Visiting Northern California? Checking out the local culinary scene is a must. California is an agricultural state with a diverse population, which equals some seriously delicious food. As a local, I know there are so many restaurants that it’s hard to know where to begin. So, to help you out, I’ve narrowed it down to 16 iconic establishments spread across a region.
If you’re not from here, you might wonder where this region actually begins. There’s no official boundary or sign on the highway announcing your arrival to Northern California. For the sake of this article, I went with the Highway 99 marker colloquially called “Where the Palm Meets the Pine”: About ten miles north of Fresno, a palm and a pine stand side by side, symbolizing the divide between California’s southern and northern halves. Cross into pine country, and you’ll notice the culture and cuisine begin to shift.
What makes each place so iconic? Each has stood the test of time, and earned a loyal following among both locals, and tourists. They all tell the story of Northern California through their food, atmosphere, and history. Our list spans the entire region, and includes everything from historic diners to Michelin-starred fine dining. Regardless of budget or address, if you’re in NorCal, you’re never too far from an iconic NorCal eatery.
Read more: 11 Tried-And-True Regional Food Classics In The United States
Buena Vista Cafe (San Francisco)
Buena Vista Cafe on Beach Street by cable car – Tony F Cruz/Facebook
Buena Vista Cafe is at the end of the Powell-Hyde cable car tracks in San Francisco. The weathered sign, and the saloon aesthetic hint at the cafe’s historic landmark status. Upon opening those doors, you’ll find a warm, welcoming, and well-kept cafe. The restaurant is open all day, serving classic American fare, coffee, and cocktails. Breakfast favorites like the Benedict, and French toast are even offered at dinner.
Its proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf once made it a go-to for local fishermen. However, the cafe’s biggest claim to fame is popularizing Irish coffee in America. According to Irish coffee history, owner Jack Koeppler made it his mission to recreate the drink in the 1950s, even traveling to Ireland to perfect the recipe. Little has changed, and today, we recommend enjoying the cafe’s authentic Irish coffee alongside bread pudding made from the city’s famous sourdough.
(415) 474-5044
2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Black Bear Diner (multiple locations)
Black bear carving holding Welcome sign outside Black Bear Diner – Tada Images/Shutterstock
Black bear sightings aren’t uncommon in Northern California’s mountains, and particularly on Mt. Shasta, where Black Bear Diner was born. In 1995, the founders set out to deliver homestyle cooking with a small-town feel, and they decorated the joint with nods to its bear country roots. Artwork displays the region’s mountains, and wildlife, along with life-sized wooden carvings of bears. Signage features cheesy puns like “Beary best breakfast” and “Talk to the paw.”
The diner has grown far beyond Mt. Shasta, with over 100 locations across 14 states, including many in Northern California. Unfortunately, as the chain expands, some think it’s losing that personal touch. It also struggled in our ranking of the best and worst breakfast chain pancakes according to customer reviews. However, fans still rave about the chain’s enormous biscuits, and tasty California eggs Benedict. And given its kitschy yet endearing NorCal vibe, and hearty portions, it’s worth visiting to form your own opinion.
Multiple locations
Cattlemens (multiple locations)
Cattlemens restaurant entrance with neon sign – Cattlemens/Facebook
Cattlemens was founded by two cowboy brothers who wanted to bring a taste of ranch life to Northern California. They opened a restaurant in Petaluma in 1970, then expanded across the region. They focused on delivering quality steaks, and luckily, locals welcomed the chain with open arms. Although the Petaluma branch has since closed, you’ll still find Cattlemens in Dixon, Livermore, Redding, Roseville, and more. They’re often large establishments located right off freeways, so they’re easy to spot, and convenient.
Visiting Cattlemens is like stepping into the ranching world. The chain embraces the Old West, so expect cowboy kitsch decor, authentic antiques, wooden furnishings, and warm hospitality. The unique vibe has attracted several celebrities, from John Wayne to Faith Hill. However, the steak is the real draw, and worth the visit alone. Many guests claim it’s superior yet cheaper than the competition, which isn’t surprising, seeing how it’s expertly hand-cut daily for the freshest flavor. You’ll also find seafood, pasta, burgers, and entrees accompanied by an all-you-can-eat salad bar.
Multiple locations
Chez Panisse (Berkeley)
Wooden Chez Panisse sign outside restaurant entrance – The Edible Schoolyard Project/Facebook
Chez Panisse was the first farm-to-table restaurant in the United States. After living in France, Chef Alice Waters longed for the fresh, local food, and leisurely, conversation-filled meals she enjoyed abroad. She found the only food that satisfied her palate was that from local farmers. So, in 1971, she and a group of friends purchased a Berkeley restaurant, and set out to fulfill their foodie fantasy.
