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…
Must-see restaurants in California
San Joaquin Valley
Turning out picture-perfect, New York–style thin crust, this tidy downtown spot offers daily specials and makes a quick, cheap option. The Pesto Bango – a…
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 …
Disneyland Resort
At this Mary Poppins–themed restaurant, the Jolly Holiday combo (grilled cheese and tomato basil soup for $9) is a decent deal and very satisfying. The…
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…
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 Luis Obispo
Novo spins out moreish European, Latin and Asian-inspired tapas with an artistic eye towards classy presentation. Pick from dozens of international beers,…
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…
Los Angeles to Barstow
Easily recognized by its fabulous neon Aladdin's lamp, this 1955 Route 66 dining shrine sparkles with shiny dark woods and stained-glass windows. It…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
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
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…
San Joaquin Valley
Lined with black-and-white photos of sporting legends, this amazing lunch spot has been around for over 100 years. The stuffed chicken melts in your mouth…
Coastal Orange County
Downtown’s barbecue hut ropes in regulars with fried pickles, meats smoked using peach, maple, red oak and avocado wood, buffalo sloppy joe sandwiches,…
West Hollywood & Mid-City
Fantastic pub fare with recommended fish and chips, American and English breakfasts and other comfort food in a habitat that lures a smart, but plenty…
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…
Ralph Brennan’s New Orleans Jazz Kitchen
Disneyland Resort
Hear live jazz combos on the weekends and piano on weeknights at this resto-bar with NOLA-style Cajun and Creole dishes: gumbo, po-boy sandwiches,…
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…
South Bay Beaches
Locals swear by the eggs at this unassuming beachside patio joint. It does sandwiches such as the Monte Cristo and salads too, but the eight varieties of…
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…
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…
The Peninsula
Downtown's most ambitious restaurant marries Bay Area ingredients with all-modern cooking techniques; even a simple sandwich is anything but when it's…
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…
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…
Princess Seafood Market & Deli
Coastal Highway 1
Sit at picnic tables by the docks and chow down on sustainably-caught ocean-to-table delicacies, including Dungeness crab cakes, fish tacos and oysters on…
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…
Sonoma
For a festive evening, book a garden table at this French-provincial bistro, with good small plates ($14 to $16), including steamed mussels with…
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…
Downtown Los Angeles & Boyle Heights
If you care to step up from ramen to udon, slip into this special udon emporium, where the noodles are made fresh in the open kitchen. Appetizers include…
