A Family Operation with a Side of Sunset

Perched on the precipice of a cliff overlooking the entrance to Noyo Harbor, the Noyo River Grill is the only dining location in Fort Bragg to catch a bird’s eye view of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Spacious and open, this jewel of a restaurant occupies the former location of the Cliff House, with table to ceiling windows that look out onto both the ocean and the harbor, and a welcoming ambience that takes an already enjoyable dining experience to the next level.

Locals know that Noyo River Grill has been serving up delicious seafood and traditional American classics for years before it opened its doors in this location. The Medina brothers, Gabriel and Guillermo, first opened Noyo River Grill five years ago in a cozy spot along the Noyo Harbor frontage, near the former Cap’n Flints and Silvers on the Wharf. They built that business on a long history of culinary experience which began shortly after their parents arrived in Fort Bragg in the 1980s.

The elder Medinas moved to Fort Bragg from the Yucatán, and after settling in and seeing lots of opportunities, they brought the family to join them—four girls and three boys. The parents initially worked for Caito Fisheries. The children graduated from Fort Bragg High School and feel rooted in the community.

When their sister, Andrea Mex, opened Café One (see Word of Mouth, Winter 2022), the entire family stepped in to help. Gabriel worked as a server for many years as the diner grew into a local favorite. Meanwhile, Guillermo completed his culinary training in Santa Rosa and began advancing his career, working at a large international steak house chain where he gained valuable experience. The restaurant where he worked burned in the 2017 Sonoma County wildfires, so Guillermo moved back home to Fort Bragg. The family then started planning to open another restaurant, eventually purchasing an existing business in the Noyo Harbor. The siblings launched Noyo River Grill with the help of their parents, with the whole family pitching in to help where they could. The restaurant quickly became popular as the go-to location for cioppino and other fresh seafood delights.

Not everyone could pull off working so closely with their siblings, but the Medina family is the exception. Noyo River Grill is a family affair. Gabriel, the eldest son, has become the “do everything guy.” Guillermo is the main chef. And Eric, the youngest, has recently graduated and joined the business in their new location as the General Manager. Their oldest niece, Cynthia, works behind the full bar, and their father enjoys baking fresh bread and making pasta for the dishes that Guillermo creates.

Gabriel explains, “After five years, we’ve learned to balance each other out. We’ve been working together as a family since Café One. The whole family jumped in to help her [his sister, Andrea Mex], then they all jumped in to help us [with the Noyo River Grill].” Eric says, “I feel like our mother is watching over us, and dad is still there baking bread and making pasta.”

Noyo River Grill opened their doors at the new location in late May. They are thrilled with the site, though it has been a big change. It has taken some adjustments for the staff, as the new location is three times the size of the former spot and can seat up to 200 guests. Gabriel notes, “It’s exciting to see people enjoying the space again. Nice to see our regulars back and some new faces . . . Our staff are very flexible and excited, working out all the kinks by asking ‘What’s going on, what can we fix?’ All are on-board and positive. All of our staff came with us, and we’re looking to hire more folks.”

The team has added a number of new menu items and specials including filet mignon, duck breast, and a couple of new salads. They serve up fresh and delicious tacos—rock cod, salmon, or roasted vegetables served on home-made tortillas, with a side of crispy fries or salad. Fresh Oysters and chicken picatta are enjoyed with a crisp salad of gem lettuces and roasted beets. Fresh seafood still has pride of place and a soft spot in chef Guillermo’s heart. He explains, “We went to school with Anthony Caito [of Caito Fisheries] and their kids. We feel really appreciative that the local community has been supportive of us, because these are the people we grew up with.”

The family has taken on this new challenge with the skill, flexibility, and hard work that they bring to all their efforts. The food is fresh, the prices are reasonable, the staff are friendly, and the views are unbeatable. The sunset bathes the dining room in golden light as diners celebrate an anniversary or savor a family vacation. And the sounds of music fill the room as local musicians entertain. Meanwhile, Gabriel, Guillermo, Eric, and the rest of the family work hard to make it all look and taste good. At the Noyo River Grill, it truly is a family affair.

Noyo River Grill
1011 S Main St, Fort Bragg
(707) 962-9050 | NoyoRiverGrill.com

Open Fri - Wed, 11:30am - 9pm

This piece was written collaboratively by Holly Madrigal and Dawn Emery Ballantine.

Cover photo and cliff-side location photo by Torrey Douglass. Bar photo and interior photo p8 by David Ballantine.