Cafe Aquatica - Jenner, California

Dano

Cafe Aquatica is one of those hidden gems you stumble upon by chance during your travels. Driving from Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to Bodega Bay, we found ourselves without cellular reception to search for lunch spots. Passing through Jenner, we decided to stop at Cafe Aquatica—and it turned out to be a delightful surprise.

The staff were warm and welcoming, the views were breathtaking, and the food exceeded expectations for what appeared to be a humble riverside shack. Overlooking the Russian River as it meets the Pacific Ocean added a serene charm to the experience. The Smoked Lox Bagel was a standout, and the clam chowder, though different from the rich New England style, offered a lighter, clear broth that was equally enjoyable.

The only downside was the lack of an on-site restroom. Customers are directed to the public bathrooms in the adjacent parking lot, which unfortunately are quite disgusting. While it might suffice for guy who can go standing up, the women in our group opted to wait for a cleaner facility elsewhere.

V. R. S.

We had a delicious breakfast here this morning. The poached eggs on toast were delightful! The Cafe Mocha was very delicious! Just the right amount of chocolate. It's a small cafe with outdoor seating, some covered seating, and great views.

Dorothy A.

The food was amazing! I got a crab roll and a savory scone, and both were delicious! The service was friendly and everyone was so nice! The view was great even in the rain!

Brittni F.

Everything seed seasoning has small particles of seaweed, ughh I hate seaweed. I couldn’t finish my meal, my avocado on the toast was very plain my avocados on my counter back home taste way better I honestly thinks this meal would taste much better mashed. I was disappointed about the seaweed bits in the seed seasoning. When I asked to switch the plain piece of focaccia bread with butter my husband got with toast. She gave me an eye rolling look and said he won’t like it if he doesn’t like focaccia bread this was the lady serving the window today on New Year’s. She was kind of rude. Like how do you know he won’t like gluten free toast. The board is mis leading they have toast! “ gluten free and it’s pretty good! Anyway Not just focaccia toast like I was told at the register . $31 for focaccia bread, a small mocha, a large mocha and avocado toast. With seaweed bits through away half my meal. Please be more specific explaining to new comers. Thnx ✌️ specs of dark seaweed in the seed Mix yuck!

Richard P.

Stopped by for lunch as part of a road trip to Mendocino and were happy we did! The smoked salmon roll was a generous portion of salmon and reminded us of the smoked salmon we have had in Scotland. Now the clam chowder was not your typical Boston style or thick like you get at Ivar’s in Seattle. But definitely a favorite of mine for being packed with chunks of potato and fresh clams. While it was more broth, that allowed each spoonful of heaping potato and clam goodness to have some liquid with it. Now these are real clams and not your canned or diced variety. And the buttery, garlicky croutons! Definitely in our top 10 for bay dining along the West Coast.

Tara H.

Good location, where the river meets the ocean, their back patio overlooks the river. The line to order food on a Saturday was long but moved fast. We grabbed our food and sat on the patio to listen to live music.

The rainbow sandwich was fantastic, right amount of everything. Red cabbage, avocado, and some other goodies on a focaccia. Salmon lox was ok and coffee drinks were average. I will definitely be back for their rainbow veggie sandwich.

Chris B.

Just outstanding in every aspect. Service was great. Freshly made blueberry scones were to die for and breakfast sandwich with poached egg was delicious. Top that off with great coffee and sitting alongside river watching the birds and an occasional sea lion pop up we’re just surreal

Alison M. C.

Great view from the deck and the picnic tables outside. Great natural wine. Good bagel. Sadly, both our café drinks (dirty chai + matcha latte) were extremely watered down. Buy packaged drinks and you'll be happy. Management should scrap the pour over setup. Staff is doing it wrong, it's not pulling decent shots, and it makes counter service super slow. An espresso machine would fix everything.