They never envisioned that their culinary dreams would have such an impact. Chez Panisse helped define California cuisine, a style rooted in peak-season produce that blends American and international influences. In true Berkeley fashion, Waters also pushed the nation to embrace sustainable agriculture long before it was trendy. This is evident in her ingredient selection, and the fact that she was the first to include farm names on menus so people would understand where those meats and veggies are sourced. The cafe has a seasonal a la carte menu, while the restaurant serves a four-course prix-fix menu that changes daily.
(510) 548-5525
1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
The French Laundry (Yountville)
The French Laundry restaurant exterior featuring an upscale, residential looking building with hedges – Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock
The French Laundry is a charming, farmhouse-style restaurant in the heart of Napa Valley. Once a French steam laundry, it has since become NorCal’s most iconic fine dining establishment. Under owner and chef Thomas Keller, it’s earned three Michelin stars, and a place among the World’s Best Restaurants. Despite this prestige, this elegant restaurant feels cozy, and unpretentious.
A winner on our list of the best French restaurants in every state, the French Laundry serves a nine-course prix-fixe dinner that changes daily, and is inspired by French and California cuisines. Guests choose between the Chef’s Tasting Menu, and the vegetarian-friendly Tasting of Vegetables Menu. Much of the produce comes from the restaurant’s 3.5-acre Culinary Garden directly across the street. Reservations are notoriously hard to secure, and available only online, so book far ahead or join the waitlist.
(707) 944-2380
6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
The Firehouse Restaurant (Sacramento)
Outdoor courtyard with white tablecloth dining tables, fountain and lit up trees – The Firehouse Restaurant/Facebook
The Firehouse Restaurant was originally a functioning fire station housed in a 1853Â redbrick building. It’s located in the heart of Old Sacramento, a historic neighborhood with a Gold Rush Era feel. To get a proper feel for Sacramento’s past, we recommend exploring the area’s gift shops, and the Railroad Museum before dining.
Once hunger hits, you’ll be welcomed into a restaurant that blends that Old Sacramento charm with modern luxury. Inside, you’ll find white tablecloths, chandeliers, and a stained glass skylight, while the outside courtyard offers romantic al fresco dining. It’s the perfect place for a celebration or date night. The menu focuses on seasonal American fare like oysters, prime dry-aged ribeye steak, duck breast, and acorn squash with quinoa. And, as one of the Top 100 Wine Restaurants in America, the place also has a wine cellar packed with 18,000 bottles from 2,100 labels.
(916) 442-4772
1112 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Frank Fat’s (Sacramento)
Interior of Frank Fat’s with booth seating and bar – Frank Fat’s/Facebook
Frank Fat’s has been a Sacramento institution since 1939. Opened by a Chinese immigrant who worked his way up from dishwasher to restaurateur, it’s a true success story. The original location still carries a speakeasy vibe, and serves upscale American Chinese cuisine. Located a few blocks from the State Capitol in Downtown Sacramento, it’s a natural hub for business meetings, power lunches, and after-work happy hours.
Although Frank himself has passed, his family continues his legacy. The establishment has won a James Beard America’s Classics Award, and three more Fat’s eateries, along with a catering business, have opened across Northern California. However, nothing matches the energy of the original location. Just be prepared for more fusion cuisine than authentically Chinese fare. For example, patrons highly recommend the honey walnut shrimp, and the banana cream pie. If you prefer something smaller, pop in for pot stickers, and Mai Tais during happy hour.
(916) 442-7092
806 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Granzella’s Restaurant (Williams)
Interior of Granzella’s restaurant with wooden tables, taxidermy, and sports memorabilia – Granzella’s/Facebook
Granzella’s Restaurant is a legendary pit stop off I-5, once featured in Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” It’s part restaurant, part deli, and part sports lounge, plus a gift shop, and even a hotel. The entire place is known for quirky, small-town charm that shows a different side of California than most tourists expect. Think: taxidermy-filled walls, gun memorabilia, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek signage.
The food is hearty American Italian, served all day for dine-in or takeout. Omelettes, pizza, pasta, and stacked sandwiches make up the bulk of the menu. Granzella’s also makes its own wine, olives, muffuletta, and more, with many guests recommending the muffuletta, and Reuben sandwiches. For roadtrippers, it’s a unique stop that offers a window into the local culture. It’s a convenient place to grab a hot meal or fresh gelato, catch a game with a cold draft beer, or browse specialty canned goods, and other homemade treats.
