Places like San Francisco and LA have long been on the radar of foodies in California. Like most cosmopolitan cities, they are packed full of top-notch drinking and dining options. Don't be fooled though - even though there might not be as many celebrity sightings at dinner, many of California's small towns are culinary gems in their own right.
Whether looking for Michelin stars and fine dining, the freshest farm-to-table, classic California cuisine, or delicious comfort food, these California towns won't disappoint. Foodies looking to tantalize their taste buds should consider visiting these locations on their next California road trip.
10 Sierra Madre
With spring nearly in full swing, now is the perfect time for foodies to plan a trip to Sierra Madre, California. Located along the famed Route 66, it is often referred to as 'Wisteria City' thanks to the tons (literally) of this flowering plant that blankets the town.
While visitors have long flocked to Sierra Madre to admire the enormous blooming vines, its food scene is not to be overlooked either. Below are some of the best places to eat in town:
- Nano Café
- Monsieur Crêpe
- Sierra Fusion
- Wistaria Grill
- Corfu
9 Idyllwild
Located just a short drive from San Diego, Idyllwild is a quaint California mountain town that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the plethora of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and rock climbing options while staying in one of the town's cozy inns or lodges.
There's more to Idyllwild than the great outdoors, though. The picturesque downtown is dotted with excellent dining options too. It is quickly gaining traction among California foodies, with many making the trek up the mountain just to drink and dine.
Try These Top-Rated Restaurants In Idyllwild:
- Restaurant Gastrognome
- Ferro
- Tommy's Kitchen
- Café Aroma
- Mile High Cafe
8 Sausalito
Nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Marin Headlands, this postcard-perfect seaside enclave is characterized by its colorful and quirky houseboat community. Mediterranean vibes abound with rows of al fresco waterfront dining and some of California's freshest seafood.
With historical roots as a major fishing village, a dizzying array of gourmet chefs have now graced Sausalito with incredible dining options utilizing the supply of fresh fish and other high-quality local ingredients. Visitors can expect their dining experience to be accompanied by stunning views of the sea and city skyline too.
There are an overwhelming number of amazing restaurants in Sausalito, but here are a few recommendations to get started:
- Scoma's of Sausalito
- Poggio Trattoria
- The Spinnaker
- Sushi Ran (Michelin Star rated)
- Avatar's
- Le Garage
- Bar Bocce
7 Ojai
This beloved LA escape has long prided itself on locally-sourced everything. There are no chain restaurants (or stores either, for that matter), and the organic, farm-to-table options are unsurpassed. Even the olive oil in Ojai is locally produced.
Try These Top-Rated Restaurants In Ojai:
- Olivella
- Osteria Monte Grappa
- The Ranch House
- Nocciola
- The Oak Kitchen
The Mediterranean climate also fosters an incredible wine scene. Head to one of the many wineries or tasting rooms and sip some California chardonnay in the sunshine. Expect perfectly-curated food menus alongside the wines on offer too. Here are some local favorites:
- Tripple and Ramble
- Casa Barranca Tasting Room
- Topo Mountain Winery
6 Solvang
Solvang is a unique California town worth visiting for many reasons, the food scene being among them. A Danish-American village that sits about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara, it is a unique place to visit with a distinctly European feel.
As one would expect from a town nicknamed 'Little Denmark,' Solvang is the place to go for traditional Danish food in California. Be sure to try the aebleskiver - this spherical, pancake-like dessert is served with a variety of toppings and are a perennial crowd favorite. Thanks to Solvang's location in the Santa Ynez Valley, the area is renowned for its wineries and tasting rooms too.
These are some of the most popular restaurants in Solvang:
- Mad and Vin
- First & Oak (Michelin Star rated)
- Actor's Corner Cafe
- Solvang Restaurant
- Paula's Pancake House
- Leonardo's Cucina Italiana
It's also worth mentioning that delicious bakeries dot almost every corner, offering an incredible selection of fresh pastries, breads, and treats.
5 Pismo Beach
This laid-back beach town in San Luis Obispo County is home to a variety of independently-owned businesses that line colorful oceanfront streets. Among them are longstanding restaurants that, despite their often humble exteriors, offer some of the best seafood on the Central Coast of California.
