10 Must-Visit Restaurants in California To Savour The State’s Culinary Delights

California, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse culture, is a melting pot of experiences waiting to be explored. From the sun-kissed beaches in southern California to famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Disneyland California, this vibrant state offers a little something for everyone. But beyond its breathtaking scenery and attractions, California is also a culinary paradise.

Home to booming cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is no wonder that California reigns as a culinary capital. Whether you are looking for Michelin-star restaurants or some fabulous cheap eats, you can’t go wrong in the Golden State. Also, thanks to generations of diverse immigrants, California offers some of the best Tacos, Thai food, Indian cuisine, and much more, in the US.

While the state’s culinary scene is undoubtedly among the best in the country, finding the best restaurants in California to dine in can feel a bit overwhelming. To help you, here is a short guide that will take you on a journey through ten must-visit restaurants in California, USA. So, grab your forks and get ready to savour the flavours of California!

Top 10 Restaurants in California

Whether you crave authentic Indian food, mouthwatering Mexican tacos, innovative sushi, or classic Italian fare, California's restaurants offer something for everyone.

Here are some of the top restaurants in California that every foodie must visit at least once:

• The French Laundry
• Chez Panisse
• Spice Affair
• Benu
• Badmaash
• Mélisse
• Pijja Palace
• Birdsong
• 71Above
• Quince

The French Laundry

Located in Yountville, the French Laundry is among the top restaurants in California. With three Michelin stars, the restaurant features a menu that changes every day. Isn’t that amazing? Owned by Thomas Keller, the only American-born chef to snag two three Michelin stars, the restaurant offers exquisite French and Californian cuisines, leaving a mark on everyone who is lucky enough to snag a table there. Their signature dish is oysters and pearls, Smoked Salmon Cornets, and the Elysian Fields Farm lamb accompanied by chickpea panisse.

Chez Panisse

Chez Panisse, located in Berkeley, is a renowned restaurant in California, celebrated for its role in shaping Californian cuisine. Founded in 1971 by Alice Waters, the restaurant has the main dining area downstairs that serves a rotating four-course fixed menu, offering the best of what each season has to offer. Upstairs is a cafe that provides a casual a la carte experience. Known for its innovative dishes, such as the iconic Goat Cheese Salad, Chez Panisse has garnered numerous awards, including being named the Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet magazine.

Spice Affair

Located in the upscale area of Beverly Hills, Spice Affair is a renowned Indian restaurant in California that attracts numerous Hollywood and Bollywood stars. The restaurant is celebrated for offering dishes in a non-traditional mixture of Indian spices and making Californian cuisines using Indian spices. True to its name, the food at Spice Affair is spicy and flavourful. Some refreshing drink options offered at this California restaurant include mango lassi, chai, and lychee juice. The menu also has standout Indian dishes such as biryani, butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and tandoori chicken, complemented by an extensive list of wines, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages.

Benu

Benu is a great restaurant in California, situated in the vibrant SoMa district of San Francisco. Opened in 2010 by Chef Corey Lee, a former head chef at The French Laundry, the restaurant is the first in San Francisco to have received three Michelin stars. The restaurant’s tasting menu features a blend of Asian and Western influences, with dishes inspired by Korean and Cantonese cuisines. The chef prepares a fixed menu each evening that generally features a variety of seafood and vegetables, a few meat courses, and some sweets.

Badmaash

Badmaash is a restaurant in Los Angeles, California, renowned for being a haven for anyone carving Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers an array of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including the classic chicken tikka masala prepared in authentic Indian style. Guests can also enjoy a selection of beers to complement their meals. You can also find popular Indian street food favourites like samosas and golgappas there, making it an ideal Indian restaurant in California for food lovers.

Mélisse

If you are looking for an intimate restaurant in Los Angeles, California, perfect for a date night, then there is no better place than Melisse. The two-Michelin-star restaurant offers accommodation for only 14 guests and features a romantic atmosphere, enhanced by its elegant yet cosy ambience and open kitchen. A dinner at Mélisse spans approximately two and a half hours, featuring an eight-course tasting menu that showcases global flavours through both classical and modern culinary techniques. The intimate atmosphere combined with mouthwatering cuisines make Melisse one of the best couples’ restaurants in California.

Birdsong

Birdsong is a two Michelin-starred restaurant, located on Mission Stree, San Francisco. The restaurant is famous for truly capturing the essence of California cuisine. Amongst the coolest restaurants in California, the restaurant is dedicated to sourcing the finest ingredients, ensuring each guest leaves with a memorable experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, featuring charming rustic decor with an open kitchen. Birdsong offers a creative tasting menu that highlights the flavours of the Pacific Northwest. Some of the standout dishes include Lacquered Quail, Creek Raised Trout and Aged Duck.

Pijja Palace

Pijja Palace by Avish Naran could be described as a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Los Angeles, California. The restaurant is a sports bar where you indulge in delicious Indian Food while watching sports matches. Due to its unique offering, the restaurant has gained a lot of popularity since its opening in 2022, earning awards such as the Michelin Bib Gourmand and a nomination for "Best New Restaurant" by the James Beard Foundation. The menu features a creative blend of dishes, including Malai Rigatoni, Green Chutney Pizza, and Lamb Sliders, all infused with Indian spices and ingredients. With its laid-back atmosphere and mouthwatering Indian fusion cuisine, Pijja Place is a must-visit Indian restaurant in California.

71Above

71Above is an upscale restaurant located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The place is one of the coolest restaurants in California, renowned for offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline, from the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower. Besides the magnificent view, the restaurant offers varying dining experiences. You can choose to enjoy a lively atmosphere in the main dining room or a more intimate setting at the chef's tables overlooking the open kitchen The menu includes a range of dishes designed to delight the palate, with options like charred broccolini and ribeye steak.

Quince

Quince is an award-winning restaurant in California, located in San Francisco’s Jackson Square neighbourhood. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and a beige colour palette, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu at Quince is ever-changing, reflecting the seasons and showcasing the finest ingredients sourced from local vendors and the restaurant's own farm. The restaurant offers a rotating 8-10-course tasting menu and an abbreviated four-course menu, plus extra-special offerings for holiday celebrations, like Christmas Eve.

As we conclude our exploration of restaurants in California, USA, it is clear that the state’s dining options are as diverse as its people. From farm-to-table restaurants in Napa Valley to trendy Michelin-star places in Los Angeles and San Francisco, there is something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening at a couple-friendly restaurant, a casual meal at a local favourite, or an unforgettable culinary experience at a world-renowned establishment, California's diverse dining options are sure to satisfy your cravings.

If you are planning a trip to California, consider exploring the range of America tour packages offered by Veena World. Our carefully curated itineraries will help you discover the state's iconic attractions, vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisines.