Must-see restaurants in California

  • El Indio

    San Diego

    Counter-service shop famous since 1940 for its taquitos, mordiditas (tiny taquitos), tamales and excellent breakfast burritos. Eat on plastic plate in a…

  • Ghirardelli Ice Cream

    The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers

    Mr Ghirardelli sure makes a swell sundae. The legendary Twin Peaks comes with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, marshmallow topping and enough hot fudge to…

  • Wolf Creek Restaurant

    Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada

    Recently reopened, this country kitchen offers a new menu of American comfort food, including meatloaf, steak and homemade lasagna. The garden is a lovely…

  • Tofoo Com Chay

    San Jose

    Students and vegetarians queue for Vietnamese dishes such as the fake-meat pho and the heaped combo plates. Conveniently located on the border of the San…

  • Tea Pavilion

    San Diego

    Enjoy a quick, spicy noodle bowl or a simple cup of green tea at the umbrella-shaded tables beside the peaceful Japanese Friendship Garden.

  • Jack London Square Farmers Market

    Oakland

    On Sunday, a weekly farmers market takes over Jack London Sq. There's a great selection of organic food stuffs from around the region, and good community…

  • Waterboy

    Sacramento

    The wicker and palm in the windowed dining room offer a preview of the chef's style – a French-Italian spin on Central Valley ingredients. The day's catch…

  • Bank of Mexican Food

    San Diego

    In this handsome former bank (c 1913), try mahimahi plates, huevos rancheros or anything with the righteous Mexican rice. A patio bar stays open until…

  • Chimney Tree

    North Coast & Redwoods

    If you’re just passing through and want something quick, come here. It raises its own grass-fed beef. Alas, the fries are frozen, but the burgers are…

  • Glacier Point Snack Bar

    Yosemite National Park

    When Glacier Point Rd is open, this unexciting snack bar at Glacier Point is the only place to eat. Hot dogs, chili dogs and premade sandwiches are all…

  • Wild Note Café

    San Diego

    Adjacent to the Belly Up venue, come here for preshow upscale pub fare, like filet mignon sliders and Dijon-herb crusted salmon.

  • Joshua Tree Certified Farmers Market

    Joshua Tree National Park

    On Saturday mornings locals gather for gossip and freshly picked produce from local farmers in a parking lot next to Joshua Tree Health Foods, just west…

  • Crane Flat Gas Station & More

    Yosemite National Park

    Gas-station store stocking snacks, camping supplies, souvenirs, beer, wine and a wide selection of food items. Gas pumps open 24 hours with card. Also has…

  • Boney’s Bayside Market

    San Diego

    For picnics and takeout, stop by this market near the ferry for fantastic, (mostly) healthy sandwiches and an extensive assortment of salads and organic…

  • Gillwood’s Cafe

    Napa Valley

    Convenient for breakfast and lunch, Gillwood's serves good diner fare – breakfast enchiladas, scrambles, pancakes, burgers and salads. It has beer and…

  • Mission Restaurant

    San Diego

    Fork into famously homemade cinnamon-bread French toast and berry pancakes, or spice it up with eggy Latino dishes like chilaquiles and rancheros verde.

  • Oakville Grocery

    Napa Valley

    The definitive Wine Country deli: excellent cheeses, charcuterie, bread, olives and wine – however pricey. Find tables outside, or ask where to picnic…

  • Andaman Healthy Thai Cuisine

    Mt Shasta Region

    The food is pretty good, but the kitchen and the staff can’t keep up with the crowds. It also serves burgers if you're traveling with fussy folk.

  • Pacifica Del Mar

    San Diego

    For oysters, clams, mussels, seabass, swordfish and other morsels of the sea. Plus try more than 150 vodkas at the bar (though not all at once!).

  • Meadow Grill

    Yosemite National Park

    Hot dogs, burgers and a few salads are available on a deck near the parking area. Even when lines are long, the food's served up fairly quickly.

  • Half Dome Village Gift & Grocery

    Yosemite National Park

    The Half Dome Village store is undoubtedly handy if you’re in the neighborhood and need food, snacks, camping supplies, sodas, gifts or beer.

  • Syd’s Bagelry & Espresso

    Lake Tahoe

    A handy spot on the main drag that serves bagels and locally roasted coffee, plus smoothies and breakfast burritos made with organic produce.

  • Crêpes of Brittany

    Monterey

    Authentic savory galettes and sweet crepes are swirled by a French expat – the homemade caramel is a treat. Expect long lines on weekends.

  • Bagelry

    Santa Cruz

    The bagels here are twice-cooked (boiled, then baked), and come with fantastic spreads like crunchy 'Tofu del Fuego' or hummus with sprouts.

  • Eric's on the Pier

    Los Angeles

    Right on Green Pier is this classic waterside snack bar for burgers (including buffalo burgers), burritos, fish and chips and funnel cakes.

  • Stove

    Mammoth Lakes

    Great coffee and carbs; try the cinnamon-bread French toast and fresh-baked fruit pies. Excellent soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.

  • Mar-Val

    Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada

    This large grocery store at the eastern end of town is a good place to stock up on food and supplies before heading into Yosemite.

  • Lucca

    Sacramento

    Within a stroll of the convention center is this quality Italian eatery. Parmesan frites with truffle aioli are the way to start.

  • Pacific Coast Greens

    Malibu & Pacific Palisades

    Stock up on natural and organic groceries, prepared and packaged foods and delectable baked goods from muffins to macarons.

  • Tacos Moreno

    Santa Cruz

    Who cares how long the line is at lunchtime? Find taquería heaven with these marinated pork, chicken or beef soft tacos.

  • MooTime Creamery

    San Diego

    Hand-rolled waffle cones and homemade ice cream, sherbet and fro-yo mixed with fruits, nuts and candy are a cool treat.

  • Village Grill

    Yosemite National Park

    Fight the chipmunks for burgers, hot sandwiches, wraps, chili, salads and fries alfresco. Expect crowds and lines.

  • Las Olas

    San Diego

    A classic low-key Mexican joint serving the works: fish tacos, ceviche, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and more.

  • Cafe Biltmore

    Lake Tahoe

    With floral carpet and a mirrored ceiling, this meat-heavy joint is visually bizarre enough to merit a peek.

  • Soda Canyon Store

    Napa

    This roadside deli with shaded picnic area makes an easy stop while winery-hopping north of town.

  • Chicken-to-Go

    Orange County

    Take-out shop for Mrs Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

  • Cork & More

    South Lake Tahoe & Stateline

    Specialty foods, gourmet deli (sandwiches, soups, salads) and picnic baskets to go.

  • Cafe

    Redding & Around

    Waterfront cafe at the Holiday Harbor Resort serving American-style basics.

    • placement: fullWidth
    • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
    • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
    • targeting:
      {
        "position": "superzone"
      }