We do not serve pre-made or prepackaged food and our meals are prepared with the highest quality produce, cheeses, seafood, meats, and herbs.
Enjoy tasty meals in a comfortable, casual café setting. We borrow the term “café” from the French to suggest a local haunt in which the tradition of made-from-scratch food carries on.
The café was established in 1994 by Chef Richard Ortiz and his wife, Barbara. Located on North Shore Drive, also known as highway 38, on the north side of Big Bear Lake in the California San Bernardino mountains, the café was once an old mining shack about the size and proximity of the current walk-in refrigerator.
On the north side of Big Bear Lake, enjoy tasty meals in a comfortable, casual café setting. We borrow the term "café" from the French to suggest a local haunt in which the tradition of made-from-scratch food carries on. We do not serve pre-made or prepackaged food, and our meals are prepared with the highest quality produce, cheeses, seafood, meats, and herbs.
The café was established in 1994 by Chef Richard Ortiz and his wife, Barbara. Located on North Shore Drive, also known as highway 38, on the north side of Big Bear Lake in the California San Bernardino mountains, the café was once an old mining shack about the size and proximity of the current walk-in refrigerator. The building has expanded and morphed over the years finding it's true destiny as a restaurant, having housed a donut shop, breakfast diner, and pizzeria among other establishments during its history. In its current incarnation, the building houses the 40-seat café and owners' residence. An outdoor patio seats 20+ during seasonable weather. Dogs are welcome guests on the lower level and sometimes receive special treats from Chef Richard.
We are open for breakfast and lunch and also serve dinner specials on Friday and Saturday evenings. The North Shore Cafe is available for private dinner parties of 14 or more on evenings we are not open to the public.
Chef Richard and Barbara have a hands-on approach to our restaurant and welcome feedback from our customers. The best way to communicate to us directly is via our email address, northshorecafe@yahoo.com, which is checked at least daily. We will answer you within a 24-hour period or sooner. Thank you!
We have been here twice once for lunch and dinner and this is truly the best restaurant in Big Bear. Excellent service and great food.
Michael P
The food here was Amaz-ballz. Went there again the second day. Dog friendly, if you want to sit outside on the patio. Try the artichoke sandwich (with added veggies like: onion, bells, mushrooms, jalapeño’s… What ever you like) it was superb.
David Carraway
My favorite breakfast place in Big Bear by far. Nice little cafe with delicious homemade food and a huge menu, especially for breakfast. Try the corned beef hash! Quiet location away from the crowds with outdoor seating to relax and take in the view of the mountains.
Chris Knaffle