13 Of The Best Julian Restaurants You Must Try

Fancy a bite to eat? Julian may be a small mountain town, but this little settlement has a range of incredible restaurants serving some of the tastiest bites, from bison burgers to old-school Italian dishes. 

Choosing where to indulge in your next feast with so much available can be challenging, but we’re here to ease the pressure. We’ve rounded up a list of the best Julian restaurants.

We hope you’re hungry because it’s time to dine in Julian!

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The Top Julian Restaurants

Julian Beer Co.

Address: 2307 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-3757
Website

The outstanding Julian Beer Co. is a mix between a brewery and eatery in a barn-style setting. It’s located in the heart of Julian, in fact, it’s the biggest venue on all of Main Street.

This popular spot specializes in BBQ-style dining with an extensive menu featuring brisket sandwiches, kielbasa sausage, wagyu cheeseburgers, even pizzas. 

Their substantial beer menu attracts many guests, you’ll love their locally brewed craft beers.

While the Julian Beer Co. has plenty of seats inside, try to find a space on their outdoor deck. It’s like a mini beer garden and a great place to have a bite when the weather is nice.

Julian Grille

Address: 2224 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-0173
Website

The French and Italian-inspired, family-run Julian Grille is set in a 1920s bungalow tucked away behind lush green trees and is considered to be a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to Julian, CA restaurants.

You can’t leave without trying the fettucini alfredo tetrazzini, complemented by sautéed spinach in olive oil, the perfect combination to make your mouth water. Their burgers and portobello mushroom sandwich are also a perfect way to fuel up. Following a nice feed, be sure to pop into the Back Bar for a cheeky drink or two.

Rongbranch Restaurant

Address: 2722 Washington St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-2265

Just off Main Street, this gorgeous little eatery replicates something from a country and western movie. Rongbranch Restaurant features a rustic-style building, wooden stool seating areas, and traditional buntings hung up throughout. This is the place to go for an all-American experience.

Chicken pot pie, buffalo burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, liver and onions, red beans and rice, and roast turkey are just some of the yummy specialties on the menu. If you’re feeling thirsty, they’re rumored to have some of Julian’s tastiest cider. Just ask about the cold cider, and the staff will look after you.

Miner’s Diner

Address: 2134 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-3753
Website

On the north end of Main Street is Miner’s Diner, an old-fashioned tavern furnished with red and white checkered chairs and tablecloths, everything a quintessential diner would have.

Although Miner’s Diner is known for its cozy atmosphere, the food here is what really sets this restaurant in Julian apart from others.

The menu options might be on the simple side, but the quality of the food is excellent. Everyone raves about the Miner’s burger and ice cream soda, but we recommend the Goldstrike sandwich.

Romano’s Restaurant

Address: 2718 B St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-1003
Website

If you’re in the mood for Italian and wondering where to eat in Julian, look no further than Romano’s Restaurant. Established by an immigrant family from Sicily in 1982, these guys sure know how to whip up a hearty Italian feast. The venue is an old house on the corner of B Street and has a cozy ambiance that adds to its charm.

Following traditional Italian cooking methods, the team of chefs at Romano’s has crafted one of the best menus in town. Enjoy favorites such as linguine with pesto garnished with pine nuts and fettuccine romano.

Mom’s Pie House

Address: 2119 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-2472
Website

Mom’s Pie House has been filling the bellies of locals and tourists since 1984 with crispy apple pies, sweet cookies, and other appetizing treats. This is a regular lunch spot on Julian’s Main Street, so expect a bit of a battle for seats during your visit.

It’s no surprise Mom’s Pie House’s is so popular; all goods are made fresh at the bakery, and they have a huge selection of items. Additionally, there are plenty of alternatives if pies aren’t your thing, including English toffee, almond brittle, banana nut bread, apple dumpling, and much more.

Julian Cafe

Address: 2112 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-2712
Website

Julian Cafe is a great spot to try some real American grub. Similar to many selections on this list, it’s located on Main Street, so you won’t have to look too far to find it. 

Open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’re always guaranteed a tasty bite at the Julian Cafe. The menu has something for everyone: meat-heavy dishes like the chicken fried beef steak or veggies specials like the garden burger.

Be mindful that Julian Cafe gets particularly busy on the weekends. They can have extended wait times of up to two hours, so it’s best to arrive early if you can.

Quecho

Address: 2603 B St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-1560
Website

Mexican anyone? It wouldn’t be a list of restaurants in Julian without mention of Quecho in downtown. They serve high quality Mexican-infused food made with fresh local ingredients for a fair price, and is open for indoor and outdoor dining. You don’t want to miss out on this culinary experience.

The family-run Quecho took over from Buffalo Bills Restaurant many years ago and is now carrying the torch, crafting delectable dishes for all. Your first glance at the menu will have you feeling spoiled for choice, from the chef’s street taco plate to the delicious chili rellenos.

In a hurry? Quecho is open for takeaway during their hours of operation, just call ahead, and they’ll be on top of your order in no time.

Soups & Such Cafe

Address: 2000 Main St, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-4761
Website

Amazing food, friendly staff, a convenient location, and all-around good vibes are what you can expect at Soups & Such Cafe. If you’re after simple comfort food in a chilled out environment, then look no further than this lovely little spot.

Open daily from 8 am until 3 pm, Soups & Such Cafe offers plenty of nourishing snacks that will fuel you through the day. The curry tuna salad is our go-to, but the broccoli brie soup is on the agenda for next time we visit, it looks to die for.

Wynola Restaurants

Hero’s Wood-Fired Pizza

Address: 4355 Julian Hwy, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Phone: (760) 765-1004
Website

Just off Highway 78, only a short drive from downtown Julian, is Hero’s Wood-Fired Pizza. Set in a vintage rustic building with wooden interiors, and with an excellent staff, this is where people go to get away from Julian crowds over the weekend.

Other than seriously good pizza, Hero’s Wood-Fired Pizza menu comprises succulent burgers, rich desserts, craft cocktails, and locally brewed beers that will tempt you to stay longer than you had planned.

Jeremy’s On The Hill

Address: 4354 CA-78, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-1587
Website

Jeremy’s On The Hill is conveniently located just before you arrive in Julian on the Julian Highway. They pride themselves on keeping dishes simple, fresh, and full of explosive flavors that always have people returning for more.

This is a superb option if you’re planning a romantic dinner with your significant other or have a first date lined up. Their menu has a huge variety: seafood, burgers, steaks, vegetarian specials, leafy salads. You name it, they have it. 

The indoor dining area is incredibly charming with spacious indoor and outdoor spaces, sparkly lights, oil lamps, oak trees, and candles.

Cocina de Luz

Address: 4470 Julian Rd, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 535-6524

North of downtown Julian is the delightful Cocina de Lux Mexican Restaurant. It’s an all-day kind of spot, open for a quiet breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Some get scared off by how expensive it is, but trust us, it’s entirely worth spending the extra few bucks for the quality of the food. Most ingredients are organic and sourced from local farmers, hence why it costs a bit more compared to other Mexican eateries in Julian.

For breakfast, go for the migas special served with green chili sauce, and for dinner, try out tostadas with your favorite fillings.

Now that you know the best restaurants in Julian, CA you don’t have to spend hours roaming the town in search of somewhere for a sit-down meal. There’s one thing we can all agree on, Julian’s foodie scene is highly underrated, with so many options available. How lucky are we to have such a great getaway near San Diego?

Last Updated on August 8, 2023 by Maria Haase

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