American Restaurants in California
California has long been a treasure trove for Guy Fieri’s culinary adventures, with 57 American restaurants across the Golden State earning a spot on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives since the show’s debut in 2007. From the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the foggy charm of San Francisco—each boasting seven featured spots—Guy has uncovered some of the most flavorful joints the West Coast has to offer.
With an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars, these California gems have proven they’re more than just TV-worthy—they’re genuinely beloved by locals and visitors alike. Standouts include Zobo & Meester’s in Cathedral City, earning a stellar 4.8-star rating, and the plant-based powerhouse Donna Jean in Sherman Oaks, along with The Spoon Trade in Grover Beach, both sitting at 4.7 stars.
While 38 of these restaurants continue serving up their signature dishes today, 19 have unfortunately closed their doors—a reminder of the ever-changing restaurant landscape. From Long Beach to Santa Barbara to San Diego, Guy’s California discoveries represent the best of American comfort food innovation.
Zobo & Meester’s
Still Open
Cathedral City, California
Donna Jean
Permanently Closed
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California
The Spoon Trade
Permanently Closed
Grover Beach, California
Bluewater Seafood Market & Grill
Still Open
San Diego, California
Norton’s
Still Open
Santa Barbara, California
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Still Open
Palm Springs, California
Cosecha Cafe
Permanently Closed
Oakland, California
The Starling Diner
Still Open
Long Beach, California
The Refuge
Still Open
San Carlos, California
The Park’s Finest BBQ
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Haggo’s Organic Taco
Still Open
Leucadia, California
Norton’s Pastrami & Deli
Still Open
Santa Barbara, California
Nickel Diner
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Taylor’s Automatic Refresher
Still Open
St. Helena, California
South End
Permanently Closed
Venice, Los Angeles, California
Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio
Still Open
Santa Barbara, California
Grill-a-Burger
Still Open
Palm Desert, California
Smitty’s Wings & Things
Permanently Closed
Stockton, California
Commonwealth
Still Open
Modesto, California
Moo Creamery
Still Open
Bakersfield, California
From Scratch Restaurant
Still Open
Carmel, California
Rosine’s Restaurant
Still Open
Monterey, California
Dad’s Kitchen
Permanently Closed
Sacramento, California
Aunt Mary’s Café
Permanently Closed
Oakland, California
Rick & Ann’s Restaurant
Permanently Closed
Berkeley, California
Rocco’s Café
Permanently Closed
San Francisco, California
Schooner or Later
Still Open
Long Beach, California
Russian River Pub
Still Open
Forestville, California
Clove and Hoof
Still Open
Oakland, California
El Nuevo Frutilandia
Permanently Closed
San Francisco, California
Tommy’s Joynt
Still Open
San Francisco, California
Batterfish
Still Open
Santa Monica, California
Frankinbun
Permanently Closed
Palm Springs, California
At Last Cafe
Still Open
Long Beach, California
Beer Belly
Permanently Closed
Los Angeles, California
Meal Ticket
Permanently Closed
Berkeley, California
Joe’s Cable Car Restaurant
Still Open
San Francisco, California
Annie’s Soul Delicious
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Oui Melrose
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Tavern on 2
Permanently Closed
Long Beach, California
Horse Thief BBQ
Permanently Closed
Los Angeles, California
Belly & Snout
Still Open
Los Angeles, California
Show Dogs
Permanently Closed
San Francisco, California
Jax At The Trax
Still Open
Truckee, California
Schellville Grille
Permanently Closed
Sonoma, California
Santa Cruz Diner
Still Open
Santa Cruz, California
Grubstake Diner
Still Open
San Francisco, California