Took my BFF out for her birthday to Lemon Hill Restaurant next door to my apt. We didn't have reservations, but just walked in; and the Chef said yes to our unplanned late last table arrival. It was either a two-course or a three-course meal $29 +$47 respectively. We did 3 each starting with homemade pimento cheese with celery sticks, sweet peppers sliced, and crustini. I'm not a big fan of the jarred commercial pimento cheese. This was extremely good. Tasting the peppers inside the cheese ball that you choose how and where to spread it. B+ maybe even A- for the flavor of the cheese and presentation. 2nd Course of shrimp etouffee. It was okay but too thin of a sauce due to a not dark enough roux. Flavors are spot on, shrimp are tender and delicious. A- for the effort to take on roux dishes. 3rd Course was a delicate hazelnut chocolate mousse in a champagne fluted crystal glass. Topped with a light whipped cream to find the dessert level. It had multiple layers of flavor in different areas of the mouth and nasopharynx. A+ for presentation and depth of flavor in a chocolate pudding! Cup of coffee to end the meal, so really 4 courses. The bookstore surrounds the entire restaurant. Very unique experience. Get reservations or try your luck with the Chef near 6:15 pm for a late exception allowed to slip in. Monthly menu then changed up, only work dinner shift on Fridays. Rest is lunch for Courthouse folk. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Overall Score A PS. There were other choices but I didn't try them so, another review for the future... Usually I photograph the food and menu, glucose meter said low so we ate in haste to also not keep entire restaurant open for just us, which we did anyways. And, chef and waitress were great at conversing while closing. PPS. I lived in NOLA next-door to Tulane University and two houses from St Charles Streetcar for 3 years, and have been chef of restaurants in past. Roux Cajun style is an artwork I love and understand read more

Lovely cafe, right down to the book shaped plates. Any meal eaten surrounded by books is automatically better. The people are pleasant and cheerful. The turkey and spinach crepinettes were flavorful and the housemade cranberry mustard was the perfect accompaniment. The French potato salad and haricot vert were nice sides. I had the chicken sandwich with lemon pepper mayo and cauliflower soup. The mayo really brightened the sandwich. There was a generous amount of roast chicken and the bread was chewy and tasty. And then there's the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. Sigh read more

Lemon Hill Cafe & Bookstore - Bananas Foster bread pudding - Bookstores Near Me - Montesano, Washington

See all

We usually really like this place with its unique dishes, however, this last meal was a big disappointment. I was excited to order from their special lunch menu in celebration of King Kamehameha Day because who doesn't love Hawaiian food? We ordered two Hawaiian plates with the Huli Huli chicken thighs, the Tropical Summer Salad, Hawaiian Yum Soup, Spam Musubi and the Petit Haupias totaling $83 before tip. So not a cheap lunch for three adults. For $19 I felt like the salad was stingy...mostly greens and lacking all of the good stuff (grilled pineapple and cashews). It was good but definitely not worth the price. My teenager and husband ordered the chicken thigh plates. The chicken proportion looked promising when you open the to-go box, however, the promise faded as soon as you bit into it. The chicken was oily with little flavor. Our daughter said it weirdly stuck to her teeth like caramel? The sides had much to be desired. The musabi was tiny. Good, but so small for $4. The soup... oh the soup... to our fault we didn't look up what the ingredients were. For $5 I expected something yummy because like I said, LH usually has a knack for combining flavors and making something you want to reorder. Opening the lid was a different experience. The soup looked just gross. Checking out the contents at the bottom revealed what looked like chopped pickles. Unfortunately, this was a total loss. The haupia was good. Nothing mind blowing, but the experience was nice. We will definitely pass on the special Hawaiian days going forward (and will advise others as well). Maybe we'll try again on a normal dinner night... just because of our pleasant past visits. Two stars for the two haupia puffs. read more

I absolutely love this cafe. They prepared grilled cheese sandwiches for our picky eaters, which was very thoughtful. The roasted chicken sandwich with a side salad made my spring day even better. I recommend this place to everyone. read more