Be sure to sample some of the local specialties like blue crabs, oysters, and abalone. The muddy, rocky bottoms of the surrounding ocean and estuaries provide an ideal habitat for these species. Although the area is known for its seafood, there are dining options to suit all tastes. Enjoy everything from traditional Italian fare to classic California eats and fantastic Mexican cuisine.
Try These Top-Rated Pismo Beach Restaurants
- The Oyster Loft
- Zorro's Café and Cantina
- Guiseppe's Cucina Italiana
- Cracked Crab
- SeaVenture Restaurant
- Ventana Grill
4 Glen Ellen
While Glen Ellen may not be a household name yet, it sits in the Sonoma Valley and is quickly building a reputation for its impressive food scene. As is only natural for a town in the heart of wine country, Glen Ellen restaurants overwhelmingly focus on the perfect pairings of vino to match their high-quality menu offerings.
Expect menus to be fresh and seasonal, with rotating dishes depending on what is locally available. While there is somewhat of an emphasis on French fare, the American fare, and international cuisine are not to be overlooked either. Try Yeti Restaurant for unique Indian-Nepalese fusion, or the beloved (and Michelin-rated) Glen Ellen Star for California-inspired options and wood-fired pizzas.
Here are some other must-try restaurants in town:
- Fig Café and Winebar
- The Mill at Glen Ellen
- Les Pascals
- Glen Ellen Inn
It is also worth mentioning that the world-famous French Laundry is located less than 30 minutes away in the nearby town of Yountville. With three Michelin Stars, it is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world.
3 Eureka
Sitting between the towering redwoods and rugged Lost Coast shoreline of Northern California is the town of Eureka. The dining scene suits the overall ambiance of the town - distinctive and hip, yet unpretentious and low-key. While the focus here isn't on white linens and fine dining, the fresh seafood and locally-sourced produce speaks for itself. The oysters found in Humboldt Bay are a must-try for any shellfish enthusiasts.
Eureka has also earned a stellar reputation for its craft beer and small-batch spirits. Not only are meals accompanied by excellent libations, but visitors can expect panoramic views alongside many Eureka dining experiences as well. Here are some of the most popular restaurants to try:
- Sea Grill
- Lost Coast Brewery and Café
- Brick & Fire
- Humboldt Bay Provisions
- A Taste of Bim
- Café Waterfront
2 Carmel-by-the-Sea
There are many excellent dining options on the journey through Big Sur, and the idyllic seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is no exception. Long known for its beautiful white sand beaches, fairytale-like cottages and cobbled streets, and famous former mayor (Clint Eastwood), it is also a great destination for food lovers.
Restaurants are abundant and independently owned and operated; there are no chain establishments with the Carmel city limits. The options range from award-winning fine dining to casual chic, but all menu offerings focus on local, seasonal ingredients and err on the side of exceptional. A town that is overwhelmingly dog-friendly, Fido is welcome to join at nearly all establishments with outdoor seating.
Try These Top-Rated Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- La Bicyclette (Michelin Star rated)
- Cultura Comida y Bebida
- La Balena
- Aubergine
- Flying Fish Grill
- Brophy's Tavern
- ll Tegamino
1 Winters
This small town located in the Sacramento Valley may be relatively unknown, but it is well worth a visit for those who appreciate good food. It is an easy distance for a day trip from San Francisco or Sacramento, but more time will be needed to indulge in the culinary delights.
Named as one of the most charming small towns in California, it prides itself on its farm-to-table food scene that stems from its rich agricultural heritage. As with many other towns mentioned on the list, the restaurants in Winters base their menu offerings off of fresh, seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced. Here's where to sample the goods:
- Preserve
- Putah Creek Cafe
- Yolo Traders Bistro
- Buckhorn Steakhouse
- Ficelle
Quickly gaining momentum as an emerging wine region, Winters offers its fair share of wineries and tasting rooms. Some local favorites include Turkovich Family Wines and Berryessa Gap Vineyards. Beer lovers will also enjoy the town's several local breweries: Berryessa Brewing and Hooby's Brewing.