6 Unforgettable California Eats You Need To Try + 6 Hidden Spots That Took Us By Surprise
California’s food scene is a magical wonderland that’s had me drooling for years.
From legendary burger joints to secret taco havens tucked away in unsuspecting neighborhoods, the Golden State serves up some of the most mouthwatering eats in the country.
Join me as I share my absolute favorite must-try California foods and the hidden gems that blew my taste buds away when I least expected it!
1. In-N-Out’s Double-Double: A California Burger Institution
My first bite of an In-N-Out Double-Double nearly brought tears to my eyes! Two perfectly seared beef patties, melty American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and that secret spread on a toasted bun – pure magic for under $5. The beauty lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients or pretentious presentation, just consistently delicious burgers made from fresh, never-frozen beef.
I always order mine “animal style” with grilled onions and extra spread. Pro tip: Their not-so-secret menu offers gems like the 4×4 (four patties!) and protein style (lettuce-wrapped instead of bun). The fresh-cut fries might divide opinions, but they’re worth trying at least once!
2. San Diego Fish Tacos: Ocean-Fresh Baja Bliss
Nothing compares to munching on fish tacos while watching surfers catch waves at San Diego’s beaches. These crispy, beer-battered white fish morsels tucked into warm corn tortillas with tangy cabbage slaw, creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime are heaven in every bite. Last summer, I stumbled upon a beachside shack where the chef was frying the catch of the day.
The fish was so fresh it practically jumped from ocean to fryer! The perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, tangy and spicy flavors makes these tacos unforgettable. For the authentic experience, skip the fancy restaurants and head to the small stands where locals line up. Add a Mexican Coca-Cola for the ultimate SoCal lunch!
3. Sourdough Bread Bowl With Clam Chowder: San Francisco’s Foggy Day Comfort
Huddled on Fisherman’s Wharf with fog rolling in, I discovered why San Francisco’s sourdough bread bowls filled with creamy clam chowder are legendary. The bread’s tangy crust gives way to a soft interior that slowly soaks up the rich, buttery soup – it’s culinary genius!
San Francisco’s unique foggy climate creates the perfect environment for wild yeast that gives their sourdough its distinctive flavor. Some bakeries claim their starter cultures date back to the Gold Rush era of the 1840s! After finishing the soup, the best part awaits – tearing into the bowl itself, now perfectly flavored with chowder. On chilly days (which is most days in SF), nothing warms you up quite like this iconic combo.
4. Korean BBQ In LA’s Koreatown: Sizzling DIY Feast
My first Korean BBQ experience in LA’s Koreatown was mind-blowing! Sitting around a table with friends as we grilled marinated meats on the built-in grill, the intoxicating aroma of sizzling bulgogi and galbi filled the air while we wrapped bites in crisp lettuce leaves. The banchan (side dishes) alone are worth the trip – tiny plates of kimchi, pickled vegetables, and other treats that keep appearing magically throughout the meal.
I was shocked when our server cut the meat with scissors right at our table! K-town never sleeps, so you can satisfy your Korean BBQ craving at 2 AM if needed. The all-you-can-eat options are dangerously good, and I still dream about that perfectly caramelized beef edge from my last visit.
5. California Burrito: San Diego’s French Fry-Stuffed Wonder
Whoever decided to stuff French fries INSIDE a burrito deserves a Nobel Prize! The California Burrito – born in San Diego – combines carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and yes, crispy fries, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. My first encounter with this magnificent creation happened at 1 AM after a concert.
The contrast between the seasoned steak, creamy guac, and the unexpected crunch of fries creates a texture party in your mouth. It’s the ultimate hangover cure, post-surf meal, or anytime indulgence that perfectly represents SoCal’s Mexican-American fusion cuisine. Every taco shop has their own variation, sparking fierce debates among locals about who makes the best. The truly authentic spots wrap them in yellow paper and serve them with spicy carrots on the side.
6. Avocado Toast From Venice Beach: The California Classic Reimagined
Yes, avocado toast has become a cliché, but the versions served in Venice Beach cafés will make you understand why Californians are obsessed! Picture this: thick-cut artisanal bread toasted to perfection, topped with a mountain of creamy, ripe avocado, sprinkled with red pepper flakes, microgreens, and sometimes a poached egg.
Walking along the Venice boardwalk one morning, I spotted a tiny café where hipsters and surfers lined up for what looked like green mountains on bread. One bite explained everything – the avocados were so fresh and perfectly seasoned that I still think about that toast years later. Many spots add their own twist with additions like pickled radishes, heirloom tomatoes, or housemade hot sauce. Paired with cold brew coffee, it’s the quintessential California breakfast experience!
