Must-see restaurants in California

  • Tahoe House Bakery

    Lake Tahoe

    Before you take off down the western shore for a bike ride or hike, drop by this mom-and-pop shop that opened in the 1970s. Their motto: ‘While you sleep,…

  • Peaks Restaurant

    Sequoia National Park

    The lodge’s dining room has an excellent breakfast buffet and soup-and-salad lunch fare, but dinners aim somewhat successfully to be more gourmet, with…

  • King’s Highway

    Greater Palm Springs

    A fine case of creative recycling, this former Denny’s is now a diner for the 21st century where the tagliatelle is handmade, the sea bass wild-caught,…

  • Off the Hook

    South Lake Tahoe & Stateline

    Sushi, so far from the ocean? Yup. Locals keep on coming back to this dynamite little sushi shack, where you can feast on bento boxes and nigiri (oblong…

  • Dawn Patrol

    Santa Barbara

    Bright and colorful decor helps wake you up, and the option to build your own hash breakfast ($12.50) sets you up for exploring Santa Barbara. Bread is…

  • Spoon

    Lake Tahoe

    Call ahead for takeout, or squeeze yourselves into the cozy upstairs dining room at this little slat-sided cabin by the side of the highway. Barbecue tri…

  • Kyoto

    North Coast & Redwoods

    Renowned as the best sushi in Humboldt County, dine in a tiny, packed room, where conversation with the neighboring table is inevitable. A menu of sushi…

  • Kitchen Restaurant

    Sacramento

    Husband-and-wife team Randall Selland and Nancy Zimmer's cozy dining room in the northeast 'burbs is the pinnacle of Sacramento’s food experience. Their…

  • Izzy's Steaks & Chops

    The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers

    Izzy's casual dining room is a throwback to Barbary Coast saloons, with old-time memorabilia and trophy heads lining the walls. Of all the steak houses in…

  • Lilly's Taquería

    Santa Barbara

    There’s almost always a line roping around this downtown taco shack at lunchtime. But it goes fast, so you’d best be snappy with your order – the adobada …

  • Freshie’s

    South Lake Tahoe & Stateline

    From vegans to seafood-lovers, everybody should be able to find a favorite on the extensive menu at this Hawaiian fusion joint with sunset upper-deck…

  • Market

    Napa Valley

    We love Market's big portions of simple, fresh American cooking, including hearty salads of local produce and soul-satisfying mains such as buttermilk…

  • Copita Tequileria y Comida

    Sausalito

    Upscale fresh Mexican with a Mediterranean twist is served in bright, modern, lively surrounds. The ceviches and slow-cooked meats are especially yummy…

  • Q’ero

    San Diego

    The flavors of Peru tempt from this tiny, atmospheric storefront festooned with Peruvian art and iconography. Try empanadas (little pasties of…

  • Butcher's Son

    Berkeley

    What could be more in tune with Berkeley's granola-crunchy, latter-day-hippie vibe than a vegan deli? Gorge yourself on imitation deli meats and cheeses…

  • Gott's Roadside

    Napa Valley

    Wiggle your toes in the grass and feast on quality burgers – beef, turkey, ahi or veggie – plus Cobb salads and fish tacos at this classic roadside drive…

  • Engfer Pizza Works

    Santa Cruz

    Detour to find this old factory, where wood-fired oven pizzas are made from scratch with love – the no-name specialty is like a giant salad on roasted…

  • Pluto's Fresh Food

    The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers

    When you're hungry for a wholesome meal but don't want to fuss, Pluto's serves good food fast, with build-your-own salads, burgers, stick-to-your-ribs mac…

  • Cafe Paradisio

    Redding & Around

    Take Mediterranean food and give it a bit of Asian flair and you have the comforting fare of this casual and friendly little nook. Start with the baked…

  • Monterey’s Fish House

    Monterey

    Watched over by photos of Sicilian fishermen, dig into oak-grilled or blackened swordfish, barbecued oysters or, for those stout of heart, the Mexican…

