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Whether dining al fresco in Old Town or enjoying lunch with vineyard views, a visit to Temecula Valley provides a picture-perfect backdrop for romantic getaways, culinary adventures, and world-class wine tasting experiences. With its roots deeply embedded in ranching and agriculture, the region is well known as a premiere wine destination. And over the past few years, Temecula has evolved into a gastronomic hotspot, with an influx of new eateries and restaurants impressing tourists, locals, and food critics alike.
Newer culinary hotspots include Corbeaux Wine & Tea House, the recently remodeled Great Oak Steakhouse at Pechanga Resort Casino, Haven Haus Cafe, Lorimar Café, Mercato di Vienza at Europa Village, The Brunch House, Tiki Burger, and Two Travelers Wine Bar + Merchant.
As the local dining scene has evolved, the quality of chefs in the valley has risen dramatically.
Chef Leah Di Bernardo is the founder and award-winning culinary director of E.A.T Marketplace, a popular farm-to-table eatery in Old Town Temecula. Known for her dedication to sustainable practices, Leah has created a hub for food lovers who appreciate fresh, local ingredients. Her commitment to supporting regional farms has made E.A.T a must-visit for those looking to explore the area's culinary roots. Leah is also a champion of food education and a leader in the community, overseeing several academic and edible school garden programs.
Chef Ben Diaz at Corkfire Kitchen blends his Le Cordon Bleu training with a passion for local flavors and frequently uses produce grown on-site in his Chef and Butterfly gardens, which is open for visitors to explore. His cooking philosophy centers on elevating regional ingredients, which has earned Corkfire Kitchen a devoted following.
Executive Chef Chris Gemino at Corbeaux Wine & Tea House brings over a decade of culinary experience and passion to his position, shaped by his upbringing as a Filipino-American. He studied at the International Culinary Center in San Jose, CA, and honed his skills at the Michelin starred Orchard City Kitchen. In San Diego, he worked at Underbelly and helped open Fortunate Son with Consortium Holdings. At Corbeaux Wine & Tea House, his cuisine is centered around pushing the boundaries of tea incorporated and infused food. He utilizes globally sourced ingredients to compliment a sophisticated, stylish, and whimsical pairing experience.
Born and raised in Egypt, Europa Village Executive Chef Hany Ali’s passion for culinary arts began at an early age. Born in Cairo, he started working as a culinary apprentice at age 14 and eventually graduated from the International Culinary Institute of Egypt. Over the years, his career has taken him to The Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach, CA, Sur La Table (cooking school), and Great Wolf Lodge. At Europa Village, Chef Hany embraces being part of a food culture that respects local produce, farmers, and ranchers.
Chef John Murray at Altisima Winery’s Gaspar’s Restaurant is bringing world-class experience to the region. With a career that includes Michelin star accolades and a long list of high-profile clients, Chef Murray offers diners a taste of exceptional cuisine from his London roots. Meanwhile, Chef Amanda Colello at Paisano's Italian at Pechanga Resort Casino brings a touch of New York sophistication to Southern California, combining classical French techniques with her love for Italian cooking. With her appearances on shows like Chopped and Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Amanda has made Paisano’s a popular restaurant for visitors and locals alike.
Chef Alessandro “Alex” Prestifilippo, moved to the U.S. from Sicily in the late 1990s and opened Gourmet Italia 25 years ago. He wanted his guests to feel like they were experiencing Italy in Southern California. Today, many regulars frequent the eatery. Along with his wife, Charity, he owns and operates three area restaurants: Gourmet Italia, Spuntino’s, and Bottega Italia in Old Town Temecula.
Chef Amanda Colello at Paisano’s Italian at Pechanga Resort Casino started her culinary in New York City, where she developed a deep appreciation for cooking. After honing her skills at Le Cordon Bleu and training under acclaimed chef Thomas Keller, Amanda brought her passion for fine dining to Southern California. She has appeared on popular cooking shows like "Chopped" and "Hell’s Kitchen." At Paisano’s Italian, Amanda combines her classical training with her love for building flavors and creating memorable dining experiences.
Chef Andre Pinto, Executive Chef at Pechanga Resort Casino, is a native of Brazil and spent a lot of time learning to cook in the family kitchen as a young boy. He moved to the U.S. to work at prominent restaurants on the East Coast and joined Pechanga Resort Casino in 2014. Over the years, he has used his broad culinary skills to lead several Pechanga restaurant teams. As Executive Chef, he oversees the resort's 12 restaurants, banquet kitchens, in-house bakery, in-house butcher shop, garden manager, and a staff of 540.
Chef Taylor Israelsen at Vitagliano Vineyards & Winery started her culinary journey with scratch kitchen cooking. As a Southern California native, her innovative, seasonal menus highlight the best of local ingredients. She began her professional journey in Walt Disney World, Florida, where the fast-paced and intense kitchen environment made her fall in love with the industry. After returning to California, she worked in several restaurants while attending culinary school to hone her craft. Chef Taylor's commitment to seasonality and sustainability ensures that every dish at Vitagliano Winery is both delicious and environmentally conscious.
For the best experience in Temecula Valley, it is recommended that visitors book a hotel for a few nights to fully immerse themselves into the charm of the region. With so much to see and do, an extended stay ensures that guests won’t miss out on any of the unforgettable experiences that make Temecula Valley a top food and wine destination.
About Visit Temecula Valley
Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(6) destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism-related businesses including wineries, restaurants, breweries, retail and specialty boutiques, hotels, short-term rentals, and more. It is a popular Southern California destination that includes Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. For more information visit http://www.visittemeculavalley.com.
