Location: Arcata
Top Restaurants in Arcata
Top Things to do in Arcata
Where to Eat in Arcata: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Arcata, originally Union Town or Union, is a city adjacent to the Arcata Bay (northern) portion of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, California, United States. At the 2010 census, Arcata's population was 17,231. Arcata, located 280 miles (450 km) north of San Francisco (via Highway 101), is home to Humboldt State University. Arcata is also the location of the Arcata Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Land Management, which is responsible for the administration of natural resources, lands and mineral programs, including the Headwaters Forest, on approximately 200,000 acres of public land in Northwestern California.
Things to do in Arcata
1. Los Bagels
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By julesofthesea - Eureka, California
Classic, best of Arcata spot. They do all the right things for bagel experience, community development and international relations. You can't make a better choice of where to get a quick meal or spend your money. Perfect blend for anyone who cares about the world working in a better way.
2. Renata's Creperie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By Donna L - Weaverville, United States
I love this restaurant! I always plan on a wait because this is a busy, popular restaurant. But, the wait is worth it. Have crepes is a fun meal choice. Renata's has savory to sweet crepes. There are choices to add a salad, or, in my case scrambled egges with jack cheese to go with my sweet crepe. All of the ingredients are fresh and the serving portions large. Additionally they have an expresso bar and I enjoy ordering my lattes. The atmosphere is nice. Customers run from conservative, everyday people to college students and dred locks.
3. Arcata Scoop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By 2Finediners - Andover, Minnesota
This in house made ice cream was excellent. There was a line out the door. Inside there is fun seating in a giraffe glider. I'd be here frequently if I lived in this town.
4. Kebab Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By PatDSalemOR - Salem OR
Located in a strip mall & not very big, but popular for both their Mediterranean food and their hamburgers (odd combo, but seems to work well for them). Falafel sandwich was delicious. Gyros meat was sliced to order and looked very hot in contrast to another reviewer’s comment (steam coming off meat). Inexpensive.
5. Don's Donuts Pizza & Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Rogerdob - La Canada, California
Their weak coffee is compensated by the absolutely wondeful donuts they make. One MUST try their apple fritter and their cinnamon rolls. I stop here EVERY time I pass thru Arcata. The place has a hippie type feel to it with tables, chairs, and plenty of students doing their homework.
6. Folie Douce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Folie Douce is a local, seasonal, organic California bistro serving dinners Tuesday-Sunday at 5:30. We embody true California cuisine by utilizing as much local, seasonal, and organic produce and meats as possible in dishes influenced by all ethnicities. Seasonally inspired, we have an ever changing menu while also maintaining some of our favorites year round. We highlight our local community by featuring local winemakers, farmers, and artists on a rotating quarterly basis.
Reviewed By Joan S - San Francisco, California
City quality in a coast location with an excellent, very affordable wine list that focuses on local offerings. Excellent service and I love the half size ordering options. I'm in the restaurant biz and would definitely return.
7. Los Bagels Co.
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By bonmom707 - Arcata, California
Fusion of Mexican and Jewish baked goods, roasted coffees, hot chocolates, gift items, and chilled juices. Fun sun room to sit in and people watch, which is ripe in Arcata. Does have parking but you have to be a bit creative to get back out.
8. Cafe Brio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By ohdonnaoh - Mountain View, California
This little boulangerie style cafe is reminiscent of a European sidewalk cafe. It smells wonderful and the case of pasties and breads is shiny and enticing. We had the Benedict in a croissant - they must make each flaky croissant with a pound of butter because that's all I could taste ;). The side of bacon was perfection. The sticky buns was sticky and caramely.
But the coffee... Why oh why??? That typical sour/burnt aroma that stops me in my tracks before the first sip. I though maybe it was just the cappuccino so I asked for a regular coffee, undrinkable as well... Disappointing... Otherwise it was charming and tasty.
9. The Big Blue Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By MaineGuy777
We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast here! The blueberry French toast was terrific, as was the two-egg plate with great home fries and toast. And the steel-cut oatmeal came with warm, whipped milk! The service was excellent, as well. The prices for all of this were quite reasonable, with the dishes running from $4-7.
10. Mazzotti's Ristorante Italiano
Overall Ratings
4 based on 152 reviews
Mazzotti's on the Plaza features an exquisite menu, with exciting daily specials. In addition to beer and wine, we offer a full service bar. Seating at the bar in Arcata provides a comfortable place to wait for friends or a table. The atmosphere is warm and inviting; as always the food is outstanding. Everything on the menu is available for take-out. For information or reservations for parties of 6 or more, please call ahead. We look forward to seeing you!
Reviewed By Cameron M - Martinez, California, United States
We've been here a couple times per year for the 4 years that The Girl has been an HSU student. She's out now, we're unlikely to be back to Arcata, and I'm surprised I've never rated this place before. I'm also a bit surprised to give it a 5-pip rating.
As the title says, we've always been satisfied with our experiences at Mazzotti's. We've been here with parties of 2, up to parties of 8. The service has been at least adequate. On our most recent visit our server was efficient and super pleasant. It was a Sunday evening and the place was about half full, with plenty of staff to go around.
The beer selection is adequate, on tap and in bottle.
All the typical Americanized Italian dishes you'd expect. The Girl loves the chicken parmesan, The Missus was very pleased with the hearty spinach salad, and I enjoyed my scampi especiale.
It's a small local chain, and they seem to have a working formula.
