23 AMAZINGLY Unique California Restaurants (Fun Places to Eat)

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California’s dining scene is as iconic as its beaches and skylines, offering experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From quirky beachside eateries to fine dining in the bustling streets of Los Angeles, this state serves up more than just meals—it’s all about unforgettable vibes. Whether it’s dining inside a historic cable car at The Cable Car Café or enjoying robot-served sushi at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, California takes dining to the next level.

Craving bold flavors? Savor Baja-style tacos at Tacos El Gordo, legendary sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery, or fresh farm-to-table bites at Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café. This west coast gem blends diverse cultures with creative concepts for a truly unique culinary experience. Ready to explore food that’s as exciting as the state itself? Let’s dig in!

👉 Pro Tip: The Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour combines stunning redwoods, scenic vineyards, and a delicious gourmet lunch. Pack a jacket for the woods and leave room for a wine bottle to take home!

Unique Restaurants in California: 23 Incredible California Eateries

With everything from historic diners brimming with stories to eateries offering breathtaking views, California’s unique restaurants truly have it all. Join us as we journey through these distinctive dining spots that define the Golden State’s vibrant food scene.

1. Albert’s Restaurant

• 📍 Location: San Diego (San Diego Zoo)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / International / Upscale Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Overlooking a private gorilla habitat, waterfall views, jungle ambiance.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Zoo visitors wanting an upscale meal, family dining, and lunch with a (gorilla) view.

Get ready for a meal that’s truly wild at Albert’s Restaurant, nestled right inside the San Diego Zoo! It’s an upscale casual dining experience where you can gaze out at a private gorilla habitat and a cascading waterfall. The air is filled with zoo sounds and lush greenery.

Trying their pan-seared salmon with seasonal vegetables is a good plan. The short rib tacos with a zesty slaw, or their popular Albert’s Burger with all the fixings, are also excellent choices. It’s a surprisingly serene escape amidst the zoo’s excitement.

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2. The Inn at Newport Ranch

Picture this: you’re feasting on locally sourced seafood and wild mushrooms while gazing at rugged cliffs and crashing Pacific waves. The Inn at Newport Ranch is tucked along a private stretch of Mendocino coastline and has this insane “frontier lodge meets seaside retreat” vibe. Expect cozy fireplaces, antique timber beams, and an intimate, laid-back dining room. Their wood-fired ribeye is pure magic, but don’t skip the Dungeness crab toast – it’s legit addictive. Be sure to explore the coastal bluff trails right on the property after your meal, and if you time it for sunset, you’ll see one of California’s best. I honestly could’ve lingered by the fire with a glass of Anderson Valley pinot all night.

3. 71Above

• 📍 Location: Los Angeles (Downtown, U.S. Bank Tower)
• 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: 360-degree panoramic city views, seasonal tasting menus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions, romantic proposals, and jaw-dropping skyline dining.

Prepare to dine amongst the clouds at 71Above, soaring high on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower in downtown LA! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, offering mind-blowing 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city sprawling beneath you.

The cuisine is exquisite modern American, with elegant tasting menus. You might savor a perfectly executed scallop crudo with citrus and herbs, a tender Wagyu beef loin with seasonal accompaniments, or an artful chocolate dessert creation. It’s pure glamour.

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4. The Sur House

Perched high above the Pacific in Big Sur, The Sur House anchors Ventana Big Sur’s mountain-chic resort scene. You dine basically encased by glass, with jaw-dropping ocean views from every table. Their wood-grilled octopus is smoky perfection, and the wild boar ragù pasta is seriously unforgettable. Everything has this earthy, coastal feel – natural wood tables, modern lodge decor, and a crazy-good terrace for surreal sunsets. Half the fun is the curvy drive along Highway 1, but Pfeiffer Beach is right down the hill if you’re up for an adventure after your meal. Pro tip: Book at golden hour and bring a sweater – Big Sur nights get brisk.

5. Oak Mountain Winery (Cave Cafe)

• 📍 Location: Temecula
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Gastropub / Winery Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining inside California’s first and only all-mined wine caves, winery-produced wines.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Wine lovers, a cool escape on a hot day, and casual bites.

