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Mono Inn

Fixed-price tasting menus overlooking Mono Lake, from chef Jason Custer.

(145)
$$$$Lee Vining, CA

About

Mono Inn is a lakeside restaurant in Lee Vining built around a fixed-price, multi-course tasting menu — contemporary, farm-to-table cooking served with a view of Mono Lake. Chef Jason Custer and owner Hilary Hansen Jones run the kitchen and dining room together, and the 4.8 rating across 145 reviews reflects a following that returns on purpose, not by accident.

What's on the Menu

The tasting menu is fixed weekly, so what's on it changes from visit to visit — recent dinners have featured dishes like watermelon sorbet with kimchi foam, cured ocean trout with caviar cream, roasted squab in Korean dumplings, and a toasted corn ice cream dessert. The wine list draws on both Old World and New World bottles, with several options under $50.

Setting and Hours

The dining room looks out over the lake, with a fireplace for cool Eastern Sierra evenings. Upstairs, a second-floor room holds a library of cookbooks, local artwork, and an antique square grand piano worth a look before or after dinner.

  • Hours: Monday, Friday–Sunday, 5:00–9:00 PM (closed Tuesday–Thursday)
  • Phone: (760) 784-3266

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of menu does Mono Inn serve?

A fixed-price, multi-course tasting menu that's set weekly, built around locally sourced, contemporary farm-to-table cooking.

What are Mono Inn's hours?

Monday and Friday through Sunday, 5:00–9:00 PM. It's closed Tuesday through Thursday.

Where is Mono Inn located?

In Lee Vining, with dining room views over Mono Lake.

Reviews (145)

See all on Google
4.8

145 reviews

Write a review
Sng Shao Hao
Sng Shao Hao

in the last week

Service and food were excellent, topped with an amazing view of Mono Lake

M A
M A

2 weeks ago

Amazing views of Mono Lake, elegant refined bathrooms, dining area. We had delicious hamburguers at the bar, they also serve hamburguers on the terrace.

Leonard Smith
Leonard Smith

4 weeks ago

Michelin - star cuisine without a ticket to France! Chef Jason Custer creates dishes of amazing complexity, many of which are Korean- inspired in both presentation and flavor. Between courses, we relaxed with the view of Mono Lake and the graciousness of Jason and his staff. We'd drive hundreds of miles for this. Again!!

Mammoth Lover
Mammoth Lover

a month ago

Spectacular everything! The historic Inn has a beautiful viewpoint onto Mono Lake. The food is a tasting menu created seasonally with mostly locally sourced food regionally, with some special items often from Japan. The chef meticulously trained his staff and prepares his food with Korean and Japanese inspired flavors and techniques. Nice beverage selection with great cocktails, and interesting wines. Though a lot of courses, the portion sizes are perfect. Strongly recommend this restaurant for special occasions or just passing through looking for a great dining experience. The Eastern Sierra has some great food options, but this is by far the cream of the crop.

Raymond McGhee
Raymond McGhee

a month ago

The Mono Inn is a remarkable dining spot located near Mono Lake with stunning panoramic views and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Co-managed by Chef Jason Custer and owner Hilary Hansen Jones, it offers an unforgettable fixed-price menu featuring creative, flavorful dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The menu, inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony, delivers a harmonious and tranquil multi-course experience. Highlights include watermelon sorbet with kimchi foam, delicately cured ocean trout with caviar cream, roasted squab in Korean dumplings, and a unique toasted corn ice cream dessert. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with excellent wine suggestions from the wine list that had several Old World and New World selections under $50. The attentive service at Mono Inn was choreographed by the owner who took time to regale our table in the history of the Mono Inn of the region. There's so much I love about the Mono Inn, from the low-key vibe and mixed with a formal dinner service, to the wonderfully creative dishes bursting with amazing flavors. All of these aspects make The Mono Inn a must-visit. This is my second visit, and I’ll definitely be back. Highly recommended!

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