Best New American Restaurants in California

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The ranking podium

Honouring the top spots in California.

A table worth seeking out. Meet the restaurants leading the current rankings in California, and discover what puts each one at the top.

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Illustrative image: Exquisitely plated tasting menu course

86.2

Torrance California

Local Kitchen

For a relaxed meal, Local Kitchen is a casual choice.

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Illustrative image: Intimate chef counter at a fine dining restaurant

85.9

Santa Rosa California

Bird & The Bottle

For your next night out, Bird & The Bottle is a place to keep in mind.

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Illustrative image: Atmospheric courtyard restaurant in warm evening light

85.1

Burbank California

The New Deal Restaurant and Wine Bar

For dinner with friends, The New Deal Restaurant and Wine Bar is a place to keep in mind.

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Top Places in California

Local Kitchen

Torrance, California

86.2

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Bird & The Bottle

Santa Rosa, California

85.9

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The New Deal Restaurant and Wine Bar

Burbank, California

85.1

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Illustrative image: Destination dining room

Johnston's Saltbox

San Carlos, California

84.8

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Illustrative image: Close-up of a bright coastal restaurant dish

BREW KITCHEN BAR

Monterey Park, California

84.5

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Illustrative image: Moody restaurant interior with polished service

Mulvaney's B&L

Sacramento, California

84.3

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Illustrative image: Chef-led tasting counter framed in warm wood

Metro Cafe

Culver City, California

83.8

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Illustrative image: High-end plated dish

Owen's Bistro

Chino, California

83.8

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Illustrative image: Refined sushi or chef counter interior

Yard House

San Diego, California

83.7

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#10

Campfire

Carlsbad, California

83.7

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#11

The Waterboy

Sacramento, California

83.0

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#12

Juanita & Maude

Albany, California

82.9

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#13

Lazy Bear

San Francisco, California

82.8

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#14

The Upper West

Santa Monica, California

82.5

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#15

26 Beach

Los Angeles, California

82.4

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#16

Urban Plates

Torrance, California

82.3

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#17

Depot Restaurant

Torrance, California

82.3

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#18

Social Bird Kitchen and Bar

Lafayette, California

82.3

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#19

Yard House

Sacramento, California

82.3

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#20

Yard House

Roseville, California

82.3

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#21

Yard House

Rancho Cucamonga, California

82.3

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#22

1212 Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California

82.2

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#23

Foothill Restaurant

Pasadena, California

82.1

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#24

The Curious Palate

Santa Monica, California

82.0

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#25

The Promiscuous Fork

San Diego, California

81.9

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Best New American Restaurants in California

Local Kitchen

Bird & The Bottle

The New Deal Restaurant and Wine Bar

Top Places in California

Local Kitchen

Bird & The Bottle

The New Deal Restaurant and Wine Bar

More Places

Johnston's Saltbox

BREW KITCHEN BAR

Mulvaney's B&L

Metro Cafe

Owen's Bistro

Yard House

Campfire

The Waterboy

Juanita & Maude

Lazy Bear

The Upper West

26 Beach

Urban Plates

Depot Restaurant

Social Bird Kitchen and Bar

Yard House

Yard House

Yard House

1212 Santa Monica

Foothill Restaurant

The Curious Palate

The Promiscuous Fork

Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Taproom

Rialto Cafe

Local Kitchen