Noyo River Grill
Where to go for delicious food with a dash of family joy
Have you been looking for a new restaurant to try in the Mendocino area? You should go down to the Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg and check out the Noyo River Grill! Tucked around the corner from the time-honored Silver’s at the Wharf, this little grill is almost invisible unless you know what you’re looking for. It’s well worth seeking out though – the food is fresh and creative, and the friendly atmosphere established by the newest owners makes you feel like you’re part of their family.
Chef Guillermo Medina and his brother Gabriel took over the business with their parents Luis and Tomasa in June 2018, but they had been dreaming of doing something like this for years. It started when their sister bought Café One in downtown Fort Bragg. Everyone pitched in to help her with her new venture, and the brothers kind of fell in love with the restaurant business along the way. Through the following years, they hashed out plans and possibilities with their parents, dreaming up how they could leave their own personal mark on the local culinary scene, in both food and quality of service. Guillermo moved to Santa Rosa in 2012 to attend culinary school, and when he moved back to Fort Bragg in 2017, Gabe was ready to lead the charge toward making their dreams a reality.
Dad Luis gets excited when it’s time for fresh salmon!
So they did just that! After some searching, the family made a deal with the folks that owned the Noyo River Grill, and by mid 2018 they were in full operation. It was theirs!
Beautiful, fresh, handmade fettucini marinara
Over the past year and a half, the Medinas have focused on building a solid foundation for their business. They have been developing a strong team of staff including both past employees and new hires, as well as evolving and fine-tuning a menu that both nourishes and delights. And despite an out-of-the-way location and minimal advertising, word of mouth has been getting their name out there, and the tables are regularly filled with happy diners.
We here at the Brewery Gulch Inn had also been hearing rave reviews, so we sent out scouts to test the waters as it were. The report? The most delicate batter on their fried shrimp. Lovely clam chowder. Phenomenal ceviche. Super fresh handmade fettucini. That decided us – and we arrived en masse a few days ago for our annual staff Christmas party. Because if they’re that good, we should all go all at once, right?!
So much good food!
Well, Guillermo, Gabe, and the rest of the crew at the Grill accommodated our big group with aplomb – the service was gracious and pleasant, and the food was outstanding. The rock cod picatta was beautifully done, the fish and chips were a hit, and one of the gals kept trying to steal everyone else’s ceviche, it was that good. When we thanked Guillermo afterward for a wonderful evening and meal, he smiled and said,
“I’m so glad you all enjoyed it! We’re just excited to be able to do something like this. It’s like inviting people over to our house. We want everyone to feel comfortable, like they’re friends of the family coming into our own home – guests and employees alike.”
For our part, we have to say we really did feel that way, and we’re really glad we sought them out!
You can find the Noyo River Grill at 32150 N Harbor Dr in Fort Bragg. They are open every day for lunch from 11:00am-4:00pm and for dinner from 4:00pm-9:00pm. Call them at (707) 962-9050 to make a reservation, or just stop on by!
Also, if you’re looking for good oysters, look no farther - a half dozen on the half shell is the very first thing you’ll find on their menu!
Evening view from the back deck of the Grill.
Words by Laura Hockett
Photos courtesy of Noyo River Grill