Restaurants In California

The French Laundry (Yountville)

Cuisine: French-American

About: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Napa Valley, The French Laundry, led by chef Thomas Keller, is world-renowned for its exquisite tasting menus featuring seasonal ingredients. Dining here is a luxurious and highly curated experience.

Upcoming Events: The restaurant frequently hosts special wine pairing dinners with rare vintages from Napa Valley.

Chez Panisse (Berkeley)

Cuisine: Farm-to-Table, Californian

About: This legendary restaurant, founded by chef Alice Waters, pioneered the farm-to-table movement in the U.S. Known for its focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients, Chez Panisse offers seasonal menus that celebrate simple, fresh flavors.

Current Highlights: Their autumn menu focuses on dishes incorporating fall harvest ingredients, such as roasted squashes, persimmons, and root vegetables.

Bestia (Los Angeles)

Cuisine: Italian

About: Bestia is a trendy spot in LA’s Arts District, famous for its inventive Italian cuisine, particularly house-made charcuterie and wood-fired pizzas. It’s a favorite among foodies and celebrities alike.

Upcoming Events: Seasonal menu changes are expected for the holidays, featuring unique takes on traditional Italian holiday dishes.

Zuni Café (San Francisco)

Cuisine: Californian, Mediterranean

About: An iconic San Francisco restaurant, Zuni Café is known for its wood-fired roast chicken and oysters. Its menu combines Mediterranean flavors with Californian ingredients, creating a warm and inviting dining experience.

Current Highlights: The fall menu features seasonal items such as figs, wild mushrooms, and pomegranate-glazed meats.

Nobu Malibu (Malibu)

Cuisine: Japanese-Peruvian Fusion

About: Nobu is an internationally acclaimed restaurant that blends Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, with the Malibu location being particularly popular for its stunning oceanfront views and celebrity clientele. Signature dishes include black cod with miso and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño.

Upcoming Events: Nobu Malibu often hosts exclusive sushi-making classes and sake pairing dinners.

State Bird Provisions (San Francisco)

Cuisine: Californian, Dim Sum Style

About: Known for its creative small plates served dim sum-style, State Bird Provisions offers a unique dining experience. The ever-changing menu blends a variety of global influences with local ingredients.

Upcoming Events: The restaurant will debut a holiday menu that includes special wine pairings from boutique Napa and Sonoma vineyards.

The Bazaar by José Andrés (Beverly Hills)

Cuisine: Spanish, Molecular Gastronomy

About: Chef José Andrés brings avant-garde Spanish cuisine to LA with The Bazaar, a playful and innovative dining experience that incorporates molecular gastronomy. Diners can enjoy everything from traditional tapas to creatively re-imagined dishes like liquid olives and cotton candy foie gras.

Upcoming Events: Special holiday-themed dinners with a focus on Andrés’ modern take on Spanish Christmas dishes.

Manresa (Los Gatos)

Cuisine: Californian, New American

About: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Manresa is famed for its sophisticated, farm-to-table cuisine crafted by chef David Kinch. The tasting menu is a journey through the flavors of the California coast.

Current Highlights: Manresa is featuring seasonal tasting menus with a focus on wild foraged ingredients and local seafood.

Pizzeria Mozza (Los Angeles)

Cuisine: Italian

About: A popular pizzeria founded by chef Nancy Silverton, Pizzeria Mozza is known for its exceptional wood-fired pizzas and Italian small plates. The menu features both classic and innovative toppings on perfectly charred crusts.

Current Highlights: Their autumn pizza features seasonal ingredients such as butternut squash, sage, and goat cheese.

Gjelina (Venice, Los Angeles)

Cuisine: New American, Californian

About: Gjelina is a trendy Venice eatery that focuses on rustic, vegetable-forward dishes using organic, sustainable ingredients. Known for its casual but stylish atmosphere, Gjelina offers an extensive menu with something for everyone.

Current Highlights: The fall menu includes dishes like wood-fired pumpkin pizza and roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranate.

Upcoming Restaurant Trends in California

California’s dining scene continues to evolve, with a few notable trends on the horizon:

Plant-Based Dining: California is a leader in vegan and vegetarian cuisine, with more restaurants incorporating plant-based menus. Expect to see more creative use of local produce and alternative proteins.

Sustainability: Sustainable practices like zero-waste cooking, local sourcing, and environmentally conscious restaurant designs are becoming more prevalent across the state.

Pop-Up Restaurants: California’s pop-up dining culture is thriving, offering unique, temporary dining experiences featuring experimental menus and guest chefs.

California’s restaurant scene is as diverse as its landscape, with everything from fine dining to casual eateries offering incredible culinary experiences. Whether you’re seeking a Michelin-starred meal, a laid-back spot for artisanal pizza, or a new plant-based sensation, California has it all. Keep an eye on upcoming seasonal menus and special events to make the most of this dynamic food scene.