Sequoia National Park
Always jam-packed, Brewbakers beckons thirsty hikers with house-made sodas and craft beers. A huge menu of burgers, pizzas, pastas and salads promises…
Must-see restaurants in California
Central Coast
Clam chowder and cioppino are standouts at this seriously old-school seafood restaurant at the tip of Harford Pier. A few tables have see-through glass…
San Luis Obispo
If you can stomach huge lines, long waits for a table, and sports-bar-style service, you’ll get to sink your teeth into an authentic Santa Maria–style tri…
Excelsior
It’s a little hit and miss at this Vietnamese spot, but it's worth a visit just for its bun bo hue, a spicy beef soup that’ll clear any sinus. Also…
San Luis Obispo
A long saloon-style bar where locals mingle with serious cocktails, and a casual Californian menu – try the lobster and shrimp risotto or the signature…
Lake Tahoe
This cute cottage is right by the Truckee River dam and Fanny Bridge; stash your bikes in the racks outside and walk inside for a breakfast burrito, ice…
San Jose
This New American steakhouse restaurant in the Marriott Hotel is run by Michael Mina, one of San Francisco’s celebrity chefs. It’s not the daring, cutting…
Malibu & Pacific Palisades
The coincidence is almost too perfect. The name of this from-Italy gelato place is surf-speak for a talented kid, and it specializes in all-natural ice…
Lighthouse Deli & Ice Cream Shop
Gold Country
The flavors of N’Awlins make this unassuming deli an unexpected delight. The muffeletta – a toasted piece of Cajun paradise that’s stacked high with ham,…
Sonoma Valley
The redone mill on the waterfront houses a few top food and wine choices, including the Wild Goat Bistro, with its open patio seating and fantastic pizzas…
The Deserts
This kitchen uses traditional recipes and cooking methods in preparing its Indian and Nepali. Good choices include anything prepared in the tandoor oven…
Russian River Area
Unique in Wine Country, El Coqui serves yummy Puerto Rican food, including stuffed plantains, spicy beans and empanadas. Wash it down with a beer or glass…
Oakland
Get the day going with oatmeal pancakes or an acai bowl, or maybe sauteed tofu and an excellent avocado eggs Benedict at this sunny, cheerful breakfast…
Coastal Highway 1
Just great ice cream in fun flavors, from classics such as mocha almond fudge to the very unusual, such as ginger, chai or candy cap mushroom (tastes like…
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Since the '70s, this classic pizza parlor has been hand rolling its housemade dough (cornmeal or whole wheat, anyone?), then piling the pizzas with crafty…
San Diego
A daily market menu (subject to change depending on the catch) of sushi and smoked fish, chowder, and specialties like dungeness crab and chipotle-rubbed…
Yosemite National Park
Located upstairs, the Snowflake Room has walls covered with cool old ski photos and pieces of vintage ski equipment. On weekends and holidays, the cozy…
The Peninsula
Near downtown, this family-owned kitchen makes fresh cod, mahimahi and salmon tacos, along with deep-fried and grilled seafood plates. The pastel-colored…
Coastal Highway 1
This very busy place has the best views of the ocean in town from its 2nd-story perch, though the service can be abysmal. Brunch is a specialty as are…
Huntington Beach
Get your organic, health-conscious groceries here. A deli and take-out cafe caters to all diets (eg vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nondairy). Juice bar…
Central Coast
Off Hwy 101, this authentic Mexican grocery store and butcher's deli makes savory tortas (sandwiches), wet burritos and street-food tacos (the al pastor…
Mammoth Lakes
Proudly locavore and mostly organic, Stellar entices you to settle into a comfy sofa for your daily dose of locally roasted coffee, homemade granola,…
San Diego
Hillcrest location, a dozen-plus flavors of famously decadent cupcakes (from $4), wi-fi, a full bar and cafe selling wings, salads and mac 'n' cheese…
The Deserts
This newish cafe is the only place in dusty Nipton to get food. The fare is predictably simple, from scrambled eggs, pancakes and burritos for breakfast…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Making the most of the delta's multiethnic history, Rogelio's hotel and casino restaurant serves a mash-up of Mexican and Chinese dishes, with a few…
Mono Lake Region
The cafe at the Silver Lake Resort serves casual diner fare such as sandwiches, salads and hefty burgers, but it's best to come for the hearty breakfasts,…
Central Coast
On Main St in the heart of downtown Salinas, this storefront Mexican kitchen gets a spicy stamp of approval for handmade tortillas, smoky chipotle salsa,…
Sacramento
On the ground floor of the Citizen Hotel, this upscale seasonal restaurant features locally sourced flavors of the Sacramento Valley. It also has a…
Santa Cruz
At this scruffy brunch spot that locals don’t want you to know about, huge portions of sourdough pancakes and cinnamon-nut coffee cake will keep you going…
Gold Country
This rugged old-school wooden building on the main street houses a great little cafe, with an unlikely specialty in the British favorite fish and chips…
San Joaquin Valley
Hardly the fanciest digs in town – just four bare walls and a few tables – but this downtown Thai restaurant makes an excellent combination pho soup,…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
The Red Tavern is one of Chico’s favorite fine-dining experiences, with a sophisticated menu that uses local, seasonal and organic ingredients. On Sundays…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
This is where college kids take their visiting parents. It features crisp white tablecloths, steaks tender enough to cut with a reproachful look, and…
Mono Lake Region
With a wooden facade that could be straight out of a Wild West town, this family-owned bakery prepares handmade donuts, croissants, scones and breads…
San Joaquin Valley
An earthy little sandwich shop housed in a wood-shingled, former gas station, serves up sandwiches such as the Larry (Polish sausage, mushrooms, green…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
This bright, family-run Mexican spot overlooks the central junction of Red Bluff. It has great salsa and molcajetes (meat or seafood stew, served in a…
Santa Cruz
Always packed and consistently good (if not great), El Palomar serves tasty Mexican staples – try the ceviches – and fruity margaritas. Tortillas are made…
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
A sun-filled local institution, Ernie’s dishes out filling three-egg omelets, hearty biscuits with gravy, fruity and nutty waffles and bottomless cups of…
Marin County
This sunny one-room American brasserie in downtown Tiburon spins a refreshing Cal-Mediterranean menu with the likes of sesame-crusted ahi-tuna salad, and…
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Casual fast-food spot serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, hot dogs, and nachos and cheese. Plus, ice cream, root beer floats, coffee and…
