Nest At Lake Arrowhead

We have lived in Lake Arrowhead for over 20 years. With one or two exceptions, Lake Arrowhead has never been known for "fine dining." However, we and another couple decided to try The Nest last night for "All you can eat sushi," which we came to find out has been discontinued. With no other reservations, we chose to stay for their regular menu. Three of us ordered the Ahi tuna entree and requested the tuna very rare. We made a strong point of this as we have had overcooked "seared" tuna in other restaurants. The fourth of our party ordered the salmon. The entrees came with a choice of soup or salad and my husband and I chose the salad with a "balsamic vinaigrette" dressing. The salad arrived and it consisted of pieces of iceberg lettuce leaves with a very watery dressing - almost inedible. When the entrees arrived, the tuna was so overcooked it was well done and tough. My husband actually thought they made a mistake and gave him the salmon order...which never arrived for the fourth of our party: she also got the dry, overcooked tuna. The tuna came on a plate with a lump of strange looking and tasting white rice, slivers of cooked carrots and something resembling mushy sweet red beets. This dinner would have been overpriced at McDonald's prices, let alone at The Nest's price gouging. STAY AWAY! For relatively good fare at the same price, try the more elegant BIN 189 at the Lake Arrowhead Lodge. Casual Elegance is also a possibility and for family dining at a more reasonable cost, Papagayos in the village or Mandarin Garden in Blue Jay should suffice. Melissa Lake Arrowhead, CA more

On the restaurant's website the chef claims to be an "award winning" "five star chef" , but when I inquired on a recent visit i could not get the staff to elucidate on these seemingly stately plaudits. the best that I could extract was that they were "European awards" ( the chef is German). However, the major rating systems of Europe- the Michelin, and the Gault-Millau are up to 3 stars and 20 points respectively. Additionally- for comparison's sake- the only US system to use 5 stars is the Mobil Food Guide(ratings criteria available on their website) and only a small handful of the nations most prestigious restaurants have five stars. In fact according to Mobil, The Nest would be lucky to get 1 star. For the quality- poor to average- the food at the Nest is way overpriced. Additionally considering that the tabletops are glass (with chips & cracks) and not linen one is left to wonder where the money they are spending is actually going. Pros: only sushi on the mountain Cons: sushi on the same menu as shnitzel more

Where I do begin with my rave's of JOY?! The atmosphere was lovely, and if you are a guest of the neighboring inn with children, perhaps dining early is best, as I noticed a more mature group oof diners the later the evening went on. My husband and I were most fortunate to go early and seated immeadiately. I would definitely recommend reservations.This is a lovely restauarant with old world charm. Toward the back they do offer private booths. Our waitstaff was friendly, attentive. Our food was cooked to perfection. We enjoyed this warm and hospitable establishment and we can't wait to go back! We are telling everyone about this place. Pros: Beautiful place, great staff, FABULOUS FOOD Cons: may not be the best place for children, suggest early dinning with kids more

We had a most wonderful experience at The Nest. We arrived early and were seated regardless. Our waitstaff was attentive and pleasant. The food...OH, the food! Beyond great. As for the other posters regard to children, they cry sometimes and it can't be helped. Since I am the parent of a toddler, who appreciates a good (if not fantastic) meal, I applaud the owner. It's all too often that families get the cold shoulder just because they have children. It would not be MY first choice of restaurant for kids. But, if they're there I think they deserve the same standard of service as those without. I have reservations there for dinner tonight and would be suprised to receive a less than stellar meal or service. more

The Nest is a 4 star restaurant nestled in the romantic. After waiting 20 minutes past our reservation, we were seated at a quiet booth and was available the entire time. A family of 4 with a tired 2 year old crying seated behind us. After 10 minutes of non-stop crying, we spoke with a waitress. The owner came and refused to speak to the family and we were to be moved to a louder part of the restaurant if we didnt like the child's noise. Since the romance for the evening was ruined, we move. I was too upset to accept any compensation, but still shocked that I was charged a $10 corkage fee on my wine. The food and service is worthy of 5 stars, but owner is a horrible manager and will sacrifice your romantic evening at the expense of a crying child. BE WARNED! Pros: FOOD, Service, should be romantic Cons: Owner favors children, not romantic, couples are ignored more