Every town needs good restaurants for locals and visitors to gather and get their hunger & thirst resolved.
Most towns have a lot of restaurants, but Arcata has a lineup of coffee shops and parks in addition to affordable restaurants. Many of them are suitable for date nights, private teen parties, and other special occasions.
Before we discuss Arcata’s top restaurants, let’s consider some basic details about this town. Arcata is a fairly liberal city in California, home to many young professionals and families. Its population after the 2020 census was counted to be 18,857. Arcata is in the Humboldt County, California, USA.
Generally, it has a suburban feel amidst the rural areas with numerous opportunities for adventure. The city is adjacent to Arcata Bay which is also part of Humboldt Bay.
Arcata, California, is just the perfect destination for a foodie, with its wide array of good restaurants that serve delicious plates. These restaurants are good stomach refilling stations whilst taking breaks from town adventures.
In this article, we will be discussing the best restaurants in Arcata, CA.
Best Restaurants in Arcata
1. Renata’s Creperie
Renata’s Creperie is a wonderful French restaurant in Arcata. Renata’s Creperie has art lines hanging on the walls of its beautiful interior. The restaurant is brightly decorated and eye-appealing to almost all customers in Arcata.
They specialize in serving sweet-tasting crepes, vegan soups, and organic salads. Renata’s Creperie is a great place to eat in Arcata, CA. It has savory crepes, strawberry banana Nutella crepe, banana berry crepe, and peach crepe.
Aside from crepes, Renata’s Creperie also offers delicious hot chocolate, espresso, and cappuccino drinks. How about additional almond milk mocha or chai tea if you prefer that! You really can’t be wrong coming here for breakfast in Arcata. The place also serves quesadilla, tlayuda, poulet, scrambled eggs, del sol with ham, and more.
We love Renata’s Creperie and hope you would when you visit Arcata. Renata’s Creperie is one of the best cafes in Arcata, California. They open by 8 am and close by 2 pm.
Address: 1030 G St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-825-8783
2. Kebab Café
What other way can you rock your morning in Greek style than heading down to Kebab Café? This Greek café is one of the best in the area. This breakfast hub was established by a Cyrus owner Simon Beyzade born and raised in London but brought up with the cultural food of these people. He and his family have been running the cafe’s operations since 1999, serving the Arcata with the best Mediterranean breakfast treats.
They serve gyros, burgers, sandwiches, and dips. Gyro is a delicious culinary piece here at Kebab Café and is a must-try if you enter the restaurant. In addition to that is the tasty Turkish coffee served here. It’s one of a kind.
Some menu highlights include falafel, baklava, Baba Ghannouj, halal lamb shish platter, and so many other Greek & Turkish specials. You can choose to come here for dine-in or curbside pickup, or you might rather order online for delivery.
This place has a relaxed and hospitable feel to its interior. They operate from 11 am-8 pm every day except Sundays. Note that while you’re at W Boulevard suite 19, Kebab Café is located in the Valley West Shopping Center.
Address: 5000 Valley W Blvd Ste 19, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-826-2121
3. Wildflower Cafe & Bakery
Wildflower Café is yet another one of the top cafés in Arcata. Remember that earlier in the introduction; we mentioned that Arcata is a town filled with cafés (or coffee shops) and natural parks. So, Renata’s Creperies, Kebab Café, and Wildflower Café are some of the best ones among the myriads of cafes in Arcata.
Since 1987, the Wildflower Café & Bakery has been gracefully serving vegetarian meals. Therefore, if you’re a veggie, you may want to find yourself here for most meals of the day. According to the positive comments on online review forums, there is vegan French toast which is reportedly delicious.
Menu items include pesto scramble, marvelous muffin, black bean quinoa (veggie type), biscuits & gravy, and more. Chi and mint mocha are homemade beverages you can enjoy at Wildflower. Golden milk, decaf mocha, and coffee latte are also great beverages to drink for breakfast.
Greek omelet is one food that tastes quite different at this restaurant. That may be because the omelet was made in Greek style. However, Wildflower serves some regular non-vegetarian breakfast and brunch meals.
Remembering that Wildflower is also a bakery means that you’d expect only fresh bread and other baked goods. This vegetarian restaurant opens by 9 am and closes by 4 pm every day except for Tuesdays.
Address: 1604 G St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-822-0360
4. Bencharong Thai House
Bencharong Thai House is the best Thai restaurant in Arcata in Union Town Shopping Center. They specialize in delivering the best-tasting Thai food in town. Service options of this restaurant do not include home delivery, only dine-in, and carry-out.
Thai tea is an expected item on the menu of this and any other Asian restaurant in Arcata, CA. Bencharong pays much attention to the flavor and originality of the Thai tea they serve. This is evident in how delicious it is and the praise it receives.
We didn’t know pineapple fried rice was a thing until seeing it on Bencharong’s menu. It’s delicious and not like your usual fried rice. We recommend that you try this whenever you want dinner in Arcata, California.
