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,…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
Sausalito
Upscale fresh Mexican with a Mediterranean twist is served in bright, modern, lively surrounds. The ceviches and slow-cooked meats are especially yummy…
San Diego
The flavors of Peru tempt from this tiny, atmospheric storefront festooned with Peruvian art and iconography. Try empanadas (little pasties of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
Watched over by photos of Sicilian fishermen, dig into oak-grilled or blackened swordfish, barbecued oysters or, for those stout of heart, the Mexican…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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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