the regional rainbird’s song and unique migration pattern signify the coming of rain and, in turn, a bountiful harvest. now offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. complimentary valet parking for guests dining at rainbird. breakfast, lunch and dinner are available for online ordering.
Rainbird Merced
Nunes Farms, Gustine, CA; Mariposa Coffee Company, Mariposa CA; Old Lake Mill – George Pena, Merced CA. rainbird interior …
Cindy Ross
My daughter took me for a belated Valentine’s dinner due to her work schedule. We were seated promptly for our reservation. Drinks were served quickly and never ran out. Food was out with 15 minutes. Waitress was very sweet and friendly as were the rest of the staff. Food was very tasty. I had the salmon and my daughter had the duck. Perfect portions. Highly recommended this lovely restaurant.
… moreGoogle User Tf
Very nice place. Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, and great service. Lilly was out waitress and she was delightful. We got the Mediterranean platter and ten risotto. Definitely recommend and we will be back. Don’t break anything else Lilly. Lol.
… moreReview MaGee
Rainbird is a stunning restaurant, the nicest in Merced, CA. I especially appreciate the fresh atmosphere and focus on local art and locally sourced food. The grilled cheese and tomato bisque soup on the lunch menu are delicious. At first, this lunch was reasonably priced at $12.50 in 2024 after their menu “redesign” in which they advertised more reasonable prices. Unfortunately the price of this sandwich and cup of soup has risen to $16 in just 1 year. This was my favorite meal to eat out in Merced and it’s disappointing that they did not stay true to the advertised lower prices at lunch time. The price increase means I won’t be able to visit as often as I’d like to. Additionally, on one occasion I was charged $18 for a singular plain nonalcoholic mocktail at lunch hour which is absurd. It was just soda water and fruit flavor with a raspberry. Being over charged that much for a beverage with zero alcohol and that they reverted back to higher prices after a promised more affordable lunch menu has left a bitter taste in my mouth of Rainbird which is sad because I enjoyed dining there. Overall, for the above reasons, the experience has felt very inconsistent which makes me not want to return 🙁
… moreRealLo Dorl
Came out here for a birthday dinner. Cute little place a different vibe from what I expected. Bruschetta was delicious I enjoyed it very much.
We also ordered the fried oyster for appetizer to my surprise it was disgusting. was over powered with popcorn salt on top of the aioli sauce. oyster were presented on a messy bed of dead bitter leafy greens, sandy, gritty and just gross! This is to blame for my high blood pressure.
The burger was really bland /boring & over priced I’ve had better. $50 steak was OK, overprice. Our server was attentive and nice. However I felt robbed and will not return.
… morePelton Farr IV
I went to the lunch time and it is a very ekegant atmosphere. Very relaxed at the same time as far as dress. Prices for the lunch are in line with most restaurants.But this definitely gives you an upscale feel. Tried the hamburger and the hanger steak sandwich. Would definitely say the hamburger was amazing & the steak was good. Definitely a place I would go again. I am interested returning to try their dinner menu.
… moreLeigh Ann Osborne
This little gem surprised us! We were staying at the El Capitan next door and stopped in for dinner. Delightful; high quality ingredients, well-made food, good flavors, great service. Lorenzo, our waiter, was lovely. Really just a delightful, intimate experience. Order the salmon with orzo!
… moreNicole Youkhaneh
Came here to celebrate birthday with husband and friends. We enjoyed a five course tasting menu that was an adventure in every bite. Service was superb and attentive to every detail. We enjoyed everything but their house baked bread was a game changer…we had to go home with some and talk about it to this day! I do recommend coming here if you are a foodie with an open mind to flavor pairings.
… moreZiwang Long
I recently visited Rainbird in Merced, a restaurant that not only serves thoughtfully prepared dishes but also offers a beautifully designed interior ✨ with elegant plating ️.
Dishes Ordered:
1. Crispy Duck Confit (pic 1)
The duck leg quarters are slowly cooked in duck fat until tender and rich in flavor. The savory depth of the duck is beautifully balanced by the sweet grilled peach , earthy beet purée ❤️, and honey ricotta . Pairing the duck meat with one or more sides created a true melody of flavors—complex yet harmonious .
2. Foraged Wild Mushroom Risotto (pic 2)
This dish celebrates mushrooms at their best. The tender, bouncy texture of the foraged mushrooms combined with the umami-rich flavor made every bite deeply satisfying . The creamy rice and cheese brought everything together for a comforting yet elevated risotto.
3. Fried Oysters (pic 3)
Crispy and golden, these oysters were enjoyable but didn’t quite reach the level of creativity and depth found in the other two dishes. A solid starter, but less memorable.
✨ Verdict: Rainbird offers a refined dining experience in Merced that feels special, from its aesthetic ambiance to its carefully crafted entrées. If you’re passing through, this is a spot worth stopping for .
Ratings:
• Tastiness: 8.5/10
• Price Appropriateness: 8/10
• Portion Size: 7/10
• Overall Experience: 8/10
… moreDeanna Barnes
The Rainbird was a delightful surprise on our travels. Dining here felt like an experience fit more for Beverly Hills, with its chic decor, classy ambience, impressive presentation, and creative menu options. Farm-to-table makes a real difference in taste, not just in health, as everything down to the sweet potatoes and thick-cut bacon was more flavorful than other upscale restaurants I’ve been to who don’t choose to source locally. The portions were generous and the service was stellar: attentive, friendly and prompt (thank you, Kao!!). I look forward to making this a regular stop.
… moreSamantha
Quaint upscale restaurant located in the el capitan hotel. I had the bone in chicken breast served with the delicious risotto. Server was kind and paid attention to detail. Dirt martini with blue cheese olives
… more