This Thai restaurant’s operating hours are from 4-9 pm daily. Bencharong Thai House is one of the best Arcata restaurants, and it is worth visiting.
Address: 600 F St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-825-0900
5. Tomos Japanese Restaurant
Tomos Japanese Restaurant is a Japanese restaurant chain operating in cities like Atlanta, Joseph, MO, Indianapolis, Franklin IN, Dubai, Cape Town, and so on.
As you walk into the Tomos Japanese Restaurant in Arcata, CA, you’ll notice the cute fish tank. The restaurant’s attention to detail in the interior Asian designs and ambiance is amazing.
Tomos serves good sushi, bento, and Japanese entrees. The tofu teriyaki, for example, is hot and delicious, and we recommend it at Tomos Japanese Restaurant in Arcata.
There are vegetarian options for Arcata customers who prefer those. The gobo salad dressings here are creative, including the sweet and spicy alba pair.
Everything about the restaurant is ticked good; thus, it is considered one of the best places to eat in Arcata, CA. Operating hours are 4-9 pm daily.
Address: 708 9th St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-822-1414
6. Plaza Grill
Plaza Grill is the best bar & grill restaurant in Arcata, California. They serve pies, steaks, sandwiches, seafood, grilled food, and drinks. You can expect a variety of food here at Plaza Grill because their menu is broad.
The restaurant’s website best describes itself. It reads: “Plaza Grill truly offers something for everyone regardless of the occasion.
The bar is a stunning backdrop to a warm room with big windows, boasting views of Arcata’s best sunset. Enjoy a craft cocktail and indulge in our American-inspired grill cuisine tonight….open at 5 every day (except Christmas).”
The menu highlights are menu highlights among their menu items: shepherd’s pie, clam chowder, ribeye, side salad, oysters, ahi tuna poke, and pasta primavera. Alcoholic beverages are served at this restaurant, and the food service is great.
Plaza Grill is located on the 3rd floor of Jacoby’s Storehouse, a historic building with wood accents. They open and close by 5 pm and 9 pm, respectively, from Tuesday to Saturday.
Address: 780 7th St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-826-0860
7. Salt Fish House
SALT Fish House is a seafood store and restaurant with a true fish house experience. It serves newly harvested seafood, including oysters, shrimps, clams, and seafood platters.
They have a lunch and dinner menu filled with all good food from the sea. The grilled fish taco is one of the best food items that this restaurant excels in. Their fish tacos are great combined with one of their numerous craft cocktails will satisfy your gastronomic needs.
Fried cop & chips is another yummy seafood you would love to eat at SALT Fish House. Other noteworthy menu items include seared scallops, seared steelhead, lobster tails, lemon pepper calamari, chowder fries, and so on.
SALT Fish House is a great place to eat in Arcata, CA. they operate within the hours of 11.30 am to 10 pm, respectively. It is also recognized as one of the best Arcata restaurants.
Address: 935 I St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-630-5300
8. The Sushi Spot
The Sushi Spot is the best Japanese restaurant in Arcata, CA. Based on the creative sushi menu, you can indeed say it is a Sushi spot. Who says you can’t enjoy traditional Japanese sushi in Arcata hasn’t tried The Sushi Spot?
The restaurant environment is warm and cozy, which is fantastic for family dinner nights. They serve a variety of Asian cuisine at The Sushi Spot Arcata.
Some food on the menu includes hibachi noodles, hibachi steak, fried rice, tofu, surf & turf, soups & salads, chicken, and shrimp.
In terms of Japanese food, The Sushi Spot in Arcata is the top restaurant to be at. The ingredients employed in their food are always freshly sourced. And as the positive reviews on online forums reveal, the food service is high quality.
They offer dine-in, curbside pickup, takeaway, and delivery. This restaurant opens by 11.30 am and closes by 9 pm.
Address: 670 9th St no.101, Arcata, CA 95521 Phone: 707-822-1221
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9. Fiesta Grill & Cantina
Fiesta Grill & Cantina is the best Mexican restaurant in Arcata, CA. This restaurant was founded in 1983, and since then, they’ve been serving Humboldt County with Mexican and other South American foods. It is also a good hangout spot for students, kids, and couples.
Another superb Mexican restaurant in Coppell, Texas, is Mi Cocina. Mi Concina is the top Mexican restaurant in Coppell, TX. The energetic cantina here features Mexican food such as fajitas, nachos, tacos, and more. Additionally, this eatery has a full bar, grill section, and entertainment options.
Mi Concina is the company’s name associated with Elevated Mexican Food. They open shop by 11 pm and close by 10 pm every day of the week. Mi Cocina serves soups and salads, tacos, fajitas, nachos, and frozen cocktails in a customer-friendly manner. A special that is made on order is ribeye beef served with rice, bean soup, and guacamole.
There is plenty of vegan and gluten-free options for all customers. The takeaway, pickup, and delivery are all available choices for the customers’ convenience.
