Vaudeville is part bistro, part supper club, and part boutique shopping experience, located in the heart of Fredericksburg’s historic downtown. Daily lunch specials, like Crawfish Etouffé, incorporate the best flavors from around the world with an American spin. Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday nights only, with a prix fixe menu. The wine list is heavy on Italian, French, and California wines, with a couple of Texans in the mix. There’s also a good selection of sparkling wines.

Insider Tip

Locals favor Sunday Buttermilk Fried Chicken brunch. Get there early as the line begins before 11:00 am.

Image courtesy of Trish Rawls

The Ausländer Restaurant and Biergarten has been a favorite for authentic German cuisine for 20 years. Known for their hand-cut sausages and schnitzel, The Ausländer also serves American classics like chicken sandwiches and hamburgers, including a classic burger and a schnitzel burger. The menu features a large variety of beers from around the world, but try a local beer and sausage for a blend of Texas and Bavaria.

Insider Tip

The Ausländer has a nice beer garden as well as covered outdoor seating.

Image courtesy of The Ausländer

Cabernet Grill is the quintessential Texas Hill Country fine dining experience, where flavors of Texas and the southwest are paired with the largest Texas wine list in the state. If it’s your first time dining at Cabernet Grill, try the Texas Mixed Grill which includes jalapeno quail, grilled shrimp, and a smoked pork tenderloin medallion. The Mexican street corn side is also a must. Cabernet Grill’s long-time sommelier, Elizabeth Rodriguez, has recently expanded the wine list to include over 180 Texas wines, so don’t miss pairing your meal with a glass or bottle.

Insider Tip

If the weather is nice, sit outside to enjoy the pretty patio and water gardens all lit up with fairy lights. It’s so romantic you may just fall in love with the Hill Country and decide to stay. Note that outdoor dining is on a first come, first served basis.

Image courtesy of Cabernet Grill

Otto’s is an ode to fine dining that showcases the German heritage of Fredericksburg. The farm-to-table menu is carefully curated to highlight what’s available and in season. Starters include a twist on a German-style pretzel served with brie and crème fraiche, as well as the Flammkuchen, which is a bit like a tart flambé, topped with crème fraiche, Spanish chorizo sugo, arugula, pickled red peppers, and blue cheese crumbles. The wine and beer menu features Austrian and German flavors as well as those of Texas and California. Since the venue is a small frame house and seating is limited, just be sure to make a reservation.

Insider Tip

Sunday brunch at Otto’s is truly divine, featuring a menu of unique breakfast and lunch items. There’s a good selection of standard drinks such as mimosas and bloody marys, but take a chance on one of the more creative cocktails.

Image courtesy of Trish Rawls

Hill Top Cafe has 40 years of history, family, good food, and music. Housed in an old gas station, the location is a bit out of the way, but worth the drive. Owner Johnny Nicolas and his late wife Brenda transformed the venue into more than a restaurant; Hill Top is an experience. Go for the excellent Greek-Cajun-inspired food and atmosphere, or just go for the live music. Over the years, Hill Top has hosted such famous musicians as Eric Clapton, Jimmie Vaughan, and Bonnie Raitt, which isn’t surprising given Johnny’s successful music career in the Grammy winning band, Asleep At The Wheel.

Insider Tip

Hill Top Cafe also has a bed and breakfast for those that want to stay up late and listen to music or just gaze at the star-filled sky without having to venture far after dinner.

Image courtesy of Hill Top Cafe

Pontotoc Vineyard and Weingarten was created in the image of a Viennese Heurigen. A Heurigen is a wine bar located in the vineyards where locals bring a picnic basket and enjoy the wine produced by that vineyard. Though Pontotoc is not in the vineyards, it is located in a historic limestone building surrounded by old oak trees, and while the winery is not technically a restaurant, you can order a picnic basket made by the owners to go with your estate wine. Texas sausage, local bread, and homemade pimento cheese are a few of the goodies you’ll find inside. Sit outside, listen to great music, and enjoy one of the most unique wine gardens in the area.

