Photo courtesy of River’s End
Perched where the Russian River meets the Pacific, Jenner delivers that rare kind of coastal dining that feels wild and intimate at once. The town itself is tiny—just a few restaurants and cafés—yet every meal comes with a sense of place: salt air, redwoods, and a horizon that changes by the minute. From elevated seafood dinners to low-key coffee stops, these are the restaurants that define Jenner’s stretch of the Sonoma Coast.
Just north of Jenner, Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove Resort blends modern design with rustic comfort. Expect coastal California cuisine built around seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and local wines. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the cliffs, it’s the perfect lunch or dinner stop for anyone driving the Sonoma Coast.
Favorite Local’s Dish: Seared Scallops with lemon beurre blanc.
Visit: 21780 California Highway 1, Jenner, California 95450
Contact: (707) 847-3231
Price Range: $$$
Website: timbercoveresort.com
Timber Cove Resort doesn’t just have a great restaurant, it’s also one of our favorite places to stay along the Sonoma Coast. You can’t go wrong with the ocean views and midcentury vibes, but for more coastal lodging inspo, check out our list of the top Sonoma Coast Hotels.
Photos courtesy of River’s End
A must-stop on Highway 1, River’s End sets the standard for coastal dining in Jenner. The restaurant sits high above the mouth of the Russian River, offering a backdrop few can match. The menu leans on local seafood and seasonal produce—think oysters, clam chowder, and Alaskan halibut. Dinner here feels like a true coastal ritual.
Favorite Local’s Dish: Southwest Salmon with forbidden black rice and fire-roasted corn.
Visit: 11048 California Highway 1, Jenner, California 95450
Contact: (707) 865-2484
Price Range: $$$–$$$$
Website: ilovesunsets.com
Jenner sits at the gateway to some of the Sonoma Coast’s most breathtaking landscapes. Kayak where the Russian River meets the Pacific, explore beaches like Sandy Cove and Goat Rock Beach, or drive north along Highway 1 for cliffside hikes in Salt Point State Park. For a slower pace, browse local art galleries or linger at Café Aquatica with a glass of wine and the fog rolling in. And be sure to check out our favorite outdoor activities in Sonoma County.
A beloved local café right along the riverbank, Café Aquatica serves organic coffee, fresh pastries, and light lunches with unbeatable views. Grab a seat outside, watch the kayakers drift past, and listen to the live music that often fills the deck on weekends.
Favorite Local’s Dish: Smoked Salmon Toast with local greens.
Visit: 10439 California Highway 1, Jenner, California 95450
Contact: (707) 865-2251
Price Range: $–$$
Website: cafeaquaticajenner.com
Part market, part deli, the Jenner Sea Store is where you’ll find sandwiches piled high, daily specials, and local snacks perfect for picnics. It’s not fancy—and that’s the point. Stop here before heading to Goat Rock Beach or a hike along the bluff trails.
Favorite Local’s Dish: Turkey Cranberry Sandwich on sourdough.
Visit: 10444 California Highway 1, Jenner, California 95450
Contact: (707) 865-2906
Price Range: $
Website: facebook.com/JennerSeaStore
What is Jenner known for?
Jenner is known for its wild stretch of coastline where the Russian River meets the Pacific. Visitors come for the quiet beauty, dramatic views, and a handful of restaurants that define true coastal dining in Sonoma County.
Where can I eat near Goat Rock Beach?
Goat Rock Beach is just south of Jenner. Top nearby spots include River’s End for dinner, Café Aquatica for coffee and sandwiches, and the Jenner Sea Store & Deli for easy grab-and-go meals.
Is River’s End worth it?
Yes—River’s End is one of the most sought-after reservations on the Sonoma Coast, celebrated for its fresh seafood, intimate setting, and local wine pairings that match the view perfectly.
Are there any other restaurant options nearby?
If you’re exploring beyond Jenner, head south to Bodega Bay for oysters and seafood shacks. Located just 10 miles away, it will expand your dining map without losing that rugged, oceanside character and fresh, seafood offerings.
Jenner may be small, but its dining scene captures the essence of the Sonoma Coast—wild, intimate, and unmistakably local. Whether you’re here for a full dinner overlooking the sea or a quiet cup of coffee by the fog, this stretch of coastline proves that great meals don’t need big cities—just the right view and a little salt in the air.
