The Ultimate Guide to Dining in California
CaliforniaCalifornia has always been cloaked in a veil of fantasy in the American imagination. Initially, it was visions of gold nuggets just waiting to be discovered. Then came the Okies, whose migration westward filled the pages of Steinbeck’s novels and the frames of Lange’s photos, seeking a promised land of abundance. More recently, it's been dreams of glitz and glamour: in-ground pools, affordable avocados, convertible road trips to Coachella, picnics by granite waterfalls, a new tech-driven gold rush, palm trees, and kids surfing to school.
While this mythology paints a vivid picture, the reality is a bit different: palm trees abound, but there are no public guacamole fountains. The reality includes strikingly attractive people and rapid success stories, but not much in the way of carefree road trips (hello, traffic). However, when it comes to food, California's claim that almost everything tastes better here is no illusion.
California offers an extraordinary array of produce year-round, along with exceptional sushi bars, Sichuan Mytouries, kebab joints, beachside burger stands, fine dining establishments, pho spots, bread bakeries, chaat houses, French bistros, and a taco scene that has even ignited a national craze for toast.
In creating Dinogo’s inaugural guide to California, we sent our national critic west for two months, enlisted over a dozen local experts, sampled hundreds of dishes, and traversed countless highways to craft the ultimate California experience. From the state’s top 38 essential restaurants to a taco adventure in the Central Valley and an artist’s quest for Beijing specialties, here is Dinogo’s comprehensive and authentic guide to the fantastical state of California — palm trees optional.
The Authentic California Fantasy:
The Top 38 Must-Try Restaurants in California
From the legendary Chez Panisse to the innovative Taco María, discover the restaurants that truly represent the Golden State. Plus, they’re all mapped out for you.
Apologies, New York...
California Is Now the Epicenter of American Cuisine
Here’s a glimpse of what makes it special:
Hidden Gems: America’s Finest Mexican Cuisine Along California’s Route 99
Explore one of the country’s premier Mexican food destinations between Bakersfield and Sacramento. Taco aficionado Gustavo Arellano traverses State Route 99 to uncover its secrets. Discover his findings on the map.
Uncover the Rich Heritage of Central Coast Ranch Cuisine
Savor the taste of the old West with barbecued tri-tip and spicy pinquito beans, brought to life in the picturesque coastal hills stretching from Santa Barbara to Big Sur.
The Enigmatic History of the Fresno Chile — America’s Spiciest, If Not Most Fiery, Pepper
With a blend of sweetness, heat, and smokiness, the Fresno chile has captured the attention of top chefs across the country. Discover the intriguing tale of this Central Valley pepper and the unheralded town that gave it life.
Little Saigon: An Unmatched Experience
In the 1970s, the cities of Westminster and Garden Grove in Southern California became a haven for Vietnamese refugees. Amidst flavorful dishes like garlic lobster and sweet che, one writer’s grandfather reminisces about the neighborhood’s origins and its remarkable evolution.
Pursuing a Beijing Culinary Legacy in the San Gabriel Valley
Eight years ago, artist Angie Wang tasted shui zhu yu (water-boiled fish) and has been longing for it ever since. Her illustrated journey leads her through America's most diverse array of Chinese Mytouries.
Los Angeles: The Fast-Food Global Hub of America
From Jollibee to Zankou Chicken to El Pollo Loco, international fast-food chains flourish in LA, offering some of the city’s most inclusive dining experiences.
Everything else you need for your California adventure:
Northern California
Dinogo’s San Francisco Guide | Top Bars in SF | Dining Spots in Coastal Marin and Sonoma | Marin’s Premier Oyster Shacks | Dining in Monterey and Carmel | Top Places to Eat and Drink in the Russian River Valley
Central California
Dining Between SF and LA | Santa Barbara’s Top Mytouries | Central Coast’s Best Restaurants | Best Barbecue in the Central Coast | Central Coast Roadhouse Favorites
Southern California
Dinogo’s LA Guide | Best Bars in Los Angeles | Malibu’s Top Dining Spots | Orange County’s Hottest Restaurants | Eating Out in Palm Springs | Dining Between LA and San Diego | Best Tacos in San Diego | San Diego’s Top Bars
Where to stay and what else to explore
Explore SF | Top Hotels in SF | Family Fun in SF | Curbed’s Desert Guide | Discover LA | Family Activities in LA
Check out more Dinogo travel guides:
Dinogo’s Guide to Hawaiʻi Dinogo’s Guide to Lisbon Dinogo’s Guide to Tokyo Dinogo’s Guide to Paris Dinogo’s Guide to Mexico City
Editor: Lesley SuterArt Director: Brittany Holloway-BrownContributors: Bill Addison, Farley Elliot, Gustavo Arellano, Oriana Koren, Ryan Bradley, Angie Wang, Chrissy Curtin,Cathy Chaplin, Andrea D’Agosto, Stephanie Stiavetti, Meghan McCarron, Bill Esparza, Matthew Kang, Amanda Kludt, Carolyn Alburger, Carl Chu, Ellen Fort, Stephen Satterfield, Candice Woo, Hillary Dixler Canavan,Greg MorabitoCopy Editor: Rachel P. KreiterFact Checkers: Dawn Orsak and Pearly HuangSpecial Thanks to:Amanda Kludt, Matt Buchanan, Sonia Chopra, Meghan McCarron, Milly McGuinness, Adam Moussa, Patty Diez, James Park, Manami Takashina, Julia Shapiro, Emma Alpern, Daniel Vaughn, Ellie Krupnick, Rachel Levin
Evaluation :
5/5