The Mountain House in Woodside, California

All the United States California Woodside The Mountain House Nestled among towering redwoods on Skyline Boulevard, the Mountain House combines over a century of California history with a warm, rustic atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a getaway. Fog rolling in upon departure RickyCaker / Atlas Obscura User Fog rolling in upon departure RickyCaker / Atlas Obscura User Fog rolling in upon departure RickyCaker / Atlas Obscura User Fog rolling in upon departure RickyCaker / Atlas Obscura User The Mountain House isn't just a restaurant; it's a dining experience tucked among the redwoods of Kings Mountain in Woodside California. A winding mountain road must be traveled to reach the destination nestled beneath some of California's tallest trees.

The rustic cabin feels storybook-like, as if it were built for a family of gnomes rather than hungry diners. Inside, the windowed ceiling dining room shows towering redwoods offering a humbling reminder of just how small we are in the presence of nature. Getting there is part of the adventure.

No matter which direction visitors arrive from, the drive gradually transports them from the pace of everyday life to something slower, quieter, and more timeless. Between the forest, the atmosphere, and the setting, every meal comes with a reminder of just how beautiful Northern California can be. The food is as special as the surroundings.

The region's farm-to-table style is evident, and the ever-changing menu celebrates hyper-seasonal ingredients and inspired dishes. The proteins are thoughtfully sourced, and it's exciting to see menus featuring quail, venison, and trout, to name a few. Attentive service with immaculate attention to detail elevates the experience, creating a meal that lingers in your memory long after the drive back down the mountain.

Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Reservations are recommended and when making a reservation, make sure to call or notate that you would like to sit in the windowed dining. Hidden in the Santa Ynez Mountains off Highway 154, this tiny restaurant once served as a stagecoach stop.

The world’s highest ski resort was deserted after an 18,000-year-old glacier melted away. This 170-year-old Swiss guesthouse built into the side of a mountain is best accessed by a cable car. An otherworldly restaurant perched on the edge of a jagged cliff next to a medieval holy city.