San Diego
This '50s-style diner has good burgers and milkshakes, big breakfasts and a full bar. Yes, it’s a chain, but it’s right at the end of the pier.
Must-see restaurants in California
Gold Country
The patio at this rowdy old saloon comes alive with guides and river rats when the water is high. It hosts bands and DJ nights on summer weekends.
North Coast & Redwoods
Come here for delicious cakes, tarts, pies and pastries, as well as baguette sandwiches and salads; there are four other branches in the area.
Russian River Area
Gourmet deli and wine shop with coffee, delicious pastries and grab-and-go picnic supplies. Supposedly the home of Oprah's favorite biscuit.
The Deserts
Generations of San Diegans have stopped by Dudley’s to pick up picnic lunches and fresh-baked loaves of bread in almost two dozen flavors.
Berkeley
Some of the Bay Area's most sought-after loaves of bread are baked fresh here in Berkeley. Its challah and sourdough loaves are exceptional.
San Luis Obispo
The Bear & the Wren was a popular SLO foodtruck that's now graduated to a bricks and mortar location serving standout wood-fired pizza.
Sonoma Valley
The surprisingly good Indian and Nepalese cooking served on a creekside patio at a converted mill make Yeti worth seeking out. Great value.
North Coast & Redwoods
Is cutesy-divey a design aesthetic? If so, these gals nailed it! Stop in for salads, pasta, sandwiches or jazz on Friday nights.
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Delicious and cheap shawarma (get the beef with tangy yogurt and chili sauce) makes this little spot a university institution. Cash only.
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Students and locals tuck into wooden booths at this cozy spot to slurp up thick homemade noodles, fresh dumplings and scallion pancakes.
Russian River Area
This good vegan-vegetarian kitchen doubles as a pizzeria and also offers plenty of Mexican dishes. Breakfast all day. Great smoothies.
North Coast & Redwoods
At the Oceanfront Inn, it pairs American breakfasts and Thai dinners with sweeping sea views.
Sonoma
Spicy curries, luscious lentil soup and sizzle-platter meats make a refreshing break from the usual French-Italian Wine Country fare.
Laguna Beach
Local farmers and merchants sell their wares each Saturday, an ever-changing seasonal selection of both produce and prepared foods.
Yosemite National Park
In the morning, the Majestic Yosemite Bar transforms into a cafe serving espresso drinks, pastries and continental breakfast items.
Russian River Area
This tiny cafe makes everything from scratch and serves simple-delicious, farm-to-table breakfasts and lunches at communal tables.
San Joaquin Valley
This Italian market and deli is the real deal, stacking up the ‘New Yorker’ pastrami and some mean prosciutto and mozzarella.
New Frontiers Natural Marketplace
Santa Ynez Valley
To keep things healthy, organic and local, pick up a tasty variety of deli sandwiches, salads and takeout dishes for picnicking.
Westlake & Koreatown
A humble little noodle spot known for its house-made, knife-cut noodles and wonderful house-made chili sauce. Portions are huge.
San Diego
Kitsch local burger joint covered in license plates and surf memorabilia, serving hearty patties and ridiculously creamy shakes.
Disneyland Resort
This Southern-flavored restaurant is famous for its three-cheese Monte Cristo sandwiches at lunch. Breakfast served seasonally.
San Diego
New American cuisine melds with farm-fresh flavors at this busy winery bistro, a favorite for weekend brunch on the airy patio.
Lake Tahoe
This stone-built riverside dining room is a popular stop, drawing rafters and bikers to its patio for summer barbecue lunches.
Coastal Highway 1
One of the best grocery stores in town with a wide selection of organic produce available and conveniently long opening hours.
Coastal Highway 1
Good farmers market held during the summer months with plenty of fresh produce for sale, plus a juice bar and baked goodies.
Russian River Area
For Mexican, this is the real deal, with standout carnitas (barbecued pork), homemade salsas and veggie burritos.
Coastal Highway 1
This grocery store specializes in organic produce and products, with a superb range including baked goods and deli items.
Russian River Area
East of downtown, near Sonoma Valley, chef-owned Jeffrey’s is excellent for breakfast or brunch before wine tasting.
North Coast & Redwoods
A popular farmers market held during the summer months which is terrific for fresh produce, as well as local cheese.
Gold Country
Lemon yogurt or banana nut pancakes, great omelets and all manner of hot sandwiches dished up in a homey atmosphere.
Eastern Sierra
A small bar with cowboy-rustic decor and excellent thin-crust pizza, plus sandwiches, fries, onion rings and salads.
North Coast & Redwoods
Big salads, tasty coconut curry, cold noodle salads with a vast choice of sauces and homemade soups – and cheap!
Gold Country
For town gossip and snacks, stop at the friendly Columbia Mercantile, which also has a wide variety of groceries.
Santa Cruz
Organic and local produce, natural-foods groceries and deli take-out meals in the middle of downtown Santa Cruz.
Napa
Our fave spot for quality egg scrambles, granola, focaccia sandwiches, big cups of joe and boxed lunches to go.
Sonoma Valley
Feast on a seven-course small-plates menu paired with seven wines for $50 at this roadside wine-tasting room.
North Coast & Redwoods
Wildberries Marketplace is Arcata's best grocery, with natural foods, a good deli, a bakery and a juice bar.
Sonoma
The big back garden at this local hangout is a great spot for breakfast, a no-fuss lunch or afternoon wine.
Sonoma Valley
Amazing wraps, salad and soups with Asian and Southwestern flair, and the service couldn't be friendlier.