7. La Taqueria’s Secret Burritos: Mission District’s Hidden Treasure
Tucked away in San Francisco’s Mission District, La Taqueria doesn’t look special from the outside. But locals know it hides burrito perfection! Unlike typical San Francisco mission-style burritos drowning in rice, these focus purely on meat, beans, salsa, and avocado – wrapped tightly in a grilled tortilla. Standing in line, I watched the masters at work, expertly wrapping each burrito with lightning speed.
When my carnitas version arrived, the first bite revealed perfectly crispy-yet-tender pork with just the right amount of fat. No wonder they won a James Beard Award! Ask for yours “dorado style” (a secret menu item) and they’ll grill the finished burrito until the outside is crispy and golden. Cash only, always crowded, but worth every minute in line and every penny spent.
8. The Apple Pan: LA’s Time-Capsule Burger Counter
Walking into The Apple Pan feels like stepping back to 1947 – because nothing has changed since it opened! This tiny West LA institution features a U-shaped counter where white-aproned servers hustle burgers, pies, and sodas to devoted regulars and curious tourists alike.
My first Hickoryburger – their signature beef patty topped with a smoky-sweet sauce on a perfectly squishy bun – came wrapped in paper with a pickle on the side. The elderly gentleman next to me had been coming weekly for 40 years! He insisted I save room for a slice of their legendary banana cream pie.
Cash only, no reservations, and absolutely no modifications to your order – The Apple Pan plays by old-school rules. The burgers aren’t fancy or trendy, just consistently delicious for over 70 years. Some things never need changing.
9. Neptune’s Net: Malibu’s Biker-Friendly Seafood Shack
Cruising along Pacific Coast Highway, I almost missed Neptune’s Net – a seafood shack where surfers, bikers, and celebrities rub elbows over paper trays of fried seafood. Featured in countless movies, this Malibu institution serves no-frills food with million-dollar ocean views. The system confused me at first – order fried seafood from one counter, fresh seafood from another.
My crispy fish and chips paired perfectly with a cold beer as I watched motorcycles pull up and surfers emerge from the waves across the street. The place gets packed on weekends, but that’s part of the charm. Grab a picnic table outside, make friends with leather-clad bikers discussing their Harleys, and enjoy seafood while watching the Pacific sunset. It’s California culture in its purest form.
10. Mama’s On Washington Square: North Beach’s Breakfast Paradise
The line outside Mama’s told me everything – San Franciscans don’t wait an hour for mediocre food! This tiny North Beach breakfast spot has been family-owned since 1964, and their French toast alone justifies the wait. Snagging a table feels like winning the lottery. I ordered their Monte Cristo sandwich – thick-cut sourdough French toast stuffed with turkey, ham and cheese, dusted with powdered sugar. The sweet-savory combination was mind-blowing, especially with their homemade jam!
The elderly woman at the next table leaned over to say she’d been coming every Sunday for 30 years. The cozy interior feels like a family kitchen, with mismatched chairs and walls covered in vintage San Francisco photos. Come early (they close by 3pm), bring cash, and prepare for a breakfast experience worth writing home about.
11. The Griddle Café: Hollywood’s Pancake Wonderland
My jaw literally dropped when the server delivered a plate of pancakes LARGER THAN MY HEAD at The Griddle Café in Hollywood. This unassuming spot on Sunset Boulevard serves the most ridiculous – and ridiculously delicious – pancakes I’ve ever encountered.
The menu features creative combinations like the “Golden Ticket” (butterscotch chips, caramel, streusel and whipped cream) and “Mounds of Pleasure” (coconut, chocolate chips, and whipped cream). One order could feed a family of four! I watched in amusement as tourists’ eyes widened when their monster-sized orders arrived. Despite the celebrity clientele (I spotted a famous actor trying to eat incognito in the corner), The Griddle maintains a no-nonsense, no-reservations policy. Get there early or prepare to wait – and definitely come hungry. These pancakes require serious commitment!
12. Yuko Kitchen: LA’s Japanese-Californian Fusion Secret
Hidden in a nondescript building in Mid-Wilshire, Yuko Kitchen looks like someone’s artsy living room with mismatched furniture and local artwork covering the walls. I stumbled upon it while lost looking for somewhere else – the best kind of food discovery! The Japanese-Californian fusion menu features fresh, healthy options that somehow manage to be both authentic and creative.
Their spicy tuna onigiri (rice balls) wrapped in nori changed my life, and the green tea mochi pancakes make for the perfect light breakfast. The owner, Yuko herself, often works behind the counter, greeting regulars by name. What makes this place special is the attention to detail – everything from their homemade ginger dressing to the artistic presentation of their bento boxes shows care and craftsmanship. It’s my go-to spot when showing visitors LA’s non-touristy side.