CA · Manhattan Beach · $$
Nick's Manhattan Beach pairs polish with an easygoing mood
Strong ratings, stylish surroundings and frequent praise for cocktails and service make Nick's a dependable Manhattan Beach choice.
Rosa Espinoza
California state editor
Rosa Espinoza is the California editor for TryRestaurantsNear.Me. Every write-up is synthesized from public ratings, recent diner reviews, menus, and listing data to pick the next best place to try in California.
Every write-up is researched from publicly available ratings, reviews, menus and photos.
CA · Los Angeles · $$
Bacari Silverlake pairs small plates with a standout patio
A hillside setting, shareable Mediterranean plates and accommodating service make this Silver Lake spot especially popular for brunches and celebrations.
CA · Capitola · $$$
Shadowbrook pairs romance and views with uneven cooking
Capitola’s landmark special-occasion restaurant earns strong marks for its tram, gardens and service, though some diners find the food muted.
CA · San Francisco · $$$
Scoma’s pairs fresh seafood with classic waterfront dining
Strong ratings point to fresh seafood, polished service and a waterfront setting that remains popular for lunch and dinner.
CA · California · $$
MISSION BBQ pairs smoked meats with standout hospitality
Strong service, group-friendly support and well-received barbecue underpin this California, Maryland location’s 4.7 Google rating.
CA · Newport · $$
Local Ocean Seafoods pairs fresh fish with broad appeal
Strong ratings and diner praise point to fresh seafood, thoughtful preparations and a lively Newport stop for lunch or dinner.
CA · Los Angeles · $$
Wurstküche pairs eclectic sausages with crisp fries and beer
Strong public ratings point to a lively DTLA counter-service spot built around varied sausages, distinctive fries and German or Belgian beer.
CA · Malibu · $$
Malibu Farm pairs pier dining with wide-open ocean views
This busy Malibu Pier restaurant draws diners for relaxed waterfront seating, attentive service and well-received brunch fare.
CA · Fish Camp · $$$
Aroma Restaurant and Buffalo Bar near Yosemite
Warm service, carefully cooked meats and a rustic setting make Aroma a promising upscale dinner stop outside Yosemite.
CA · Coalinga · $$
Ranch Kitchen Is a Reliable I-5 Stop for Steaks
Strong steak cooking, quick service and a family-friendly setting make Ranch Kitchen a practical Coalinga stop for travelers.
CA · Los Angeles
Joan’s on Third in Los Angeles
What 1580 public reviews say about Joan’s on Third, synthesized by Rosa Espinoza.
CA · Belmont · $$
Farm House Brings an Attentive Touch to Belmont Dining
Strong service, a farmhouse atmosphere and well-received plates make Farm House a versatile Belmont choice from breakfast through dinner.
CA · San Francisco · $$
The Front Porch Brings Southern Comfort to San Francisco
Fried chicken, beignets and a cozy atmosphere drive strong reviews for this moderately priced Southern-leaning bar and grill.
CA · Orange · $$
Goodies in the Pantry Blends a Butcher Shop and Cafe
Strong meat cookery, friendly service and an unusual cafe-market format underpin this Orange restaurant’s 4.8-star Google rating.
CA · Lake Arrowhead · $$
Belgian Waffle Works: Lake Views and Brunch Favorites
Lake views, generous portions and well-liked waffles make this a popular Lake Arrowhead brunch stop, though service experiences are mixed.
CA · Prunedale · $
Country Kitchen Brings Friendly Diner Comfort to Prunedale
Strong ratings, welcoming service and familiar breakfast plates make Country Kitchen a reliable, inexpensive Prunedale stop.
CA · San Diego · $$
Corvette Diner Puts Arcade Fun Ahead of Food Finesse
This high-energy 1950s-style diner pairs filling American comfort food with playful drinks, themed rooms and an attached video arcade.
CA · Los Angeles
Redbird Brings Occasion Dining to a Dramatic DTLA Space
Strong ratings and diner reports point to polished American cooking, attentive service and a cathedral setting suited to brunch, dates and celebrations.
CA · Carmel
Mission Ranch pairs Carmel views with rustic dining
Public reviews point to spectacular meadow views, a lively piano room and well-liked American fare, though waits and service can be uneven.
CA · Big Bear Lake · $
Grizzly Manor Cafe Brings Big Breakfasts to Big Bear
This tiny, popular cafe earns strong marks for huge pancakes, hearty portions, friendly service and solid value, provided diners arrive early.
