California is America's most populous and diverse state, stretching 1,300 kilometers along the Pacific Coast from the Oregon border to Mexico. It encompasses everything from sun-drenched beaches and towering redwood forests to the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains and the arid Mojave Desert.
California's culinary scene is one of the world's most diverse and innovative, shaped by the state's extraordinary agricultural bounty, Pacific Rim location, and immigrant communities from Mexico, Asia, and beyond. California cuisine pioneered the farm-to-table movement in the 1970s and today encompasses everything from world-class French Laundry tasting menus to legendary In-N-Out burgers, award-winning taquerias to Michelin-starred omakase sushi.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define California.
California Burrito
A San Diego original — a massive flour tortilla stuffed with carne asada, french fries, guacamole, and sour cream
Where to try: Any San Diego taqueria, especially Barrio Logan
Price: $8-14
Dungeness Crab
Fresh Pacific crab, best in season November–May, served steamed with drawn butter
Where to try: Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, Swan Oyster Depot
Price: $30-60
Fish Tacos
Baja-style fish tacos with battered or grilled fish, cabbage slaw, and crema — a California-border staple
Where to try: Any coastal taqueria; Rubio's for the original
Price: $3-6 per taco
Avocado Toast
Thick sourdough toast topped with fresh California avocado, chili flakes, and citrus
Where to try: Any California cafe or brunch spot
Price: $12-18
In-N-Out Double Double
Iconic California fast food — two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Thousand Island spread
Where to try: Any In-N-Out Burger location
Price: $5-7
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
French Laundry
Thomas Keller's legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant in Yountville, consistently ranked among the world's best. The seasonal tasting menu changes daily and features exquisitely refined dishes. Reservations open two months in advance and sell out within seconds.
6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Nobu Los Angeles
Nobu Matsuhisa's flagship LA restaurant that launched his global empire. Located in West Hollywood, it remains a celebrity magnet serving innovative Japanese fusion with Peruvian influences. The black cod with miso has become a global culinary icon.
903 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Benu
Chef Corey Lee's three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood masterfully blends Korean culinary traditions with Californian ingredients and French technique. The restaurant's tasting menu is a journey through memory, place, and culture.
22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Bestia
Chef Ori Menashe and pastry chef Genevieve Gergis run this beloved Arts District LA restaurant serving rustic Italian food with exceptional house-made pastas, grilled meats, and wood-fired dishes. The open kitchen and industrial setting create an energetic dining experience.
2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Gary Danko
A San Francisco institution near Fisherman's Wharf, Gary Danko has earned a Michelin star and James Beard Award for its refined, prix-fixe American cuisine. The relaxed luxury atmosphere and stellar service make every meal feel like a special occasion.
800 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Spago Beverly Hills
Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant in Beverly Hills is credited with launching California cuisine as a culinary movement. The bright, elegant space attracts Hollywood's A-list and serves sophisticated seasonal California cuisine with theatrical presentation.
176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-N-Out Burger
The quintessential California fast-food experience, In-N-Out has been serving fresh, never-frozen burgers since 1948. The secret 'Animal Style' menu upgrades any burger with mustard-cooked beef, pickles, grilled onions, and extra special sauce. Lines are always long but move fast.
9245 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Delfina
A beloved Mission District institution in San Francisco, Delfina serves rustic Tuscan-inspired Italian food with top-quality California ingredients. The neighborhood atmosphere, perfectly executed pasta, and excellent Italian wine list have made this a local favorite for over 25 years.
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Italian
Japanese
French
Bakery And Cafe
Barbecue
California Bakery And Deli
California Sandwiches
Californian
Californian Deli
Jewish Deli
Modern Israeli
Pizza
Vegetarian
Vietnamese
Wine Country Californian
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder
Find it at: LA street fairs, Mercado la Paloma
Banh Mi
Vietnamese baguette sandwiches with pork, pickled vegetables, and jalapeños
Find it at: San Jose's Little Saigon, Little Saigon in Westminster
Garlic Fries
Oracle Park in San Francisco serves legendary garlic fries during Giants games
Find it at: Oracle Park, AT&T Park SF
Birria Tacos
Crispy red chile-braised beef tacos with consommé for dipping — the LA street food obsession
Find it at: Across Los Angeles, especially in East LA
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Ferry Building Marketplace
San Francisco's iconic waterfront market with artisan food vendors, Tuesday and Saturday farmers market
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Grand Central Market
A Los Angeles institution since 1917, mixing heritage vendors with celebrated new food stalls
Hours: Daily 8am-10pm
Original Farmers Market
LA's beloved outdoor market at 3rd and Fairfax with dozens of food stalls since 1934
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Pike Place-style Santa Monica Farmers Market
The famous Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market supplies restaurants across LA with exceptional California produce
Hours: Wed 8am-1pm, Sat 8am-1pm
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reservations are essential at popular San Francisco and LA restaurants — book 2-4 weeks in advance on Resy or OpenTable
Tipping 18-22% is standard in California; some restaurants add automatic service charges
California requires calorie counts to be displayed at chain restaurants
Happy hours are common 4-6pm at bars and restaurants — great way to try expensive spots at lower cost
Lunch menus often offer the same quality as dinner at significantly lower prices at upscale restaurants
- Vegetarian
- Excellent — California's farm-to-table culture means vegetarian options are exceptional at all price levels
- Halal
- Available in major cities; search apps like Zabihah for certified restaurants
- Gluten free
- Very well accommodated — California restaurants are experienced with dietary restrictions; always inform your server
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-15 per meal | Street tacos, taqueria burritos, fast-casual bowls, and ethnic neighborhood restaurants |
| Mid-range | $25-55 per meal | Sit-down California bistros, wine country casual dining, and mid-tier seafood restaurants |
| Upscale | $100+ per meal | Michelin-starred tasting menus, fine dining with wine pairings, and celebrity chef restaurants |