Where to Eat in Northern California
Spoiler alert—Sara just got engaged in Carmel-by-the-Sea and then spent three days snacking her way through San Francisco. Save this for your next trip to NorCal, and trust us—some of these spots are worth the flight!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you've ever wanted to feel like you're in a French village without leaving the country, this is the place. With fairytale cottages, charming galleries, quiet streets, and breathtaking ocean views, it’s the perfect getaway. Here’s where to go while there:
Brophy’s Tavern - don’t let this Irish sports bar fool you. It has sneaky good food, and one of the best Bloody Marys ever. Get the fish and chips and the giant pretzel
Brophy’s Travern
Chez Noir - Chez Noir in Carmel is a cozy, Michelin-starred spot that blends French-inspired cooking with the best local ingredients. The menu changes daily, focusing on super fresh seafood and seasonal flavors, so every meal feels special. We went the night we got engaged and they printed a special note for us on our menu
Chez Noir
Stationæry - A cozy restaurant in the cutest hidden square
The Carmel Coffee House and Roasting Company - A good cup of coffee down a secret alley
Mission Ranch - Come here for a cocktail, sit outside, and watch the views of the sheep. Clint Eastwood owns it
Akaoni - The prices here are so reasonable for how high quality the fish is. The restaurant is really quiet and relaxing. A great date night spot
Akaoni
Bud's at La Playa - Don’t come here for the food, it’s pretty average. Come here for the bar. They have amazing cocktails and live music. Plus, they have fresh chocolate chip cookies in the hotel at night
Bud’s
La Bicyclette - One of the more popular restaurants in the area, but it’s totally worth it. Make sure to get a reservation, otherwise, you’ll be waiting a while. Dining here reminded us of eating in France
La Bicyclette
Rise + Roam Bakery and Pizzeria - fire pastries, fire pizza, FIRE BREAKFAST BURRITOS
Stay at: Villa Mara Carmel - This boutique hotel might be one of our all-time favorites. From the warm hospitality to the cozy, beautifully designed rooms, every detail makes you feel truly taken care of. We especially loved the complimentary breakfast— and the nightly cake and cookies were the perfect touch
Big Sur
Big Sur is a breathtaking stretch of California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon, where dramatic cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean. Highway 1 winds through the rugged landscape, offering stunning coastal views, hairpin turns, and that signature misty coastline. We rented a convertible Porsche and cruised with the top down one day—highly recommend for the ultimate scenic drive!
Alila Ventana Big Sur
The Sur House - A good lunch spot for stunning views. Get the tuna melt
Nepenthe - Do yourself a favor and come here for lunch or at least a drink. It’s so cool! You feel like you’re in a massive treehouse, and the views are WILD
Stay: Alila Ventana Big Sur or Post Ranch Inn
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a must-visit for its stunning coastal scenery, world-class golf courses, and iconic 17-Mile Drive. This scenic route winds through dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and famous landmarks like the Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay. Whether you're a golf lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for breathtaking views, 17-Mile Drive is an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of California’s coastline.
Sticks - Have a drink at their outdoor fire pit while you watch their daily tradition of a bagpipe performance
The Bench - a lovely spot to grab lunch and take in the views
San Francisco
Swan Oyster Depot - Our FAVORITE place we went while in town. It’s definitely touristy, but still worth it. Sit at the bustling counter, watch the locals pick up their fish for dinner, and order some chowder, sashimi, and fresh crab cocktail
Swan Oyster Depot
Sotto Mare - While in SF, you need to try cioppino. It’s Italian fish stew made with a tomato broth base, and the one here is perfection
Sotto Mare
Garden Bakery - A Chinese bakery in the heart of Chinatown known for their egg tarts and pineapple buns. The mooncake was our favorite and reminded us of a Fig Newton
Stonemill Matcha - Even if you aren’t the biggest matcha fan, they do it right, trust us
Zuni Cafe - One of the more popular restaurants in the city. We were fans and loved the fries and chicken for two
Zuni Cafe
State Bird Provisions - Dishes here are carted around, served dim sum style, and the menu is pretty bold. Think sauerkraut ricotta pancakes or beef tongue pastrami
La Taqueria - THE BEST BURRITO YOU’LL HAVE! Get your carnitas grilled
La Taqueria
Z&Y - SF is known for its Chinatown. We LOVED this restaurant. Get the prawns with walnuts, spicy dumplings, and peking duck
Z&Y
Postscript - The cutest coffee shop and market
Arsicault Bakery - Some of the best pastries you’ll find in the US. Get the Kouign-amann, it’s amazing
Bourbon & Branch - A fun speakeasy, but be careful, it’s not in the safest area
Hog Island Oyster Co. - Come here to slurp oysters with views of the water
Hog Island
Pacific Cocktail Haven - a really cool cocktail bar
Abacá - We actually really didn’t like this place and think you should skip it
Misc.
Pezzini Farms - The cutest little farm stand to hit between Carmel and San Fran. They have so many yummy baked goods and a food truck. Don’t fall for the shtick of the artichoke cupcake because it isn’t good
Pezzini Farms
Check out our video on 10 must-try spots in San Francisco!
