When visiting California, you should eat dishes that reflect the state's diverse cultural influences, such as avocado toast, sushi burritos, and California-style tacos, which showcase the fusion of Mexican, Asian, and American flavors.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
California's cuisine is defined by its cultural diversity, with influences from Mexico, Asia, and Europe. The state's unique geography, with its long coastline, fertile valleys, and deserts, has also shaped its cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh produce, seafood, and locally grown ingredients. California's food culture is also characterized by its casual, laid-back attitude, with a focus on outdoor dining, food trucks, and informal eateries. From the farm-to-table movement in the north to the food truck scene in the south, California's culinary landscape is constantly evolving.
The state's culinary identity is also shaped by its regional variations, with distinct flavors and specialties emerging from different parts of the state. In Northern California, the Napa Valley and Sonoma County are renowned for their wine country cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and artisanal produce. In Southern California, the Mexican-American cuisine of the border region has given rise to popular dishes like carne asada fries and California burritos.
California's food culture is also influenced by its thriving cities, with Los Angeles and San Francisco serving as hubs for culinary innovation and experimentation. From the Korean BBQ of Los Angeles's Koreatown to the Chinese dim sum of San Francisco's Chinatown, the state's urban centers offer a diverse and vibrant culinary landscape.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Burrito | Mexican-American | Large flour tortilla filled with beef, guacamole, sour cream, and french fries | San Diego, Los Angeles |
| Avocado Toast | Californian | Toasted bread topped with mashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese | Los Angeles, San Francisco |
| Sushi Burrito | Japanese-Mexican | Large seaweed wrap filled with sushi rice, raw fish, and avocado | Los Angeles, San Diego |
| Cioppino | Italian-American | San Francisco-style seafood stew made with fish, shellfish, and tomatoes | San Francisco |
| In-N-Out Burger | American | Double-double burger with two patties, cheese, and secret sauce | Los Angeles, San Diego |
| Mission-Style Burrito | Mexican-American | Large flour tortilla filled with beans, rice, cheese, and meat | San Francisco, Los Angeles |
| Acai Bowl | Brazilian-American | Bowl filled with frozen acai berries, granola, and fresh fruit | Los Angeles, San Diego |
| Dungeness Crab | Seafood | Steamed crab served with melted butter and lemon | San Francisco, Monterey |
| Date Shake | American | Milkshake made with dates, ice cream, and milk | Palm Springs, Indio |
| Korean BBQ Tacos | Korean-Mexican | Tacos filled with marinated beef, kimchi, and cilantro | Los Angeles, San Diego |
Street Food & Snacks
- Acai fruit bowl: a bowl filled with frozen acai berries, granola, and fresh fruit, typically priced around $8-$10
- Tacos al pastor: Mexican-style tacos filled with marinated pork, onions, and cilantro, typically priced around $3-$5
- Fresh fruit smoothie: a blend of fresh fruit, yogurt, and honey, typically priced around $5-$7
- Churros: fried dough pastry coated in cinnamon sugar, typically priced around $4-$6
- Popcorn: freshly popped popcorn flavored with seasonings like cheese or caramel, typically priced around $3-$5
- Ice cream sandwich: a scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies or wafers, typically priced around $5-$7
- Kettle corn: a sweet and salty snack made with popcorn, sugar, and salt, typically priced around $3-$5
- Fresh-roasted nuts: nuts like almonds or pecans roasted in a variety of flavors, typically priced around $5-$7
Drinks
- California wine: a glass of wine from one of the state's many vineyards, typically priced around $10-$15
- Craft beer: a pint of beer from one of the state's many breweries, typically priced around $7-$10
- Fresh-squeezed orange juice: a glass of juice made with fresh oranges, typically priced around $5-$7
- Iced coffee: a cup of coffee served over ice, typically priced around $2-$4
- Fresh coconut water: a refreshing drink made with coconut water and a splash of lime, typically priced around $5-$7
- Agua fresca: a fruity drink made with water, fruit, and a touch of sugar, typically priced around $3-$5
Dining Customs
- Tipping: it is customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants and bars
- Reservations: it is recommended to make reservations at popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress code: California has a casual dress code, but some upscale restaurants may require formal attire
- Eating etiquette: it is customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit, and to keep your hands visible on the table
- Food sharing: it is common to share food with others, especially at family-style restaurants
- Taking leftovers: it is acceptable to take leftovers home, and many restaurants will provide containers for this purpose
Where to Eat
- Food trucks: a great way to try a variety of cuisines, from tacos to BBQ to ice cream
- Farmers' markets: a great place to find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods
- Restaurants: from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments, California has a wide range of options
- Cafes: a great place to grab a coffee or snack, and enjoy the state's laid-back atmosphere
- Food courts: a great place to try a variety of cuisines, from Asian to Mexican to Italian
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Ferry Building Marketplace: a historic marketplace in San Francisco featuring artisanal food vendors and restaurants
- Grand Central Market: a historic market in Los Angeles featuring a variety of food vendors and restaurants
- Napa Valley Wine Train: a scenic train ride through the Napa Valley wine country, with wine tastings and gourmet meals
- San Diego Farmers' Market: a weekly market featuring fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods
- Los Angeles Food Festival: an annual festival celebrating the city's diverse culinary scene, with food vendors, live music, and cooking demonstrations