Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Terrapin Creek Cafe & Restaurant

    4.5 (826 reviews)
    PriceyNew American
    Closed 4:30 pm - 8:30 PM

    Terrapin Creek Cafe & Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    TERRAPIN CREEK CAFE & RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Terrapin Creek Cafe & Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Vieux Carre
    John B.

    Imagine a cozy, local cafe with a concise, locally-soucred menu that just happens to be a Michelin-class restaurant. That sums up Terrapin Creek. This Bodega Bay spot maintains a working friendship with Bay Area farmers and delivers a top-shelf dining experience with an attentive staff in a friendly setting. We started with Vieux Carre cocktails (think pleasantly herbal Manhattan) and the Cudo of Hamachi, fresh Yellowtail with radishes. For mains, we had Duck breast and Wagyu steak; both maintain well-deserved rave reviews and were cooked to perfection. The duck was succulent and the steak was the best (and largest) Wagyu we've had. For dessert, we shared carrot cake and coffee. The couple seated next to us said carrot cake was their favorite dessert and this was the best they've ever had. We had to agree; distinct seasoning, rich frosting, and not too sweet. Overall, a phenomenal place, from the great service staff to the excellent cuisine. Recommended!

    Sandra K.

    We came here with a party of 6 and every one was so happy with their entrees. We ordered a couple of appetizers to share. All dishes were excellent! Would definitely come by again if in the area.

    Joshua H.

    Both food and service are great. The scallop is cooked just right. Both duck and fish stew are very well cooked. We also like panna cotta. The environment is pretty nice, great for a date.

    Avery M.

    Great cozy ambiance, lovely and attentive service and the seafood was definitely fresh. Unfortunately after the oysters and the scallops, none of the other dishes really wow'd me. They were edible, had nice presentation, and overall not bad.. they just didn't have any added "pizzazz" to it... besides the desserts actually. The carrot cake wasn't your standard carrot cake with that cream cheese type of frosting--it felt a bit more airy and moist at the same time but super yummy and not too sweet/ decadent, which balanced out the chocolate panna cotta that was rich. But great way to end the dinner!

    Liberty Farms Duck Breast
    Tracy W.

    Wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. Everything about the night was perfect. Best service, loved our server. Everything dish was tasty down to the peach sourdough bread pudding which was so light and unique. The price was also very reasonable. Will need to make another visit to bodega bay just to go back to this place. Highly recommend.

    Caesar salad - just ok.
    Mary C.

    If you are ever in Bodega Bay, Terrapin Creek Restaurant is a must to visit. The service is impeccable and the food is sensational! One of our favorites is the corn soup- a delicious seasonal specialty that tastes very sweet and creamy but has no cream. It is only available summer through early fall as they use fresh corn. Another favorite of ours is the duck. It is cooked to perfection. For many years Terrapin Creek earned a Michelin Star and it is very understandable why. We prefer the inner room with the fireplace but some other side rooms are also nice. For a truly enjoyable, relaxing experience, this restaurant is not to be missed. Book early as it often sells out.

    The best duck I've had since chez panisse many many years ago. Generous portion too
    Mary K.

    This was an amazing food experience. Everything we ordered was top quality and prepared perfectly without the usual over-the-top gimmicks and hyperbole of many top restaurants nowadays. I never would have guessed this cute little modest cottage in Bodega Bay would be one of our best meals, if not the best, all year. Kudos to the owners and chefs! Definitely get reservations because the word is out there. Our greeting there was fairly lackluster, though, I must say, by the guy who ended up being our server but we were entertained by watching the open kitchen in action. We had our choice of open tables and chose a small one on the back-porch which we loved. Cute ambience with jazz quietly playing and a homey, French country type feel. Homemade bread was amazing and highly recommend ordering it. Menu had a seafood focus with the apps but the mains were a perfect assortment from pasta to fish to duck and beef. All classic, wonderful choices. We started with the oysters du jour which were amazing-- but pretty much all oysters in this area are just perfect thanks to hog island. The scallop app was the best we've ever had. Perfect scallops, perfectly cooked on a delectable bed of veg including fresh peas with an amazing sauce which was understated, appropriately proportioned and did not drown out or compete with the scallops in any way. Several Michelin restaurants I've been to recently fall victim to too many accoutrements overpowering the perfect main. This did not happen at Terrapin ever. Thank you! I had the duck--best I've had since Chez Panisse. Interesting cabbage side mix with a gentle Asian flair. The side was just a little weak for me but that's ok because the star was the beautiful duck. And it was a very generous portion with a tasty jus! The olive oil poached halibut was also stellar with an amazing black rice and veg side. We were in food heaven at this point. Finished up with the peach bread pudding which was heavenly. The only fault I could possibly find with this was the orange hits in it did detract from the gorgeous peaches and caramel. But this was a very minor point. They very tastefully put a candle on dessert for my husbands birthday which was a perfect classy touch. Nice wine choices. Very reasonably priced for the stellar quality of the meal. Pacing was perfect. Our server was very low key but I do appreciate that for a change. The atmosphere was cozy and loved the jazz gently playing in the background. If we are ever back in the area, believe me we will be back!

