The 10 Best Restaurants in Cali (Updated July 2025) - Tripadvisor

Introduction

Californian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and innovative techniques. With so many options to choose from, selecting the best restaurants in Cali can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will explore the top-rated eateries on TripAdvisor, ensuring that you make informed decisions about your dining experiences.

1. The Slanted Door

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace, The Slanted Door is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. This Vietnamese restaurant has been consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Cali, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including their famous grilled pork and charred eggplant. Be sure to try their signature cocktail, the “Slanted Door,” made with gin, lime juice, and ginger beer.

2. The Plant Cafe

In the trendy neighborhood of Hayes Valley, The Plant Cafe offers a unique dining experience that combines plant-based cuisine with artfully designed spaces. This vegan restaurant has gained widespread acclaim for its creative dishes and exceptional service.

Some popular items on their menu include the “Plant Burger” made from locally sourced grains and vegetables, as well as their signature “Pesto Pizza.” Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the “Cucumber Gimlet.”

3. Angler

Located in the historic Ferry Building Marketplace, Angler is a seafood lover’s paradise. This upscale restaurant offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay while serving some of the freshest fish and shellfish available.

Their menu features an array of dishes inspired by traditional American cuisine, including their famous “Fish & Chips” made with Alaskan halibut. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails, like the “Salty Dog.”

4. Octavia

In the heart of San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood, Octavia is a small but mighty restaurant that offers an intimate dining experience. This farm-to-table eatery has gained widespread acclaim for its creative dishes and exceptional service.

Some popular items on their menu include the “Octavia Burger” made from locally sourced beef and vegetables, as well as their signature “Pork Belly.” Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the “Gin Fizz.”

5. La Taqueria

Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, La Taqueria is a popular spot for delicious Mexican cuisine at an affordable price. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up mouth-watering tacos and burritos for over 40 years.

Some popular items on their menu include the “Carne Asada Tacos” made with grilled steak and fresh cilantro, as well as their signature “Burrito Supreme.” Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the “Margarita.”

6. State Bird Provisions

In the heart of San Francisco’s Fillmore neighborhood, State Bird Provisions is a unique dining experience that combines traditional Chinese cuisine with modern techniques. This Michelin-starred restaurant has gained widespread acclaim for its creative dishes and exceptional service.

Some popular items on their menu include the “Peking Duck” made with crispy skin and tender meat, as well as their signature “Wontons.” Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the “Lychee Martini.”

7. Quince

Located in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, Quince is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an intimate dining experience. This farm-to-table eatery has gained widespread acclaim for its creative dishes and exceptional service.

Some popular items on their menu include the “Foie Gras” made with seared duck liver, as well as their signature “Lamb Chops.” Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the “Sazerac.”

8. Nopa

In the heart of San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood, Nopa is a popular spot for delicious Mediterranean cuisine at an affordable price. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up mouth-watering dishes for over 20 years.

Some popular items on their menu include the “Lamb Koftas” made with grilled lamb and fresh herbs, as well as their signature “Grilled Octopus.” Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the “Pimm’s Cup.”

9. Rich Table

Located in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood, Rich Table is a popular spot for delicious American cuisine at an affordable price. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up mouth-watering dishes for over 10 years.

Some popular items on their menu include the “Rich Table Burger” made with locally sourced beef and vegetables, as well as their signature “Fried Chicken.” Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the “Old Fashioned.”

10. The Pork Store Cafe

In the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, The Pork Store Cafe is a popular spot for delicious Mexican cuisine at an affordable price. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up mouth-watering tacos and burritos for over 20 years.

Some popular items on their menu include the “Carne Asada Tacos” made with grilled steak and fresh cilantro, as well as their signature “Burrito Supreme.” Don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the “Margarita.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cali is home to a diverse range of delicious restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. From traditional Vietnamese cuisine at The Slanted Door to creative farm-to-table dishes at Octavia, there’s something for everyone in this culinary paradise.

When planning your trip to Cali, be sure to check out these top-rated eateries on TripAdvisor, ensuring that you make informed decisions about your dining experiences. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique experience, Cali has something for everyone.