Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in California (Currently Open)
California’s restaurant scene is nothing short of legendary. From the coast to the city, the Golden State offers destinations that pair rich history, celebrity culture, and top‐tier cuisine. If you’re seeking the best restaurants in California that combine iconic status with timeless appeal, this list is for you. Below, discover ten restaurants that are not only famous—they’re institutions.
Tadich Grill – San Francisco
Founded in 1849, Tadich Grill is widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in California.
Known for its seafood, old-school décor, and historic ambiance.
Nestled in SF’s Financial District, it’s a destination for both locals and visitors.
Why it’s a must: stepping in here feels like stepping into the past—yet the food remains sharp and relevant.
Signature experience: A mesquite-grilled seafood platter, rich in tradition.
Best for: Anyone wanting an authentic California dining institution with heritage.
El Cholo Spanish Cafe – Los Angeles
Opened in 1923, El Cholo is credited with introducing the burrito to the U.S. in the 1930s.
A Los Angeles landmark in Mexican cuisine, still family-owned.
Rich cultural history, with a menu that spans generations.
Why it stands out: It represents a foundational chapter of California’s dining history, especially Mexican-American cuisine.
Signature experience: Classic enchiladas, green tamales, and a taste of L.A.’s past.
Best for: Families, history buffs, or anyone seeking comfort food with legacy.
Spago Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills
The flagship of chef Wolfgang Puck, Spago opened in 1982 and is often cited as one of L.A.’s most iconic restaurants.
Influential in the development of “California cuisine,” which emphasizes local produce and fusion of styles.
Hollywood glamour meets serious gastronomy.
Why it’s included: It blends celebrity status, culinary innovation, and dining destination appeal.
Signature experience: Tasting menu featuring seasonal California ingredients, or a signature pasta or fusion entrée.
Best for: Special occasions, luxury seekers, or fans of modern California cuisine.
The French Laundry – Yountville (Napa Valley)
Located in Napa Valley, The French Laundry is a benchmark for fine dining in California and the U.S. solo. Under chef Thomas Keller, it holds three Michelin stars.
The building dates to 1900, turned into a restaurant in 1978, and became a hallmark of high-end dining.
Why it makes the list: It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a culinary pilgrimage and a symbol of California’s wine-country dining excellence.
Signature experience: The multi-course tasting menu with locally sourced vegetables, heritage meats and precise technique.
Best for: Food enthusiasts, culinary travelers, or anyone seeking a landmark dining event.
Musso & Frank Grill – Hollywood, Los Angeles
An Old Hollywood institution, Musso & Frank opened in 1919 and has served film stars, authors and locals for over a century.
Vintage steakhouse atmosphere, a place of tradition and enduring charm.
Why it’s famous: It connects to the golden age of Hollywood and remains a stand-out dining experience.
Signature experience: Prime rib, tableside service, and a martini in a time-capsule setting.
Best for: Fans of history, cinematic past, or classic American steakhouses.
The Apple Pan – Los Angeles
Opened in 1947, The Apple Pan is a counter-service classic beloved for its burgers, pies and old-school vibe.
Modest, authentic, and iconic—no frills, just solid, memorable food.
Why it’s included: It’s one of those places where dining becomes part of local culture and nostalgia.
Signature experience: A Hickoryburger with a side of banana cream pie.
Best for: Casual eaters, families, retro dining lovers.
Tam O’Shanter Inn – Los Angeles
Established in 1922, this historic restaurant in Atwater Village is rumored to have inspired elements of Disneyland and remains family-owned.
Rustic, whimsical, and loaded with old-school character.
Why it’s famous: A blend of Hollywood heritage and vintage charm.
Signature experience: Prime rib, Yorkshire pudding and tartan décor.
Best for: Date nights, fans of retro aesthetics, history-minded diners.
The Old Clam House – San Francisco
Dating back to 1861, The Old Clam House is the oldest restaurant in San Francisco still in its original location.
A seafood institution with deep roots in the city’s past.
Why it appears here: Beyond fame, it showcases the staying power of foundational institutions in California dining.
Signature experience: Classic clam chowder and fresh Pacific seafood in historic surroundings.
Best for: Seafood lovers, San Francisco visitors seeking historic venues.
Philippe The Original – Los Angeles
Opened in 1908 (or thereabouts), Philippe claims to have invented the French dip sandwich and remains a working-class institution.
Sawdust-covered floors, communal wooden tables, and down-to-earth charm.
Why it’s famous: When something claims “first in America,” it earns a spot in culinary history.
Signature experience: French dip sandwich with hot jus and a side of pickled onions.
Best for: Lunch outings, relaxed meals, anyone curious about culinary origins.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib – Beverly Hills
Since 1938, Lawry’s has served tableside-carved prime rib in Beverly Hills with classic service and vintage elegance.
Glamorous setting, named after its founders who brought a new level of service and ceremony to steak dinners.
Why it’s included: A staple of California dining that blends tradition, luxury and consistency.
Signature experience: Prime rib carved at your table, with Yorkshire pudding and signature sides.
Best for: Celebrations, lovers of classic American steaks, fans of mid-20th-century glamor.
Key Takeaways & How to Choose
When deciding which of these iconic restaurants to visit, consider these tips:
Cuisine & mood: Are you after luxury tasting menus (The French Laundry, Spago) or historic casual dining (The Apple Pan, Philippe)?
Location & travel: Northern California (SF, Napa) vs. Southern California (L.A., Beverly Hills) bring very different moods and logistics.
Budget & booking: Some venues require advance reservations and higher budgets; others are more approachable.
Time of day: Lunch may offer better access at some historic spots; dinner may maximize the ambiance at high-end locales.
Purpose: A celebration? A heritage experience? A fun family outing? Choose accordingly.
Why These Restaurants Are “Most Famous”
Longevity and legacy: Many have operated for decades or over a century, giving them cultural weight.
Culinary influence: These venues shaped California cuisine and dining trends (e.g., Spago, The French Laundry).
Location significance: Tied to major cities or regions (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Napa) helping drive visitation.
Evergreen appeal: These restaurants remain relevant and open, not just “legendary” but currently operating and accessible.
Wide appeal: Whether you’re a local or tourist, family or special-occasion diner, each offers a memorable experience.
Final Thoughts
California’s dining landscape is vast, innovative and evolving—but sometimes the most meaningful meals happen at places with serious heritage. These ten restaurants are more than just places to eat—they’re landmarks in the story of California cuisine. From seafood in San Francisco to Mexican heritage in L.A., from Napa’s tasting-menu temple to retro burger joints on the Westside, there’s something for every palate and purpose.
Summary & Call to Action:
If you’re planning a California food trip, pick at least one of these iconic restaurants as your anchor. Reserve ahead, arrive with purpose, and soak in the history as much as the flavor. Whether you’re celebrating, indulging, or simply exploring, these are among the best restaurants in California you can experience today.
Ready to dine at a legend? Book your table, bring your appetite—and prepare for a culinary milestone in California.