By Editor,Martha Williams
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Beloved restaurant that won prestigious Food Network award forced to shut down
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By MARTHA WILLIAMS, US NEWS REPORTER
Published: 02:46 BST, 23 September 2025 | Updated: 02:46 BST, 23 September 2025
An iconic fairy-themed restaurant in California has announced that it will be shutting its doors forever on October 12.
Enchanted Forest Dining Experience in Placerville was named a winner on the Food Network program ‘Best Bite in Town’ in April 2024. It was one of six Placerville restaurants featured on the show.
Canadian actor Noah Cappe went to Placerville for an episode of Food Network’s Best Bite in Town and ‘swooned’ over the restaurant’s ‘fairytale-like atmosphere and dreamy dishes,’ according to the network’s social media.
Now, just over a year later, the beloved eatery is permanently shutting down after six years in the business.
The closure comes after the building was sold by its owners, Enchanted Forest revealed.
‘We want to thank each of you who has laughed, celebrated, and made memories with us under the forest canopy,’ the business said.
‘Your support has meant everything. This isn’t just a restaurant — it’s been a place where magic, food, and community came together.’
The business said it’s still accepting reservations online and by phone in the final weeks of operation.
Canadian actor Noah Cappe (pictured) visited to Placerville for an episode of the Food Network’s Best Bite in Town show in April 2024
Northern California’s Enchanted Forest Dining Experience has announced that it will be shutting its doors forever on October 12
Enchanted Forest’s featured a wide range of dishes — including fondue, crepes, mead, filet mignon, and lobster (pictured: the restaurant’s ‘lobster kilt lifter’ dish)
‘If you’ve ever thought about coming — or if you’d like more enchanted experiences — now is the time,’ the restaurant said. ‘Let’s make these last weeks filled with warmth, joy and unforgettable moments.’
Enchanted Forest has become a ‘destination restaurant drawing visitors from great distances to experience what many consider the most unique restaurant in Northern California,’ according to its website.
The restaurant is a local favorite with lots of five-star reviews.
One diner wrote: ‘The ambiance is super fun and unique, but this place is so much more than that. A tasty high-end meal, fun drink choices, attentive service, and lively music made the evening nothing short of magical.’
‘Great experience here! Our 8-year-old was so excited to go here, but she forgot her enchanted dress, so they lent her a skirt to make her feel special,’ another shared.
A different reviewer said: ‘My husband and I felt like we were hobbits in Ireland eating with pixie fairies!’
The restaurant was also known for hosting special events, including birthdays, company events, and even weddings.
Enchanted Forest offered unique dining options such as sitting at the ‘fairy cathedral’ banquet table, in ‘nature fort’ booths, or under the magic trees.
The fairy-themed restaurant offers a unique dining experience for guests, who are immersed in an enchanted kingdom upon arrival
Enchanted Forest offered unique dining options such as sitting at the ‘fairy cathedral’ banquet table (pictured)
The business is considering opening up a smaller version of the enchanted forest that serves mead and pasty pies (pictured: an Irish pasty pie from Enchanted Forest)
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According to the website, ‘seating options are designed to immerse you in the beauty of the enchanted forest.
The menu featured a wide range of dishes — including fondue, crepes, mead, filet mignon, and lobster. The restaurant also offered vegan and gluten-free options.
Kaitlyn Keyt, the founder, was inspired to create Enchanted Forest to ‘provide a nourishing family-friendly restaurant which would also be an unforgettable experience for everyone who walked through the doors,’ according to the website.
Keyt shared that they might open up a ‘mini version’ of Enchanted Forest next door to her other business, VibesUP, which would serve mead and pasty pies.
It comes as many beloved restaurants across the US have been forced to close over the last year.
Rising costs have pushed up menu prices, which has driven customers away.
Big name chains like Applebee’s, TGI Fridays and Boston Market have have all recently shuttered restaurants.
Chains have been worst hit in California where the minimum wage for fast food restaurants jumped to $20-an-hour from April 1.
Last year, Mexican chain Rubio’s shut 48 locations in the state and also filed for bankruptcy.
Mom-and-pop operation Fargo’s Pit BBQ in Texas closed earlier this month after more than two decades of serving brisket, ribs and other barbecue classics.
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Beloved restaurant that won prestigious Food Network award forced to shut down
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