The story
The Boonville Hotel & Restaurant describes itself as "a modern roadhouse in the heart of Mendocino Co." The ethos is simple: "it's about people, food, drink, and a well-made bed." Tucked along Highway 128 in Boonville, this 17-room inn and its restaurant operate as one seamless experience—guests are asked to join for dinner at least one night of their stay. The atmosphere shifts with the seasons: from November through March, meals are served in the dining room or guest rooms; from April through October, prix fixe dinners move to the courtyard. A Michelin Recommended award for 2026 recognizes the quiet confidence of this place.
Chef Perry leads the kitchen, drawing inspiration from the hotel’s own garden and local purveyors. The restaurant’s American cuisine adjusts to what the season brings, with five-course set menus offered Friday through Monday. Recent mains have included Monterey Bay sand dabs with fingerling potatoes and spring green garlic, liberty duck breast with Cara Cara oranges and Anderson Valley honey, and slow red wine braised short rib. Menus are posted each Thursday for the upcoming weekend, so the cooking stays responsive and fresh.
A casual bar menu runs from 4 to 6 pm Friday through Monday, offering oysters on the half shell, a simple green salad, grilled cheese with sweet onion soup, and a lamb burger on sourdough. From Memorial Day through mid-October, Paella Sundays bring an outdoor bar and a relaxed, communal feel. The wine list leans heavily local, with a few far-flung bottles, and corkage is $30. A 20% service charge is added to all transactions to provide a living wage year-round—no additional tipping expected.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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