Restaurants & Bars
19 CA Restaurants Ranked Among Top 100 In Nation, New List Says
See if your favorite eatery made OpenTable's elite list, which is developed by reviews left by verified diners.
CALIFORNIA—Nineteen California restaurants are among the top 100 in the nation, according to a new ranking based on reviews from diners who attest to their quality.
The online restaurant reservation service OpenTable develops the Top 100 Restaurants list from reviews left by verified users, not by food critics.
In alphabetical order, here are the restaurants from California that made the list for 2024.
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From the OpenTable editors: "Southern California’s only three-star MICHELIN restaurant displays chef William Bradley's distinct vision of California gastronomy. Bradley's hyper-seasonal menu celebrates local produce alongside pitch-perfect wine pairings. Each impeccable course is an unparalleled tribute to the stunning Carmel Valley surroundings."
Accolades: MICHELIN 3 Stars 2022, 2023, 2024; Best Overall, Best Food, Best Service
Per a summary of reviews on OpenTable: "Antico Nuovo is a Hollywood gem offering 'outstanding' Italian cuisine with a rustic chic ambiance. Diners rave about the 'amazing' focaccia, exquisite pasta, and 'divine' ice cream. The 'wonderful' service complements a warm atmosphere, making it a top choice for special occasions. Reservations are highly recommended for this 'favorite' LA dining spot.
Accolades: MICHELIN Plate 2022; Editor's Choice 12 Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles; Best Service; Great for fine wines; Good for special occasions
Bavel, 300 Mateo St., Los Angeles
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
From the OpenTable editors: "Bavel, with its bright, cavernous space outfitted with tons of greenery and stunning Middle Eastern fare from Ori and Genevieve Menashe of Bestia, is an escape in the heart of the Arts District. Dredge blistered housemade pitas through spreads like duck ‘nduja-topped hummus and baba ganoush made with eggplant and beets before moving on to beef cheek tagines, and you won't be disappointed."
Accolades: MICHELIN Plate 2022; 50 Los Angeles Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day; Best Food, Most Booked, Hot spot
Bestia, 2121 E. 7th Place, Los Angeles
Cuisine: Italian
From the OpenTable editors: "Packed since the day it opened in 2012, Ori and Genevieve Menashe’s acclaimed California-Italian restaurant has made a name for itself for excellent cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and now-iconic dishes like slow-roasted lamb neck. Housed in a former warehouse, the cavernous, industrial-chic restaurant ushered in a new era of Arts District dining—and feels just as vibrant and energetic as it did a decade ago."
Accolades: MICHELIN Plate 2022; 50 Los Angeles Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day; Best Food, Most Booked, Best Italian
Cesarina, 4161 Voltaire St., San Diego
Cuisine: Italian
From the OpenTable editors: "Fresh housemade pasta reigns at this charming Point Loma trattoria. Cesarina landed MICHELIN Bib Gourmand status for its knockout mix-and-match pasta options and one exceptional tableside tiramisu. The colorful Italian restaurant is a go-to for weekend brunch, best enjoyed on its bougainvillea-strewn patio."
Accolades: MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022, 2023; Best Italian, Most Booked
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Contemporary American
From the OpenTable editors: "The award-winning, ride-’em-cowboy digs—hello, indoor fire pits—are one reason to dine at this long-standing East Village steakhouse. But so is the meaty food. Executive chef Victor H. Jimenez serves world-class New American fare like New York-style Hokkaido wagyu (flown in from Japan) and smoked garlic mac and cheese."
Accolades: Best Food, Best Steakhouse, Best Overall
Evvia, 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
This sister restaurant of Kokkari, Evvia has been serving authentic rustic Greek cuisine at 420 Emerson St. in Palo Alto since 1995. Chef Nikos Maheras serves up fresh fish, savory roasted meats and grilled and roasted vegetables perked up with a squeeze of lemon, a splash of olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs. Yes, there is perfection in simplicity.
Accolades: 50 San Francisco Restaurants To Connect In For Mother's Day; Best Mediterranean, Most Booked
Fishing With Dynamite, 1148 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach
Cuisine: Seafood, Tapas / Small Plates, American
Per a summary of reviews on OpenTable: "Fishing With Dynamite in Manhattan Beach is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a delightful array of fresh dishes. 'The menu is the best in town,' featuring oysters, crab cakes, and scallops. Guests rave about the 'amazing service' and the charming ambiance. Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions."
Accolades: MICHELIN Plate 2022; 50 Los Angeles Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day; Editor's Choice 12 Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles; Best Seafood, Best Service, Best Overall
Four Kings, 710 Commercial St., San Francisco
Cuisine: Cantonese
From the OpenTable editors: "Drop a pin in Chinatown for your mapo spaghetti needs—the playful Four Kings pop-up now has a permanent address. Watch chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long prepare crowd favorites like fried squab and chili crisp pig head in an open kitchen in the lively dining room, complete with retro '90s and Y2K Hong Kong memorabilia and a Cantopop soundtrack."
House of Prime Rib, 1906 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Cuisine: Steak
From the OpenTable editors: "Open since 1949, this legendary destination is the king of San Francisco steakhouses. From luxurious carved-to-order prime rib rolled out on carts to chefs spinning salads to extra-large martinis with sidecars, every meal in the restaurant’s old-school dining room decked with ruby-hued booths is rollicking and unforgettable."
