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California Foodie Finds: Must-Try Restaurants for Every Budget

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Find Your Inner Foodie: California's Quirky Culinary Gems

From sun-kissed shores to redwood-studded mountains, California is a culinary wonderland brimming with edible oddities and flavor-packed surprises. 

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. 
Within this list, you'll uncover: 
> Culinary gems that will make your foodie heart sing 
> Flavor combinations that will make you question reality 
> Dishes so unique, they'll make you the envy of all your friends 

So get ready to broaden your horizons and embrace the weird, the wonderful, and the downright delicious. 

Click through and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you wanting more. 
And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite food obsession. 
So what are you waiting for? 
Start exploring!
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Central Valley (Bakersfield)

From Sacramento in Northern California down to Bakersfield in the South End of the Valley. 
Basque Food | Foodies | Food Gems | Local Food | Pizza | Mediterranean | Food Trucks | Food Finds | Halal 

 
Jenny Elliott profile picture
Jerry's Pizza: A Downtown Bakersfield Icon with Prize-Winning Food, Live Music, and a Legendary History! 

Jerry's Pizza is more than just a restaurant—it's a downtown Bakersfield icon. With a long history of serving up prize-winning food, and live music, Jerry's is the place to be for a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. 

From up-and-coming bands to world-famous acts, Jerry's has seen it all. 

With two stages, an upstairs and downstairs bar, and an incredible food menu, there's something for everyone at Jerry's. 

So if you're looking for a place to enjoy a delicious meal, catch some great live music, and soak up some local history, Jerry's Pizza is the place for you. 

Come see why Jerry's is a must-go for any visitor to Bakersfield!
Jerrys Pizza & Pub - Home - Bakersfield
 
Jenny Elliott profile picture
Irresistible Pyrenees Cafe 

Step back in time and experience the authentic Basque cuisine and lively atmosphere of the Pyrenees Cafe, Kern County's oldest running saloon. 

Savor a generous "set-up" of bread, soup, beans, salsa, pickled tongue, vegetables, french fries, and spaghetti, followed by your choice of hearty Basque entrees, such as lamb, chicken, and seafood. 

Listen to live music from local musicians, (You might even catch my husband's band: The Hitmen), as you enjoy your meal and soak up the rich history of this iconic Bakersfield restaurant. 

Visit the Pyrenees Cafe today and experience the best of Basque dining!
Pyrenees Cafe
 
Jenny Elliott profile picture
Noriega's Basque: A Bakersfield Legend

At Noriega's, family-style dining is the norm, and the savory flavors of traditional Basque cuisine are sure to tantalize your taste buds. 

Start your meal with a generous "set-up" of Salad, Soup, Beans, Bread, Pickled Tongue, Cottage Cheese, Salsa, Pasta or Rice, French Fries, Vegatable,  and Bleu Cheese, followed by the Entree of the Night.

Also includes: House Wine or optional beverage of soda, coffee, tea or milk.

You're sure to enjoy a delicious and authentic Basque meal. 
But be sure to check their website for daily entree and dining times—the dinner bell only rings once! 

And while you're there, don't forget to take a moment to view the pictures on the walls, which chronicle the Noriega's Hotel Restaurant journey through time.
Noriega's | Bakersfield: Basque
 
Jenny Elliott profile picture
Absolute FAVORITE Mediterranean quick food! (Not fine dining, but NOT fast food, either)
> Locally owned and operated! 
> Huge portions!
> Certified Halal

We discovered this gem during the pandemic. We were doing a lot of take-out to help local businesses and employees.

For a while it was once a week…we have slowed down on it a bit, but it never disappoints!

I have tried pretty much everything on the menu and it's all so flavorful and satisfying. 

They can get pretty busy during peak lunch and dinner times, however, it is always worth the wait!!
Sultans Mediterranean Grill

Southern California

From Los Angeles down to San Diego!

Seafood | Burgers | Foodie Finds | Diners, Drive-thrus, & Dives | Mediterranean | Food Gems | Local Eats | Brazilian Cuisine | 

 
Jenny Elliott profile picture
With several locations to choose from in the Los Angeles area…this one is our favorite location.

We hit up a lot of live music venues in the Downtown LA area and we never miss a chance to eat at Bossa Nova when we are there.

I would call the atmosphere upscale casual. The staff here are amazing! Our little troop coming in can be a lot to handle sometimes and the staff here is always so friendly, accommodating, and attentive.

Open late…and I mean…LATE…on weekends; which makes it great for a bite to eat after a show!
Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine
 
Jenny Elliott profile picture
The best Shawarma comes from a hole-in-the-wall in Hollywood!

This is a favorite foodie spot of ours…before or after a show in the area. 

Don't wait too late, though. They make what they make for the day and when it's gone, it's gone. 

You won't go wrong with the chicken or the beef. Both are bursting with savory flavor that will leave you craving more!!
Sincerely Syria (Hollywood Shawarma)