Marin County
Don’t leave town without sampling something buttery from this tiny, yet beloved country bakery. Indulging in a sweet bear-claw pastry and an organic…
Must-see restaurants in Northern California
San Joaquin Valley
On the outskirts of town at Michael David Winery, this farmstand cafe slings big breakfast plates of fluffy omelets with country potatoes, cinnamon…
San Luis Obispo
Home of unusually good flavor combos like bacon-maple and mint-chip donuts, served with cups of organic, fair-trade, locally roasted coffee. It’s…
Sequoia National Park
Small supermarket selling campfire food supplies, snacks, drinks and take-out deli picnic salads, sandwiches and freshly cooked barbecue meat (cooked on…
Mt Shasta Brewing Company Alehouse & Bistro
Mt Shasta Region
Try a tasty Shastafarian Porter or the rich, amber-colored Mountain High IPA. Brats, flatbread pizzas and grilled panini round out the brewpub menu; the…
Sonoma Valley
Locals favor this order-at-the-counter Italian-American deli, with standout roast chicken, and homemade gnocchi and ravioli. At lunchtime there’s pizza…
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Small supermarket deli counter makes a saucy sandwich of oakwood-grilled tri-tip beef and stocks all the accoutrements for a beach picnic, including…
Mono Lake Region
The cafe at Annett's is a small, retro diner-style place with grey booths serving basic fare such as burgers, sandwiches and American breakfasts.
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
Recently reopened, this country kitchen offers a new menu of American comfort food, including meatloaf, steak and homemade lasagna. The garden is a lovely…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
Mr Ghirardelli sure makes a swell sundae. The legendary Twin Peaks comes with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, marshmallow topping and enough hot fudge to…
Central Coast
Honest Mexican food is slung from this family-owned taco trailer parked in the East Village on weekends. Fiery tacos, taquitos, quesadillas and burritos…
San Jose
Students and vegetarians queue for Vietnamese dishes such as the fake-meat pho and the heaped combo plates. Conveniently located on the border of the San…
Healdsburg
Fancy sandwiches and grab-and-go gourmet picnics. It’s pricey, but the plaza-view fireside terrace is ever so fun for scouting Botox blonds, while…
The Peninsula
Downtown, across from City Hall, this 110-year-old bakery makes grab-and-go breakfast pastries, pecan nut bars and tasty loaves of pumpkin bread. Tables…
Northern Mountains
Follow the aroma of garlic to this welcoming little chalet with a charming ambience. Dig into choice steaks and Italian-American classics, including…
Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area Fast Food Grill
Yosemite National Park
In winter, the ski area runs a fast-food grill serving pizza, burgers, nachos and chicken strips. More healthy-minded eaters can choose from a handful of…
Eastern Sierra
The cafe, serving locally grown produce and other products, is open for Friday, Saturday and Sunday-night dinners; an outdoor farmers market is held on…
The Peninsula
Chomp on seafood and burgers while you swill pints from a respectable menu of local brews and gaze out at the bay from a sheltered, heated outdoor patio…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
The service won’t win awards for speed, but this local favorite draws both vegetarian and omnivorous mobs with its burly breakfast plates. Order anything…
Jack London Square Farmers Market
Oakland
On Sunday, a weekly farmers market takes over Jack London Sq. There's a great selection of organic food stuffs from around the region, and good community…
Sacramento
The wicker and palm in the windowed dining room offer a preview of the chef's style – a French-Italian spin on Central Valley ingredients. The day's catch…
San Joaquin Valley
More Tex than Mex, this excellent cafeteria packs in city workers for smoky, slow-roasted pit beef. The chili fries are a messy delight, and the…
North Coast & Redwoods
If you’re just passing through and want something quick, come here. It raises its own grass-fed beef. Alas, the fries are frozen, but the burgers are…
Yosemite National Park
When Glacier Point Rd is open, this unexciting snack bar at Glacier Point is the only place to eat. Hot dogs, chili dogs and premade sandwiches are all…
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…
Marin County
You can spy the glassed-in kettles behind the bar at this brewpub. Point Reyes Porter and Mt Tam Pale Ale complement the menu of pizza, burgers and hearty…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