    Steak
    Ambrea P.

    This was our first and not last time here. It's a quaint, romantic atmosphere with the freshest seafood around. The service was top notch. All of our food was incredible and the champagne was the cherry on top. Can't wait to come back!

    Dessert
    Lynn H.

    This place is Michelin starred and well deserved. We stayed next door at the Bodega Bay Inn. It's a nice short walk from the inn over to this restaurant. The service is really great. We came for a short getaway for my hubs birthday and the waitress brought a little candle out with his dessert. We LOVED the food. I was a huge fan of the ciopinno style soup - All of the seafood was super fresh. We had a raw fish appetizer that was delicious - And their bread! So good. Anyway, there's a lot of restaurants in the area that are just as expensive and not nearly as good. This was just perfect.

    Olive Oil Poached Alaskan Halibut & Liberty Farm Duck

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Had a beautiful Mother's Day dinner here yesterday. Really great service, and tasty food. Highly recommend the crab cakes!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Excellent food, great service, consistently excellent!! It's become our neighborhood. "Go to" for an excellent dining experience.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C S.
    0
    96
    15

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ambrea P.
    29
    39
    85

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynn H.
    311
    852
    1121

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Rick S.
    37
    21
    32

    5 months ago

    Always delicious with outstanding service. Drinks, salads, main courses and desserts are not to be missed.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nancy F.
    137
    18
    0

    3 months ago

    Excellent food! Great service! The Petrale sole was delicious. A great place to eat in bodega Bay.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Deanna B.
    461
    50
    24

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Tara A.
    1960
    831
    4441

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Mai P.
    27
    68
    53

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lori R.
    26
    10
    1

    3 months ago

    Great food - we all had a different main course and were not disappointed. Friendly service with comfortable atmosphere.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 3
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jon M.
    0
    28
    17

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Heather A.
    265
    43
    23

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Amanda S.
    1435
    1763
    7531

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 21

    Ask the Community - Terrapin Creek Cafe & Restaurant

    Are there any kid friendly options?

    I don't remember seeing a kid's menu. Let's say, it's for a sophisticated taste. No spaghetti or hamburger or chicken fingers. The food is very good.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Drakes Sonoma Coast

    Drakes Sonoma Coast

    4.0
    (833 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$$

    My fiancé and I came here for the first time to celebrate our anniversary, and we were both…read moreincredibly impressed from start to finish. The ambiance was unforgettable. The restaurant's large windows provide beautiful waterfront views no matter where you're seated. Our waitress (whose name I unfortunately forgot) was fantastic. She mentioned she'd been there for 14 years, which says a lot in itself. She was friendly, knowledgeable about every dish, and gave us excellent recommendations. I know Caesar dressing contains anchovies, but I was hesitant about having actual fish on my salad. I'm so glad she encouraged me to try the cooked anchovies on the side--they were delicious. Perfectly salty and a great complement to the salad. The pork chop entrée was perfection! The pork was cooked beautifully, and the bread pudding side was just as memorable. I'm not entirely sure what was in it, but it reminded me of garlic bread in the best way. The applesauce was also a nice touch. The halibut was cooked perfectly as well, and the mashed potatoes practically melted in your mouth. For sides, the grilled asparagus was exactly what you'd hope for, and the crispy potatoes lived up to their name, perfectly seasoned with a great crunch. The soup of the day was a creamy spring onion soup with crispy pancetta. Although just as delicious as everything else ordered, its the one plate we wished the portion was bigger for the price it was going for. We've eaten at plenty of restaurants, but this may be the first time where every single thing we ordered--from the entrées to the sides and sauces--was a 10/10. Needless to say, this won't be our last visit. It was absolutely worth it and such a memorable part of our anniversary trip to Bodega Bay.

