Carmel-by-the-Sea
It's pricey, but what isn't in Carmel? Start your day with an apple-cinnamon Belgian waffle, Swedish pancakes or one of 20 Californicized variations on…
Must-see restaurants in California
Marin County
Smack in the town center, Depot serves coffee and espresso, sandwiches, soups and baked goods. The bookstore sells lots of local publications, including…
San Joaquin Valley
Every Thursday, a fleet of independent food trucks from around the valley park on the Fulton Mall, serving grab-and-go lunch options from every corner of…
San Diego
For picnics and takeout, stop by this market near the ferry for fantastic, (mostly) healthy sandwiches and an extensive assortment of salads and organic…
Yosemite National Park
Gas-station store stocking snacks, camping supplies, souvenirs, beer, wine and a wide selection of food items. Gas pumps open 24 hours with card. Also has…
Napa Valley
Convenient for breakfast and lunch, Gillwood's serves good diner fare – breakfast enchiladas, scrambles, pancakes, burgers and salads. It has beer and…
Mono Lake Region
This diner is so old school it has Kraft macaroni and cheese on its menu. Burgers, eggs Benedict and old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes are more appealing…
San Diego
Fork into famously homemade cinnamon-bread French toast and berry pancakes, or spice it up with eggy Latino dishes like chilaquiles and rancheros verde.
Santa Ynez Valley
Share (they're big) a Danish butter ring or keep a fruit-filled pastry or apple strudel all to yourself. It makes for a great breakfast or afternoon treat…
Napa Valley
The definitive Wine Country deli: excellent cheeses, charcuterie, bread, olives and wine – however pricey. Find tables outside, or ask where to picnic…
Russian River Area
Gourmet burgers, hot dogs and grilled sandwiches, along with breakfast options and lots of veggie choices, behind the Rio Theater. Beer and wine also…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Debate about which of Chico’s taco trucks is best can quickly lead to fisticuffs, but the smoky carnitas tacos served at this mobile kitchen are a dream.
Lone Pine
You can satisfy most of your needs at this mash-up of a gift shop, deli, ice-cream parlor and cafe. Soups, pastries and hiking fare to go are also offered.
San Joaquin Valley
A simple Basque eating hall loaded with character. You can order the nine – yes nine – sides without a main dish, or loosen your belt and get it all.
The Deserts
This locally adored cafe serves breakfast anytime along with American and Mexican classics, from burgers to burritos. Friendly and swift service to boot.
Russian River Area
One mile west of Guerneville, this roadhouse barbecue joint, with redwood-shaded patio, serves good house-smoked meats but the fries could be better.
Mt Shasta Region
The food is pretty good, but the kitchen and the staff can’t keep up with the crowds. It also serves burgers if you're traveling with fussy folk.
San Luis Obispo
For organic groceries, deli picnic meals and a hot-and-cold salad bar. It’s 4 miles southwest of downtown via Hwy 101 (exit Los Osos Valley Rd).
San Diego
For oysters, clams, mussels, seabass, swordfish and other morsels of the sea. Plus try more than 150 vodkas at the bar (though not all at once!).
Yosemite National Park
Hot dogs, burgers and a few salads are available on a deck near the parking area. Even when lines are long, the food's served up fairly quickly.
Half Dome Village Gift & Grocery
Yosemite National Park
The Half Dome Village store is undoubtedly handy if you’re in the neighborhood and need food, snacks, camping supplies, sodas, gifts or beer.
Sonoma
Look for the cow on the roof of this roadside deli south of town, a fave for fat sandwiches and homemade turkey and beef jerky (free samples!).
San Joaquin Valley
Get lunch at Manny’s, which serves flavorful rotisserie meats and fried-chicken sandwiches. It’s at the edge of the Miracle Mile district.
Lake Tahoe
A handy spot on the main drag that serves bagels and locally roasted coffee, plus smoothies and breakfast burritos made with organic produce.
Monterey
Authentic savory galettes and sweet crepes are swirled by a French expat – the homemade caramel is a treat. Expect long lines on weekends.
Sonoma
A reliable spot for an easy meal, Red Grape serves good thin-crust pizzas and big salads in a cavernous, echoey space. Good for takeout too.
Santa Cruz
The bagels here are twice-cooked (boiled, then baked), and come with fantastic spreads like crunchy 'Tofu del Fuego' or hummus with sprouts.
Russian River Area
Occidental's best grocery store has a good deli which prepares sandwiches from 10am to 7pm. There's also a coffee bar open daily until 1pm.
Los Angeles
Right on Green Pier is this classic waterside snack bar for burgers (including buffalo burgers), burritos, fish and chips and funnel cakes.
Mammoth Lakes
Great coffee and carbs; try the cinnamon-bread French toast and fresh-baked fruit pies. Excellent soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.
San Joaquin Valley
One of downtown Bakersfield's swanky spots has red banquettes and big-city classics such as cioppino and pistachio-crusted lamb chops.
Downtown Los Angeles & Boyle Heights
Just off Mariachi Plaza, this upbeat, pocket-sized taco peddler is a hit for its al pastor and cinnamon-spiked chorizo tacos.
Central Coast
Now operating as a food truck adjoined to the Hearst Ranch Winery's spacious new tasting room. Try the pork tacos or Cubano sandwich.
San Joaquin Valley
The soda jerks flip fantastic cheeseburgers and pour thick shakes at the store's original soda counter, buffed to its former glory.
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
This large grocery store at the eastern end of town is a good place to stock up on food and supplies before heading into Yosemite.
Sacramento
Within a stroll of the convention center is this quality Italian eatery. Parmesan frites with truffle aioli are the way to start.
Malibu & Pacific Palisades
Stock up on natural and organic groceries, prepared and packaged foods and delectable baked goods from muffins to macarons.
Central Coast
Get there early for fresh loaves of cinnamon bread, hot-cross buns and guava or apricot turnovers, as they often sell out.
Santa Cruz
Who cares how long the line is at lunchtime? Find taquería heaven with these marinated pork, chicken or beef soft tacos.
San Diego
Hand-rolled waffle cones and homemade ice cream, sherbet and fro-yo mixed with fruits, nuts and candy are a cool treat.