Insider Tip

Kids are welcome and there are alcohol-free beverage options.

Image courtesy of Pontotoc Vineyard and Weingarten

Emma + Ollie is a restaurant and bakery offering delicious food and mouthwatering desserts served in a cozy ‘40s bungalow just off of Fredericksburg’s Main Street. The food is always fresh and many ingredients come from their garden. Entree favorites include the salmon cobb salad and the po-boy sandwiches, but be sure to save room for the desserts, which will make you think of visiting your grandmother. People line up for the lemon bars and hello dollies, but it’s all decadent in the best way.

Insider Tip

Emma + Ollie is open for breakfast Tuesday through Friday and brunch on Saturday, but you can always stop in simply to purchase their homemade desserts to go.

Image courtesy of Penny Sadler

A boutique wine bar and market, La Bergerie is the perfect spot in Fredericksburg for distinctive wines as well as housemade charcuterie, cheeses, and freshly baked bread. If you’re hungry for something more substantial but don’t want a full meal, they also serve small plates. Specializing in Old World wines, the wine list includes unique imports and old vintages, but you’ll also find some local wines on the menu.

Insider Tip

When the weather permits, there’s a lovely wine garden in the back, and in 2022, La Bergerie is launching an Italian restaurant.

Image courtesy of La Bergerie

Family-owned and operated Fredericksburg Pie Company specializes in pies, as the name implies, all made from scratch daily. At their downtown Fredericksburg bakery, you’ll find over 20 types of pie available each day, from coconut cream pie to pecan pie to blackberry pie — just like grandma used to make. Order a slice to enjoy in the dining area or on the front porch, or take a whole pie to eat at home. Just be sure to get there early, as these tasty pies tend to sell out quickly.

Insider Tip

Fredericksburg Pie Company has its own private coffee label, Fredericksburg Texas Coffee, featuring a large variety of whole bean and ground coffee blends for sale. They have a different coffee flavor on special each month, which is available by the cup to sip on-site.

Image courtesy of Visit Fredericksburg

For a taste of locally sourced, wood-fired cuisine in a clean and gorgeous barn-like setting (made mostly of reclaimed wood), head to Ember in Arroyo Grande. For his menu of Italian-inspired California cuisine, Chef/Owner Brian Collins utilizes simple ingredients that are meticulously prepared and beautifully presented — think flavorful, seasonal salads, wood-fired steaks, hand-cut pastas, and unexpected takes on classic desserts.

Insider Tip

The menu is uber seasonal, so you’ll always find something new to try, like the Burrata Levain with blood orange and snap peas on grilled walnut bread, or the Dungeness Crab Spaghetti with lime, jalapeno, and crab butter. Mmmm.

Photo courtesy of Ember Restaurant

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Luna Red serves flavorful tapas and tasty craft cocktails in a welcoming, eclectic setting. Sister restaurant to nearby Novo Restaurant, this popular dining destination charms with its vibrant outdoor patio, innovative small plates that meld global flavors with locally-sourced ingredients, and casual, yet lively atmosphere.

Insider Tip

Take advantage of Luna Red’s Takeout Taco Tuesday. You’ll love the delectable selection of tacos to-go, including Beef Short Rib with mole poblano, Tempura Rockfish, and Portuguese-style Pork Belly.

Photo courtesy of Luna Red

This charming industrial-chic eatery south of SLO in Grover Beach boasts an open kitchen, chalkboard walls, and a reclaimed wood bar, giving the whole space an inviting feel. Ingredients are sourced locally and many are made in-house, including their famous fresh-baked sourdough bread. Whatever you order, don’t leave without trying the chicken and waffles with spiced honey and housemade kimchi.

Insider Tip

The waffles are actually sourdough, and made from the same starter used to make their loaves.

