I went into dinner at Talia Kitchen curious and left genuinely impressed by how the experience aligned with the overall wellness focus of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. The restaurant is a chef-driven, seasonal spot at the entrance of the resort that highlights locally sourced produce. Eating at Talia Kitchen didn’t feel like a typical resort meal.
Chef Matt Steffen
Chef Matt Steffen is the Executive Chef at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort and leads the culinary vision for Talia Kitchen along with the resort’s other dining options. He embraces fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques, with a focus on mindful eating. The dishes he has created support the resort’s wellness mission. The kitchens at Murrieta celebrate Southern California produce from local farms and serve dishes that highlight sustainability.
I’ve met Chef Matt before at a previous restaurant and always seem to run into him at live-fire cooking festivals, so I was genuinely excited to spend time with him at Talia Kitchen, see his new menu, and experience what he’s cooking now.
Chef Steffen cooks with a strong focus on precision and consistency. He puts real weight on knife skills and technique because he wants every bite to taste balanced, no matter where you start on the plate. Ingredients are cut and placed with intention, so salt, acidity, spice, and umami show up together in each bite. His cooking is built around quality sourcing, avoiding seed oils, and keeping dishes as nourishing as they are flavorful. The goal at Talia Kitchen is food that fuels you, not food that slows you down. This is particularly important, especially in a wellness setting like this.
Seasonal Dishes That Impress
Every dish at Talia Kitchen is balanced, beautiful, and thoughtfully plated. You’ll find a modern take on California-style, farm-to-table dining that’s both creative and delicious. The dishes are beautifully plated and highlight high-quality ingredients from local farms and the coast, with standouts like whipped ricotta focaccia, scallops, pasta, and ahi tuna.
The Talia Kitchen menu includes shareable small plates and entrees that work well together when ordered family-style. The food is fresh and vibrant, with balanced portions meant to be enjoyed over conversation. It’s perfect when paired with the lively atmosphere, especially on the outdoor patio at sunset.
DISHES WE ORDERED
RONNIE’S FOCACCIA, & WHIPPED FRESH RICOTTA
Saba reduction, pine nut gremolata, moon drop grapes
ROASTED HARVEST SQUASH
Cauliflower cous cous, harissa whipped burrata, warm spiced Castelvetrano olives, pomegranate
NORI-CRUSTED HAWAIIAN AHI TUNA
Pearled mango, Persian cucumber, bamboo rice, pickled Fresno chilies, Hawaiian sea salt, togarashi aioli, borage
PAN SEARED DAYBOAT SCALLOPS
Magic green sauce, turmeric-ginger puree, green plantain fritters, charred habanero gremolata
LEMON POSSET
Pickled blueberry compote, lavender chantilly, English shortbread
VEGAN GELATO
Tangerine vegan sorbet with dates
Drinks to Match Every Plate
Talia Kitchen has a full bar, but what really stands out is the curated craft cocktail program by Allison Paige, along with a strong lineup of wellness-focused drinks. The same level of care given to the food shows up in the drinks. If you skip alcohol, the mocktails are treated with just as much attention and intention.
Fresh, local ingredients are used whenever possible at Talia Kitchen, including guavas and just-harvested limes. Both the Living In A Daydream (lime, honey, guava puree, raspberry liqueur, Blanco tequila) and Karat (carrot coulis, sage turmeric gastrique) were refreshing.
The Stunning Setting of Murrieta Hot Springs
Talia Kitchen is part of the newly reopened Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, a 46-acre wellness destination built around its natural geothermal waters. The resort first opened as a health retreat in 1902 and was restored to highlight its historic charm while offering modern wellness amenities. Check availability and current prices for Murrieta Hot Springs here.
Guests can soak in more than 50 geothermal mineral pools and cold plunges set among lush landscaping, walk through steam rooms and saunas, or try contrast bathing with hot and cool water circuits for circulation and relaxation. Overnight stays come with 24-hour hot springs access, guided wellness activities like aqua yoga and sound baths, and spa treatments designed to complement the healing effects of the mineral-rich water.
The grounds blend Spanish and Mission-style architecture with towering palms and water features, making it a serene backdrop for a relaxing getaway before or after an unforgettable meal at Talia Kitchen.
Close to Temecula and within driving distance of San Diego, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is an easy spot to plan a weekend meal around.
