San Diego
This little, modern, neat-as-a-pin place has a tiny but well-chosen menu of curries and tandoori chicken, and a much longer menu of craft and bottled…
Must-see restaurants in California
Sonoma
The waiters have been here forever and the ‘specials’ rarely change, but Della Santina’s Italian-American cooking – linguini pesto, veal parmigiana,…
Los Angeles to Barstow
When they fire up the wood-chip smoker outside this old-school mountain bar (with walls swathed in dollar bills), stop for phenomenal baby back ribs…
Sacramento
Like its tiny original location on 24th St, this cozy ramen house under the direction of Yasushi Ueyama makes amazing housemade noodles that live up to…
Mt Shasta Region
Walk in hungry and you’ll be plagued with an existential breakfast crisis: the feta spinach quiche or the Tuscan scramble? The flaky croissants or a…
La Jolla
This Belgian-influenced deli/bakery has been serving La Jolla for 25 years. Sit in the no-frills cafe in the back of the shop and enjoy home-cooked dishes…
North Coast & Redwoods
Garberville’s beloved cafe serves organic omelets, veggie scrambles and buckwheat pancakes with real maple syrup in a cozy room. Lunch brings crunchy…
Kevin N Randi's Old Fashioned Meat Market
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
If you need a packed lunch, this is the place to get a loaded, made-to-order sandwich or healthy salad (the edamame and bean salad is delicious!). You can…
San Diego
Just off Little Italy's bustling thoroughfare with its pizzerias and wine bars, this sleek urbane noodle shop loads up steaming bowls of ramen with oxtail…
Mammoth Lakes
While the bagels here may not rival those actually made in the city, New Yorkers won't be disappointed by the selection of healthy, large salads and…
Mammoth Lakes
This low-key Italian restaurant has been open for 30 years and is a local favorite. It serves good-sized plates of classic pasta, with two sides, while…
Oakland
Great for breakfast or lunch but beware: this bakery co-op is not for the weak-willed. Gourmet vegetarian pizza, chewy breads and gigantic scones, all…
The Peninsula
Create a picnic with made-to-order deli sandwiches, homemade artichoke salsa and a chilled bottle of California wine. Don’t go breezing out the door…
Joshua Tree National Park
Hustle over near the marine base for tasty Middle Eastern food from fattoush and tabouli to big platters of kebab platters paired with pita, soup or salad…
Berkeley
This is a buzzing breakfast spot, especially on the weekends. It dishes up baked soufflé pancakes and German-style potato pancakes with applesauce, plus…
Sonoma
Inside a cozy 1836 adobe, this casual bistro uses local ingredients in its changing menu, with simple soul-satisfying dishes such as grilled Liberty Farm…
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
As old school as it gets: expect wooden booths, wagon wheels for decor and hearty steaks on the menu. It's classic fare done well. Order hand-cut steaks,…
San Diego
A proud local institution since 1927, with red leatherette seating and windows to watch the world go by. The Swing Inn serves three square meals, but…
North Coast & Redwoods
Occupying an ace position on the corner of this central square, the patisserie here serves sumptuous cakes, breakfasts are delish and the lunch salads,…
West of I-5
Friendly and quirky natural-foods store and bakery, serving healthy and tasty vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes, fresh juices and good espresso. The…
San Diego
Fuel up before surfing on omelets, scrambles and pancakes, or afterwards on sandwiches, tacos and salads at this surfers diner on the east side of the…
Coastal Highway 1
Here's where locals and tourists mingle in an unpretentious, noisy and cozy cafe setting. Get bakery goods and fair-trade coffee for breakfast and comfort…
Along Highway 101
The best baked goodies in Clear Lake, especially the giant decadent muffins and gooey cinnamon rolls. Also makes sandwiches to order and serves savory…
Mammoth Lakes
Family-run casual pizzeria serving better-than-average pies, handmade and cooked on the spot. Sauce flavors include marinara chipotle, creamy ranch, pesto…
Joshua Tree National Park
Never mind the pizza, it's the flavor-packed butter chicken, chicken biryani and other Indian fare that draw clued-in locals to Sam’s. Many dishes are…
San Diego
Maybe it's the lightly fried mahi and wahoo fish. Or the zippy white sauce. Or layered fresh cabbage and peppery tomato salsa. Whatever the secret, the…
Coastal Highway 1
Fort Bragg's best cafe is in the middle of the historic downtown, with high ceilings and lots of atmosphere. The menu gets raves for the Belgian waffles,…
Mt Shasta Region
Surrounded by a picnic table or three, this classy, wood-sided food cart turns out juicy Polish sausage, bratwurst and hot dogs, and big plates of nachos,…
Coastal Highway 1
Though dishes like ceviche and seafood polenta demonstrate that they take the food as seriously as the bevvies, it’s the burgers and garlic fries that…
San Joaquin Valley
This bright cafe in the heart of downtown has a great vibe, serving lighter fare, such as a savory 'avocado smash' sandwich, and buttery pastries. It has…
Central Coast
Stop for lunch at this quirky Mexican restaurant inside a Frida Kahlo–esque art gallery. Spanish and Cuban flavours also feature – try the Prawns Ibiza –…
North Coast & Redwoods
At the southern, quieter end of town backed by lofty trees, this cozy spot has a cottage feel with its warm wood paneling and lacy curtains. Enjoy freshly…
Central Coast
Cinnamon rolls are temptation in its purest form, and the gooey goodness of these handcrafted buns has proved irresistible since the 1980s. No matter if…
Santa Monica
The sceniest spot on Montana Ave, this bar-restaurant’s clean lines and chestnut interior open wonderfully onto the street, attracting yuppies from all…
Berkeley
From food truck to a brick-and-mortar shop, this Korean-Japanese fusion eatery makes addictive short-rib and braised-pork sandwiches out of garlicky fried…
San Diego
This swingin’ local chain serves chic comfort food. There’s just a simple menu, but what they do with it! Plump burgers (grass-fed beef, free-range turkey…
Death Valley National Park
It may look funky but this outback cafe serves some of the best Angus burgers, crispy salads and pizza (in three sizes) in Death Valley. Toast the…
Redding & Around
This hip and homey, split-level cafe serves up healthy food: big fresh salads, garlicky prawns and pasta, and homemade tomato soup. There’s a good…
Central Coast
Seriously addictive cookies are baked in all sorts of flavors including almond, citrus, cocoa, coconut-lime and original butter. Buy a bagful to provide…
North Coast & Redwoods
Housed in one of Eureka's Old Town Victorian buildings across from the bay; this is a local favorite for enjoying baskets of steamed clams, fish and chips…
