Jobell Café and Bistro is a study in casual elegance. Owners David and Jessenia Bober have created one of the finest dining establishments in beautiful Wimberley Valley in the [amazon_textlink asin=’0760326908′ text=’Texas Hill Country’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2f964e26-700b-11e7-af62-d7503b682911′]. Diners enjoy an eclectic menu with top quality steak, seafood, pasta, salads and other imaginative dishes created by head chef Mike Massaro.
Wimberley is a very popular destination for vacationers and day trippers, and Jobell is a welcome addition to the local food scene. Visitors who want more than the typical burger, chicken fried steak or chicken strips eagerly head to Jobell for food, wine, and atmosphere that is simple but sophisticated. Come as you are and enjoy fine dining, hill country style.
Location: 16920 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley, Texas
Menu: Starters include Baked Brie, a brie baked in pastry dough, fruit compote, and a baguette, and a Charcuterie & Cheese Slate with artisanal cheese and meat, pagnotta, fruit, olives, house chutney, and whole grain mustard. Other tasty starters are a delicious Smoked Trout with cilantro lime crème fraiche, [amazon_textlink asin=’B0000D9NCK’ text=’cornichons’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4ac84708-700b-11e7-8c2d-cdd2f0f59a07′], and dried fruit and Shrimp Dumplings, steamed and lightly fried with a ginger soy dipping sauce.
Lunch and lighter fare include a selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. My wife and I came for lunch on a Friday and started with the [amazon_textlink asin=’159691291X’ text=’Heirloom Tomato’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6a957436-700b-11e7-8606-271346032dc4′] and [amazon_textlink asin=’B01DF6HB52′ text=’Sunflower Sprouts’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’77dfdb80-700b-11e7-8b02-15918356fc99′] and a delicious Pork Verde soup made with tender pork and pureed artichokes, [amazon_textlink asin=’B007C7JFGE’ text=’jalapenos’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’881666c7-700b-11e7-a825-ff605746475a’] and spices. For main courses, my wife had the excellent House Jobell salad with apples, shallots, [amazon_textlink asin=’B003JHY5MK’ text=’caramelized walnuts’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’97170a1a-700b-11e7-bd49-cfaa728c93c3′], and [amazon_textlink asin=’B001TJOO9O’ text=’blue cheese’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a0751be3-700b-11e7-8ea0-679faceb2927′] with a light but flavorful apple cider vinaigrette dressing. I chose the Market Pasta, a winning combination of pasta with [amazon_textlink asin=’B0728DG665′ text=’sun dried tomatoes’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b79696e9-700b-11e7-adc0-95a9779e77fa’], mushrooms, spinach and a delicious cream sauce.
For dessert, we eagerly awaited the Key Lime Pie when we learned that Chef Mike had spent years in the Florida Keys perfecting his version of this popular confection. And yes, we agreed he had perfected the recipe – a sweet, smooth, slightly tart filling with a lovely crust and a few small dabs of blueberry sauce – fantastic!
On the Brunch menu are a nice selection of waffles, crepes, and egg dishes like the three varieties of Eggs Benedict, offering the Classic, Salmon and Florentine versions of this popular breakfast dish. Dinner items include Steak Au Poivre, a [amazon_textlink asin=’B000YV2B5C’ text=’cracked peppercorn’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e3989bb2-700b-11e7-bb0c-3f47bd83c52a’] crusted [amazon_textlink asin=’B001712A04′ text=’flat iron steak’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f4ce483e-700b-11e7-8381-83c50f74d547′] with a red wine demi-glace served over fries, and Blackened Snapper with coconut rice, snow peas, carrots, and fruit salad.
Thoughts: We will certainly return to Jobell Café and Bistro next time we are in Wimberley. Not only is the food great and the atmosphere stylish and comfortable, but the owner and staff are all very professional and friendly. Owner David Bober can be extremely proud of the wonderful restaurant he created after his move from [amazon_textlink asin=’1628872764′ text=’New York City’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’19e2ed5e-700c-11e7-9070-1bd949f77e64′] to the Texas Hill Country. My wife and I stayed several hours at Jobell’s, much of it spent sharing wine and stories about work, family, and life with David and his beautiful wife. When we left we felt like we were old friends, exchanging hugs and best wishes as we departed this wonderful oasis of upscale dining in this beautiful rural paradise.
Price Range: Lunch from $10 – $16, brunch $8 – $15, dinner from $18 – $30 +
Additional Notes: It is wise to have reservations for dinner, especially on the busy weekend nights during peak season. I highly recommend that you visit Jobell Café and Bistro for a great dining experience. You will undoubtedly enjoy your meal and the ambiance of this high class but unpretentious restaurant. You may also make a few new friends.
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Disclosure: The author’s visit to Jobell Café and Bistro was hosted by Jobell’s. This post contains affiliate links. Clicking through for additional information or to make a purchase may result in a small commission being paid, at no additional expense to you. By doing so, you help support this site and its authors, and we thank you.
Author Bio: Scott Kendall is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in The Woodlands, Texas. He has traveled extensively throughout the US and has made several trips to Europe, spending much of that time in Germany and Italy. In addition to his time in Europe, some of his most memorable trips include Guam, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Wisconsin, and Vancouver.
Scott recently returned from Europe, where he had assignments in Heidelberg, Baden Baden, Munich, Venice, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano and Rome. He has been married to a wonderful woman, Julie, for almost 30 years, and is the proud father of two great sons. Scott had a long career teaching special education and coaching tennis after his military service and is excited about the current chapter in his life as a freelance travel writer.
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