posted by:

Favorite Restaurants in California

Some of my favorite restaurants and eateries in California. Most of them are from the Bay Area/Berkeley, but there are some from Los Angeles too. These are not necessarily the BEST restaurants I have been to, just the ones that I like to "return to" and which I believe have good value for the food/experience. Haven't written reviews of all of them yet, but here is a start.

Updated May 22, 2008
Create your own travel list

  1. Cheap "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Berkeley, California, USA
    This tiny French takeout joint serves up some of the best food in the bay area. The cozy quarters give this place an unmistakably local charm, and because the kitchen is right next to the entrance, you can salivate as you watch the friendl... (read more about Gregoire)
  2. Average priced "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Gardena, California, USA
    I didn't eat much Japanese food until I met Lisa, but she has expanded my culinary horizons! I used to think that Japanese food was just sushi and teriyaki, but now I crave Japanese food more often than any other type. There are tons of good places i... (read more about Sanuki no Sato)
  3. Expensive "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Oakland, California, USA
    Oliveto Downstairs (Cafe):For some reason or another, I haven't eaten much Italian food since coming back from my time in Rome, but Oliveto reminded me what I've been missing. The restaurant itself has two parts: the upstairs is a more expensive,... (read more about Oliveto)
  4. Average priced "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Torrance, California, USA
    Was craving ramen and found out about Santouka via Chowhound. It's located in a giant Japanese supermarket/mall complex called Mitsuwa. The inside of the market is unlike most places you will find in the US, and is fun for it's novelty. I don't know ... (read more about Santouka)
  5. Average priced "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Santa Monica, California, USA
    Great burgers, fries and a perfect place to relax and hang out with friends. Only problem, as Derek mentioned, is that it is a really small place, and quickly fills up with people at nights. It can be a long wait outside to get a seat, but still high... (read more about Father's Office)
  6. Cheap "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Lomita, California, USA
    il Chianti is a Japanese/Italian fusion restaurant in the unlikely location of Lomita. If the concept sounds a little weird, rest assured that the food is of high quality. The lunch specials are hard to beat. For under $10, you can get a soup, salad,... (read more about il Chianti)
  7. Average priced "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Torrance, California, USA
    Musha is a Japanese "pub" type place that servers tapas style food and a multitude of delicious drinks. The food comes in small plates, and is meant to shared. All of the dishes are unique, well thought-out, and delicious. Some of the dishes you get ... (read more about Musha)
  8. Average priced "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Berkeley, California, USA
    I have to agree with Angie on this one. This comment may border on sacrilegious, but I would say that the gelato at Sketch is just as good as, if not better, than any of the gelato I had during my stay in Italy. There are only a few flavors to... (read more about Sketch)
  9. Average priced "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Santa Monica, California, USA
    Came here last minute on a recommendation and couldn't have been more fortunate with the choice. Cafe Paradiso is a small restaurant located on Wilshire Blvd, and one that you would easily miss if you weren't looking specifically for it. The interior... (read more about Cafe Paradiso)
  10. Cheap "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Torrance, California, USA
    I've probably eaten here at least 50 times since moving back down to LA, so a review is long overdue. Poquito Mas is a small, Los Angeles based Mexican food chain that serves fresh, delicious, and relatively cheap food. If you are a first-timer he... (read more about Poquito Mas)
  11. Average priced "Restaurants, Cafes & Food" in Bishop, California, USA
    Definitely worth stopping by if you are driving to Mammoth from the south, in which case you will pass right by the bakery. The pull-away bread is delicious, and there are tons of other mouth-watering breads and sweets to devour. The sandwiches in th... (read more about Erick Schat's Bakkery)
bambina913 says:
If you love fresh fish and nothing but simple traditional sushi, Echigo and Hiko Sushi are a must. They're both in West LA. Warming: the chefs are die hard; meaning no spicy rolls/Ca rolls/tempura/bento boxes/etc. - strictly raw fish over rice type of deal.
Posted on: Jul 01, 2008
belinda2000 says:
I love the Grand Lux Cafe! It's like a more upscale Cheesecake Factory (same company).
Posted on: May 23, 2008
lilianna77 says:
Erik!! Where's "El Rocoto"??? Can't see it on your list heheh :P
Posted on: May 22, 2008
You need to be logged in to leave comments and smiles. Becoming a member is free and easy — Join the TravBuddy Community!
Sponsored Links