Disneyland Resort
Finger-lickin’ good fried chicken platter and pot roast come with mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits and veggies at this 1950s original. There's a fun…
Must-see restaurants in California
Northern Mountains
In the renovated circa 1862 Pioneer Saloon, this place looks like nothing from the outside but opens up to a big and bustling space. It's known for it's…
Coastal Highway 1
Tucked into the corner of a strip of shops with a seaview terrace, the overstuffed sandwiches are good value here. Be sure to leave room for a slice of…
Marin County
Stinson Beach's oldest establishment isn't on the beach but there's a great outdoor patio, local vibe, live jazz every night of the week and live…
Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood & Westwood
One of a string of Persian kitchens, these guys bake their own pita, which they use to wrap chicken, beef and lamb shwarma, kebabs and falafel served with…
Napa Valley
Inside a converted arts-and-crafts house with cathedral ceiling and gorgeous woodwork, Goose & Gander has a clubby vibe conducive to drinking, excellent…
North Coast & Redwoods
Grab a pew by the large picture window overlooking the birds, the boats and Humboldt Bay. The seafood menu here includes all the classics, like steamer…
North Beach & Chinatown
Take a seat in the sunny dining room and make way for carts loaded with delicate shrimp and leek dumplings, garlicky Chinese broccoli, tangy spareribs,…
Los Angeles to Barstow
This storied Route 66 landmark has fed its juicy steaks to generations of meat lovers, including A-listers such as Marilyn Monroe. The menu brims with old…
Ma Der Ma Der Sap House & Grill
Redding & Around
Try the 'Sappritto,' a Laotian-inspired burrito with meat, eggs, veggies, sticky rice and a choice of hot sauce. Or go with pad thai, Lao-sausage tacos,…
South Bay Beaches
A splashy place perched a block from the sand with three floors dedicated to dining and drinking, and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the Pacific…
Mt Shasta Region
Enjoy quality Californian cuisine – Asian- and Mediterranean-touched salads, fresh sandwiches and all kinds of veg options – in a cute, white, clapboard…
Santa Barbara
Water views and ocean air accompany your healthy dining at the Boathouse, right on Arroyo Burro Beach. The outdoor patio is great for enjoying a cocktail…
Marin County
Enjoy the best pizza in town (wood-fired, crispy, thin but perfectly risen crust with locally sourced toppings) in the best setting in town (a convivial…
Central Coast
What began as an artisan cheese-and-wine shop has evolved into a breezy bistro serving modern American food that's both comforting and exciting. Locals…
Greater Palm Springs
After stints in the UK, Australia and Hawaii, chef Andrew Copley now concocts swoon-worthy American fare in Cary Grant's former guesthouse. Go for a…
South Bay Beaches
Families gather in this brick and dark-wood spot in the Hollywood Riviera for pizzas served rossa (with red sauce) or bianca (white), such as the classic…
San Diego
Candlelight flickers in this romantic 2nd-floor, white-tablecloth, high-end place catering to cognoscenti. The mole is superb (there are nine types to…
Santa Barbara
Although there's plenty of good Mexican food in town, La Super-Rica is deluged daily by locals and visitors keen on tasting the dishes once so loved by…
San Francisco
Fog banks and cold wars are no match for the heartwarming powers of the Cinderella, serving traditional treats since 1953. Join SF's Russian community in…
The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero Hill
Tucked into a small marketplace, this Thai spot's toe-tingling, heartwarming spicy dishes hit the spot on blustery Bernal days. Mae Krua's menu regularly…
Marin County
Stop at this sweet spot for sandwiches, burgers and noodle bowls alongside beer on tap and some decent wines by the glass. It's the kind of place where…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
This quick-eats hole-in-the-wall place makes one dish (with a vegetarian variation) – khao mun gai (Thai-style chicken and rice), made with organic…
Laguna Beach
Sustainably-raised Hawaii-style poke (marinated raw fish), Baja-style fish tacos, coconut shrimp and the fresh catch o’ the day are about all you need…
LouLou's Griddle in the Middle
Monterey
Stroll down the municipal wharf to this zany diner, best for breakfasts of hubcap-sized pancakes and omelets served with fresh salsa and awesome fried…
San Diego
This shrine to the Mississippi Delta serves belly-busting portions of fried chicken and waffles, dirty fries (piled with chili) and Cajun catfish. Wash it…
Marin County
Order at the counter for quick bites that are as good as what you'd get after a long wait in a restaurant. The specialty here is slow-cooked local meat…
Russian River Area
Like its sister restaurant in Glen Ellen, this places serves up spectacular Indian and Nepali dishes, but unlike the Glen Ellen location, this one offers…
Santa Barbara
At this red-brick strip-mall joint, order authentic south-of-the-border tacos, tortas, quesadillas and burritos with an agua fresca (fruit drink) or cold…
Coastal Highway 1
Ravens brings haute-contemporary concepts to a completely vegetarian and vegan menu. Produce comes from the idyllic organic gardens of the Stanford Inn &…
Mammoth Lakes
Settle in for seasonal cuisine and wines recommended by the staff sommeliers. In wintertime the best seats in the house are the cozy fireside couches…
West Hollywood & Mid-City
This neighborhood Italian joint feels like it's belonged here since forever, though it opened in 2012. That's when it was named one of Esquire's best new…
Central Coast
If you don’t have time to visit Linn’s original farm stand on Santa Rosa Creek Rd (a 20-minute drive east via Main St), fork into its famous olallieberry…
Oakland
A top pick at Jack London Sq, this high-ceilinged pizzeria and craft-beer bar spills out on to the bay-view patio. Classic cheese and meat pizzas are…
Mammoth Lakes
Choose from homemade cookies, cupcakes and pies, or grab a sandwich (counter closes at 3pm) in the backroom dining area. Also, makes chocolates and serves…
Huntington Beach
It may be touristy, but this Hawaiian-themed restaurant – named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku – is a kick. With unbeatable views of the beach,…
Along Highway 101
The sugo (sauce) is pure Sicilian, the pesto is rich with basil and pine nuts, the olive oil is extra virgin and the pizza crust is crisp and thin. There…
The Deserts
This popular hangout fills hungry tummies with pizza, burger, pasta and most famously, a slow-roasted tri-trip. If you fancy filling your daily calorie…
Gold Country
It’s a crowded contest for Gold Country’s best ice-cream shop, but this cute little spot – the brilliant second career of avuncular scooper Bob Wright –…
Napa Valley
This beloved taco truck operates out of the parking lot in front of the dive bar Pancha's, offering delicious tacos with fillings such as beef cheeks,…
