The local food and drink of a destination offer a peek into its culture and people. While California is a centre stage for international cuisines, the culinary masters here also take inspiration from the breath-taking landscapes of the region by featuring local produce in their dishes. From a wide range of Michelin star restaurants to farm-to-table establishments in vineyards, California’s diverse dining and drinking scene is a foodie’s dream come true. We’ve curated a list of some of the most impressive restaurants and bars in the state for you to bookmark for your visit.
1. Addison in San Diego
Del Mar Village’s Addison, which previously had two stars, was recognised as a three-star Michelin restaurant in 2022. It became one of only 14 such prestigious establishments in the United States. Helmed by Chef William Bradley, its menu is a representation of Southern California and its regional ingredients. Here, you can indulge in a nine-course tasting menu for $355 a person. Choose from an extensive wine list for wine pairings to complement your meal.
2. Tyger Tyger in Santa Barbara
Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Funk Zone, Tyger Tyger reopened its doors in November 2022 after braving the pandemic. Developed by Chef Jasmine Shimoda and Chef Trevor Laymance, the new plant-forward menu retains the modern Asian flavours of the original restaurant, while leaning in on California’s clean and green concept. Every dish features fresh produce as well as animal and plant protein from the Central Coast. If you seek a healthy meal without compromising on the intensity of bold Asian flavours, choose from the vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, and gluten-free options on offer here.
3. Silver Trident Winery in Yountville
Most famous for its wine-country cuisine, the town of Yountville has many worthy destination-dining experiences, including the Michelin three-star restaurant The French Laundry. Wine lovers must pay a visit to the Silver Trident Winery in the heart of downtown. Here, you can enjoy handcrafted small production wines straight from the Napa Valley. Make sure you tour the library on your visit, featuring decor for sale from Ralph Lauren Home.
4. Odeum, Silicon Valley
If you are in California, you must visit Odeum to take your culinary journey to a whole new level. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the heart of Silicon Valley’s dining destination, Morgan Hill, which is known for its farm-to-table cuisine. The restaurant lives up to its name by providing a grand culinary spectacle. Chef Salvatore Calisi’s food is showcased in the restaurant as art. That’s not all. Odeum also features a gallery space for local artists to display their works. The menu here is a fusion of Roman, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisines.
5. Lo & Behold in Healdsburg
The latest buzzing hotspot in downtown Healdsburg, Lo & Behold comes from the dynamic duo Laura Sanflippo and Tara Heffernon, the former founders of Duke Spirited Cocktails, and culinary wizard Chef Sean Raymond Kelley. Spend an evening here savouring their farm-to-glass cocktails and global comfort food. The bar and kitchen borrows from the fresh produce grown in the expansive patio and fruits from Heffernon’s very own orchard.
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