Hollywood
In the shadow of the looming Scientology campus is this homely breakfast and lunch spot, complete with quirky egg-carton ceiling. Indeed, eggs feature…
Must-see restaurants in California
Los Angeles
A comforting, old-school combo of TV sports, vested waiters and mission-brown panels and chairs, Versailles draws everyone from college kids to grizzled…
Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood & Westwood
Owned by a true-bleu French couple, this pretty patisserie serves fabulous croissants (opt for the almond version), pain au chocolat and other too-cute-to…
Yosemite National Park
For a classic Yosemite experience, make a dinner reservation (for breakfast, just show up) at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. The place is as basic looking as…
Central Coast
‘Smoker Jim’ puts fresh-off-the-boat salmon, albacore tuna, ahi tuna and shrimp through the smoker before loading them into toasted tacos and french roll…
San Francisco
Warm up on Golden Gate Park's south side with South Indian fare in a low-lit storefront bistro. The house specialty is paper dosa, a massive crispy lentil…
Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa
Eureka! Wedged between brokerage firms under the glowing sign that says Au (the periodic-table symbol for gold) is an elusive FiDi find: a memorable lunch…
Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa
Ever get a sushi craving, but you're hungry enough for a burrito? Join the crowd at Sushirrito, where fresh Latin and Asian ingredients are rolled in rice…
Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood & Westwood
This super-popular noodle joint is famed for its barbecued pork ramen, the broth of which is simmered for 60 hours to produce a heavier, more robust…
San Francisco
Since 1977, Anchor has been Castro's port of call for sustainably sourced local oysters, Dungeness crab, seafood salads, and San Francisco cioppino …
West Hollywood & Mid-City
The guys behind Animal also operate this creative fish and seafood kitchen festooned with beach-shack decor. The menu changes daily, but you might find…
Westlake & Koreatown
Tucked away on the 2nd floor of Madang Mall, pocket-sized Somi Somi serves super-cute, soft-serve ice cream worthy of its Instagram fame. The heavenly…
San Fernando Valley
The informal, modern, spotless LA branch of this Tel Aviv restaurant is known for kebabs, steaks, chicken and lamb, but we're satisfied – stuffed, rather …
Santa Monica
Greek cooking gets a 21st-century update, courtesy of a Cypriot chef who trained with Alain Ducasse. Greek salad comes with generous serves of sheep's…
Yosemite National Park
Formerly a dated and stodgy food court, this large space has been completely redesigned and modernized. Several self-service stations serve a variety of…
Greater Palm Springs
This mood-lit local fave with indoor koi pond delivers creatively crafted classics from around Asia – tom ka gai to tempura shrimp and mandarin pork – but…
North Beach & Chinatown
Decadent cravings worthy of a William S Burroughs novel are satisfied by this patio pub tucked between XXX entertainment venues. For brunch, the free…
Marin County
The oh-so-English Pelican Inn lures in visitors almost as much as the beach itself. Hikers, cyclists and families come for pub lunches inside its dark,…
Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood & Westwood
A sumptuous bistro with classic decor, booths on the street-side patio and a seasonal menu that favors American and Mediterranean flavors. Start with…
Mt Shasta Region
This casual, high-ceilinged, brick-walled hangout (formerly the Brown Trout Gallery & Dogwood Diner and originally the town mercantile) serves organic,…
Eastern Sierra
Thai food at the small Bishop airport seems fairly random, but locals rave about it. (Granted, it's the only Thai place in town.) Service can be slow, the…
San Francisco
With a wink and a nod at the Scandinavian sailors who settled the Castro, Finn Town serves hearty, hangover-relieving American classics – duck confit hash…
Oakland
Hopscotch's premise is quintessentially California: upscale American diner food with a Japanese twist, and seasonal cocktails. The diner/Japanese marriage…
Downtown Los Angeles & Boyle Heights
One of several Downtown restaurants run by Josef Centeno, Bar Amá cooks up smashing, sophisticated Tex-Mex grub. Lick lips and fingers over queso (a…
Pasadena & the San Gabriel Valley
Right on the Mission St drag in South Pasadena, Mike & Anne’s is popular for its inviting patio (or minimalist wood and concrete dining room), lemon and…
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Just possibly Carmel Valley's coziest eatery, the Corkscrew Cafe combines a rustic wine-country vibe and a Mediterranean-influenced menu – think wood…
Greater Palm Springs
Every community with a sizable retired contingent needs a good Jewish deli. In Palm Springs, Sherman's is it. With a breezy sidewalk patio, it pulls in an…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
The ideal refueling spot while you're browsing Union St boutiques. Follow your salads and house-made soups with rich organic polenta with gorgonzola and…
Malibu & Pacific Palisades
All-American comfort food has kept locals coming to this cafe-restaurant with French-country-style decor. Look for a classic grilled cheese and tomato…
San Fernando Valley
This ice-cream shop often pops up on lists of America's best. That's due in part to the hundreds of flavors it's created, some quite outlandish: yuzu…
La Jolla
Stellar views look out to La Jolla's coastline at this fresh-fish restaurant, with clean decor, crisp white tablecloths and wrought-iron chairs on the…
San Francisco
Date night awaits up Nob Hill and down the stairs. To make your grand entrance to Venticello's two-story-high dining room, you descend via a staircase –…
Central Coast
Fresh seafood and regional wines are staples at this supercasual family-owned grill. When the famous Big Bucket – a messy bonanza of crab, clams, shrimp…
Santa Cruz
Complemented by sake, craft brews and a buzzy surf-town ambience, Akira's menu harnesses briny-fresh tuna, salmon, eel and shellfish for a huge variety of…
Long Beach & San Pedro
This friendly, open spot fronting the Promenade serves up dry-rubbed barbecue brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and ribs (try one of the house sauces)…
Downtown Los Angeles & Boyle Heights
Mouthwatering Thai street food is crafted from organic and free-range ingredients and quality oils in the fabulous Grand Central Market. Drool over…
The Haight & Hayes Valley
Quit pretending you're considering the sensible Niçoise salad and go for the restorative brunch everyone needs mid-shopping spree: buckwheat crepes…
Newport Beach
Expect a wait at this always-busy joint, a landmark since 1951. It serves great seafood and fresh crab on paper plates to an appreciative crowd wearing…
West Hollywood & Mid-City
A buttery and delightfully aromatic cake shop doing a brisk business in mini red-velvet cheesecakes, banana cake smothered with chocolate buttercream, and…
Marin County
This scruffy joint hiding under Hwy 101 is where local Latinos go for cheap, authentic Mexican fare. The tacos are tasty, burritos huge and the stews –…