Photo courtesy of Facebook: The Spoon Trade

For a taste of California coastal cuisine with a view, head to Lido Restaurant at the Dolphin Bay Hotel in Pismo Beach. Whether dining for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or their elegant Sunday Champagne Brunch, you can expect a meal rich with local influence and beautiful ocean views. Don’t miss complementing your meal with an expertly crafted cocktail or bottle of wine from their 800-bottle wine list, featuring a selection of both local and international wines.

Insider Tip

Sleep in on the weekend and roll in for a $39 prix-fixe, three-course brunch menu, which includes bottomless mimosas — a favorite among locals.

Photo courtesy of Dolphin Bay

It may not be fancy, but this no-frills cafe has been a favorite destination in Pismo Beach since 1989, drawing locals and tourists for its steaming bowls of clam chowder — known as the best clam chowder on the coast. Their famous chowder, with its fresh clams and perfectly creamy, buttery broth, lives up to the hype, but is even better when served in a housemade bread bowl.

Insider Tip

If you can’t fathom the thought of eating canned clam chowder ever again, Splash Cafe’s acclaimed chowder can be sent directly to your home. Place an order for their fresh frozen clam chowder online and you’ll be able to savor the Central Coast from afar. If you don’t like it, they offer a 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked.

Photo courtesy of Splash Cafe

Offering a glimpse into a rather contemporary version of California’s Spanish colonial past, the Bistro at this downtown SLO hotel features exposed brick, dimly lit under a tin roof, with cozy, cushioned velvet chairs and an outdoor patio with seating around fire pits. The menu takes its cue from classic French bistro fare, just slightly jazzed up. Stop in for a light meal of Morro Bay oysters, or opt for something heartier like the Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Burger. Either way, you’ll leave happy and satisfied.

Insider Tip

Plan to put away the car keys for an evening, as the hotel is right in the hub of downtown—walkable to cafes, restaurants, movie theaters, and on Thursday evenings, San Luis Obispo's beloved farmers market.

Photo courtesy of Granada Hotel

While there isn’t a bad seat in the house, if you ask for one of the tables along the enclosed outdoor patio wall, you’ll have a front row seat to a spectacular Avila Beach sunset. The menu features coastal-inspired standbys, including fried calamari, ahi poke, and clam chowder, along with a selection of tasty wood-fired flatbreads, steaks, and seafood pastas.

Insider Tip

Even though moules-frites are not on the menu, if you ask for them, depending on the availability, it’s quite possible they’ll whip up an order.

Photo courtesy of Ocean Grill

Named one of 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America by Wine Enthusiast, Novo Restaurant & Lounge offers a unique, romantic dining experience, right on San Luis Obispo Creek. Once you’ve glanced through the wine list and decided on a bottle from their extensive local or global selection, settle in for Executive Chef Ben Richardson’s locally-sourced, wholesome, and globally-inspired food that changes with the seasons.

Insider Tip

The Salmon Bisque from sister restaurant Robin’s (in Cambria), was so popular that it was brought to Novo and is still on the menu today. Be sure to ask for it.

Photo courtesy of Novo Restaurant & Lounge

Located at the Hotel SLO in downtown San Luis Obispo, this modern spin on a typical steak house draws inspiration from the surrounding Central Coast region. Executive Chef Ryan Fancher utilizes local ingredients for his diverse menu, which includes classic steakhouse entrees and sides with an unexpected twist. While the steaks and seafood are on point, don’t miss trying one of the inventive appetizers, such as the braised short rib egg rolls or bone marrow tater tots.

Insider Tip

In keeping with their locally minded ethos, Ox and Anchor is proud to partner with a different local winery each month for their winemaker dinner series, featuring a special five-course dinner with wine pairings.

Photo courtesy of InterContinental Hotels Group

This relaxed downtown SLO cafe and mercantile is a great spot to grab a coffee and breakfast or lunch. Here, a globally-inspired menu features fresh, local ingredients for dishes that are equal parts healthy and delicious, such as the Avocado Toast with burrata and pistachio, Pesto Rice Bowl with soft cooked egg, and house-baked biscuits served with butter and jam (or as the star of a breakfast sandwich).

