6 Must-Try Stuffed Mushroom Dishes In California
California’s food scene is full of surprises, and its stuffed mushrooms are no exception. Whether they’re filled with rich cheeses, savory seafood, or fresh herbs, these bite-sized delights highlight the state’s love for bold flavors and top-notch ingredients.
Whether you’re dining in trendy L.A. spots or discovering gems in small-town kitchens, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to leave your taste buds smiling.
1. Rao’s Italian-American Ricotta Bombs
Hollywood’s beloved Rao’s serves stuffed mushrooms that locals can’t stop raving about. Their ricotta-and-sausage combination delivers a perfect balance of creamy and savory in every bite.
The restaurant boasts a solid 4.3-star rating on Yelp, with many reviewers specifically mentioning these mushrooms as their must-order appetizer.
The Italian herbs sprinkled on top add just the right aromatic finish.
2. C&O Cucina’s Generous Marina Mushrooms
Size matters at C&O Cucina in Marina del Rey, where their baked stuffed mushrooms come in two options: Individual ($15) or the aptly-named Gargantuan ($19).
I still remember my first bite of their Gargantuan platter—my eyes widened as much as my mouth had to! The filling is rich and flavorful, with a hint of garlic that lingers pleasantly.
These massive mushrooms have become the restaurant’s signature starter.
3. Tommy’s Visalia Mushroom Masterpieces
A trip to Visalia isn’t complete without sampling Tommy’s stuffed mushrooms. Their appetizer has achieved local legend status for good reason—perfectly tender caps filled with a secret recipe that locals speculate about constantly.
The generous portion size means you’ll want to share, though you might regret it after the first bite! I once watched my normally reserved father-in-law order a second plate all for himself.
That’s how irresistible these mushrooms are.
4. Al’s New York Cafe’s Creamy Costa Mesa Creation
Costa Mesa foodies whisper about Al’s New York Cafe’s stuffed mushrooms with reverence. Featured prominently on their catering menu, these bite-sized treasures boast a velvety filling that melts in your mouth.
The chef incorporates a hint of white wine that elevates the flavor profile beyond ordinary stuffed mushrooms.
Yelp reviewers consistently praise their creamy texture and perfect seasoning, making them one of Orange County’s most sought-after appetizers.
5. BJ’s Brewhouse Divine Spinach Caps
Spinach and mushrooms form a heavenly partnership at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Cupertino. Their spinach-stuffed mushrooms have earned the apt description of “divine” from countless TripAdvisor reviews.
The earthy mushroom flavor perfectly complements the creamy spinach filling. Back in 2018, I celebrated my promotion here, and these mushrooms kicked off what became an unforgettable evening.
They pair exceptionally well with BJ’s craft beer selection.
6. Fresco II’s Cautionary Madeira Mushrooms
Not every culinary adventure ends in delight. Palmdale’s Fresco II serves “Madeira stuffed mushrooms” that serve as a reminder that execution matters in cooking.
While the concept sounds promising—mushrooms with a Madeira wine reduction—reviews suggest inconsistent preparation. Still, some food explorers find value in experiencing the full spectrum of a dish’s possibilities.
Who knows? You might visit on a day when the kitchen gets it perfectly right.