    Mother's Day Brunch was overall very good, and uncommonly reasonable. Out of 4 dishes we ordered, 3…read morewere excellent; we found the pancakes to be a bit tough in texture. The time between ordering and receiving food was lengthy. It is possible that they were understaffed for a Mothers Day brunch. However, our waitress did check in before food arrived, to let us know the status of our order. Almost everything that we ordered was under $20. This was as opposed to a place like The Flamingo, which was charging $70 *per person* for its Mothers Day brunch. Drakes has a great view, but the most comfortable booth seating is on the wall, farthest from the windows. The tables at the windows are only for 2 (our party was 3).

    Photos
    Inside the restaurant
    Inside the restaurant
    The fruit paste, honey mustard, and clear honey & honeycomb that came with the charcuterie board
    The fruit paste, honey mustard, and clear honey & honeycomb that came with the charcuterie board
    Outdoor fire pit area

    See all

    Outdoor fire pit area
    Ginochio's Kitchen

    Ginochio's Kitchen

    4.3
    (482 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    You MUST try their amazing BBQ options!! Pulled pork perfection, brisket and ribs are all no joke!…read moreThese folks know what they're doing and they do it with love and bomb BBQ sauce! Clam and scallop chowder in a bead bowl makes for a great day at Bodega Bay. Owner Alicia is a local gem of a human and takes pride serving up family recipes to indulge in. More locals should patronize as they truly depend on tourists but when is midweek and not a slamming weekend, come support this awesome delicious casual dining with your dog on the chill patios. Great place great people. During restaurant week they topped over 100 crab sandos to very happy folks! With no shortage of clam chowder around, the offerings at Ginochio's stand out and truly deserve more than 5 stars!!!! You're welcome in advance! This place effin rocks my palate and will impress yours. All meats can be sold by the pound as well so bring some home or to your hotel, everything packs well for a picnic at the beach or a late night when everything is closed!! Sorry no photos this time- we ate too fast ;)

    Stopped in for lunch at one of our faves and ordered the nachos, fish tacos and monkey bread…read more(to-go). Of course, EVERYTHING was fantastic!! Also, service was amazing and very down to earth. Dog friendly and great views. Worth the stop. Mimosa's are also on point.

    Photos
    Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024
    Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024
    Monkey bread with bacon
    Monkey bread with bacon
    Cider at Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024

    See all

    Cider at Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024
    The Casino Bar & Grill

    The Casino Bar & Grill

    3.9
    (214 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    This is a "what you see is what you get" kind of place. I do appreciate their authenticity…read more Only 5 items on the lunch order which made it very easy to order. You place your order at the bar and the person working the bar was a kick. I guess she thought we were city folks as we were asking what kind of wines they offered and such. When we inquired what kind of bread sandwiches were served on she said "just regular bread". The in interior of this restaurant/bar has animal heads displayed all throughout and knotty pine One orders at the bar and then has the option of dining inside or on the patio. As it was a very warm sunny day, we opted for the patio. While seated you can see the iconic church in Bodega, St. Teresa of Avila. I had the tuna melt with a bag of chips and a Diet Coke. The tuna melt was pretty darn good you can't beat the price with all three coming in at undef $15.

    Hole in the wall. I've been several times but first time reviewing. You walk in to the bar area…read morewith two pool tables. Family friendly. Middle section are tables and outside area has seating as well. Biggest thing to remember here is it is CASH only. The menu changes based off what's available - most are locally sourced ingredients. Rumor is the chef is a former Michelin star chef who wanted to live a quieter life- either way- the food is to die for. You can tell love and passion is put into each dish. We had the spaghetti and meatballs- still dreaming about the meatballs. Perfection. Stop in. Be patient. And talk to the staff- all super friendly.