Insider Tip

If you’re in a hurry, Mint + Craft stocks a selection of grab and go breakfast and lunch items all day, and they also offer a variety of artisanal foods, housewares, olive oils, and cookbooks for when you need the perfect hostess gift fast.

Photo courtesy of Mint + Craft

This popular breakfast spot serves up quality dishes and a friendly atmosphere that keep happy diners coming back for more. From sweet potato and kale breakfast burritos to whole grain flax waffles to tropical fruit and chia seed smoothies, the offerings are as wholesome as they are delicious. They also offer a rotating selection of heartier monthly specials, like the Sally O’Griddle, that are worth taking note of.

Insider Tip

If breakfast isn’t your favorite meal of the day, order up the Smashburger, a delicious burger featuring local beef, american cheese, garlic aioli, and secret sauce, toasted on a brioche bun.

Photo courtesy of Facebook: Sally Loo’s

Old Virginia classics are elevated to upscale dining heights at the The Ivy Inn Restaurant, which is just as charming as it sounds. Down-home favorites like lamb chops or salmon are served here with class and flavor that would make any big city eatery jealous, and country-eating appetizers like shrimp ‘n grits and tomato biscuit pie cozy up to fancier fare like foie gras.

Insider Tip

Beefed out? Try the free range bison steak, which has far less fat than the bovine version.

This downtown Charlottesville restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine and is a favorite among locals, travelers, and university students. Watch the sunset from the outdoor patio and you’ll understand why Charlottesville residents often visit this fine dining establishment several times a month. Another reason: the hushpuppies, made with Hamiltons’ at First & Main’s inventive take on pimento cheese, a Southern favorite.

Insider Tip

Vegetarians can feast on the daily “blue plate special,” a meatless entrée that changes daily.

While Asian fusion cuisine and molecular gastronomy definitely have their place, sometimes the classics, like grilled steaks and seafood served on spotless white tablecloths, are what count. Downtown Grille isn’t stuffy or excessively inventive, but the chefs here create American wonders with class every night. Like any steakhouse worth opening your wallet for, the martinis are strong and expertly crafted.

Insider Tip

Don’t retreat from the greens just because you’re at a spot famous for meat—the iceberg wedge and classic caesar salad are surprisingly satisfying.

Sultan Kebab brings the succulent flavors of Istanbul to the middle of Virginia, and this relaxed restaurant is terrific for those wanting to eat well but who also desire a laid-back vibe. The platters of kebabs of kofte will satisfy several hungry people, and the sandwiches slammed into homemade pita bread are tasty American takes on Mediterranean favorites. Baklava and rice pudding are available with Turkish coffee—some of the strongest brew available.

Insider Tip

Get the hummus casserole, a version of the Middle Eastern dip, baked with tomatoes and cheese.

Scrumptious fried chicken and peach cobbler, buttermilk biscuits and mashed potatoes—The Ordinary at Michie Tavern serves favorites just like your mom used to make: that is, if your mother was a fantastic cook who knew how to push Southern comfort food to a soul-satisfying limit. Housed inside a historic building, a visit to this eatery is like a trip to the early 1800s (the staff even dresses in period outfits), and the food is served buffet-style with flavors that are anything but hokey.

Insider Tip

Since it is so close to Monticello, The Ordinary at Michie Tavern is an appropriate capper to a tour of Thomas Jefferson’s old estate.

From the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Public Fish and Oyster selects only the finest oysters—the meaty gems of the ocean—to serve raw everyday. Order a martini with an orange twist alongside a plate of Oysters Rockefeller and you’ll feel like a captain of industry from another era, all at a reasonable price point. The tasty little morsels also pop up in the oyster stew, oyster Lyonnaise, and the PFO pan roast.

Insider Tip

If you aren’t in the mood for raw oysters, opt for the moules frite: deliciously cooked mussels with Belgian-style fried potatoes.