(530) 473-5583
451 6th St, Williams, CA 95987
House of Prime Rib (San Francisco)
House of Prime Rib entrance at dusk with neon sign and red awning – Gerald Champ Love/Facebook
San Francisco’s House of Prime Rib is, as you might guess, the place for prime rib. Dating back to 1949, it’s famous for serving beef the old English way. Servers wheel a stainless steel cart right up to your table, and carve your cut on the spot. It’s a novelty experience, perfect for those craving old-school dining, and a whole lot of meat. The ambiance matches the tradition, with fireplaces, leather banquettes, and dim lighting.
Arrive early for an apéritif in the cocktail lounge, and prepare your appetite for what’s ahead. The dinner menu offers a selection of generous beef cuts with accompaniments like mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and creamed spinach, followed by decadent desserts. Reservations book out several months in advance, so plan ahead. If you prefer spontaneity, there are ways to get into House of Prime Rib without a reservation, like snagging a bar seat early, or booking the latest dining time.
(415) 885-4605
1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
Mel’s Drive-in (multiple locations)
Mel’s Drive-in entrance and parking lot with neon sign lit up at night – Gary Lenhart/Facebook
Mel’s Drive-in started in San Francisco in 1947. It was the quintessential drive-up dining experience with carhops, bright neon lights, and burgers sizzling on the grill. The concept quickly took off in Northern California, but a disagreement between owners split the brand into two: Original Mels, and Mel’s Drive-in.
The distinction confuses diners, and honestly, it’s understandable. Ownership aside, both chains share the same roots, and embrace 1950s Americana. At either name, you’ll find familiar neon lights, jukeboxes, and old-school memorabilia. But over time, the menus have evolved beyond fries and shakes to offer a huge breakfast lineup, hearty lunch plates, and diner-style dinners.
The original location on San Francisco’s Lombard Street is still called Mel’s Drive-in, and is a pop-culture landmark thanks to its appearance in the 1973 film, “American Graffiti.” Other Mel’s Drive-ins are concentrated in San Francisco, and Los Angeles, while Original Mels is more widespread across Northern California, and Nevada.
Multiple locations
Shadowbrook Restaurant (Capitola)
Shadowbrook restaurant interior with natural elements, greenery, and wooden tables – Shadowbrook Restaurant/Facebook
Shadowbrook is destination dining at its finest, and getting there is half the adventure. Hidden among Capitola’s lush hills, guests can arrive via the restaurant’s complimentary vintage taxi or the iconic Shadowbrook funicular (aka the “Hillavator.”) Then, walk the garden path to the creekside restaurant, which feels like something out of a fairytale. The building was a log cabin, and a sanitarium before becoming a restaurant in the 1940s. Today, the chalet-style architecture is elegant yet homey, and well-connected to the surrounding nature. There’s even a 100-year-old Cyprus tree growing straight through the dining room.
As one of the most romantic spots in Northern California, it’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or stop on a couple’s road trip. The dress code is business casual, and the menu boasts upscale American cuisine, wine, and cocktails. You’ll find steak, and seafood along with gluten-free and vegan options. However, the unique setting, and the incredible food make it a popular spot. We’d book ahead before making the trek.
(831) 475-1511
1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
Tadich Grill (San Francisco)
Tadich Grill entrance with neon sign and passerby – Thomas Winz/Getty Images
Tadich Grill is the oldest restaurant in California, and also one of the oldest restaurants in the United States. It began in 1849, when three Croatian immigrants started selling coffee and fish near the wharf. Over the years, they expanded their food stand into a proper restaurant. The establishment eventually settled in the Financial District, where it remains today.
What keeps Tadich timeless is its atmosphere, and craft: the white-jacketed, long-tenured servers; a menu built on quality ingredients; and a dining room of dark wood paneling, and warm lighting. After 175 years, the kitchen still prides itself on fresh seafood. Ask for the best catch of the day, or try the Tadich Platter for a little bit of everything. Steaks, clam chowder, and crab cakes round out the menu. And for dessert, stick to the rice custard pudding. It’s been on the menu for more than a century for a reason.
(415) 391-1849
240 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Taqueria El Farolito (multiple locations)
Yellow Taqueria El Farolito awning above storefront on sunny day – drmuffi/Instagram
Northern California has countless Mexican eateries, but Taqueria El Farolito’s significance goes beyond tasty food. The original El Farolito is in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, a historically Hispanic neighborhood with a vibrant dining scene. The district is also the birthplace of Mission-style burritos, one of the many burrito styles you must try. These burritos are oversized, overstuffed, and famously heavy. If your burrito feels like a brick, chances are, it’s a Mission-style burrito.