    Photos
    $10 burgers? Not bad
    $10 burgers? Not bad
    Tuna melt
    Tuna melt
    The bar

    See all

    The bar
    The Dog House

    The Dog House

    3.9
    (218 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Good food. We split a burger with fries. I loved that it is small and you could watch your food…read morebeing cooked. Nice format of having all the condiments (including lettuce and onions and pretty much anything that doesn't need cooking) at the condiment station. That way you get just what you want. Also nice that you can get a can of beer or cider if you are in to that sort of thing. Nice easy place to fuel up before a nature walk. I like that it is on a street between the highway and the bay. Somehow makes it feel a little more like a locals place. Not the fastest service, but the cook is really right there making things as you order, so you know it is fresh!

    One of the Best Hot Dogs You'll Ever Have…read more We stopped at The Dog House in Bodega Bay during our mid-January birthday trip from the San Jose region and had perfect weather to enjoy sitting outside. It was sunny with temperatures in the mid-60s, which felt more like spring than winter. The week before the area was flooded with rain. It's rare to find a local, non-chain that specializes in hot dogs. This place is a fun, very casual, local favorite and great if you are craving a great hot dog or burger. They have an excellent selection of classic and custom hot dogs, including a legit Chicago dog, plus hand-cut fries and burgers. Everything is made fresh and packed with flavor. The fries were crispy and perfectly seasoned, and the hot dog was honestly one of the best I have had. I only wish I could make them this good at home. Seating is available both inside and outside, and the vibe is very relaxed. It is super friendly, very local, and dog-friendly in the best way. Real dogs are welcome, not just the ones on the menu. They also have a good selection of beers, which pairs nicely with the food. Parking is easy and plentiful since it is right next to the local post office. If you are looking for a casual, fun, and delicious lunch spot in Bodega Bay, The Dog House is a must-stop. One of the best hot dog joints we have been to and highly recommended. I am going back next time I am in town.

    Photos
    The Dog House
    The Dog House
    Current menu with prices

    See all

    Current menu with prices
    Bluewater Lounge

    Bluewater Lounge

    3.3
    (187 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    We popped in for lunch and a beer today. The staff are always really friendly and we had a cold…read morebeer and a good lunch (fish tacos and the club sandwich) and watched the Kentucky Derby at the bar. The view from there never gets old.

    It is nice to see Bluewater Lounge restaurant/bar open again! It was one of the later dining…read moreestablishments to reopen following covid. And even better to know the food and drinks are as great as they always were! While staying with friends in this lovely golf community, we stopped at the Links at Bodega Harbour to check it out and decided to stay for dinner. The menus offered up some tasty sounding dishes! And they did not disappoint. Three of us ordered the crab cakes while two went for the traditional hamburger and fries. Everyone was happy with their choices. Crab cakes were on point! Lots of crab with little filler. Really rich and moist served with a light sauce, which complimented them so well. Hamburgers were big and juicy with lots of crispy fries. In the beverage department, I selected the Quivira Sauvignon Blanc, which was wonderful. You rarely see this winery on restaurant wine lists, so I was quite excited. It is so delightful and perfect with crab cakes. (Menu photos of everything are included.) By the time we were finished, every seat was filled. It is a small area with maybe 7 seats at the bar and a mixture of tables and high tops rounding out the rest of the room. Very cozy. A gorgeous view of the ocean and golf course, too, as the restaurant is on the second level of the building. Casual dining at its best! Alex and his helper were working hard. Five-star customer service for sure. Shout out to them both! I highly recommend Bluewater Lounge for a place to stop where you will have quality food, a full bar, and people who strive to give the highest customer experience to everyone! Open for dining Wednesday, Thursday (live music), Friday (bingo or live trivia), Saturday, and Sunday (brunch). (It's always smart to call for specific open hours.) Parking plentiful. Did I mention they give a nice wine pour too!!! Cheers!

    Photos
    How lucky are we to have these beautiful sunny days out here at bodega bay
    How lucky are we to have these beautiful sunny days out here at bodega bay
    Wok Seared Pork Ribs  Mango Chili BBQ Sauce, Sweet Potato Fries
    Wok Seared Pork Ribs Mango Chili BBQ Sauce, Sweet Potato Fries
    January 2026 Music Lineup

    See all

    January 2026 Music Lineup

    Terrapin Creek Cafe & Restaurant - newamerican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...