See all

This is a lovely restaurant with beautiful offerings. It's almost like sitting in a friends living room and having some tea and chatting away the time. The books and decor are perfect. The pastries are super delicious. The scones are my favorite, it's always on my personal menu when I head into Lemon Hill Cafe & Bookstore. Honestly, I wish I had the recipe so I could make them at home when I can't get in to Lemon Hill Cafe & Bookstore. The texture and flavor of the scones are right on the money. We've had their cakes as well and they never disappoint. They have a Facebook page and you can see what pastries and soup they have for the day, check it out before you go so you can get excited. They also serve dinner on Friday's but you have to make your reservation by Wednesday. read more

See all

This place is just lovely! Met my Mom for lunch and what a delightful surprise. The shop is decorated adorably, the menu fully of temping options, and books galore. I appreciated things to shop for as a reason to stretch my legs before driving back home to Seattle. Everything we tried was delicious. I means 5 star delicious. I will come every time I'm in the area. We had corn fritters with poached eggs and a side salad - YUM! Earl Grey shortbread that was perfectly crisp, buttery, and not overly tea scented. read more

Lemon Hill Cafe & Bookstore - Adorable touches start at the front door with this rolling pin handle. - Bookstores Near Me - Montesano, Washington

Right at the front where you pay, they have free postcards. One reads "Your kids hate you" among others that have vile messages. When I inquired about them, the lady said they are free in case anyone wants to send them to a politician. How is this helping unite our community/country? This is just spreading more hate. Very disappointing. Lemon Hill Cafe - do better. read more

Montesano has a cute, hidden away gem, of a gourmet restaurant! Added bonus, it's an independent bookstore. My friend took me for lunch and we had vegan cabbage rolls that would make my Eastern European gramma, proud. Brought home desert and it was a generous delicious portion. Lemon Hill has special event dinners, that would be a really nice night out. Family and kid friendly too. read more

See all

Such an amazing find during our girls' road trip to the coast. We plan to stop here every time we pass through! Delicious, fresh menu options and just a charming setup with lots of books and knickknacks. Definitely worth pulling off the road! read more

This cozy cafe was the perfect meetup spot for afternoon tea! We ordered a scone, one of every cookie, and pot of tea. This was my first time trying gluten free cookies and every single one was delicious. There's a large selection of teas to choose from, by the cup or pot, and they offer hot water refills. One side of the shop is filled with kids/young adult books and the other side is various genre adult books. Excellent selection of books! Customer service was friendly, fast, and attentive. read more

What a delightful place. Passing through Montessano we came here for a break. Excellent bottomless coffee served in a clear glass cup. It comes with a mini cream pot. When you pour the cream in you get a show from the mixtures mixing. An excellent selection of books including a fabulous science fiction section. I thoroughly enjoyed my Victoria sponge with peaches and cream. Next time I'll try the Irish brown bread with jam. read more

Lemon Hill Cafe & Bookstore - The cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Montesano, Washington

We stopped to scope out the books and found one my husband has really wanted. We didn't try the food but enjoyed looking through the books, especially the banned books. The bathroom has such pretty decor too! Definitely worth the stop read more

See all

The gluten free pistachio cake is hands down the most memorable cake I've eaten. Can't wait to try their dinner menu one of these Friday nights read more

Stopped by for coffee and a pastry... it was one of the most uncomfortable stops I've ever had. I walked in and the ladies just stared at me not saying a word. After asking them if it was open and the one said yes and continued to stare.... I said something to the effect of 'is this a bad time, can I get a coffee...u serving anything'? In retrospect, I wish I would have just walked out. They mentioned I needed reservations to eat and it was very apparent I was a bother to them (even with no other patron in the establishment at the time). I again reiterated that I was just looking for a coffee and a pastry. I will say the coffee and pastry were good but the rest of the experience was not enjoyable and extremely uncomfortable. Just be kind and respectful and work on customer service / communication skills..... read more

