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About The Cafe

Our Story

The Cafe at The Inn is a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Benicia, California, serving fresh, seasonal California fare from our own gardens and local farms — led by Chef Kyle Young.

The Cafe at The Inn garden in Benicia, California

A small cafe with a big garden

The Cafe at The Inn sits inside The Inn at Benicia Bay, a historic bed and breakfast at 145 East D Street in downtown Benicia. What started as a breakfast spot for inn guests has grown into one of Benicia's most loved restaurants — a place where the food is as fresh as it gets because much of it grows right outside the kitchen door.

Our mission is simple: provide the best food in Benicia using the freshest ingredients to create delicious and nutritious dishes, complemented by exceptional service and a warm atmosphere. We pick vegetables from our gardens at their peak and put them on the menu the same day. Nothing sits. Nothing is wasted.

Breakfast and lunch are served all day, every day from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. On Fridays, we stay open until 8:00 PM for dinner service with live jazz in the gazebo — a Benicia tradition from May through October.

What We Believe

Three things we don't compromise on

Garden First

We grow what we can and source the rest from local farmers markets. If it's not at its peak, it doesn't go on the plate.

Zero Waste Kitchen

We use whole plants — grape pulp becomes powdered sugar, stems become stock. Nothing edible gets thrown away.

Community Roots

We're a small business in a small town. We know our guests by name, support local producers, and hire from the community.

Best Casual Dining in Benicia 2025 award

Best Casual Dining in Benicia 2025

Voted by the community — thank you, Benicia. We're grateful for every guest who walks through our door.

The Team

The people behind the plates

Chef Kyle Young and The Cafe at The Inn team in Benicia

Chef Kyle Young

Executive Chef & Owner

Kyle discovered his passion for restaurants instead of joining the Marines, learning through hands-on experience rather than culinary school. His philosophy: pick peak produce from the garden daily, use whole plants, and let the ingredients lead the menu.

Sarah Bell, front of house manager at The Cafe Benicia

Sarah Bell

Front of House Manager

Sarah found hospitality at Provisions in Vallejo before following Chef Kyle to The Cafe. Known for her warm greetings and genuine connections with every guest who walks through the door.

Anthony, dishwasher and restaurant veteran at The Cafe Benicia

Anthony

Dishwasher & All-Around Veteran

With over 30 years of restaurant experience across every role, Anthony joined The Cafe specifically to work with Chef Kyle again — drawn by his energy, passion, and the kitchen culture he builds.

Erika, server and multimedia artist at The Cafe Benicia

Erika

Server & Multimedia Artist

A multimedia artist from Tucson, Arizona, Erika trained in painting under Guadalupe De La Torre. She brings her creative spirit to service, connecting with the Benicia community through both her art and her warmth at the table.

Staying in Benicia?

The Cafe is located inside The Inn at Benicia Bay, a charming bed and breakfast in downtown Benicia. Inn guests receive a complimentary breakfast during their stay. Explore the historic waterfront, shops, and galleries — all within walking distance.

Visit The Inn at Benicia Bay

Taste the difference

Fresh from the garden to your plate. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or Friday dinner with jazz.