Address: 3525 Janes Rd, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-822-4600
10. Oriental Buffet
Orient Buffet is located in the same Valley West Shopping Center as the aforementioned Kebab Café. It is a buffet restaurant that specializes in Chinese food. So technically, Oriental Buffet is the best Chinese restaurant in Arcata, CA.
The restaurant is roomy and, therefore, spacious enough to showcase all Asian & American dishes.
The menu contains some of the following foods; sushi, sesame chicken, fried rice, pepper chicken, broccoli, Chinese noodles, Yello, and others.
You can dine in, obtain a takeaway, or do a curbside pickup. Oriental Buffet covers those service options except order delivery. They open by 11 am and close by 8.30 pm daily except for Tuesdays.
Address: 5000 Valley W Blvd, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-822-2286
11. Japhy’s
Japhy’s Soup & Noodles is one of the best Asian restaurants in Arcata, CA. they serve Japanese-style noodles and soups to the Arcata community. Japhy’s meals are made with local and healthy ingredients whenever possible.
They offer vegetarian and vegan selections for all customers who prefer those. Common menu items at Japhy’s restaurant include vegetable ramen, udon, inari, clam chowder, cornbread, cream chicken soup, and hot Japanese noodles.
A good pick at this restaurant that we recommend is the tofu noodle bowl with veggies. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal you’ll enjoy.
This restaurant is quite versatile in its ability to prepare most Japanese and Asian meals in style. It is a good place to eat for dinner if you live in Arcata, California. They are open on weekdays (i.e., Mon-Fri) from the hours of 11.30 am to 8 pm.
Address: 1563 G St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-826-2594
12. Campground
Campground Arcata is a restaurant composed of a steakhouse, bar, and grill. Campground serves delicious food in a bistro setting with abstract art that creates intrigue. The place is kid-friendly, so the whole family can come here for dinner in high chairs.
Here, they serve pizza, burgers, steaks, seafood, salads, soft & alcoholic drinks, and full course meals or buffet. This is truly a classic American restaurant with all its dine-in advantages. It is wise to make reservations before coming to dine in.
We would recommend the French toast, shrimp & grits along with a mocktail like the Moscow Mule. Many customers reportedly enjoy the Atlantic salmon served at this fine restaurant. There is even grilled cheese available which will be a pleasure to try out.
Chicken & waffles, Fish & Chips, hamburgers, Chicken fried steak, and tacos are all specially prepared and taste good in this restaurant.
The rich taste of the food is the number one reason that Campground is among the top Arcata restaurants.
Address: 865 9th Street, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-630-5148
13. Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant
Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant is the top Mexican restaurant in Arcata, CA. The energetic cantina here features Mexican food such as fajitas, nachos, tacos, burritos, mole sauce, and more.
Additionally, this eatery has a full bar, grill section, and comfortable dining seats.
Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant serves good food and service at affordable prices. Chicken fajita and fish tacos are two foods that this restaurant is very good at. They are delicious. They open shop by 11 pm and close by 10 pm every day of the week.
The chefs make vegan and gluten-free options for all customers. The takeaway, pickup, and delivery are all available choices for the customers’ convenience.
Address: 1288 G St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-822-5200
14. Humboldt Brews
This is one of the top restaurants in Arcata, CA, due to its high food quality and reasonable prices. Humboldt Brewhouse makes and sells alcoholic beverages to Humboldt County and all its cities. It is a pub, bar, and grill, all three in one.
The staff has been trained to master the art of brewing which is evident in their award-winning craft beer.
As a brewery, Humboldt Brews LLC is trying in its effort to become the number one beer brand chosen by locals. In addition to beer, they serve delicious steaks, sandwiches, tacos, salads, pasta, pizza, and more.
Opening and closing times on weekdays are 2 pm and 9 pm, respectively. Whereas on weekends, they open and close at 12-9 pm respectively.
Address: 856 10th St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-826-2739
15. Pho Hoang
Pho Hoang is a special restaurant. It is a Vietnamese restaurant with high ratings on online review platforms. They serve pho and other classic Vietnamese foods along with bubble tea, beer, and wine.
Since its inception in August 2012, Pho Hoang has kept the quality of its ethnic meals high.
This is a similar observation with Pho Hoang branches nationwide, including this one at Arcata, CA. Only the freshest ingredients are used in preparing the meals in Pho Hoang, Arcata, CA.
They open by 11.30 am and close by 8 pm every day.
Address: 1390 G St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA Phone: 707-822-2227
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Plan a Trip to Arcata
We hope we have enlightened you on the best places for dining, what to eat there, their menu specials, and customer service in Arcata, CA.
The above-listed top restaurants in Arcata, CA, are the right places to go after you’ve gone for a tour of the Arcata Community Forest, Arcata Bay, Redwood Park, or Arcata Marsh.
Start planning a trip to this beautiful city today; you can pin this piece as a guide to easily refer back to while making your list of the best places to eat in Arcata, CA.