Whether there’s snow on the ground, or the temperature hits the low-90s during summer months, La Leña Mexican restaurant is a cozy spot with delicious food including albondigas soup, tacos, and the occasional barbecued ribs.

If staying in or passing through Frazier Park, Caveman Cavey’s Pizza is a solid choice. Cavey’s french fries are dipped in chicken batter, and their wings are some of the area's best. Be sure to try the loaded baked potato pizza with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Frazier Park and nearby Pine Mountain Club are two lesser-known mountain communities near greater Los Angeles, each situated inside the Los Padres National Forest. The plant-based Red Dot Vegetarian Kitchen offers Indian dishes, standard American salads, fish-free tacos, and more served daily from the morning through dinner.

Much of Lake Arrowhead’s waterfront property is inhabited by private land and homes, making the Lakefront Tap Room all the more appealing for visitors. Stop through for burgers, fries, pretzels, and a surprisingly robust craft beer list to go along with the stunning lake view.

Tropicali is an island-themed addition to Big Bear with excellent service, teriyaki barbecue chicken, a Caribbean-style barbacoa beef dish, and six different types of poke. Go for the Pele bowl with wild-caught ahi tuna served over rice, plenty of spice, onions, and cucumber. Order one of the Belgian waffles to share.

Wine tasting is entirely possible in Big Bear, and a handful of rooms are dedicated to it. Barrel 33 serves regional wine, craft beer, and cider tastings with small bites, salads, charcuterie boards, Bavarian pretzels, toasted sandwiches, and a truly nice dessert menu. Order the Basque cheesecake.

Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria is Big Bear’s festive, Italian American joint where bright lights and cheerful faces serve pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and paninis. Not to be missed is the signature spaghetti made with a 70-year-old family recipe.

Himalayan stands out for its Indian and Nepalese fare, including some particularly delicious momo dumplings that are great when eaten on a spacious outdoor patio. The indoor dining room is cozy, with a bar that’s perfect for happy hour.

One of Big Bear’s oldest establishments, the 65-year-old Teddy Bear Restuarant resides in the central Big Bear Village, with classics like chicken fried steak covered in sausage gravy and house-made biscuits with brown sugar-glazed bacon.

Beyond traditional Italian fare at La Pergola, there’s also a marketplace stacked with a solid wine collection, olive oils, and gifts. Open in the Village since 2021, the bright dining room is where to take in a long meal with antipasti, panini, pizza, chicken piccata, and a hearty pappardelle bolognese.

Big Bear’s Cafe Crepe opened in late 2020 as a walk-up/drive-thru offering one dish only: crepes. These are always made-to-order and include vegan options and a buckwheat crepe for those avoiding gluten. Get the fireside crepe with hot apples, cinnamon, and caramel, topped with house-made whipped cream. Prepare to wait; there’s almost always a line.

Lumberjack Cafe is an essential part of Big Bear dining. The massive diner menu features eggs in any style including ones with beans and tortillas, plus pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy, and sandwiches to round out the daytime menu. Dinnertime options include classics like country-fried steak, fettuccine Alfredo, and pork chops.

It’s always a good idea to glance at Pickle’s Pie Shop’s Facebook page, where staff detail the sweet and savory pie flavors of the day. From the classic Dutch apple to pecan pies, there are also quiches and pot pies that typically sell out.