Best Restaurants to Taste the Bounty and Flavors of California

Best Restaurants to Taste the Bounty and Flavors of California

California’s best restaurants can easily rival those of other US states. There’s no question that San Francisco is one of the world’s best cities for food buffs, while Los Angeles has been enjoying a growing culinary reputation for the past ten years.

Whether you’re looking for fabulous affordable dining spots or Michelin-star restaurants, you will never go wrong with the following choices in the Golden State:

1. Chez Panisse

Alice Waters opened this humble restaurant in Berkeley in 1971 that introduced the rest of the world to exciting culinary cuisine. Chez Panisse highlights simple preparation using peak-of-the-season ingredients. The restaurant also gave rise to The Gourmet Ghetto, its surrounding neighborhood.

This destination that has been standing tall for almost five decades boasts of a kitchen that boasts of whipping consistently outstanding dishes. Despite the enticing quips of Portlandia, the prix fixe menus of Chez Panisse continue to read like a list of local food producers.

2. French Laundry

This rarified institution in Yountville, Napa Valley was the world’s best restaurant. The organic garden of French Laundry is probably more gorgeous than other parks out there and nabbing a reservation spot here is almost similar to getting through the head of a needle.

This historic stone structure was once an actual French laundry in the early 20th century and the chef-owner took inspiration from the backdrop for his three Michelin-starred and meticulously considered tasting menu made to instill the perfect bite.

3. Ironside Fish & Oyster

The bustling eatery in the trendy Little Italy in San Diego is no way near the dull seafood shack implied by its name. Its interior is Instagram-ready with a wall adorned with piranha skeletons and a large marquee sign that reads Shit Happens lighting up the restroom hallway.

But more than giggles and glitz, Ironside Fish & Oyster take their seafood seriously. Here, you will be treated to an infinite stream of amazingly fresh oysters, savory Spanish-style octopus, and rich uni toast.

Since Ironside is under the ownership of Consortium Holdings, the local cocktail impresarios that also own the excellent Craft & Commerce located up the street, your lobster rolls can also be paired with the expertly prepared tiki drinks that will be served to you in a Shamu mug.

4. Mister Jiu’s

Chef-owner Brandon Jew successfully overcame a culinary feat after he brought the foodies of San Francisco back to the popular touristy Chinatown. He elegantly transformed a tired-looking landmark restaurant into a fabulous Michelin-starred hot spot that you can access via a hidden entrance on the distinctive alleyway.

Jew opted to prepare everything from scratch, including the hoisin and even the soy sauce he uses. With favorite dishes like the whole roasted duck with all necessary fixings to wagyu fried rice paired with cured tuna heart, you might have a hard time scheduling a reservation here.

Don’t forget to check out OceanBeachTravel.com to find other restaurants where you can taste the flavors and bounty of California.