With its rich wood walls and ceiling, eating at the Old Mill Room offers a quaint but elegant experience, where everyone who steps in the door is automatically a Virginia gentleman or lady. A fireplace roars while friendly servers bring fresh seafood and carefully-made martinis, and contemporary creations like panko-encrusted ahi tuna or wild rice-stuffed zucchini show off that the chefs are still as inventive as those from any upscale option in a bigger city.

Insider Tip

The doors of the Old Mill Room open early, so stop in for a gourmet breakfast to start your journey through Virginia’s wine country.

Montrio Bistro is housed inside a converted firehouse built in 1910, and still retains its exposed brick charm. This sensibility for the past also inspires the chefs: the grilled steaks, salmon, and lamb chops are all standouts on the menu, which combines classic European inspirations with New American flavors. The wine list is long, and the staff is knowledgeable, so rest assured that the pairing recommendations are on point.

Insider Tip

Montrio Bistro is worth a visit just for the cocktails. Inventive creations like the Saving Private Ryan mix unusual ingredients like walnut liquor and smoked ice.

Heaping servings of seafood harvested straight from Monterey Bay will define your dining experience at Monterey’s Fish House. Expect a crowd and a potentially boisterous-yet-relaxed atmosphere, as well as classics including artisan seafood pasta and ahi tuna. The prawns are huge, and oysters are cooked over an oak-fired grill.

Insider Tip

Try Monterey’s Fish House’s refreshingly light take on the cioppino, a classic Northern California soup made from fresh seafood and tomatoes.

Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurant is quaintly decorated with colorful tablecloths and nautical bric-a-brac hung on the walls. Since it also doubles as a market, the seafood served in the restaurant is some of the freshest in Monterey, making it a local favorite. The squid, for example, is cleaned, tenderized, and breaded in-house for a terrific fried calamari, and the oysters and seafood kabobs make for a great light lunch.

Insider Tip

If you want to try whatever is in season, just ask your server for the freshest fish they have.

Of all the tourist-focused spots on Monterey’s bustling Cannery Row, Chart House is one of the most refined options around, and the flavors of the food back up the atmosphere. The panoramic views of the Monterey Bay or the city lights beyond are worth the visit by themselves. For vegetarians, a giant salad bar means this seafood restaurant will probably be among your best choices on Cannery Row.

Insider Tip

If you make a reservation, ask if a corner table is available for window seating, overlooking the bay.

Old Fisherman’s Grotto was founded in the 1950s and is known as a “must-visit” restaurant in Monterey, a title it strives to earn with every dish that comes out of the kitchen. The Hawaiian swordfish is a perennial favorite, and the Boston-style clam chowder has won awards several years running. No matter how delicious the food, Old Fisherman’s Grotto never feels pretentious; the dining area keeps the cozy atmosphere of a family-run restaurant.

Insider Tip

If you can’t decide which ocean bounty to devour, get a taste of everything with the grilled combination platter, featuring shrimp, scallops, sand dab, and salmon.

While the name might not proclaim high-end, The Sardine Factory serves an extravagant menu that has attracted world leaders, sports stars, and celebrities of every stripe for decades. Situated in Monterey’s historic Cannery Row, The Sardine Factory is renowned for its seafood, all sustainably procured and fresh from the ocean. The main dining room suggests European-style formality, but the restaurant also features a lounge with live music, happy hours, and a more casual menu.

Insider Tip

The restaurant specializes in abalone and serves buttery mollusk several ways: President Ronald Reagan specifically requested the abalone bisque for one of his inaugural dinners.

With tantalizing options including Alaskan King Crab, Domenico’s On the Wharf is able to serve high-end food without any fussiness—a factor that makes this restaurant a favorite of Monterey residents. The menu is formal, but the service is friendly, so don’t expect any sort of dress code. With a combination of fresh seafood and Italian-inspired cuisine, Domenico’s On the Wharf serves up classics like Oysters Rockefeller and mussels in wine and garlic sauce.

