California’s food scene goes way beyond ordinary dining. From movie-inspired eateries to restaurants perched on dramatic cliffs, the Golden State offers eating experiences you won’t forget. These spots combine amazing food with settings and concepts that will leave you reaching for your camera and texting friends before your meal even arrives. Get ready to discover restaurants that are destinations in themselves!
1. Foreign Cinema – San Francisco
Movies play on the courtyard wall while you enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes at this Mission District gem. The space itself, a converted 1920s theater, creates a magical backdrop for the culinary artistry happening on your plate.
Oysters arrive fresh daily, and the ever-changing menu reflects what’s seasonal and exciting. The famous lavender-infused pork chop has developed something of a cult following among locals. Brunch here transforms into a special occasion with their signature “pop tarts” and champagne cocktails.
The combination of cinematic ambiance and exceptional cuisine makes this restaurant a true San Francisco classic.
2. Sam’s Chowder House – Half Moon Bay
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this seafood haven offers more than just incredible views. Their lobster roll was named one of the top five sandwiches in America by the Today Show, and for good reason.
The restaurant’s casual vibe belies the seriousness with which they approach seafood. Everything arrives fresh from local fishermen, often the same day it was caught. On foggy evenings, heaters and blankets keep outdoor diners cozy while they watch the waves crash below.
Don’t miss the cioppino – a San Francisco specialty brimming with local seafood in a rich tomato broth. The combination of ocean panoramas and exceptional seafood creates an unforgettable coastal dining experience.
3. Sierra Mar – Big Sur
Clinging to the cliffs of Big Sur, Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn offers what might be California’s most dramatic dining view. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon, with nothing between you and the sea but air.
The restaurant’s four-course prix fixe menu changes daily, incorporating foraged ingredients from the surrounding coastline and mountains. Chef Elizabeth Murray transforms local abalone, chanterelles, and coastal herbs into artistic expressions of Big Sur’s wild beauty. Even the cocktails embrace the spirit of place – try the Big Sur Fog with house-infused rosemary gin.
Sunset reservations are nearly impossible to get, but worth planning months ahead for the golden-hour spectacle.
4. The Restaurant at Justin – Paso Robles
Nestled among vineyards in Paso Robles wine country, this intimate restaurant connects diners directly to the source of their meal. Many ingredients come from the estate’s own garden, visible from your table. Chef Rachel Haggstrom creates seasonal tasting menus specifically designed to complement Justin Winery’s acclaimed Bordeaux-style wines.
The signature pairing experience matches each course with limited production wines not available elsewhere. The dining room’s understated elegance lets the vineyard views and exceptional food take center stage.
For a truly special experience, book the Chef’s Table inside the kitchen where you’ll witness the culinary team in action while enjoying extra courses and rare wine pours. Farm-to-table dining reaches its highest expression here.
5. The Hitching Post II – Buellton
Made famous by the movie “Sideways,” this Santa Ynez Valley steakhouse has been grilling over red oak since 1986. The smoky aroma hits you before you even enter, promising the authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue that defines Central Coast cuisine. Owner/chef Frank Ostini stands by the massive grill most nights, personally overseeing the preparation of perfectly charred ribeyes and their signature grilled artichokes.
The restaurant makes its own wines, with Hitching Post Pinot Noir becoming a cult favorite after the film’s success. The unpretentious roadhouse atmosphere keeps the focus on what matters – exceptional food and wine without fuss. For the full experience, start with grilled quail, move to the top sirloin, and finish with their homemade chocolate bourbon bread pudding.
6. The Inn of the Seventh Ray – Topanga Canyon
Hidden in the mystical Topanga Canyon, this restaurant feels like stepping into a fairytale. Tables are scattered among ancient oak trees draped with twinkling lights, creating what might be Los Angeles’ most romantic dining setting.
The spiritual heritage of the canyon influences both the atmosphere and the organic, primarily plant-based menu. Ingredients are biodynamically grown, locally sourced, and prepared with attention to their energetic properties. Even skeptics are won over by dishes like their famous vegan cashew cream soup and wild mushroom risotto.
Water served at the table is filtered through crystals, and the staff seems genuinely invested in your wellbeing beyond just a meal. This otherworldly dining experience offers a peaceful retreat from LA’s urban intensity.
7. Clifton’s Republic – Los Angeles
Step into a surreal forest wonderland in the heart of downtown LA. This historic cafeteria-turned-cabinet-of-curiosities features a massive redwood tree rising through multiple floors, taxidermied animals in natural dioramas, and hidden bars accessible through secret passages.
Originally opened in 1935, Clifton’s has been restored to its eccentric glory with additional fantastical elements. The food pays homage to classic American comfort dishes with modern twists. Try their famous turkey dinner with cranberry sauce available year-round or the updated version of their Depression-era lime Jell-O.
Each of the five floors offers a different themed experience, from the Gothic Bar to the Tiki-inspired Pacific Seas lounge. History buffs will appreciate knowing that during the Great Depression, founder Clifford Clinton never turned away hungry customers, even if they couldn’t pay.
8. Barton G. – Los Angeles
Theatrical dining reaches its peak at this West Hollywood hotspot where presentation is as important as flavor. Dishes arrive in outlandish displays – lobster mac and cheese comes inside a giant gold-plated lobster trap, while steaks might be served with a two-foot knife stabbed dramatically into the table.
The restaurant’s founder, event planner Barton G. Weiss, approaches each plate as a stage production. Liquid nitrogen cocktails billow smoke across your table, and desserts often involve tableside pyrotechnics. The “Marie Antoinette’s Head” – a cotton candy pompadour served on a mannequin bust – has become Instagram’s favorite dessert.
Despite the over-the-top presentations, the food itself is seriously good. Executive chef Attila Bollok ensures the culinary experience matches the visual spectacle, making this more than just a novelty restaurant.
9. Pappy & Harriet’s – Pioneertown
Originally built as a movie set for Western films in the 1940s, Pioneertown now hosts this legendary honky-tonk where you might find yourself eating barbecue next to Robert Plant or watching Paul McCartney play a surprise set. The remote Joshua Tree location adds to the mystique – you’ll drive miles through desert wilderness to reach this musical oasis.
The mesquite barbecue is the real deal, with Texas-style brisket and Santa Maria tri-tip smoked low and slow. The massive outdoor patio under desert stars provides the perfect setting for enjoying their famous chili and cornbread while listening to live music.
Despite hosting famous musicians, the vibe remains unpretentious and welcoming. Motorcyclists, celebrities, and desert dwellers all mix comfortably in this authentic piece of California counterculture history.
10. Napa Valley Wine Train – Napa
Aboard meticulously restored vintage Pullman cars from the early 1900s, this moving feast travels through California’s most famous wine region. The three-hour journey winds past iconic vineyards while you enjoy multi-course meals prepared in the train’s surprisingly sophisticated kitchen.
Executive Chef Donald Young creates seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients, with dishes plated as beautifully as in any stationary fine dining establishment. The gentle rocking of the train and changing vineyard views create a dining atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Various themed journeys are available, from murder mystery dinners to winery stop tours where you disembark for private tastings.
The observation deck between courses offers perfect photo opportunities of the valley’s patchwork of vineyards stretching to the Mayacamas Mountains.
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