Monterey
Watch otters play outside the bay-view windows at this floating seafood kitchen on the wharf. Stick with the classics like creamy clam chowder, grilled…
Must-see restaurants in California
Sacramento
The classy roadhouse vibe suits this historic railway stop, where you can get passable BBQ and soak in the mix of local characters, families and wayward…
San Diego
A subdued, romantic setting for Italian dining, plus a great wine list, presented by black-tied waiters. It’s known for steaks, seafood dishes like shrimp…
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
Located in the parking lot opposite the Mariposa Museum & History Center, this Mexican food truck is a local favorite and has the cheapest menu in town…
Oakland
You'll catch the sweet, smoky scent of Roderick's from miles away, which will get you properly salivating for its barbecue, which folks will line up for…
Orange County
Simple strip-mall vegan shop and restaurant making banh mi sandwiches, salads, noodle soups, rice bowls, clay pots and more with vegan mock meats…
Los Angeles
The menus are composition-book mock-ups and the food is gastro-pub deluxe. We're talking burgers, skirt-steak tacos, shrimp grits and a nice fried jidori…
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
You can’t miss that giant beer mug standing outside a shingled cabin. Step inside for the south shore’s tastiest burgers, including the crazy ‘Jiffy…
San Diego
Set near the beach, locals love the peel and eat shrimp ($14 for half a pound), the Baja ceviche ($10.50) and steamed mussels and fries ($18). Grilled…
San Jose
Waiters in bow ties flit about this busy 1950s San Jose landmark, serving standard Italian dishes to locals and conventioneers. The dining room is a…
Berkeley
Since California legalized recreational marijuana use, demand has only increased at this Canadian poutine shop, open till the wee hours. Get the classic…
Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
The best eats on the boardwalk. Here you can munch shiitake omelets made with organic eggs, ginger noodles, or a pesto-brushed, arugula-dressed salmon…
Orange County
Artsy and sophisticated yet casual Cal-Mediterranean bistro. It whips up creative modern classics like wild-mushroom penne, bacon-wrapped blue-cheese…
Sequoia National Park
The park's biggest general store sells groceries, camping supplies, snacks and hot drinks. It's recently refurbished snack bar also serves various hot…
Kings Canyon National Park
This basic counter-service grill dishes up hot meals (burgers/hot dogs/burritos) and cold deli sandwiches. Dine outside on the riverside deck. In summer…
Death Valley National Park
This gregarious joint has darts, draft beer and dynamite barbecue at dinner time, as well as pretty good, but pricey pizzas and pub grub such as onion…
San Diego
For simple dining with beautiful sea views, white tablecloths and a nice patio, find classic Italian grub from homemade thin-crust pizza to pasta (the…
Big Sur Burrito Bar & General Store
Big Sur
Order a San Francisco–sized burrito or wrap sandwich with a fresh-fruit smoothie from the back of the Big Sur River Inn's well-stocked general store,…
Sequoia National Park
Always jam-packed, Brewbakers beckons thirsty hikers with house-made sodas and craft beers. A huge menu of burgers, pizzas, pastas and salads promises…
Malibu & Pacific Palisades
The coincidence is almost too perfect. The name of this from-Italy gelato place is surf-speak for a talented kid, and it specializes in all-natural ice…
Lake Tahoe
This cute cottage is right by the Truckee River dam and Fanny Bridge; stash your bikes in the racks outside and walk inside for a breakfast burrito, ice…
San Jose
This New American steakhouse restaurant in the Marriott Hotel is run by Michael Mina, one of San Francisco’s celebrity chefs. It’s not the daring, cutting…
Oakland
Get the day going with oatmeal pancakes or an acai bowl, or maybe sauteed tofu and an excellent avocado eggs Benedict at this sunny, cheerful breakfast…
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Since the '70s, this classic pizza parlor has been hand rolling its housemade dough (cornmeal or whole wheat, anyone?), then piling the pizzas with crafty…
San Diego
A daily market menu (subject to change depending on the catch) of sushi and smoked fish, chowder, and specialties like dungeness crab and chipotle-rubbed…
Yosemite National Park
Located upstairs, the Snowflake Room has walls covered with cool old ski photos and pieces of vintage ski equipment. On weekends and holidays, the cozy…
Mammoth Lakes
Proudly locavore and mostly organic, Stellar entices you to settle into a comfy sofa for your daily dose of locally roasted coffee, homemade granola,…
San Diego
Hillcrest location, a dozen-plus flavors of famously decadent cupcakes (from $4), wi-fi, a full bar and cafe selling wings, salads and mac 'n' cheese…
Sacramento
On the ground floor of the Citizen Hotel, this upscale seasonal restaurant features locally sourced flavors of the Sacramento Valley. It also has a…
Santa Cruz
At this scruffy brunch spot that locals don’t want you to know about, huge portions of sourdough pancakes and cinnamon-nut coffee cake will keep you going…
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
A sun-filled local institution, Ernie’s dishes out filling three-egg omelets, hearty biscuits with gravy, fruity and nutty waffles and bottomless cups of…
Santa Cruz
Always packed and consistently good (if not great), El Palomar serves tasty Mexican staples – try the ceviches – and fruity margaritas. Tortillas are made…
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Casual fast-food spot serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, hot dogs, and nachos and cheese. Plus, ice cream, root beer floats, coffee and…
Lake Tahoe
No gimmicks at this 1960s fast-food stand, which grills juicy burgers and St Louis–style baby back ribs, and also fries up crispy onion rings and breaded…
Napa
This retro-flashback pink-striped diner, favored by Napa's little old ladies, has all-day breakfasts and white-bread lunches, served by matrons in heavy…
Berkeley
In North Berkeley's 'Gourmet Ghetto,' this small cafe has polka-dot tiles on the counter handmade by one of the artist-owners, and organic ingredients…
Death Valley National Park
Overlooking the golf course and the Panamint Range, this laid-back place has table and counter seating and a short menu featuring dogs, burgers and salads…
Mt Shasta Brewing Company Alehouse & Bistro
Mt Shasta Region
Try a tasty Shastafarian Porter or the rich, amber-colored Mountain High IPA. Brats, flatbread pizzas and grilled panini round out the brewpub menu; the…
Sequoia National Park
Small supermarket selling campfire food supplies, snacks, drinks and take-out deli picnic salads, sandwiches and freshly cooked barbecue meat (cooked on…
San Diego
Exotic spices and fragrant cooking make this white-tablecloth Persian–Middle Eastern a favorite for giant kebabs and salads that zing with flavor. Come…
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