Enchanted Forest Dining Experience to Close Forever in Placerville
Fairy-themed restaurant, winner on Food Network, to shut its doors Oct. 12 after six years as building is sold.
Placerville, Calif. — A beloved fairy-themed restaurant in Northern California has announced it will shut down on Oct. 12, 2025, after six years in business. Enchanted Forest Dining Experience in Placerville rose to prominence after being named a winner on Food Network’s Best Bite in Town in April 2024, a milestone that brought visitors from across the region. Canadian actor Noah Cappe visited Placerville for an episode tied to the show and praised the venue’s whimsical atmosphere and imaginative menu, according to the network.
In a statement posted to its website and social channels, Enchanted Forest said the decision to close follows the sale of the building by its owners. The business expressed gratitude for the community’s support and said the closing is not just about a restaurant, but about a place where magic, food and community came together. The owners also indicated that reservations would continue to be taken online and by phone during the final weeks of operation, inviting guests to help make the last weeks warm and memorable.
Enchanted Forest became a local and regional destination, drawing visitors from beyond Placerville who sought what staff and patrons described as one of Northern California’s most unique dining experiences. The restaurant offered a range of whimsical settings, including a “fairy cathedral” banquet table, nature fort booths and tables beneath the canopy of magic trees. Menu options ranged from fondue and crepes to mead, filet mignon and lobster, with vegan and gluten-free choices available. Guests frequently highlighted the immersive atmosphere as a highlight of the dining experience, with some reviewers recalling special moments such as lending a dress to an 8-year-old guest or feeling as if they were hobbits dining with pixies in Ireland.
Founder Kaitlyn Keyt, who conceived Enchanted Forest to provide a nourishing, family-friendly restaurant that offered an unforgettable experience, has discussed the possibility of a smaller, adjacent concept that would continue some elements of the forest—specifically mead and pasty pies—while maintaining a focus on the enchantment that defined the venue. The posting noted that seating options were designed to immerse patrons in the forest’s beauty, and it highlighted the restaurant’s commitment to a memorable, community-oriented experience for birthdays, corporate events and weddings alike.
The closing of Enchanted Forest comes as a wave of restaurant disruptions continues to ripple through the industry. Across the United States, rising costs have translated into higher menu prices and reduced patronage at some venues. In California, the minimum wage for fast-food workers rose to $20 an hour as of April 1, adding pressure on small operators weighed down by rent, utilities and supply costs. Analysts note that several chains have shuttered locations in the past year, and even independent operators are feeling the squeeze. In recent months, Rubio’s Mexican Grill, for example, closed dozens of California locations and filed for bankruptcy protection, while other regional spots have announced closures after decades in business. The broader pattern has intensified discussions about sustainability for family-owned restaurants like Enchanted Forest, where margins are often narrower and community ties run deep.
In Placerville, regular patrons described Enchanted Forest as a distinctive venue that fused a magical dining concept with refined fare and attentive service. One reviewer wrote that the ambiance was entertaining and unique, complemented by a high-end meal, thoughtful drink options, and lively music that enhanced the overall experience. Another guest noted the restaurant’s willingness to create personalized moments during visits, underscoring the sense of wonder that defined the business model.
As the final weeks approach, Enchanted Forest encouraged guests to visit soon to enjoy the full enchantment of the forest and to share their memories before the doors close. The restaurant’s leadership stressed that the closure represents a bittersweet moment for the team and the community, but they also emphasized gratitude for the support that helped sustain the venture through six years of operation. Those seeking to book a final visit should check the restaurant’s online reservation system or call the front desk for availability.