Location: Ukiah
Top Restaurants in Ukiah
Top Things to do in Ukiah
Ukiah Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Ukiah
Ukiah (/juːˈkaɪ.ə/ yew-KY-ə; formerly Ukiah City) is the county seat and largest city of Mendocino County, California. With its accessible location (along the U.S. Route 101 corridor several miles south of CA 20), Ukiah serves as the city center for Mendocino County and much of neighboring Lake County. The Ukiah Valley is a center of a major wine production industry. In 1996, Ukiah was ranked the #1 best small town to live in California and the sixth-best place to live in the United States. The population was 16,075 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Ukiah
1. Schat's Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By Mary V - McKinleyville, California
This is a famous bakery - I've known of Schat's since I used to hike a lot in the Sierras - a trip home was never complete without a stop along 395. This particular site in Ukiah (on Perkins) is in the middle of downtown so parking can be a challenge. It's also a small cafe that gets quite crowded at lunch hour. They do have an efficient system to provide their limited menu but, if you're getting a take-out order, there's really no place to stand without getting in the way of others in line or those trying to get coffee or shop the middle single items table. They could use a remodel to make it bigger with a queue that doesn't limit others. I enjoyed my meal - it was hot and tasty. Probably wouldn't return to this one though --I had to park way down the street and then waited more than was comfortable for my to-go order. Very nice staff however!!
2. Saucy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
It's "Cheers Gone Chic" at Saucy, a wood-fired pizzeria in the heart of Ukiah's emerging, historic downtown. Thin crust Neapolitan-style pizzas star on the menu, which also includes an incredible array of delicious salads, fun, tasty, Italian bites (Cicchetti) like Nonna's Meatballs and Burrata, as well as "sandos", pasta and other wood-fired specialties. Saucy is an "urban oasis", boasting an incredible selection of craft-brewed Northwest focused beers on 15 taps and an eclectic, affordable selection of wine on tap and in the bottle. Saucy offers "Big City" flavors at friendly, affordable prices. Eat here or we'll both starve.
Reviewed By Joe C
This is a no-brainer....wonderful food, especially the Farmer's Daughter pizza, and the lunch's of pig or po boy sandwiches are the best! Kale salad is a winner. Great beer on tap from artisanal breweries will make your head swim. Cynthia keeps a tight ship and Phil cooks up some great recipes, with specials that knock yer socks off.
3. Black Oak Coffee Roasters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
From our award-winning single origins to our crowd-pleasing blends, customers look to Black Oak for high quality coffees and a welcoming community -- in the cafe or online. Born & raised in Mendocino County, we started Black Oak to ensure our community had a common gathering place where they can enjoy good coffee and good conversations. As we've grown, we want to hold onto the sense of community that started it all. Throughout the Bay Area and Northern California, we're showing that what makes Black Oak coffee so great is staying true to our roots. For us, that means treating our coffee the right way, and treating people even better. It means using our passion to inspire yours, even if that involves some cream and sugar.
Reviewed By JasperMarks - Portland, Oregon
My wife and I are both vegan. We both got their vegan decadent chocolate coffee. I got a large. Wish they had a super large. So good!
4. Patrona Restaurant and Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 241 reviews
Patrona Restaurant and Lounge is located in the heart of beautiful Ukiah, Mendocino County, California. We are a family-run business and view the restaurant as an extension of our kitchen and living room. Our building served as the town grocery store for over one hundred years. Now lovingly restored, it is softly lit with warm brick walls, filled with hand crafted tables from local artisans and run by a staff that cares. Bridget and Craig, two winery chefs, opened Patrona in 2003. The simple goal was to enjoy the great area we live in and share this with our family and friends. Our mission statement is simply “Happy People”. We need to be happy about what we do and how we do it. Our guests need to be happy and feel good as well as our neighbors and future generations. This means a thoughtful and sustainable business. Our menu changes are based on today’s catch from the gardens, ocean and local purveyors.
Reviewed By eksq - Newport, Rhode Island
Nice find in Ukiah. The calamari appetizer was excellent and so was my trout main course with a great Brussels sprout hash. My husband enjoyed his seafood pasta. Very friendly service with good recommendations.
5. Mama's Cafe Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Lovefur - Ukiah, California
Coffee is only fair...often tastes burned or served less than steamy hot, but the special coffee drinks like americano are ok. And I still order regular coffee but will ask for fresh pot if needed.
Other than that the food is very good and atmosphere is great. The servers are friendly and helpful.
Choices include everything from cardiac disease eggs, cheese, meat to vegan salads and sandwiches. Something for everyone. Breakfast and lunch menu. Fresh squeezed oj always cold and delicious.
Local art on the wall changes monthly, I think. It's hit or miss but part of the community.
Nice patio for outside dining when the weather is agreeable.
6. Oco Time
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By WakanZB - Spokane, Washington
We stopped in 20 minutes before closing after a long day of driving, and needed a meal quickly before a late night appointment.
We told them our situation and they promptly seated us, took our order, brought us our libations, miso, and pickled vegetables.
It reminded my friend of a Japanese restaurant he went to as a child, in Japan.
Authentic Japanese style cuisine with real interesting twists like tahini!
7. Stan's Maple Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Darcy H
We needed a place to stop to eat while driving home from our mini weekend,and we came upon this little spot, and boy we are glad we did. The food was yummy, everything tasted as if it was made feom scratch. The portions were nice sized and the prices were fair too. The service was ok. The place was cute and clean, and we could tell it was a locals place too. Overall,if you are ever in the area, stop and give this place a try.
8. Ellie's Mutt Hut & Vegetarian
Overall Ratings
4 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Maegan664 - Ukiah, California
The food is is so good and the service is friendly. I had fries, a soda served in a cute Mason jar, and a grilled cheese with tuna. My husband had a BLT with avocado and fries, and a soda in a mason jar as well. It was all delicious and at a good price.
9. Ukiah Garden Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Mpheland - Ukiah, California
locally owned restaurant with excellent dinners and full bar. Had a wonderful salmon dinner with my husband. the decor inside is average, but service and value was excellent. Good place for large parties and children.Thank you for your kind review! We are so pleased that you have enjoyed your dining experience with us and have taken the time to share your impressions with other TripAdvisor visitors. Kind regards, Julia Siderakis
10. Schats Bakeries and Cafes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Chelsea42 - Northern California
My friend and I stopped for afternoon coffee and cookies before heading back home. It seems Schats is something of a tradition in Ukiah. We stopped at the cafe downtown, right across from the courthouse. There was a large selection of bakery items. I'd guess it's a popular place for breakfast and lunch.