We did a road trip and had seen some great reviews and this place was definitely not a disappointment at all. It was the sweetest place and the food was absolutely outstanding. Don't forget the dessert! We had the banana bread pudding - OMG!! It does get very busy so be patient but well worth it. read more

First time here. Loved the quiche and quinoa entree. Terrific iced tea! Blend of black tea and lychee. Friendly service and charming space

This little cafe is perfect for a pleasant and tasty meal!! The service is very good, servers personable and the food delicious. It's not your normal menu and some may find it difficult to decide on something but if you go with the lemon chicken sandwich, you won't be sorry. Ice tea was very good and they even have locally brewed beer and small wine selection. It's pricey but what isn't these days ?? read more

A Diamond in the rough. Not really rough, but a bookstore. The food is fantastic. The use of sauces and spices if truly well thought out. The have a small kitchen and a small menu, but what is put out is fantastic. They also gave us a cupcake to take to the lady who recommended this place! Very sweet. If you want a great sandwich/salad plus dessert please come by and try them. You won't be disappointed!! read more

Great service, delicious food and in a bookstore as well. We found this place by chance but loved it.

Hidden gem. Ever-changing menu of delicious food and sweets in an adorable bookstore with a great selection. Very regal food too--glazed this and seared that and fancy pastries. read more

My boyfriend and I have come here a couple of times for sandwiches and treats. The food there is always great. Whenever we go, we always get the goat cheese vegetable and the artichoke bacon sandwich and never leave disappointed. I love coming here for the soups and the cakes are to die for. I love the atmosphere and would love to come here for a girls night or to host an activity. So sad to be working weekend evenings because I would love to try the dinners and specialties they have on weekends but looking forward to requesting a night off to see what else this cafe has to offer! read more

This place is awesome! I've reviewed it in the past and it's still such a great addition to Montesano! Theirs banana bread pudding is exceptional! Also if you get a coffee get the whipped coconut cream to go with it ! It's fabulous. read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. Great food and better service. The culinary diversity here is absolutely amazing, and you can taste the love in every bite. Will definitely come back! read more

This review has been a long time coming. Lemon Hill Cafe and bookstore is one of the best treasures of the PNW. It's tucked away in our little town. Which I've asked myself several times, how did we get so lucky to get a five-star dining establishment in such a small, out of the way town? It's family owned by two sisters who know what they're doing. Every thing from the delicious French pastries and cuisine, to their fabulous selection of books, to the heart warming beautifully decorated cafe/store. Their menu changes each week, with the exception of a few staple options that are solid favorites. My daughter and I both love the Artichoke Heart Salad with Bacon & Tomato sandwich. So delicious. Their entree items are what typically change each week, along with their freshly made cakes, cookies and pastries, which change daily. The scones are to die for. It doesn't matter what the flavor of the days is, I have yet to try one that didn't make my mouth dance with joy. Chef Jen has a flair for the gourmet French creole flavors, which I love. The weekly entrees are out of the ordinary and always delicious Both sisters are masters at combining fresh ingredients, mostly sourced locally, and turning them into delicious dishes. I can't say enough good things about this place. Go, see for yourself. You'll be happy you did. read more

Amazing food and a changing menu. Great staff. They also have a nice bookstore. It's been crowded every time we've been there.

Amazing food and great selection of books - come for either or both. The Friday night dinners are amazing.

What an unexpected delight! On our way to Kalaloch and stopped here for lunch. Cozy bookstore/restaurant with 3 welcoming ladies in the counter/kitchen. Ordered fisherman's pie, lamb sandwich and cake/pastries to go. Excellent meal and experience. Highly recommend! read more

Very interesting little restaurant. The waitress was very welcoming, and presented us with menus after seating us. We then ordered at the counter and our entrees were delivered to our table. The menu was a unique combination of salad, soup, sandwiches, desserts,& full deal meals. It is my understanding that the menu varies. I chose the artichoke salad with bacon & tomato came on a ciabatta roll with a choice of soup or salad side. I had the salad which was a healthy portion of mainly greens. The sandwich was good, but not nearly as tasty as I thought it might be. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed. Book lovers would definitely like this place, since the new books along the exterior walls were for sale, along with other homey items. This is a place I would return to for another experience for sure! read more

