About
The Temecula Valley has rich vineyards, like the renowned Ponte Winery. Like other vineyards, it features a tasting room, but stands out with its one-of-a-kind dining experience at the Restaurant at Ponte.
The eatery has earned a loyal following thanks to its sweeping vineyard views, farm-to-table fare, and inviting setting. Whether for a family get-together, a romantic date, or a casual lunch, this spot sets the scene.
Our story is a family affair, beginning with founder Claudio Ponte, whose heritage traces back to Southern Italy. After graduating from college, Claudio began growing grapes in Temecula Valley, literally planting the seeds that would transform it into a prominent wine-making region.
In 2003, the family opened Ponte Winery, which includes the on-site restaurant. Here, you’ll discover an outdoor dining experience focused on the best local ingredients and showcasing their various wines.
Like their wines, the Ponte family is focused on providing quality cuisine. Chefs team up with nearby farmers and artisans, keeping the menu tied to what’s fresh and in season.
For the ultimate vineyard experience, book a night or two at the Ponte Vineyard Inn. Established in 2012, the boutique inn lets you connect to the land, the food, and the wines.
The Restaurant at Ponte’s 300 acres makes for a picture-perfect backdrop, uniting cuisine, wine, and landscape into a tour de force. When your Temecula vacation needs a meal to remember, book a reservation at this hotspot.
Vibe
When it comes to first impressions and jaw-dropping curb appeal, this destination shines!
The Mediterranean-style architecture is framed by the manicured gardens and rolling vineyards, while tall cypress trees and colorful flowers further enhance the setting.
The tasting room is in a barn, with wooden beams, rich trims, and iron light fixtures that give it warmth. Large windows fill the room with sunlight and keep nature within view. The result is a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere, perfect for sipping wine.
The restaurant’s dining area is a year-round alfresco outdoor patio, with tables beneath broad umbrellas and the rolling vineyards in the background. Combine these qualities with the fine wine and cuisine, and you’re in for a memorable meal.
The Restaurant at Ponte: Menu & Drinks
With seasonal specialties and a lunch and dinner menu, the choices are plentiful. Because of this diversity, we’ll only have time to discuss a few standouts, which should whet your appetite.
A popular starter, especially when pairing wines, is the charcuterie board. Perfect for sharing with a group, this appetizer features cured meats, artisan cheeses, herb ricotta, rosemary/orange marinated olives, quince jam, and seasonal fruit. Add the spiced nuts, cornichons, honeycomb, zucchini and lavash bread, and it quickly becomes a meal!
The mussels are another starter to consider, especially for seafood lovers. The black mussels are cooked in a tomato, red curry, coconut, and white wine broth, making for a tantalizing dish.
When you need a lighter meal, consider the lemon basil salad. The baby greens, roasted almonds, macadamia nuts, feta, mango, dried cranberries, crispy pepitas, diced tomatoes, and red onion come alive in the lemon basil vinaigrette. Add a shrimp or steak skewer, chicken breast, or salmon for an additional charge.
Steak lovers will want to sink their teeth into the filetto di manzo. A tender filet mignon is wrapped in prosciutto, topped with gorgonzola, and cooked in a red wine reduction. The steak comes with mashed potatoes and asparagus, making it the perfect meal after a game at Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course.
Other main courses include seafood, bolognese, and pasta dishes. Also noteworthy are the wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and assorted sandwiches.
When it comes to drinks, the wine selections will astound. Whether you prefer white, red, sparkling, or sweet, there’s a wine that will please the palate. You’ll also find a diverse selection of beers, sparkling waters, and assorted fountain drinks.
Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, a meal at the Restaurant at Ponte will transform your California vacation.
Local Tips
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Join the mailing list for updates and specials.
- Consider joining the wine club for discounts!
- Book a tour of the estate. It’s $60 for non-wine club members.