Forget your typical winery lunch; at Oak Mountain Winery’s Cave Cafe in Temecula, you dine inside California’s first all-mined wine caves! Descend into the earth and enjoy a meal in a unique, subterranean setting where the temperature is always pleasantly cool.

Pair their delicious artisan pizzas, like the “Caveman” with assorted meats, with a glass of their estate-grown wine. A hearty charcuterie board featuring local cheeses and cured meats, or their popular pulled pork sandwich, are also fantastic. It’s a refreshingly different experience.

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6. Oyster Loft

If you crave seafood with some drama, hit Oyster Loft on Pismo Beach’s main drag. This sleek, contemporary spot sits right above the pier, all glass walls and polished wood, with a loungey vibe that’s both upscale and casual. The star here, of course, are oysters from both the Pacific and Atlantic (try them raw and grilled). Their “Loft Roll” is a sushi-lovers dream and pairs perfectly with a craft cocktail like the cucumber-jalapeño margarita. You can walk right onto the boardwalk after dinner or stroll down to Old West Cinnamon Rolls for dessert. The ocean view is hypnotic – I could watch the surfers for hours.

7. The Jolly Oyster

• 📍 Location: Ventura (San Buenaventura State Beach) & Culver City
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / Oyster Bar / Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Shuck-your-own oyster experience (Ventura), super fresh oysters and clams, beachy vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster fanatics, a casual and fun seafood outing, and DIY shucking adventures.

Get ready to get your shuck on at The Jolly Oyster! With a super cool, rustic setup at San Buenaventura State Beach (and a spot in Culver City), this place is all about incredibly fresh, sustainably farmed oysters and clams. The salty sea air is pure California bliss.

At the Ventura location, buying a bag of fresh oysters and shucking them yourself at the picnic tables is essential. Their steamed clams in garlic butter and white wine, or a simple yet perfect oyster on the half shell with lemon and hot sauce, are also must-tries. As such, it’s a must-visit on a California road trip.

8. Sazón

Sazón in Santa Rosa is like a portal to Peru – warm, colorful, and buzzing with energy. The chef-owner’s family recipes wow with bold flavors, from zippy ceviche mixto (a must) to the rich, crispy-skinned pollo a la brasa. Their pisco sours are dangerous and delicious. Don’t miss the lomo saltado either. Expect cheerful murals, rustic wooden tables, woven lamps – the whole place feels joyful and authentic. You’re in a low-key business park, but within five minutes you’ve got breweries and tasting rooms galore. I was absolutely hooked on their house-made aji sauces. Take a friend who’s never had Peruvian and watch them become obsessed.

9. The Steinbeck House

• 📍 Location: Salinas
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Lunch)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Californian / Tea Room
• 🔥 Standout Features: John Steinbeck’s beautifully preserved childhood home, volunteer-run restaurant, home-style lunches.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Literature buffs, history lovers, and supporting a cultural landmark.

Step into literary history at The Steinbeck House in Salinas, the beautifully preserved Victorian childhood home of Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck! It’s also a charming, volunteer-run restaurant serving delightful home-style lunches. The proceeds maintain the house.

Enjoying a lovely quiche of the day with a side salad is a popular choice. Their classic chicken salad sandwich on fresh bread, or a comforting bowl of homemade soup, are also highly recommended. It’s a special experience combining good food with literary legacy.

10. Ramos House Cafe

This ain’t your average brunch spot – Ramos House Cafe in San Juan Capistrano is inside a ~130-year-old cottage, with tables sprawled across a lush garden patio under twisting grapevines. The Southern-style food is knock-out good. Get the crab hash with sweet potato or their legendary beignets. The Bloody Mary is damn near the best I’ve tasted. The whole place oozes historic charm, with mismatched chairs, Mason jar glasses, and live bluegrass on weekends. Steps from the old Mission and Los Rios Historic District, so make a day of it. I love how relaxed and unpretentious it feels; like being spoiled at someone’s grandma’s house who knows how to cook.

11. Napa Valley Wine Train

• 📍 Location: Napa
• 💲 Price range: $150 – $300+ per person (Varies by experience)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fine Dining American / Californian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Gourmet multi-course meals served aboard restored vintage Pullman railcars, scenic journey through Napa Valley vineyards, wine pairings.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Wine lovers seeking a luxurious experience and romantic getaways.

