Wine country restaurants with the best views in Lake County

October 20, 2015

California’s wine country is remarkable as much for its scenery as it is for its wines

Lakeside views from Richmond Park

Anyone who has visited can tell you. Some of the most magnificent scenery in wine country is located in Lake County, a northern region of wine country with spectacular mountain ranges, enormous pristine lakes and the cleanest air in all of the United States.

A few of the region’s restaurants are perfectly placed to take advantage of these natural treasures, with panoramic views of wine country’s most picturesque landscapes. Whether you’d like a table with windows, patio seating or even out on a dock overlooking the water, Lake County has restaurants serving incomparable scenery to go along with delectable cuisine.

These restaurants are located right at the shores of Clear Lake, the oldest lake in North America and the largest freshwater lake located entirely within California. Clear Lake is a boater’s paradise, but these restaurants give you just as breathtaking a look at the lake as any boating could. Whether you favor fine-dining fare, exotic Thai food or a good old-fashioned bar-and-grill, these restaurants offer crystal-clear views of the crystal-blue waters of Clear Lake.

Park Place

Fine dining is refined at Park Place Restaurant in Lakeport, with outdoor seating of your choice on a shaded garden patio or a rooftop deck. Known for its exceptional Italian cuisine, Park Place serves produce from its own gardens as well as hand made pastas, local seafood and much more. But the view is truly the catch of the day at Park Place—you can’t go wrong from either the patio or the rooftop.

The Spot

The Spot is situated right alongside a private dock in Clearlake, with a retro ’50s diner interior complete with a classic jukebox and larger-than-life replica of a rollerskating waitress. The outside dining area offers great views of the lake to enjoy The Spot’s burgers, milkshakes and ribs. The outdoor lakefront seating gets even better with live music that The Spot often books on Friday and Saturday nights. And dogs are always welcome.

Kour Thai Restaurant

Authentic Thai food and a great view of the lake make Kour Thai Restaurant a Clearlake favorite. The locals rave about the food, which features a sushi bar, fresh vegetables and bona fide Thai soup, curry and noodle dishes. As a bonus, every table at Kour Thai has a view of the lake.

Main Street Bar & Grill

Americana charm is always on at Main Street Bar & Grill in Clearlake. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served either indoors or on an outdoor patio overlooking Clear Lake. Home cooking is prepared with an eccentric flair matched only by the whimsical and zany decor of this trendy lakefront restaurant.

Richmond Park Bar & Grill

Views of Mount Konocti and a lake full of boats are always on the menu at Kelseyville’s Richmond Park Bar & Grill. Cocktails on the outdoor patio are always flowing, accompanied by loaded burgers and salads with fixings piled high. This is a great place to let your hair down and is even more fun when boats pull right up, as a fuel station for motorboats is located right alongside.
You’ll need to fuel up on some good food during your wine country drive, and these restaurants along Clear Lake offer a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds. Indulge yourself with a trip to wine country’s beautiful northern region, and enjoy portions of cuisine served with a side of sensational scenery.