  • Lloyd's of Avalon

    Los Angeles

    Like at any good seaside candy shop, Lloyd's makes saltwater taffy before your eyes and sells penny candy by the pound, but – whoa! – how about those…

  • Olive Tree Marketplace

    San Diego

    This neighborhood shop helps keep your beach picnic local, with San Diego specialties like tortilla chips from El Nopalito, baked goods from Bread & Cie…

  • Harbor Fish & Chips

    San Diego

    There's nothin’ fancy about this harborside chippie from the '60s, but when the fish is fried to a deep crackle and you eat it at a picnic table on the…

  • Good Harvest Cafe

    North Coast & Redwoods

    This popular family-owned cafe is in a spacious location across from the harbor. It's got a bit of everything – all pretty good – from soups and…

  • No Brand Burger Stand

    North Coast & Redwoods

    Hiding near the entrance to town by an industrial building, this hole-in-the-wall turns out a juicy jalapeño double cheeseburger that ranks easily as the…

  • Moonstone Grill

    North Coast & Redwoods

    Enjoy fabulous sunset views over a picture-perfect beach while supping on the likes of oysters on the half-shell, Pacific wild king salmon or spice-rubbed…

  • Marlin Bar

    Greater Palm Springs

    Grab a table in the shade and watch the world go by. Marin is part bar (get a martini or mojito), part restaurant specializing in tacos, burgers and bowls…

  • Tangata

    Orange County

    The Bowers Museum's airy, modernist indoor-outdoor cafe is a lovely place to take a break from art over sandwiches, salads like grilled prawn, or the…

  • Bread & Cie

    San Diego

    Aside from crafting some of San Diego’s best artisan breads (including anise and fig, black olive, and walnut and raisin), this wide-open bakery-deli…

  • Reel Inn

    Malibu & Pacific Palisades

    Since the '80s, this rambling shanty has been reeling them in for fresh fish and seafood. Order at the counter (simply grilled, blackened, fried etc) with…

  • Helena Avenue Bakery

    Santa Barbara

    Start your day right with green eggs and ham, sharing one of the long, communal tables with other early risers who know where to find one of the best…

  • Loft at Degnan's

    Yosemite National Park

    Above Degnan's Kitchen, off Village Dr, the Loft has received a top-to-bottom remodeling. Kick back and enjoy tacos, burritos, artisan pizzas and…

  • Rutabegorz

    Orange County

    Known by locals as just Ruta’s, this flowering cottage north of the plaza puts a healthy spin on breakfast or lunch. Cal-Mexican, vegetarian and Middle…

  • North Berkeley Farmers Market

    Berkeley

    Pick up some organic produce or tasty prepared food at North Berkeley's weekly farmers market, operating year-round. Also operates a market downtown on…

  • Country Kitchen

    Joshua Tree National Park

    Now run by Sarah and Dennis, this been-here-forever roadside shack gets a big thumbs up for its scrumptious home cookin'. Lines can be extra-long for…

  • Sol Bol

    Sequoia National Park

    If you're looking to fuel up on some healthy eats before hitting the parks, Sol Bol has you covered with acai bowls generously topped with fresh fruit,…

  • Comal

    Berkeley

    Fresh, pretty Comal serves Mexican food, although many come for the cocktail list. Grab a flight of tequila or mezcal, a plate of Latin American-inspired…

  • Gatehouse Restaurant

    Napa Valley

    Testing skills and knowledge they've picked up in culinary school, students serve prix-fixe meals at this elegant restaurant on the Culinary Institute of…

  • Bistro Jeanty

    Napa Valley

    French bistros by classical definition serve comfort food to weary travelers and that’s what French-born chef-owner Philippe Jeanty does here, with…

  • Tuolumne Meadows Grill

    Yosemite National Park

    You can hardly say you’ve visited Tuolumne without scoffing down a chili dog or burger in the parking lot in front of the Tuolumne Meadows Grill. The soft…

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