All aboard for a journey of gastronomic delight on the Napa Valley Wine Train! It’s a rolling fine-dining experience through California’s most famous wine region. Settle into plush, vintage Pullman railcars and savor a multi-course gourmet meal with Napa Valley wines.

From a perfectly seared duck breast with cherry reduction to tender beef tenderloin with seasonal vegetables, or a delicate pan-seared salmon, the dishes are exquisite. The clinking of glasses and stunning scenery create an atmosphere of pure enjoyment. It’s easy to see why this is on my ultimate California itinerary.

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12. The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn

The Farmhouse is Ojai magic at its finest – a culinary “barn” with dramatic cathedral ceilings, grand chandeliers, and stunning open-air terraces surrounded by lavender and olive trees. You come for fine-dining creativity, best experienced through their ever-changing chef tasting menus. Expect hyper-local veggies, perfect fish, and desserts almost too pretty to eat. Their wood-fired focaccia is a dream and their wild foraged mushroom tart is next-level. It feels both elegant and relaxed, set apart from the busy resort so you can actually hear the crickets. Ojai town is right down the road (wine and olive oil tastings!), but it’s tempting to just chill at the hotel pool afterward. I left plotting how to scheme an invite to their next celebrity chef dinner.

13. The Argonaut Farm to Fork Cafe

• 📍 Location: Coloma (Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Californian / Farm-to-Table / Cafe
• 🔥 Standout Features: State historic park (site of gold discovery!), local and seasonal ingredients.
• 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs exploring Gold Country and casual meals.

Strike gold with a delicious, farm-fresh meal at The Argonaut Farm to Fork Cafe, within Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park! This charming cafe showcases the region’s bounty with a menu packed with local and seasonal ingredients. Refuel after exploring the historic site.

A fantastic sandwich on house-baked bread, like the turkey pesto or a classic BLT, is a great choice. A vibrant seasonal salad with grilled chicken, or their popular quiche of the day, also make for a perfect pit stop. It’s a true taste of California’s agricultural heart.

14. Nick’s Cove

Close your eyes and imagine a vintage seafood shack hidden on Tomales Bay – that’s Nick’s Cove. Think weathered pier, cozy fireplaces, and a view of bobbing fishing boats against rolling hills. Their oysters are pulled straight from the bay and their Dungeness crab mac ‘n’ cheese is sinfully good. The cocktails carry a touch of old-school charm, but the Meyer lemon drop is my favorite order. You can stroll the boardwalk (even spot seals sometimes!) and hang at the restored “Boat Shack” right on the water. Get there early for sunset; nothing beats sipping warm chowder while the fog rolls in. This is Northern California comfort in its purest form.

15. Lake Shasta Dinner Cruises

• 📍 Location: Lakehead (Lake Shasta Caverns)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $100+ per person (Dinner Cruise)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Buffet Style
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dinner cruise on picturesque Lake Shasta, sunset views over the lake and mountains.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic evenings and family outings.

Set sail for a stunning evening on Lake Shasta Dinner Cruises! Imagine gliding across the tranquil waters of Lake Shasta as the sun dips below the mountains, painting the sky in fiery colors, all while enjoying a delicious dinner. It’s a truly magical experience.

The cruise typically offers a hearty buffet-style American meal. Expect dishes like slow-roasted tri-tip, grilled chicken breast, and various sides such as roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The real star is the breathtaking scenery.

16. VAGA Restaurant & Bar

Set inside the oceanfront Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, VAGA is like a love letter to SoCal. Chef Claudette Zepeda packs bright flavors and global twists into every dish, from spicy kanpachi crudo to masa tempura avocado tacos. Don’t miss their mezcal cocktails and honestly the carrot mole might change your mind about vegetables. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows frame epic sunsets over Moonlight Beach, and the decor is sleek, airy, just the right hint of beachy without trying too hard. Want to surf before or after? Just walk down the bluff. I felt like I was on a secret vacation, even if you just stay for drinks and the coastal vibe.