My son and I had an incredible brunch today. My eggs Benedict were perfectly poached and the hollandaise sauce was right on point. My son had the spinach and leek quiche. The crust was buttery and so tasty and the filling was wonderful. Besides the food being delicious, the atmosphere was charming, and the chef and wait staff (family members do the chef), we're very pleasant and accommodating. We will definitely dine ther again, as well as recommend to others! read more

Listen, I'm going to start by saying that anything I write here will never convey just how lovely Lemon Hill is. It's a GEM in Montesano, the town is so lucky to have it! Every detail, every thoughtful detail is pure perfection and it truly made me feel like I was in a cafe around the corner from Hotel Duquesne Eiffel (which I've been so I know exactly what it really feels like!) Now let's get to the food, that's right, I haven't even touched the food part yet! We, being the foodies we are, ordered one of everything, we were excited to try everything before this current menu gets changed out for the fall menu next week! The ratatouille with cheesy grits and goat cheese; MY GOD. The goat cheese brought a lovely creaminess and the grits were dreamy. The Niçoise salad; the dressing was light and acidic, I'm thinking a champagne vinaigrette of sorts, accompanied by earthy saltiness from the capers and the kalamata, topped with hard boiled egg, HUGE, GORGEOUS heirloom tomatoes, fresh crunchy green beans, colorful fingerling potatoes and a hefty portion of poached tuna. YUM! The African braised beef was so flavorful and tender atop a couscous with warm African spices. The Chicken Marbella atop a Moroccan coucous with sweet dates funny enough tasted like the holidays. Warm and sumptuous! The Strata was fluffy and delicate, but filling and so flavorful! BUT THE CROQUE MONSIEUR. That's what brought me right back to Paris. I love the local rye bread from another small business, it was the perfect touch. A warm fork and knife sandwich with a fluffy, yet creamy toasty cheese topping. I might need one more before the menu changes! The baked goods are simple and done so WELL, that chocolate cookie is sinful! Okay, now that I've written a book, it brings me to my next point. The books! They have a great selection of gifts and books! Please, PLEASE go support this business, we want them to stay forever! read more

Lemon Hill Cafe & Bookstore - Niçoise Salad - Bookstores Near Me - Montesano, Washington

See all

The best place in Grays Harbor!! The food is SO good, the restaurant is adorable, the pastries and perfect, and all the books you could want! read more

Outstanding food. Beautiful flavors, top quality ingredients. Restaurant is light and open, very spacious, welcoming feel. Service was excellent, very accommodating to the children in our party. All this amid a wonderful bookshop! My new favorite place to eat in Montesano. read more

This is my favorite spot in Monte. So so cute. I am gluten free and they have great gluten free food + bakery items, basically all the food can be made gluten free and the owners are very sweet. read more

What a find, cutest little shop, food was amazing, and the help were so friendly and such hard workers. Just two people working, and the place was full. We didn't have to wait long for table, and they were right on it for cleaning it off for us. Food arrived quickly. We ordered a beef sandwich, and two of us had the meat pie. Both dishes were so good, came with a very fresh salad not drenched in dressing and a watermelon salad which was marinated in something very yummy. We each had a desert since they looked so good, and all enjoyed our sinful pleasures. I took my nieces here and they think I'm the coolest Aunt for finding this little treasure. They are going to start cooking demonstrations, so I signed up and some friends and I are really excited to do this. Its not food I would normally make with flavor combinations so I'm sure I'm going to learn some tasty tricks. If I could give more stars I would, this is a much go if your in Montesano or an easy on and off freeway if you're heading to the coast. read more

Delicious food, great atmosphere, helpful and welcoming staff. Highly recommended and will be back.