North Beach & Chinatown
Bleary-eyed art students and Italian grandmothers line up by 8am for cinnamon-raisin focaccia hot out of the 100-year-old oven, leaving 9am dawdlers a…
Must-see restaurants in Northern California
Coastal Highway 1
Forget everything you think you know about vegetarian food and the cuisine of the American South. Fog Eater challenges your perceptions of both by taking…
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Serving upscale Italian without pretension, this tiny romantic eatery pairs succulent pasta, seafood and meats with an award-winning 300-vintage wine list…
Oakland–Grand Lake Farmers Market
Oakland
A rival to San Francisco's Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, this bountiful weekly market hauls in bushels of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, ranched meats,…
Coastal Highway 1
Fort Bragg’s must-visit pizzeria is known for its sophisticated wood-fired, brick-oven pizzas as much as for its long list of microbrews. Try the ‘Gustoso…
North Coast & Redwoods
Tucked into an intimate, warm-hued and bohemian-tinged setting, this spot is almost always busy. Choose from thin-crust pizzas, delicious salads (try the…
San Francisco
Stop by this little neighborhood gem for coffee and wood-fired bagels on your way to the Presidio, or return in the evening for unmissable martinis. Start…
Berkeley
Excellent Burmese fare includes some of the Bay Area's more authentic takes on mohinga (fish noodle soup), ohn no kauk swe (coconut-curry chicken soup),…
Carmel-by-the-Sea
In a brick-lined courtyard, this vivaciously elegant restaurant pairs art and candlelight with food inspired by Oaxacan flavors and an entire library's…
Lake Tahoe
Head west of town toward Carnelian Bay, where this always-packed, cheery wooden shack (never, in fact, a post office) serves scrumptious breakfasts:…
Berkeley
Berkeley does not lack for good Chinese food, but this enormous, upscale restaurant elevates the genre with Northern Chinese specialties like duck-bone…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
With more than 150 vendors and an awe-inspiring selection of local produce, meat, flowers and baked goods, this market forms the vibrant heart of Davis…
San Luis Obispo
The county’s biggest and best weekly farmers market turns downtown SLO’s Higuera St into a giant street party, with smokin’ barbecues, overflowing fruit…
North Coast & Redwoods
Gyppo injects a jolt of youthful energy into this aging community, brewing a dozen of its own ales and showcasing them alongside local wines and ciders…
Legends Books, Antiques & Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain
Gold Country
The place to sip sarsaparilla, snack on a Polish dog or share a scoop of huckleberry ice cream at a 26ft-long mahogany bar here since 1850. Then browse…
Sonoma
One of Sonoma’s top tables for earthy New American cooking, La Haye only uses produce sourced from within 60 miles. Its dining room gets packed cheek-by…
Lake Tahoe
For breakfast, everyone heads to the friendly Fire Sign for down-home omelets, blueberry pancakes, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, fresh made-from…
Along Highway 101
Yes, there are arty pizzas with toppings like braised duck and wild boar sausage, but there are also amazing salads, pastas and meat dishes – the heritage…
North Coast & Redwoods
This low-lit nautical-themed restaurant on the plaza promises sustainably harvested seafood, locally sourced produce and thoughtfully crafted cocktails…
Lake Tahoe
This casual, family run restaurant with local art splashed on the walls does it all: from-scratch soups, heaped salads, sandwiches, incredible burgers,…
Along Highway 101
The best restaurant in Lake County serves a California-cuisine menu of wild salmon and chili-rubbed flank steak, as well as a small-plates menu of harvest…
Excelsior
Some of the best sandwiches in San Francisco are getting prepped and served in this little counter-service deli. The meats are fresh, and the cheeses are…
Marin County
This beach-chic canteen with bench seating and a chalkboard menu sits just under the lifeguard tower. Order quality, fresh tacos, nachos, fish and chips,…
Gold Country
Pure elegance, Peter Selaya’s organic- and local-ingredient menu changes with the seasons. If you visit during spring or summer, go for the line-caught…
North Coast & Redwoods
Easily the most happening place in town thanks to its inventive pizzas, creative salads and appealing barn-like atmosphere. Oh, and did we mention the 12…
Gold Country
Chef-owner Feather Ortiz uses herbs and peppers from her garden and sources everything else from local growers to make the freshest food around. The…
Gold Country
Book a table at Taste, where excellent Amador County wines are paired with a fine menu of California-style cooking (big on meat and game). There's open…
Along Highway 101
Founded by Dutch bakers, Schat’s makes a dazzling array of chewy, dense breads, sandwiches, wraps, big salads, dee-lish hot mains, full breakfasts and…
Santa Cruz
Organic produce, baked goods and arts-and-crafts and food booths all give you an authentic taste of the local vibe. Shorter fall and winter hours.
Coastal Highway 1
Chef Aaron Peters works with farmers and ranchers to create locavore Mendocino cuisine, pairing it alongside a stellar list of Anderson Valley wines…
Eastern Sierra
A deservedly hyped tourist mecca filled to the rafters with racks of fresh bread, dipping oil, jams and other goodies, Schat's has been making its baked…
Santa Cruz
A perennial local foodie fave, this chic and cosmopolitan lair harnesses mostly native products and turns them into triumphs of flavor pairings: Manila…
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
Excellent food and knockout views make the dining experience at Narrow Gauge Inn one of the finest in the Yosemite region. The dinners are creatively…
Yosemite National Park
Warm and welcoming, with high ceilings and sports on the large-screen TV and occasional music in summer, Rush Creek's tavern is ideal for a taste of low…
Yosemite National Park
Creative and satisfying, the Evergreen’s restaurant serves some of the best meals around, with big and delicious breakfasts, three types of burger (Black…
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
Burgers, fries and shakes served with a heavy dose of nostalgic Americana. Happy Burger, decorated with old album covers, boasts the largest menu in the…
Mt Shasta Region
It’s hard to describe this little microbrew pub without veering into hyperbole. Start with the beer: the crisp ales and porters are perfectly balanced and…
Berkeley
Worker owned since 1971, this co-op boasts (surprise) a great collection of cheese, a bakery with a changing selection of fresh bread, and a new…
Northern Mountains
You will get cravings for this place once you're gone. Think fresh, all homemade classics like crispy waffles or rustic Reuben sandwiches made to big-city…
Lake Tahoe
Housed at the trendy Cedar House Sport Hotel, this modern mountain-lodge dining room elevates Truckee’s eating scene with Californian flair, harmonizing…
