Restaurant California - The 10 best restaurants California in 2025

Practical information : Eating out California

Timetable

In the United States, we dine early: it is rare to find restaurants open after 10 pm. Moreover, it is often necessary to make reservations.

Budget & Tips

The price range is quite wide. If tacos, hot-dogs and other street-food specialties cost only a few dollars, a lunch in a restaurant or a small cosy café will quickly approach 20 dollars, including the tip and taxes. As for the very good restaurants, they start at 40 US$. Wherever you eat, the plates are often copious: don't forget the doggy bags if you can't finish.

What costs extra

Here, not tipping is extremely frowned upon: when you order, bear in mind that you'll probably be leaving an extra 10% to 15% of the bill as a tip. Similarly, taxes are rarely included in menu prices. They vary from state to state, and even from county to county. In April 2022, for example, they were 9.5% in Los Angeles, 7.75% in San Diego and 8.5% in Sonoma. See their evolution here: www.cdtfa.ca.gov.

The local way

The United States is famous for Taco Tuesday: every Tuesday, many Mexican restaurants offer happy-hour deals on their tacos. Another local speciality, particularly well-established on the West Coast, is the Farmers Markets, a succession of stalls that liven up the streets of certain neighborhoods every week. From Lebanese to Italian specialties, you'll find tasty international cuisine prepared with local produce.

Kids

Children are welcome, as the locals themselves go to restaurants with their families - sometimes without worrying too much about the noise made by their children. The dishes are rarely spicy, so even untrained palates will find something to enjoy.

Smokers

As in France, smoking is prohibited in restaurants.

Tourist traps

As everywhere, some restaurants that claim to be "authentic" are far from it. It's easy to recognize them: for example, an "Italian" establishment whose menu reads "pastas"... when you know that this word doesn't exist in their language.

The best restaurants California

CIOPPINO'S

FISHWIFE

APPLEWOOD INN

MALIBU SEAFOOD

THE BLACK SHEEP

TASTE ON MELROSE

L'ARDOISE BISTRO

BISTRO JEANTY

THE POST ROOM

LA MEDITERRANEE

LOCALIS

SCOMA’S

BOUCHON

EMMA JEAN'S - HOLLAND BURGER CAFE

R&G LOUNGE

Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant

BRENDA'S FRENCH SOUL FOOD

WAGON WHEEL RESTAURANT

HAMA SUSHI

HOG’S BREATH INN

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