity for just a little longer—a delicious, in-room breakfast is included with every stay.
How are the rooms?
For an overnight stay, guests can choose from one of six rooms in the century-old main house or five standalone cottages. Some include features such as private patios and gas fireplaces that encourage guests to relax and unwind.
Although historic, the building underwent renovation in 2018, preserving its rustic charm while infusing it with a stylish and modern ambiance. Each room has its own unique interior design which, much like the cuisine at the restaurant, draws inspiration from the surrounding area. Think: bright white walls and leather armchairs evoking a slightly nautical, captain’s lair vibe in one room, and dark redwood paneled walls adorned with ferns reminiscent of the nearby California forests in another.
The hotel offers a rare, unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean (many modern hotels are built further from the coast and often have Highway 101 between them and the ocean). This stunning view is visible from many of the rooms (a few rooms have garden views) as well as the common spaces. To enhance the experience, binoculars are readily available; each room and dining table is equipped with a pair so guests can easily spot whales and wildlife from the comfort of the hotel.
Note: Photos from the Lookout room, which we stayed in.
Property and location
The 11-room property is perched above a high cliff, offering stunning and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests and diners also have access to their private cove and beach via a staircase at the back, with a beautiful and verdant garden nestled between the house and the beach. In the evenings, the staff light a pair of fire pits in the backyard, providing an ideal setting for enjoying a glass of local Pinot Noir as the sun sets. While the food was the primary reason for our visit, the natural surroundings and the various ways we could enjoy them were equally delightful. Personally, I especially enjoyed starting my mornings by taking our coffee out to the garden.
Overall: Is Harbor House Inn worth it?
This is hands down one of my favorite hotels in California, thanks to its gorgeous location, rustic charm, hospitality, and, of course, the food. My husband and I still talk about the meals we’ve had there and how impressed we were with the creativity of each dish. We also loved that spending the night allowed us to linger and enjoy the beauty of the property for longer, and to have just one more meal prepared by their culinary team. It’s a bit pricey, but if you’re looking for a celebratory getaway (whether for a birthday, anniversary, or just because), this is it.
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