12 California Restaurants That Have Stayed Family-Owned For Four Generations
Growing up, my grandma always said the best meals come from places where recipes are passed down like family heirlooms.
California is home to some incredible restaurants that have survived trends, recessions, and changing tastes while staying in the same family for over a century.
These dining spots prove that good food and dedication never go out of style.
1. El Cholo, Los Angeles
Margaritas have been flowing at this spot since 1923, making it one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the entire country.
The Salisbury family has kept the tortillas hot and the salsa spicy through four generations of dedication. Their green corn tamales are legendary, and people drive across town just to taste them.
Every dish feels like a warm hug from someone’s abuela, which is probably why Hollywood stars have been sneaking into booths here for decades.
2. The Musso & Frank Grill, Los Angeles
Hollywood’s oldest restaurant opened in 1919 and still serves martinis strong enough to make screenwriters weep with joy.
Red leather booths have hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to modern celebrities looking for old-school glamour.
The same family has been running things since the early days, keeping the menu wonderfully retro. Their flannel cakes and chicken pot pie taste exactly like they did a century ago, which is precisely the point.
3. Philippe The Original, Los Angeles
Someone allegedly dropped a sandwich into meat drippings here in 1918, and boom, the French dip was born. Whether that story is true or not, Philippe’s has been slinging these juicy masterpieces ever since.
Sawdust still covers the floors like it’s 1920, and the Binder family keeps prices shockingly reasonable. Coffee costs less than a dollar, which feels like time travel in the best possible way.
4. Duarte’s Tavern, Pescadero
Tucked away in tiny Pescadero since 1894, this tavern specializes in two things: incredible pies and artichoke soup that could make you weep.
The Duarte family has perfected both over four generations of practice.
Locals and road-trippers alike make pilgrimages here for olallieberry pie that tastes like California sunshine baked into a crust. The cozy atmosphere feels like visiting your coolest aunt’s farmhouse.
5. Molinari Delicatessen, San Francisco
Walking into Molinari feels like teleporting straight to an Italian village, minus the plane ticket.
Since 1896, this North Beach deli has been hand-making salami that could convince vegetarians to reconsider their life choices.
Four generations of the Molinari family have sliced meats and assembled sandwiches with the kind of precision usually reserved for surgery. Their muffuletta is so good it should probably be illegal.
6. Sabella & La Torre, San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf has gotten touristy over the years, but this seafood spot remains authentically delicious since 1927.
The Sabella family knows their way around crab like nobody’s business, which makes sense given their fishing heritage.
Their cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew that warms you from the inside out, perfect after a chilly San Francisco afternoon. Watching boats bob in the bay while cracking crab legs is basically California living at its finest.
7. San Pedro Fish Market, San Pedro
Nothing says family feast like a massive tray of shrimp, mussels, and crab dumped right onto your table. Since 1956, the Ungaro family has been serving seafood in quantities that could feed a small army.
Their famous shrimp tray comes with enough garlic butter to ward off vampires for weeks.
The casual, loud, wonderfully chaotic atmosphere makes every meal feel like a celebration, even if you’re just there for Tuesday lunch.
8. Tam O’Shanter, Los Angeles
Scotland meets California at this wonderfully weird spot that’s been serving prime rib since 1922.
The Lawry’s family created this Scottish-themed restaurant before opening their famous steakhouse empire, and it still charms with its quirky castle vibes.
Dark wood, tartan patterns, and servers in kilts make you forget you’re in sunny Los Angeles. Their Yorkshire pudding is fluffy perfection, proving that British food can actually be delicious.
9. Five Crowns, Corona del Mar
Celebrating something special? This English manor replica has been the go-to fancy spot since 1965.
The Lawry’s family built this stunning restaurant to look like a 16th-century English inn, complete with dark beams and romantic lighting.
Their prime rib is carved tableside with theatrical flair that makes you feel like royalty.
Sunday brunch here includes bottomless champagne, which explains why reservations disappear faster than free samples at Costco.
10. Swiss Hotel (Restaurant & Bar), Sonoma
Right on Sonoma’s historic plaza sits this charming spot that’s been feeding wine country visitors since 1909.
The Marioni family has kept the Italian-Swiss recipes authentic while pouring generous glasses of local wine.
Their pasta is handmade daily, and the ravioli practically melts on your tongue. Sitting on the patio with a plate of carbonara and a glass of Sonoma pinot feels like you’ve cracked the code to happiness.
11. Canter’s Deli, Los Angeles
Open 24 hours since 1931, Canter’s has saved countless late-night cravings with towering pastrami sandwiches.
The Canter family brought their Jewish deli traditions from New Jersey and planted them firmly in LA’s Fairfax District.
Musicians, comedians, and regular folks pack the booths at all hours for matzo ball soup and rugelach.
Their bakery counter is dangerous if you’re hungry, offering cookies and pastries that whisper sweet temptations.
12. Luigi’s Restaurant & Delicatessen, Bakersfield
Bakersfield might not scream Italian cuisine, but Luigi’s has been proving doubters wrong since 1910. The Giumarra family brought authentic Sicilian recipes to California’s Central Valley and never looked back.
Their lasagna is layered with the kind of love that only comes from generations of practice.
Local families celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and Tuesday nights here because good Italian food makes everything worth celebrating.