San Diego
Since the flower-power days of 1969, OB’s legendary burger joint has served great shakes, massive baskets of onion rings and succulent hamburgers wrapped…
Must-see restaurants in California
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 Diego
In this casual grown-up fish shack, order at the counter, sidle up to a butcher-block table, sip craft beer or Mexican coke from a mason jar and tuck into…
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),…
San Diego
Eat honestly priced, pork-inspired slow food in a cute outdoor patio with natural wooden features. Wash dishes like the triple-threat pork sandwich (with…
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…
Malibu & Pacific Palisades
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's empire of luxe Japanese restaurants began in LA, and the Malibu outpost is consistently one of LA's hot spots. East of the pier, it…
Greater Palm Springs
Hidden away in the back of the ornate 1920s El Paseo building, a large patio with olive trees leads to this starkly beautiful space. At its center is a…
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…
Santa Barbara
Just try walking past this place on State St if you have a sweet tooth. A Santa Barbara institution since 1949, McConnell's uses local milk and other…
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…
Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
Find yourself a seat around the central counter or facing busy Abbot Kinney to tuck in to stone-oven pizzas, handmade pastas and veggie faves such as…
North Coast & Redwoods
This low-lit nautical-themed restaurant on the plaza promises sustainably harvested seafood, locally sourced produce and thoughtfully crafted cocktails…
Santa Barbara
The usual Mexican crowd-pleasers are all here (tacos al pastor, quesadillas, agua fresca) but made to such perfection that previous versions pale in…
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,…
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…
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.
Greater Palm Springs
At the heart of downtown Palm Springs yet secluded from hubbub this delightful bistro sits in a country-style courtyard. All the better to enjoy classic…
Santa Barbara
A top pick for plant-based dining, Mesa Verde has so many delicious, innovative all-vegan sharing plates on the menu that meat-avoiding procrastinators…
San Diego
In the old San Diego Police Headquarters, this vibrant eatery serves modern Mexican street food that knocked our zapatos off. Start with some creamy…
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…
Greater Palm Springs
Sushi in the desert may not make intuitive sense, but this modern, Scandinavian-designed sushi and whisky bar defies expectations. Starter cocktails might…
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…
Orange County
First things first: they're not hot dogs, they're 'haute' dogs, homemade and topped with your choice of combinations (the BBQ, Bacon and Blues comes with…
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…
Greater Palm Springs
Waits can be long and service only so-so at this breakfast and lunch spot, but the farm-to-table menu dazzles with witty inventiveness. The kitchen…
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…
San Diego
Country-style seating indoors and great people-watching on the sidewalk. Just one taste of the homemade ravioli or lasagna, salmon with arugula, capers…
Death Valley National Park
This formal restaurant delivers continental cuisine with stellar views of the Panamint Mountains. For a more chilled ambience, enjoy breakfast, lunch or…
San Diego
In this corner place with modern rustic ambience, business gets done, celebrations get celebrated and friends hug and kiss over refined yet affordable Cal…
Sacramento
In the catacombs under the historic Crest Theater, this gorgeous restaurant hosts a menu of creative, meat-focused dishes (including family-style options…
San Diego
For fish tacos with a sea view, Las Olas is so popular it has its own traffic light, right across the street from the beach. Lobster is served in the…
Yosemite National Park
With a killer view of Yosemite Falls, the window tables at this casual yet elegant contemporary restaurant are a hot commodity. Plates of NY strip steak,…
San Diego
From California spiny lobster to harpoon-caught swordfish, the seafood at this been-there-forever fish market is off-the-boat-fresh and finds its destiny…
