Must-see restaurants in California

  • Mulvaney’s B&L

    Sacramento

    With effortless class and obsessive commitment to seasonality, this converted 19th-century firehouse offers delicate pastas (such as a fresh lamb…

  • Poesia

    San Francisco

    Get cozy at this bay-window osteria with a sunny disposition, feel-good handmade pastas, excellent DOC Italian wines by the glass, and banquettes that…

  • Sipz

    San Diego

    Finally, a vegan place that doesn't feel like you're slumming it. The modern decor with clean lines and bold graphics is your first clue; the menu, from…

  • Peninsula Pastries

    Greater Palm Springs

    Don't be put off by this French patisserie's strip mall location. Owners Christophe and Helene pour heart and soul - and butter, lots of butter - into…

  • Toll Road Restaurant

    Death Valley National Park

    Above-par cowboy cooking happens at this ranch house, which gets Old West flair from a rustic fireplace and rickety wooden chairs and tables. Many of the…

  • Olio Pizzeria

    Santa Barbara

    Just around the corner from State St, this high-ceilinged pizzeria with a happening wine bar proffers crispy, wood-oven-baked pizzas, platters of imported…

  • Pho Ga Huong Que

    Oakland

    The name promises what's good: pho ga, Vietnamese chicken noodle soup, served here with a side of ginger scallion sauce that feels like it came straight…

  • Goose & Gander

    Napa Valley

    Inside a converted arts-and-crafts house with cathedral ceiling and gorgeous woodwork, Goose & Gander has a clubby vibe conducive to drinking, excellent…

  • Jack's

    North Coast & Redwoods

    Grab a pew by the large picture window overlooking the birds, the boats and Humboldt Bay. The seafood menu here includes all the classics, like steamer…

  • City View

    North Beach & Chinatown

    Take a seat in the sunny dining room and make way for carts loaded with delicate shrimp and leek dumplings, garlicky Chinese broccoli, tangy spareribs,…

  • Ma Der Ma Der Sap House & Grill

    Redding & Around

    Try the 'Sappritto,' a Laotian-inspired burrito with meat, eggs, veggies, sticky rice and a choice of hot sauce. Or go with pad thai, Lao-sausage tacos,…

  • Lily’s

    Mt Shasta Region

    Enjoy quality Californian cuisine – Asian- and Mediterranean-touched salads, fresh sandwiches and all kinds of veg options – in a cute, white, clapboard…

  • Boathouse

    Santa Barbara

    Water views and ocean air accompany your healthy dining at the Boathouse, right on Arroyo Burro Beach. The outdoor patio is great for enjoying a cocktail…

  • Copley's

    Greater Palm Springs

    After stints in the UK, Australia and Hawaii, chef Andrew Copley now concocts swoon-worthy American fare in Cary Grant's former guesthouse. Go for a…

  • La Super-Rica Taqueria

    Santa Barbara

    Although there's plenty of good Mexican food in town, La Super-Rica is deluged daily by locals and visitors keen on tasting the dishes once so loved by…

  • Cinderella Russian Bakery

    San Francisco

    Fog banks and cold wars are no match for the heartwarming powers of the Cinderella, serving traditional treats since 1953. Join SF's Russian community in…

  • El Agave

    San Diego

    Candlelight flickers in this romantic 2nd-floor, white-tablecloth, high-end place catering to cognoscenti. The mole is superb (there are nine types to…

  • Mae Krua

    The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero Hill

    Tucked into a small marketplace, this Thai spot's toe-tingling, heartwarming spicy dishes hit the spot on blustery Bernal days. Mae Krua's menu regularly…

  • LouLou's Griddle in the Middle

    Monterey

    Stroll down the municipal wharf to this zany diner, best for breakfasts of hubcap-sized pancakes and omelets served with fresh salsa and awesome fried…

  • That Boy Good

    San Diego

    This shrine to the Mississippi Delta serves belly-busting portions of fried chicken and waffles, dirty fries (piled with chili) and Cajun catfish. Wash it…