17. The Stinking Rose

• 📍 Location: San Francisco (North Beach) & Beverly Hills
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian-American / Garlic-Focused
• 🔥 Standout Features: Garlic in nearly every dish.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Garlic lovers, fun group dinners, and an aromatic experience.

Calling all garlic fiends! The Stinking Rose is your fragrant mecca, a restaurant proudly proclaiming, “We Season Our Garlic With Food!” From garlic-infused martinis to 40-clove garlic chicken and even garlic ice cream, this place celebrates the glorious bulb.

Their famous garlic-roasted prime rib is a must-try. The garlic cioppino or the “Bag O’ Garlic” (roasted garlic heads for spreading on bread) are also essential. It’s a loud, fun, and unforgettably pungent experience.

18. Californios

This is one for the real foodies – Californios in San Francisco reimagines high-end Mexican cuisine with insane precision, detail, and a heavy dose of California flavor. You’ll only find tasting menus here, each dish more artful than the last. Think caviar-topped masa, duck with mole, foams, edible flowers – it’s wild. The moody, black-walled dining room drips with edgy luxury, while the open kitchen gives you a front-row seat to all the action. Mission District’s murals and bar scene are just a stroll away. I left feeling like I’d been treated to a performance, not just a meal. Take someone you want to impress.

19. Ilé

• 📍 Location: Los Angeles (Hollywood – pop-up, check for current status)
• 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Nigerian / Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Intimate supper club/pop-up experience, refined Nigerian cuisine, storytelling through food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous fine diners and exploring West African flavors.

Prepare for a transportive culinary journey at Ilé, a celebrated (pop-up/supper club style) fine-dining experience focused on modern Nigerian cuisine. Chef Tolu Erogbogbo crafts exquisite tasting menus deeply rooted in Nigerian traditions and stunningly innovative.

Imagine savoring delicate suya-spiced scallops with a yaji-infused oil. A complex, flavorful jollof rice elevated to an art form, or tender braised goat with traditional greens, are also highlights. The experience is personal, with the chef sharing stories.

20. Manresa Bread

Yes, it’s a bakery – but trust me, Manresa Bread is its own pilgrimage. This Los Gatos outpost of the legendary Manresa restaurant serves impossibly flaky pastries and crusty sourdough that might ruin all other bread for you. Their kouign-amann and chocolate hazelnut croissant are basically edible royalty, and the open, Scandi-chic vibe is perfect for a lazy morning. Grab some pastries, a local pour-over, and people-watch; there’s a real sense of community here. You’re just off the adorable Los Gatos main street which is ideal for post-carb strolling. If I had a superpower I’d want it to be unlimited Manresa Bread mornings.

21. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

• 📍 Location: San Francisco
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiki Bar / Polynesian-Fusion / Lounge
• 🔥 Standout Features: Indoor lagoon, floating live band, periodic rainstorms, legendary tiki drinks.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tiki fanatics, kitsch lovers, and a fun, transportive night out.

This is not a bar; it’s a full-blown tiki theme park inside a fancy hotel. Step into the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar and you’re instantly transported to a Polynesian paradise. The centerpiece is a huge lagoon where a live band floats and plays island music. The air is thick with the sweet smell of pineapple and rum, and every 30 minutes, a tropical rainstorm, complete with thunder and lightning, erupts over the water.

The drinks here are legendary, potent, and served in fun tiki mugs. You absolutely have to get San Francisco’s best mai tai, a classic for a reason. To soak up the booze, the pupu platter is perfect for sharing, loaded with things like ahi tuna poke tostadas and savory garlic chicken wings. It’s a fun, kitschy, and completely unforgettable night out.ures and textures. Trying to guess what you’re eating is part of the fun.

22. The Wolf

Smack in Oakland’s busy Piedmont Avenue, The Wolf takes classic Cali bistro fare and makes it feel new again. Brass, black leather, and exposed brick set the mood – think urban, lively, a little glam but never stuffy. Their fried chicken is bonkers crispy (get it with the hot honey drizzle), and the cocktails are creative and unpretentious. It’s a date-night favorite, but you’ll also spot families and regulars hanging at the bar. Walkable to indie bookstores, creative boutiques, and Fentons Creamery if you need an epic sundae nightcap. I loved the bustling hum here; it just feels like Oakland in all the right ways.