This family-run chain has been around since 1983, and the original shop at 24th and Mission hasn’t changed much in decades. It’s cash-only, compact, and crowded, so takeout is common. Over the years, the chain has expanded across Northern California, with multiple locations conveniently located right off freeways. Aside from monstrous Mission-style burritos, the menu also features traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, flautas, chiles rellenos, and carne asada.
Multiple location
Tommy’s Joynt (San Francisco)
Tommy’s Joynt entrance painted with carnival lettering mural – Walter Cicchetti/Shutterstock
Tommy’s Joynt is one of those old-school American cafeterias you have to experience. Established in 1947, it’s considered one of the last remaining American Hofbräuhauser. In Germany, a Hofbräu is a court brewery, but in mid-century Northern California, it took on a different connotation. Here, a Hofbräu became a bar that lured customers with free, carved meat lunches. Today, Tommy’s Joynt still delivers plenty of carved meat — minus the “free” bit, unfortunately. You can also expect a full bar, and more than 100 imported beers.
Tommy’s Joynt is also a full-on spectacle you can’t miss. The outside is plastered with a carnival-esque mural, and the interior decor is equally chaotic, with taxidermy, random memorabilia, and stained glass lamps. Load up on nostalgia along with hand-carved meats like beef brisket, pastrami, ham, turkey, and more. Sandwiches are the norm, but the joint also offers platters, sides, and salads.
(415) 949-0399
1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109
Trader Vic’s (Emeryville)
Inside Trader Vic’s Restaurant with wooden furniture and bar – Trader Vic’s Hospitality/Facebook
When Victor Bergeron opened Hinky Dinky, a small Oakland dive bar, in the 1930s, he never imagined it would spark a global tiki movement. By 1938, he had renamed it Trader Vic’s, and transformed the space with tropical plants, rattan furniture, and Polynesian-inspired décor. Around the same time, Bergeron’s self-created Mai Tai began gaining a loyal following. As the bar’s popularity soared, Trader Vic’s moved to a larger location along Emeryville’s waterfront, where the flagship restaurant still stands today.
At Trader Vic’s, visitors can enjoy an upscale tiki atmosphere and a menu that blends Polynesian and French influences. Signature dishes include island-style barbecue pork ribs, macadamia-crusted mahi mahi, and the restaurant’s famed Crab Rangoon. The cocktail list is a tropical dream with classics like the Scorpion, Navy Grog, Passion Punch, and, of course, the original Mai Tai. And if traveling outside California, you’ll find Trader Vic’s locations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Southeast Asia, as well as Atlanta, and Miami.
(510) 653-3400
9 Anchor Dr, Emeryville, CA 94608
The Trident Bar & Restaurant (Sausalito)
The Trident Bar & Restaurant on Sausalito pier with funky artwork-filled windows – AMarcia Eldridge/Facebook
The Trident Bar & Restaurant sits right on Sausalito’s boardwalk, offering front-row views of the San Francisco Bay. It’s an ideal stop for seafood, steak, or a classic Bay Area cioppino. Cocktail lovers are in good hands, too, especially since Trident bartenders of decades past invented the Tequila Sunrise.
The atmosphere is another huge draw, and speaks to the area’s history. The psychedelic murals, sculpted flowing woodwork, and relaxed vibes are reminiscent of the restaurant’s 1960s heyday, when locals and rock-and-roll legends packed the place. Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, and Joan Baez were among the patrons soaking in the music, views, and natural cuisine. After a period operating as Horizons, the restaurant returned to its original name, updating the look without losing its soul. Today, it still holds that hippie nostalgia, but with a modern sophistication, and plenty of deliciously organic, locally sourced food.
(415) 331-3232
558 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
Methodology
Group of diners enjoy burgers and conversation at restaurant – oneinchpunch/Shutterstock
To create this list, we first had to determine the Northern California boundary, opting for the Highway 99 marker, “Where the Palm Meets the Pine.” However, we wanted to represent the entirety of Northern California. So, while San Francisco and Napa Valley are packed with famous eateries, we chose a selection of restaurants spread across the region.
We defined iconic restaurants as being well-known for their history, food, and cultural significance. These establishments have solid reputations, and have stood the test of time. These restaurants also came with thousands of positive reviews, and are prominently featured across social media, and news outlets. Each offers a unique atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and a glimpse into the Northern California culinary world.
For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout’s newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more!
Read the original article on The Takeout.