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.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Mexican
American
Seafood
Italian
Japanese
Food tours & tastings in California
Eat your way through California with a guide.
Browse food experiences in CaliforniaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
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 |