Get ready, food lovers! We’re about to embark on a flavorful journey across America visiting some beloved local spots and a few wildly famous ones that still feel deeply rooted in their communities. These places are part of the local food fabric.
What is a hidden gem? To me, it’s a quietly operating restaurant that specializes in outstanding food and optimum vibes. Locals recognize it as a necessary visit. Consider them hole-in-the-wall heroes or long-standing neighborhood legends.
These gems tend to stand out for several reasons:
- A unique menu you won’t find anywhere else.
- Prices that surprise you for the better.
- Extremely creative decor with a story behind it.
- A robust, unique identity unto themselves.
But not all great restaurants are hidden gems. Some are just plain wow. This list draws from reputable sources and covers New Jersey, the breathtaking Sonoma County in California, and the culinary capital of Los Angeles. Prepare to add to your do-everything list.
1. El Rinconcito de Santa Barbara (Newark, NJ)
We start in the Garden State. It’s said to be one of the hidden gems, judging by one source, which gives rave reviews from writers about this off-the-beaten-path Newark restaurant.
El Rinconcito de Santa Barbara features raucous music and authentic decor an instant pick-me-up for the atmosphere. It’s the sort of restaurant where the culture welcomes you at the door.
Most importantly, the food delivers on flavor. This spot brings authentic New Jersey-style Latin fare to the table. While there’s a similar location in Florida, the Newark branch stands out as the one not to miss.
2. Canevari’s Deli (Santa Rosa, CA)
Sonoma County locals know Canevari’s Deli as a cornerstone in the college neighborhood. It feels like it’s always been there and for good reason.
Menu standouts are the tri-tip BBQ sandwich, perfect meatball sub, and warm homemade ravioli. And don’t even get us started on the great gabagool.
These much-loved dishes and its friendly, longtime neighborhood presence make this no-frills deli a neighborhood gem.
3. Lunchbox (Sebastopol, CA)
Burgers in Sebastopol’s Lunchbox are messy in the best ways called “smushy, everything-good-about-beef burgers.” Napkins needed.
But the pièce de résistance? The “dirty fries,” topped with chevre ranch, bacon, roasted garlic, green onions, and pepperoncini a crazy combination of textures and strong flavors.
For comfort food with a twist, Lunchbox delivers with vitality and excess.
4. PizzaLeah (Windsor, CA)
This Windsor pizzeria is run by award-winning pizzaiolo Leah Scurto. That means you’re in good hands when it comes to dough and toppings.
Locals can’t get enough of pies such as the Old Grey Beard mozzarella, fontina, savory sausage, and hot honey drizzle. It’s comfort food raised to serious art.
PizzaLeah transforms familiar flavors into something unforgettable, making it a Sonoma County staple.
5. Guiso Latin Fusion (Healdsburg, CA)
Among Healdsburg’s high-end restaurants, Guiso Latin Fusion oases quietly shine. This small café combines Latin and Caribbean flavors into plates that taste both thrilling and cozy.
It was featured as one of the best restaurants in America by OpenTable a gigantic achievement for such a compact venue.
Guiso is proof that size does not matter when the flavor and creativity are at their best.
6. Twin Oaks Roadhouse (Penngrove, CA)
Twin Oaks Roadhouse in Penngrove is all about good energy and even better grub. Famous for its winner fried chicken sandwich, it’s the type of meal that gets the job done.
But it’s not just about food. With live music, cold beer, and good warm bread pudding with whiskey cream, it’s a meeting place as well as a restaurant.
Twin Oaks is a party of local flavor and good times, which is why it’s a popular choice beyond the menu.
7. Sax’s Joint (Petaluma, CA)
Sax’s Joint is an old-fashioned diner locals adore. Though under the radar elsewhere, neighbors know better than to anticipate a wait on weekends a positive sign.
Offering diner fare prepared to perfection, this is one of those places where comfort foods rule supreme.
Consistent, tasty, and adored by the locals, Sax’s Joint is a sleeper with potential.
8. n/naka (Los Angeles, CA)
A tone shift here. n/naka in LA’s Palms district is not exactly clandestine it’s globally known. This Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant, helmed by Chef Niki Nakayama (Chef’s Table hero), is all about precision and seasonality.
Kaiseki entails a carefully curated tasting menu 13 courses for $365 a head. No à la carte, but if each dish is as good as the next, it’s worth it.
One of the toughest reservations in the city, n/naka is a peaceful, unforgettable meal.
9. Hayato (Los Angeles, CA)
Thought n/naka was the height? Get with Hayato, a two-Michelin-starred find that’s like entering another planet. The cozy atmosphere boasts Japanese ceramics and subtle, deep flavors.
Chef Go’s dishes such as steamed abalone with liver sauce and crab meatball soup are perfection. Reservations are difficult to obtain, but well worth the fight.
10. Kato (Los Angeles, CA)
Currently positioned in the Arts District, Kato serves up Taiwanese-fueled fine dining. Chef Jon Yao’s tasting menu is constantly changing, honoring his background with poise.
Standout non-alcoholic pairings from Austin Hennelly are not to be missed. Do not skip the bar-only tasting menu featuring such highlights as their legendary milk bread.
11. Bavel (Los Angeles, CA)
For a discovery of Levantine tastes, go to Bavel. From the Bestia team, it serves fire-roasted meats, creamy couscous, and quite possibly LA’s finest hummus.
Each plate is bold, textured, and not-to-be-forgotten be it duck ‘nduja hummus or tender-in-your-mouth lamb neck shawarma.
12. Providence (Los Angeles, CA)
Since almost two decades, Providence has been the seafood temple of LA. With three Michelin stars, it combines modern luxury and casual vibes.
Menues highlight coast bounty with panache. Chef Cimarusti keeps on innovating, and a recent renovation makes the space cool and welcoming.
13. République (Los Angeles, CA)
Occupying a building that previously belonged to Charlie Chaplin, République combines heritage with California-French food. It operates as a bakery, daytime café, and dinner spot.
Margarita Manzke’s award-winning pastries tend to sell out quickly. Walter Manzke’s elegant dishes fill the room with love and worldly flavor.
14. Jitlada (Los Angeles, CA)
For spicy, bold Thai cuisine, Jitlada is a cult favorite. Chef Jazz Singsanong carries on her late brother’s tradition of offering a gargantuan menu of regional specialties.
From morning glory salad to crispy curries, Jitlada brings back regulars and sweat dripping happily.
15. Soban (Los Angeles, CA)
Hidden away in Koreatown, Soban is low-key but iconic. Famous for sweet, buttery soy-marinated crab and unbeatable banchan spreads, it serves unforgettable Korean homestyle meals.
Service may be brusque, but the food is loving and unsurpassed.
16. Holbox (Los Angeles, CA)
Within Mercado La Paloma, Holbox produces Yucatecan seafood that competes with any fine dining kitchen. Chef Gilberto Cetina Jr. was awarded a Michelin star with bold citrus, smoky spice, and breathtaking flavors.
The mariscos counter serves up tacos and upscale offerings, in addition to a special tasting menu for those wanting more.