CA · Mendocino · $$
GoodLife Cafe & Bakery Is a Flexible Mendocino Stop
Strong coffee, abundant baked goods and inclusive menu options make GoodLife appealing, though table service can be uneven.
CA · Corona · $$
Cowboy Surfer Grill Brings Quirky Breakfast Energy
Strong ratings, playful decor and well-liked breakfast fare make this busy Corona restaurant a promising casual stop.
CA · San Diego · $$
Hodad’s Ocean Beach serves burgers with beach-town swagger
A 4.6 Google rating and thousands of reviews support Hodad’s status as a lively stop for juicy burgers, huge shakes and Ocean Beach atmosphere.
CA · Paia · $$$$
Mama’s Fish House: Celebrated Seafood With an Ocean View
Public reviews point to polished service, striking coastal scenery and seafood dishes that make this Paia restaurant a special-occasion favorite.
CA · Los Angeles · $$$
Girl & the Goat brings bold brunch energy to Los Angeles
Strong ratings, a lively room and enthusiastic brunch reviews make Girl & the Goat a compelling, if sometimes uneven, downtown choice.
CA · Carlsbad · $$$$
Lilo brings ambitious tasting-menu dining to Carlsbad
A 4.9 Google rating reflects strong enthusiasm for Lilo’s creative courses, polished service, courtyard setting and thoughtful drink pairings.
CA · Fort Bragg · $$
The Wharf - Fort Bragg in Fort Bragg
What 3071 public reviews say about The Wharf - Fort Bragg, synthesized by Rosa Espinoza.
CA · Mendocino
Trillium Cafe & Inn pairs polished dining with garden views
Strong reviews point to thoughtful service, carefully prepared seafood and a heated garden setting near the Mendocino waterfront.
CA · Del Mar · $$$$
MARKET Restaurant + Bar pairs polish with bold flavors
A 4.7-star Del Mar dining room where attentive service, inventive California cooking and a sushi bar support special-occasion expectations.
CA · Sacramento · $$$$
Localis Makes Fine Dining Feel Personal in Sacramento
A story-led tasting menu, polished pairings and warm counter service make Localis a compelling Sacramento splurge.
CA · Carpinteria · $$
Teddy’s By the Sea balances seafood staples and bar fare
A 4.5-star Carpinteria option for fish tacos, cioppino and cocktails, with broad appeal beyond its seafood-focused billing.
CA · Mendocino · $$
Café Beaujolais Brings Polished Dining to Mendocino
Strong ratings, composed plates and notably attentive service make Café Beaujolais a compelling choice for an upscale Mendocino dinner.
CA · Coarsegold · $$
Wild Fig Kitchen Brings a Strong Breakfast Stop to Coarsegold
Public reviews point to well-prepared breakfasts, friendly service and inviting indoor and outdoor spaces along Highway 41.
CA · Fresno · $
Ohana Shack earns high marks for value and Hawaiian favorites
Fresno diners praise Ohana Shack’s generous portions, garlic furikake chicken, teriyaki chicken and approachable prices.
CA · Crescent City · $$
Chart Room pairs Crescent City seafood with harbor views
A 4.4-star waterfront favorite where sea lions, nautical character and easygoing service may outshine an uneven value equation.
CA · Los Angeles · $$
Chowder Barge Brings Thick Chowder to the Waterfront
A 4.5-star waterfront spot where diners praise hearty chowder, crisp fried seafood and an unusually cozy barge setting.
CA · Clovis · $$
House of JuJu Makes Burgers Easy to Sample in Clovis
Strong ratings, flexible burger sliders and consistently praised service make House of JuJu a dependable Old Town Clovis option.
CA · Oakhurst · $$
Mountain Oaks Cafe Brings Diner Comfort to Oakhurst
Strong breakfast feedback, an accommodating menu and a warm old-school setting make this moderate-priced cafe a practical Oakhurst stop.
CA · Los Angeles · $$
Maccheroni Republic brings fresh pasta appeal to DTLA
Strong ratings, well-textured pasta and a relaxed patio make Maccheroni Republic a compelling Italian option near Grand Central Market.
CA · Los Angeles · $$
Home Restaurant pairs Los Feliz patio dining with brunch
A 4.6-star Los Feliz standby, Home draws praise for its leafy patio, friendly service, broad American menu and brunch-friendly drinks.
CA · Palm Springs · $$
Tac/Quila: A Palm Springs Mexican Gem with Stellar Cocktails
Synthesizing thousands of diner reviews, Tac/Quila stands out as a highly-rated Mexican restaurant in Palm Springs, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, creative cocktails, and generally delicious food offerings.