California cuisine: A Guide to the 15 Most Iconic Dishes, from Street Tacos to Michelin Stars

California cuisine is a style of cooking that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, drawing inspiration from a variety of culinary traditions and emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. It’s a fusion cuisine that blends influences from European, Asian, and Latin American cooking, with a particular emphasis on using fresh, seasonal produce.

The origins of California cuisine can be traced back to the San Francisco Bay Area, where a group of chefs known as the California Cuisine movement began experimenting with local ingredients and innovative techniques. Chefs such as Alice Waters of Chez Panisse and Jeremiah Tower of Stars Restaurant helped to popularize this new style of cooking, which emphasized simplicity, freshness, and a deep respect for ingredients.

Over the years, California cuisine has continued to evolve and spread to other parts of the state, including Napa Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego. In Napa Valley, for example, chefs have built upon the California cuisine tradition by incorporating locally grown wine grapes and experimenting with new fermentation techniques. Los Angeles has become a hotbed of innovative cuisine, with chefs blending influences from around the world to create exciting new dishes.

In Pasadena, the focus has been on blending classic California cuisine with modern techniques and flavors, while San Diego has become known for its fish tacos and other seafood dishes that draw upon the region’s proximity to the ocean. 

To this day, the Californian cuisine still continues to evolve and adapt to changing tastes and trends, while remaining true to its core principles of freshness, simplicity, and a deep respect for ingredients.

The current state of the California’s food scene

California’s food scene is known for its diversity, innovation, and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The state’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and fertile farmland has helped to create a vibrant culinary landscape that draws inspiration from a variety of cultural traditions.

In San Francisco, visitors can explore a wide range of iconic dishes, including seafood stews such as cioppino, sourdough bread, and Mission-style burritos. San Francisco is also known for its innovative cuisine, with chefs like Alice Waters and Dominique Crenn pushing the boundaries of California cuisine with their farm-to-table approach and emphasis on sustainability.

Napa Valley is home to some of the state’s most renowned wineries and restaurants, where visitors can indulge in farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally sourced meats. The region’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean and French cooking styles, with an emphasis on bold flavors and rich, complex sauces.

In Los Angeles, visitors can explore a diverse range of culinary traditions, including Mexican, Korean, and Japanese cuisine. Iconic dishes in Los Angeles include In-N-Out Burger, Korean-style barbecue, and street tacos. Los Angeles is also home to some of the country’s most innovative chefs, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen.

Pasadena is known for its classic California cuisine, which blends traditional dishes with modern techniques and flavors. Iconic dishes in Pasadena include the Cobb salad, avocado toast, and macaroni and cheese. The city is also home to some of the state’s most renowned pastry chefs, who create intricate desserts that showcase the region’s bounty of fresh fruit and dairy products.

San Diego is known for its seafood, with fish tacos and shrimp burritos being among the city’s most iconic dishes. Visitors can also explore the city’s thriving craft beer scene, which features dozens of local breweries and beer gardens.

The California food scene is diverse and constantly evolving, with each region offering its own unique blend of culinary traditions and innovative techniques. Whether you’re exploring San Francisco’s farm-to-table restaurants, indulging in Los Angeles’ street food scene, or uncovering hidden speakeasies in LA, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in California.

Top 15 Californian dishes

Many of the 15 Californian dishes we mentioned below have a long history, while others are more recent innovations. Each dish is closely tied to a particular region or city, and many have become iconic symbols of Californian cuisine.

Fish tacos, for example, are said to have originated in San Diego, where they’re still a popular street food. Cioppino, on the other hand, is closely associated with San Francisco’s Italian-American community, and is still a staple of many seafood restaurants in the city. Meanwhile, the Mission-style burrito is a beloved fast-food item closely tied to San Francisco’s Mission District.

1. Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a staple of Californian cuisine, particularly in coastal areas. Typically made with battered and fried fish (such as cod or halibut), they’re served on a warm tortilla with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a tangy sauce. The dish is often associated with San Diego, where it’s said to have originated.

2. Cioppino

Cioppino is a hearty seafood stew that originated in San Francisco’s Italian-American fishing community. The dish typically features a mix of shellfish (such as clams, mussels, and shrimp) in a tomato-based broth, along with garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s often served with crusty bread for dipping.

3. Mission-style Burrito

The Mission-style burrito is a massive burrito that originated in San Francisco’s Mission District. The burrito typically includes rice, beans, meat (such as grilled chicken or carne asada), cheese, guacamole, and sour cream, all wrapped up in a large flour tortilla. It’s often eaten on the go, as a handheld meal.

4. Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is a trendy breakfast dish that’s become a staple of Californian cafes and brunch spots. The dish typically features sliced avocado on top of toasted bread, along with other toppings such as tomato, feta cheese, or poached eggs.

5. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger is a fast-food chain that was founded in Southern California in 1948. The chain is known for its simple menu and high-quality ingredients, particularly its burgers made with fresh, never-frozen beef. The chain has a cult following among Californians and has even inspired its own secret menu of customizable items.

6. Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ is a popular dining experience in many Californian cities, particularly in Los Angeles. The dish typically involves grilling marinated meats (such as beef short ribs or pork belly) at the table, and wrapping them in lettuce leaves with rice, kimchi, and other condiments.

7. Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a type of crab that’s commonly found along the California coast. The crab meat is sweet and tender, and is often served steamed with melted butter or in dishes such as crab cakes or cioppino.

8. California Roll

The California roll is a sushi roll that was invented in California in the 1970s. The roll typically features imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber, and is often served with soy sauce and wasabi. The dish has since become a popular item on sushi menus around the world.

9. Poke Bowl

Poke bowls are a Hawaiian dish that has become popular in California in recent years. The dish typically features raw fish (such as tuna or salmon) served over rice, along with toppings such as seaweed, cucumber, and avocado. Poke bowls are often customizable, allowing diners to choose their own toppings and sauces.

10. Artichoke

Artichokes are a vegetable that’s often associated with California, particularly the coastal town of Castroville. The town is known for its annual Artichoke Festival, which celebrates the vegetable in all its forms. Artichokes are often boiled or steamed and served with melted butter or mayonnaise for dipping.

11. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is a creamy soup that’s often associated with the coastal town of San Francisco. The soup typically features clams, potatoes, onions, and celery in a rich, creamy broth. It’s often served in a sourdough bread bowl for a classic Californian touch.

12. Cobb Salad

The Cobb salad is a classic American salad that was invented in Hollywood in the 1930s. The salad typically features chopped lettuce, tomato, bacon, hard-boiled egg, chicken breast, avocado, and blue cheese, all tossed in a vinaigrette dressing. It’s often served as a hearty main course salad.

13. Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is a type of bread that’s often associated with San Francisco. The bread is made using a sourdough starter, which gives it a distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture. Sourdough bread is often served as a side with dishes such as clam chowder or used as the base for a sandwich.

14. Green Goddess Dressing

Green Goddess dressing is a creamy salad dressing that’s often associated with California cuisine. The dressing typically includes mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs (such as parsley, tarragon, and chives), and anchovy. It’s often used as a dressing for green salads or as a dip for vegetables.

15. Meyer Lemon

Meyer lemons are a type of lemon that’s often associated with California. The lemons are smaller and sweeter than traditional lemons, and have a distinctive flavor that’s often used in cooking and baking. Meyer lemons are often used in desserts such as lemon bars, or in savory dishes such as roasted chicken.