Can anyone talk about restaurants other then fast food places?

Oh boy, there are SOOOO many good places to eat in California. I'll tell you about a few of my favorites, that I tend to visit frequently. In San Francisco, on Geary, there's a fabulous place for dim sum called Ton Kiang. We're there so much the servers know us. One of my favorite things there are the steamed or baked BBQ pork buns - I'm salivating just thinking about them. In Saratoga village, there's a lovely French restaurant called la Mere Michelle. The food there is to die for and the wine list is probably the best I've ever seen. I had a lovely piece of salmon with a delicious sauce, my daughter had beef bourgignon, spouse had vegetable lasagne, and mom had an omelette (brunch time). It's a little pricey but definitely worth it. My favorite Mexican restaurant is in Santa Cruz. El Palomar is located on Pacific avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. I tend to get their enchiladas suiza, but the quesadilla Johann with carne asada or their fajitas are equally delicious.

My best days in NoCal are days when I can wake a little later, go wine tasting with a friend, have a fabulous lunch and then return to the wine tasting well-fortified.

I really can't speak about Northern California. But I can say in El Paso, Tx. there is bar and grill that makes some really great food! They have this european potato salad that taste so good. Especially when it's warm. It's not like the one your normally used to. Eat it with crackers! I love their Chicken Nachos. They are awesome! And they have 2 kinds of burgers. One is a 1/2 lb. and the other is smaller and it's called a bar burger. The bar burger is the best one I've have in the southwest region. I don't get the bigger one. Don't get me wrong, it's ok but it doesn't pack the flavorous punch the little one does. If you ever get a chance to go to El Paso go to Texas Bar and Grill on 6404. N. Mesa. You won't be disappointed.

I like non-chain places to eat that are locally owned but the one place I like to go to with family and friends is Buca di Beppo. The caesar salad is really good and I love their pizza. The food comes family style and they always have seating for large groups. It makes a good combo of rich tasting food with lots of people sharing and making noise.

In Northern California, my spouse and I have discovered the Black Bear Diner.

They are located around - check their website (www.blackbeardiner.com) for locations and menus. They have never let us down, from Rohnert Park, Sonoma, Suisun City, or Reno!

For authentic Mexican, we go to 'Acapulco' in the city of Alameda, corner of Willow & Lincoln (not part of the chain, but a family owned and run place with excellent food.)

For fancy, get dressed up and eat out, (and a full bar) we go to 'Pier 29' in Alameda for seafood, steaks, and yummy specials. Many of my friends like 'Pasta Pelican' or the 'Gold Coast' in Alameda for the same kinds of food.

For a real homemade diner, I also like Ole's Waffle Shop and Jim's Diner in Alameda.

Where in No. Cal.? Bay area? There's all sorts of great food in the Bay area. I don't think I ate fast food once in the years that I lived there.

Stagnaro's (on the pier in Santa Cruz) - it's been there forever, service is great, and the food is fantastic!!!!

As i can't type in detail, u can have a good reference site spelled here. CHECK IT OUT.

I am not sure but you could research it on internet to find out which ones to go to that you would enjoy... good luck.