Accolades: 50 San Francisco Restaurants To Connect In For Mother's Day; Most Booked, Best Steak
Cuisine: Californian, Mediterranean, Seafood
Per a summary of reviews on OpenTable: "insideOUT offers a vibrant dining experience with a stunning atmosphere and 'beautiful' decor that changes seasonally. Guests adore the creative and well-crafted drinks and often highlight the 'exceptional' service. While some dishes receive mixed reviews, the filet mignon and brunch items are favorites. Situated in Hillcrest, it's a 'perfect' spot for photos and celebrations."
Accolades: OpenTable's Top 100 Brunch Restaurants In America For 2024; Best Californian cuisine
Jeune et Jolie, 2659 State St., Carlsbad
Cuisine: Contemporary French
From the OpenTable editors: "Chef Eric Bost trained with culinary masters including Guy Savoy—and that pedigree shines at his approachable MICHELIN-starred Carlsbad beauty. Bost’s gardenside restaurant is where you go for creative French-inspired tasting menus featuring innovative combos, like rabbit with rhubarb and sea bass with saffron."
Accolades: 1 MICHELIN STAR 2022, 2023, 2024; Best Food, Best Service, Best Overall
Kokkari Estiatorio, 200 Jackson St., San Francisco
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek, Contemporary European
"Legend tells that Kokkari is the site where Orion, a mighty hunter and a young man of gigantic stature and great beauty, fell in love with the daughter of the king of Chios. For the love of her, Orion forged the island for wild game and seafood to prepare elaborate banquets in celebration of their love. Today, we hope you will enjoy your own celebration as you dine at Kokkari Estiatorio on food 'fit for the Gods' prepared with an Aegean palate and the style of innovative California fare."
Accolades: MICHELIN Plate 2022, The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best In America, 50 San Francisco Restaurants To Connect In For Mother's Day; Most Booked, Best Mediterranean
Musso & Frank Grill, 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Continental, Steak
Per a summary of reviews on OpenTable: Musso & Frank Grill offers a 'classic Hollywood dining' experience with 'amazing service' and a 'nostalgic atmosphere.' Diners rave about the 'outstanding food' and 'superb cocktails,' making it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of old Hollywood glamor. Reservations are recommended, as the ambiance is 'always bustling.'"
Accolades: Most Booked, Best Overall, Best Ambiance, Best Service; 100 Los Angeles Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day; Editor's Choice 12 Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles
Providence, 5955 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
Cuisine: Seafood
From the OpenTable editors: "Providence is the restaurant that seafood dreams and celebratory dinners are made of: James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Cimarusti puts sustainability front and center for his two-MICHELIN-Starred tasting menus featuring the likes of Santa Barbara spot prawns, Golden Kaluga caviar, and Columbia River king salmon. Expect excellent wine pairings, white tablecloths, and exceptional service that doesn’t feel stuffy—just the way LA fine dining should be."
Accolades: MICHELIN 2 Stars 2022, 2023, 2024 & MICHELIN Green 2024; Best Seafood, Most Booked, Best Overall
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
From the OpenTable editors: "Of Ori and Genevieve Menashe’s three restaurants, Saffy’s is the most laid-back—but still has a laser focus on technique. Dig into shareable plates like wood-fired lamb and beef shawarma, hearth-grilled lobster tail skewers, and 18-hour spiced short rib in a gorgeous dining room that pays homage to mid-century Morocco. Playful cocktails and a Mediterranean-focused wine list add to the always-lively vibe."
Accolades: MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022, 2023; Editor's Choice 12 Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles; Best Overall, Best Food, Hot spot, Best Service
The Dock, 2816 LaFayette Ave., Newport Beach
Cuisine: Seafood, Steak, Contemporary French / American
Per a summary of reviews on OpenTable: "The Dock offers an exceptional dining experience with 'outstanding food' and 'impeccable service.' Located by the water, the restaurant boasts stunning views and a cozy atmosphere. Guests rave about dishes like the halibut and pork chop, while the attentive staff ensures a memorable occasion. A true 'hidden gem' in Orange County."
Accolades: 50 Orange County Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day; Best Food, Best Ambiance, Best Overall
The Progress, 1525 Fillmore St., San Francisco
Cuisine: Contemporary American
From the OpenTable editors: "From the bright, two-story space to the shareable California-inspired plates, this MICHELIN-Starred spot from James Beard Award winners Nicole Krasinski and Stuart Brioza lives up to its motto: the greatest dinner party ever. Start with the whimsical caviar potato 'cloud' before digging into show-stopping dishes like the Liberty Farm duck topped with crispy peanut fried rice—you won’t be disappointed."
Accolades: 1 MICHELIN Star 2022, 2023, 2024; Most Innovative, Best Contemporary American
Youngblood, 777 G St., San Diego
Cuisine: Speakeasy
Per a summary of reviews made on OpenTable: "Youngblood offers an immersive cocktail experience with an intimate speakeasy vibe. Expert mixologists craft bespoke drinks tailored to your preferences, creating a 'truly one-of-a-kind experience.' Patrons rave about the 'amazing drinks' and 'exceptional bartenders.' Ideal for a special night out, reservations are recommended for this 'unbelievable, first-class experience.'"
Accolades: Best Ambiance, Most Lively,
This year, OpenTable's elite list also includes restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
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