DINING AT MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN | DINING IN THE VILLAGE AT MAMMOTH

Mammoth Lakes has nearly 60 dining options, from gourmet French cuisine to delicatessen sandwiches and quick take-out.

The best gourmet menu is at Skadi (934-3902; $$$), with a romantic atmosphere and mountain views. Another choice for fine dining is Cervino's (934-4734; $$$), with a menu that leans toward Northern Italian cuisine.

Petra's (934-3500; $$) is a wine bar serving more than 28 wines by the glass along with an ever-changing menu of appetizers served "tapas" style.

For the most romantic (and expensive) dining, head out to Lakefront Restaurant at Tamarack Lodge (934-3534; $$$; above) where the menu is basic but the presentation excellent. The atmosphere is Old World in a small dining room decorated with photos of movie stars who used to hang out here. Another top choice, with country French cuisine and one of the best wine lists in town, is The Restaurant at Convict Lake (934-3803; $$$), 4 miles south of Mammoth Lakes on Hwy. 395. Look for the Convict Lake turnoff just south of the airport.

LuLu's ($$$) presents a Mediterranean style menue with novel twists. Enjoy an anitpasto platter with a choice of three starters such as ropasted beets, house cured salmon ot a leek, goat cheese and bacon tart. then move to the small plates and test iron skillet roasted mussels (they are giant), duck confit salad or pancetta wrapped prawns amontg others. They serve very reasonable rosemary scented chicken or fennel pork loin. Their pizzas are all under $20 and the meat and fish entrees top out the menue at $30. Split a dessert—they are to die for.

Nevados (934-4466; $$–$$$) serves contemporary cuisine and has been one of Mammoth's top restaurants for more than 20 years. For steaks, prime rib and seafood, head to Whiskey Creek (934-2555; $$–$$$), The Mogul Restaurant (934-3039; $$) or the Chart House (934-4526; $$–$$$). Mogul has built its reputation as the best steak house, but we give it best marks for the grilled seafood as well.

Families (or anyone with limited funds) should stop in at Berger's (934-6622; $–$$) for big, big portions. The tuna salad is massive and you can have not only burgers but also chicken, salad or Canadian stew. Another family spot is Angel's (934-7427; $$) with great ribs, beans and barbecue.

Nik-N-Willie's Pizza (934-2012; $) has the best in town. Pizzas also are featured at Giovanni's (934-7563; $), Perry's Italian Cafe (934-6521; $), 5 Boroughs Pizza (924-1045; $) in the village or Tommy Ho's (934-8140; $).

The best Mexican food is at Roberto's (934-3667; $) with homemade tortillas and big servings; or head to Gomez's (924-2693; $).

Grumpy's (934-8587; $) holds the distinction of the town's best fried chicken, also the best cole slaw, all presented in a big-screen TV, no-smoking, sports-bar atmosphere.

Sand Dollar Sushi (934-5282; $-$$) in the village has a good sushi bar and Shogun (934-3970; $) also has Japanese cuisine and sushi. Try Matsu (934-8277; $) for inexpensive Chinese-American and Thai'd Up (934-7355; $) for Thai cuisine.

Austria Hof (934-2764; $$–$$$; right) and Alpenrose (934-3077; $$) serve German and Austrian specialties.

The best breakfast in town is served at Good Life Cafe (934-1734; $), which has a very diverse early-morning menu, and also offers lunch-type meals. Locals also recommend The Stove (934-2821; $), with biscuits 3 or 4 inches high. Another restaurant with hearty breakfasts is The Breakfast Club (934-6944; $) at the intersection of Old Mammoth Road and Hwy. 203.

Coffee lovers, your choices are Looney Bean (934-1345; $) in the Rite Aid shopping center; ; Stellar Brew (924-3559; $) on Main Street next to the Chevron station; World Cup Coffee (924-3629; $) on Old Mammoth Road across from the movie theater; Paul Schat's Bakery and Cafe (934-6055; $) on Main Street; and the Old New York Deli and Bagel Co. (934-3354; $). All have good pastries as well.

On the Mountain
For full-service lunch or evening dining at the mountain, try the California cuisine at Mountainside Grill (934-0601; $$) in the Mammoth Mountain Inn. Or head over to the more casual and crowded Yodler (934-0636; $). Other best bets for on-mountain lunch are the Mill Cafe ($) at the base of Stump Alley Express, serving sandwiches and garlic fries, Canyon Lodge ($) with its food court that solves any craving or Parallax ($$) in McCoy Station for fine luncheons highlighting Cal-Asian cuisine. Look for the notoriously "so-so cafeteria food" at the Main Lodge ($) to improve after its $4-million renovation during summer 2005.

June Lake
The best dining is at the Eagle's Landing Restaurant (648-7897; $$–$$$; left) at the Double Eagle Resort and Spa. The Tiger Bar and Cafe (648-7551; $–$$) is good for burgers and chicken. What there is of June nightlife happens at the Tiger Bar, as does breakfast—go figure, June's a small town. The Sierra Inn Restaurant (648-7774; $$) has a slightly more upscale menu than The Tiger Bar. The best dining is still in Mammoth Lakes.
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Dining Legend: $$$$–Entrees $30+; $$$–$20–$30;$$–$10–$20; $–less than $10