Berkeley
In North Berkeley's 'Gourmet Ghetto,' this small cafe has polka-dot tiles on the counter handmade by one of the artist-owners, and organic ingredients…
Must-see restaurants in Northern California
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Napa Valley
The definitive Wine Country deli: excellent cheeses, charcuterie, bread, olives and wine – however pricey. Find tables outside, or ask where to picnic…
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.
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.
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.
Monterey
Authentic savory galettes and sweet crepes are swirled by a French expat – the homemade caramel is a treat. Expect long lines on weekends.
Mammoth Lakes
Great coffee and carbs; try the cinnamon-bread French toast and fresh-baked fruit pies. Excellent soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.
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.
Santa Cruz
Who cares how long the line is at lunchtime? Find taquería heaven with these marinated pork, chicken or beef soft tacos.
Yosemite National Park
Fight the chipmunks for burgers, hot sandwiches, wraps, chili, salads and fries alfresco. Expect crowds and lines.
Lake Tahoe
With floral carpet and a mirrored ceiling, this meat-heavy joint is visually bizarre enough to merit a peek.
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.
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.
The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero Hill
What began as an inventive Hawaiian pop-up brunch in 2016 found a Dogpatch home, and thereafter added lunch and dinner service, including a tasting menu…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
Good for breakfast or a no-fuss lunch, the Eagle's straightforward fare includes pancakes and omelets, crab-salad sandwiches, burgers etc. The views are…
Sacramento
An anchor of the K St Mall area, this loud, enormous pizza joint has a great Margherita, a rock and roll theme and a well-tattooed staff.
Sacramento
Best bet for big ol' breakfasts – custardy French toast, chorizo sausage with eggs – at a 1938 art-deco movie theater.