Insider Tip

If you’ve brought your dog along for lunch, don’t worry: Domenico’s On the Wharf is pet friendly.

Bistro Moulin might be one of the best French restaurants in the city of Monterey, but the aura in the dining room is friendly and relaxed. Although seafood is plentiful, Bistro Moulin also serves up delicious landlubber favorites like spinach gnocchi and veal osso buco. Save room for dessert: the delicate tarts and other pastries bring a touch of Paris to Northern California.

Insider Tip

As with any decent French restaurant, Bistro Moulin has several great, authentic champagnes available.

With a focus on traditional seafood dishes utilizing the best of Northern California’s fish and produce, Fish Hopper is one of most beloved Monterey restaurants for both locals and visitors. If you decide to sit on the heated patio, you’ll actually dine directly over the crashing waves of Monterey Bay, a vantage point that offers spectacular views of the marine life. The menu includes comfort food like fish and chips, but also boasts high-end favorites like lobster tail and swordfish

Insider Tip

The cocktail list is fun and bizarre, and points have to be given for the seafood Bloody Mary, garnished with a fresh oyster and a crab cake slider.

There are few better ways to unwind at night than with a glass of wine and some soothing music. This is well-known at Towne House Restaurant, where live jazz is on the schedule every evening, a well-tuned accompaniment to the 70 Lodi wines featured on their list. This elegant restaurant focuses on seasonal dishes, with a frequently changing menu that highlights the best local ingredients.

Insider Tip

If foie gras is on the menu, order it—it’s a seasonal, but always delicious, masterpiece.

If you’ve had enough wine after a full day in the vineyards, cap off your trip with a visit to the Lodi Beer Company. With a dozen beers made on-site at the no-frills microbrewery, there are always options that will satisfy a beer-lover’s palate. Come with an empty stomach, too, as they specialize in comfort food like pizza, burgers, and ribs.

Insider Tip

Not sure what type of beer is your style? Ask for the flight and learn what brew suits you.

Sometimes the most unassuming restaurants offer the best surprises—definitely the case with Thai Spices, a hole-in-the-wall featuring the best Thai cuisine in Lodi. Authenticity is key here, with a focus on using ingredients native to Thailand.

Insider Tip

There are only seven tables in the restaurant, so the wait can sometimes get lengthy. Beat the line by arriving at 11 a.m., when the eatery opens.

The Farm Café at Michael David Winery is a splendid stop for a relaxing meal of down-home American cooking made with fresh, local ingredients. Plus, Michael David is one of the best wineries in town, so it’s a great place to kill two birds with one stone if you’re game for a tasting beforehand.

Insider Tip

Don’t skip out on the pies: blueberry, specifically. It may be the best slice you’ll find in town.

A winery, brewery, bakery, and restaurant all rolled into one, the Dancing Fox is Lodi’s one-stop shop for beverage and culinary needs. This rustic café with a European feel features an appropriately eclectic menu to complement their extensive list of house-made beer and wines.

Insider Tip

Italophiles, make sure to try the Sangiovese or Barbera wines; they’re two famous Italian grapes that aren’t too commonly seen in Lodi.

Romantic interludes are as welcome as boisterous family affairs at Pietro’s, which offers an authentic Italian experience in a classic trattoria format. This eatery prides itself on its “farm to fork” method of preparation: a fun way to say that many of the ingredients on the menu are grown just outside the kitchen.

Insider Tip

Make sure to get a sip of their Italian Mojito—this one’s vodka based and topped off with a sprig of thyme, fresh from the garden.

This favorite breakfast spot is a Lodi institution, so be sure to come with an appetite: their portions are huge, and they serve up all the traditional American diner cuisine you would come to expect of a classic American greasy spoon. But be prepared for a wait, as the restaurant closes at 2 p.m. (3 p.m. on Saturdays), and the line can get rather long.

Insider Tip

Plan for a stop afterwards to drop off your leftovers: locals boast about getting two, even three extra meals out of a single entree from Avenue Grill.