23. MainRo

• 📍 Location: Los Angeles (Hollywood)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $150+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Supper Club / International / Performance Venue
• 🔥 Standout Features: Over-the-top, lavish “dinner and a show” experience, live entertainment (DJs, dancers, aerialists).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Celebratory blowouts, theatrical night outs, and dinner with a side of spectacle.

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s also a full-blown sensory spectacle, MainRo in Hollywood is your ticket! It’s an immersive supper club experience, with lavish decor and a constant stream of live entertainment – DJs, dancers, aerialists, and more.

The cuisine is modern and internationally inspired. Consider sharing truffle pasta or beautiful sushi and sashimi platters. The Wagyu beef sliders are also a popular choice. The energy is high, and the vibe is pure Hollywood glamour.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in California

In our FAQ section, you’ll find answers to all your burning questions, making our California restaurant guide your go-to resource for all things delicious in the Golden State.

What food is unique to Los Angeles?

The diverse food scene in Los Angeles is well-known, making it one of the top places to live and visit in California. One unique dish is the French Dip Sandwich. Originating from LA, this sandwich involves thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, often dipped in beef juice. It’s a simple yet iconic meal that reflects the city’s culinary innovation. Food trucks and fusion cuisines also highlight LA’s unique food offerings, blending flavors from around the world.

What is the oldest diner in California?

The oldest diner in California is Philippe the Original in Los Angeles. Opening its doors in 1908, Philippe’s claims to have invented the French Dip Sandwich. This diner is a California restaurant guide staple, offering a glimpse into the state’s culinary history. Its vintage decor and sawdust-covered floors take visitors back in time, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring California’s rich food heritage.

What is the most delicious food in California?

California’s most delicious food can vary depending on personal taste. However, the state is famous for its fresh, farm-to-table produce, making salads particularly tasty here. Avocados, grown locally, are a staple in many dishes. Seafood, especially along the coast, is fresh and often served in innovative ways. From gourmet restaurants to casual beachside shacks, the quality of ingredients makes simple dishes stand out.

Which city in California has the best restaurants?

San Francisco is often hailed for having some of California’s best restaurants. The city’s culinary scene is vibrant, with a mix of high-end dining, international cuisines, and sustainable eateries. San Francisco’s chefs are known for their creative use of local ingredients, making the city a foodie’s paradise. The diversity of its neighborhoods also means you can find authentic dishes from nearly every cuisine in the world.

Where can I find cheap eats in California?

Cheap eats in California are plentiful, especially in cities with diverse populations like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Food trucks, taco stands, and hole-in-the-wall eateries offer delicious meals at budget-friendly prices. Many coastal towns have seafood shacks where the catch of the day is served fresh and at a lower cost. Farmers’ markets also provide affordable, fresh produce for a quick and healthy snack. Visiting these spots is one of the best things to do in California.

What defines fine dining in California?

Fine dining in California is characterized by innovative cuisine, exceptional service, and often, stunning views. Restaurants that offer fine dining experiences focus on the quality and source of their ingredients, with many chefs opting for local, organic produce. The presentation of the food is artful, and the atmosphere of these establishments is usually sophisticated. Wine lists are extensive, featuring both local Californian wines and international selections.

Can you recommend any hidden gem restaurants in California?

California is full of hidden gem restaurants tucked away in small towns, coastal hideaways, or even within bustling cities. These spots might not always make the headlines but offer unforgettable meals. Look for family-owned trattorias, beachside cafes with local seafood, or small bistros in wine country that source ingredients from nearby farms. Exploring off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods can lead to discovering these culinary treasures.

What are the must-try dishes when visiting California?

When visiting California, you must try dishes that highlight the state’s rich agricultural bounty and cultural diversity. Avocado toast, made with locally grown avocados, is a simple yet iconic Californian breakfast. Fish tacos, reflecting the state’s long coastline and Hispanic influences, are a must for seafood lovers. For a taste of innovation, seek out California cuisine restaurants where chefs use seasonal, local ingredients to create unique, flavorful dishes. Lastly, don’t miss the chance to enjoy California wines, perfectly paired with your meals to enhance the dining experience.