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!).
Must-see restaurants in Northern California
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monterey
Authentic savory galettes and sweet crepes are swirled by a French expat – the homemade caramel is a treat. Expect long lines on weekends.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chico Certified Farmers Market
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Rain or shine, this excellent open-air market brings in the best from the valley, artisanal baked goods and coffee.
Yosemite National Park
Fight the chipmunks for burgers, hot sandwiches, wraps, chili, salads and fries alfresco. Expect crowds and lines.
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Besides the groceries and organic products, there's a coffee bar, sustainable sushi, salads and kombucha on tap.
Lake Tahoe
With floral carpet and a mirrored ceiling, this meat-heavy joint is visually bizarre enough to merit a peek.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Made-to-order deli sandwiches and salads are good-value options at this cheaper alternative at Pebble Beach.
Sonoma
Sonoma’s best groceries and deli sandwiches, this is a great spot to stock up for a picnic in the Plaza.
Napa
This roadside deli with shaded picnic area makes an easy stop while winery-hopping north of town.
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Specialty foods, gourmet deli (sandwiches, soups, salads) and picnic baskets to go.
Napa Valley
Vineyard workers flock here for burrito lunches and homemade hot sauce.
San Joaquin Valley
Local booths serve the freshest seasonal food from surrounding farms.
Russian River Area
Organic groceries; better alternative than neighboring supermarket.
Visalia Farmers Market – Sequoia Mall
Sequoia National Park
Year-round market, rain or shine, held in the Sears parking lot.
Sequoia National Park
The lodge's basic restaurant serves decent pizzas and salads.
