Inn at Tres Pinos

Reviews

• Andrew C A.

  star star star star star 21 August 2026

  Went here for my birthday last night and as always, it was amazing. Started with the oysters, which were sweet and buttery.  My dirty martini was well balanced and matched the subtle brininess. The house salad is paradoxical how it seems so simple but explodes with flavor.  Calamari steak was cooked so well that you could cut it with a fork but still popped in your mouth. Rack of lamb (chef choice on temp) was amazing with the rich dijon sauce and fresh veggies.  Filet was like butter and cooked perfectly with a nice sear while keeping a bright red bloody center.  
  
  If you are in the area def make a reservation.

• E. E.

  star star star star star 7 August 2026

  Absolutely what I've been searching for since we moved to Hollister! The filet was awesome! I had been searching for a filet for months. The Creme Brûlée was delicious too and just the right size. It had the vanilla beans at the bottom just how I like it and a hard caramelized tip. Thank you!!

• Matt S.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 7 August 2026

  I want to start this by saying that's it's not a bad review per se, it's just not a favorable one. It should be stated first that the staff was wonderful, and I was very happy with the service. Let's dive in.
  
  My first experience at this restaurant was many years ago as a teenager. My family and I were fairly new to Hollister, and we wanted some more upscale food. My memories of that visit are very good, and when I wanted a place to take my wife and son before going away with her for the weekend, I thought it would be nice to take them somewhere they'd never been, without a long drive north.
  
  The restaurant is in a very old building, with the history of it printed on the menu. After being found by the hostess, we were led off to the right and through a doorway to what appears to be a porch that was converted to some additional indoor seating. On the table were some temporary plates that were removed after we were seated, with the place settings themselves being nice. I opened the menu that was waiting for me, and was delighted to see how small it was.
  
  A few starters, some salads, poultry, seafood, and beef/lamb options were listed, and when I saw the lamb I was thrilled, as I am a sucker for good lamb. After reading the specials and bringing us drinks, the waiter assured me that the dijon crusted lamb was as incredible as I was hoping it would be, and I ordered it. My son got a prawn pasta in marinara sauce, and my wife the filet mignon. Both of our dishes were served with a garlic mash, green beans, and carrots.
  
  Our five year old's food arrived first, and sampling it revealed pasta cooked well, and prawns that were prepared just as delicately. I hate overcooked shellfish, and these were perfect. Tasting that gave me so much hope for my wife and I's dishes, yet this is where it all fell apart.
  
  First, my wife's filet was ordered medium, and came medium rare. This is a common mistake, and not something I fault a kitchen for very often. I have no problem paying good money for good food. Unfortunately, this was not it. The filet here is sold at "market" pricing, which today meant $38. The steak was bland, very bland. While the cut was pretty good, the meat simply didn't taste seasoned. This theme spread across the entire plate, where the veg and potatoes were also flat, tasting of almost nothing.
  
  The garlic mash didn't have any hints of garlic, or salt, or butter, or anything that would make a good mash. They were also dry, which was odd as they were a red potato mash, with the skins still on. I expected quite a bit more out of that. Both plates came out HEAVILY garnished with parsley. I mean, like, a lot. It was sprinkled all over like a dusting of snow, and there was even a sprig of it planted in the ice cream scoop of potatoes like a flag. To the kitchen's credit, when the steak was re-fired to medium, it came back with some whole peppercorns on it that gave it a bit more flavor. Props to them for that.
  
  Don't worry, I didn't forget the lamb. Oh dear. It was not the culinary experience I was dreaming of. First, as with the filet, it was almost flavorless. While the bits of dijon crust stuck to it were nice, the rest of the meat itself suffered from the same lack of seasoning. I mean, not even salt and pepper. For $36 (the "market" rate for today), I also expected a little more meat. It was cooked perfectly medium, with some large bits of gristle that needed to be cut away. My hopes dashed, I finished the plate and set it to the side. The majority of the steak, and my son's remaining pasta, ended up in cute little swan shaped foil packets - a nice touch in my opinion.
  
  My stomach started feeling off almost immediately after the plates were cleared, and I had to excuse myself to take care of it. I asked the hostess where the lamb came from, and she helpfully told me Australia. I didn't have the heart to ask if it was frozen. My wife threw up her meal just before I sat down to write this. I don't mind paying top dollar for food, but it needs to be better than I can cook at home. This didn't fit the sizable bill. Maybe after some time has passed, we'll give this little Inn another chance, but for now, maybe eat somewhere else.
  
  TL;DR - Great staff, good service, but the expensive food left a LOT to be desired. We also got sick, so there's that.

• Don N.

  star star star star star 7 August 2026

  Fine dining at it's best in the tiny town of Tres Pinos really recaps the experience.  
  
  I'm typically not a huge fan of fine dining.  While I'm a foodie I also believe in value.  The Inn is one of my exceptions.  This place is expensive, so plan on spending $50+ per person.  If your ok with that then prepare yourself for a great dining experience.
  
  The service is always exceptional, you will never run out of water or bread.  Staff is super friendly and tentative.
  
  The food is exceptional.  We have had dinner here for the past three Fridays.  The pan grilled New York is exceptional.  Last night I enjoyed the Prume Rib (special).  It was perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly as i requested.  We always order the wedge salad, it's a must have!
  
  Cost saving tip:  Costco sells gift cards for the inn.  $80 for $100, so 20% off.  We do this if we remember.  
  
  Overall the is expensive, but use the tip to save some coin.  The food is great and service is over the top.

• Megan W.

  star star star star star 2 August 2026

  My family has been coming here for years to celebrate all kinds of occasions; Birthdays, graduations, promotions etc.. Every time we come we have a wonderful experience! The food and the service is exquisite. The atmosphere is an awesome rustic country hometown feel; come dressed in your Sunday best or your favorite warriors t shirt and have the same experience! Don't forget your wallet it is on the expensive side but definitely worth it! When you go make time to enjoy it; this is not a fast pace dinner. Not the restaurant to go to if you're in a rush.
  Special thank you to Kim our amazing server who took great care of my mom on her 55th birthday!
  Highly recommend the calamari appetizer, the rack of pistachio encrusted lamb and the bread pudding. Always ask about the specials we almost always order an appetizer special. Worth the drive and the price. Enjoy!!!