  • Rooster & Rice

    The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers

    This quick-eats hole-in-the-wall place makes one dish (with a vegetarian variation) – khao mun gai (Thai-style chicken and rice), made with organic…

  • El Buen Gusto

    Santa Barbara

    At this red-brick strip-mall joint, order authentic south-of-the-border tacos, tortas, quesadillas and burritos with an agua fresca (fruit drink) or cold…

  • Petra’s Bistro & Wine Bar

    Mammoth Lakes

    Settle in for seasonal cuisine and wines recommended by the staff sommeliers. In wintertime the best seats in the house are the cozy fireside couches…

  • Forge

    Oakland

    A top pick at Jack London Sq, this high-ceilinged pizzeria and craft-beer bar spills out on to the bay-view patio. Classic cheese and meat pizzas are…

  • Schat's Bakery

    Mammoth Lakes

    Choose from homemade cookies, cupcakes and pies, or grab a sandwich (counter closes at 3pm) in the backroom dining area. Also, makes chocolates and serves…

  • Tacos Garcia

    Napa Valley

    This beloved taco truck operates out of the parking lot in front of the dive bar Pancha's, offering delicious tacos with fillings such as beef cheeks,…

  • Sengthongs

    Mt Shasta Region

    This funky joint serves up sizzling Thai, Lao and Vietnamese food and books first-rate jazz, reggae, salsa or blues some nights. Many dishes are simply…

  • Crossroads Cafe

    Joshua Tree National Park

    Before hitting the trail, rocks or road, fuel up at this JT institution with a carb-loaded breakfast, garden salad or fresh sandwiches that make both…

  • Log Cabin Caffe

    Lake Tahoe

    Come early (especially on weekends) to join the queue for the North Shore’s best breakfast. Eggs Benedict, whole-wheat pancakes with hot fresh fruit and…

  • Augie’s Montreal Deli

    Berkeley

    Feel like you're on Montreal's St Laurent Boulevard in the heart of Berkeley. Augie's serves its own Montreal-style smoked meat on rye bread (smoked,…

  • Shop Cafe

    Santa Barbara

    Away from the hustle of State St, the Shop still gets crowded thanks to its top-quality breakfast offerings. The poached eggs on toast are on the…

  • Los Bagels

    North Coast & Redwoods

    Mixing 'traditional Jewish food with the taste of Mexico.' Get all kinds of creative spreads and toppings on fresh bagels with varieties ranging from…

  • Sorensen’s Country Cafe

    Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada

    This cozy country cafe is a good way to start your day or finish it after exploring the Hope Valley Wildlife Area nearby. It serves eggs all ways,…

  • Cafe Nooner

    North Coast & Redwoods

    Exuding a cozy bistro-style ambience with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and jaunty murals, this perennially popular restaurant serves natural,…

  • Rocky Point

    Big Sur

    Come for the hillside ocean-view terrace, where cocktails and Californian wines are served all day long, and the steak and seafood menu includes on-the…

  • Sweet Bar Bakery

    Oakland

    Sweet Bar is as fresh and tasty a way to start your day as anywhere in Oakland. The airy dining room of this buzzing bakery is filled with happy customers…

  • Mammoth Rock Brasserie

    Mammoth Lakes

    The classically trained French chef at this swanky brasserie on the 2nd floor of the Mammoth Rock 'n' Bowl serves tasty small plates and meaty main…

  • Taverna Tony

    Malibu & Pacific Palisades

    This lively spot fronted by a flowery terrace feeds both the soul and the belly. At lunchtime the baby lamb sandwich is divine, but for a serious…

  • Squeeze In

    Lake Tahoe

    Across from the Amtrak station, this snug locals’ favorite dishes up breakfasts big enough to feed a lumberjack. Over 60 varieties of humongous omelets –…

  • Kingston 11

    Oakland

    The wait will be worth it at this raucous Caribbean bar with a groovy soundtrack, where oxtail stew, salt-fish fritters, fried plantains and goat curry…

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