Cuisine of California

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats – many of them organic – are commonplace. Their prevalence is driven by the local climate, which is largely a mild Mediterranean climate, and includes a variety of microclimates, as well as health-conscious diets and lifestyles.

In Northern California, with wine country nearby, French, Italian, and Mediterranean inspired food is prominent, as well as Asian-inspired fare. Many of the restaurants, cafes, bistros, and grills use ingredients sourced from local growers and farmers' markets.{{cite book|last= Vileisis |first= Ann |title= Kitchen Literacy: How We Lost Knowledge of Where Food Comes from and Why We Need to Get It Back |year= 2008 |publisher= Island Press |isbn= 9781597263733 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=X8muajvmQmkC&q=%22Waters+forged+relationships+between+farmers+and+other+chefs+throughout+northern+California+to+create+a+regional+supply+network.%22&pg=PT211 |quote= Waters forged relationships between farmers and other chefs throughout northern California to create a regional supply network.}}{{cite book|last= Weir |first= Joanne |title= Wine Country Cooking |date= 2008-08-01 |publisher= Ten Speed Press |page= 5 |isbn= 9781580089388 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=zsE4R2CGq9sC&q=%22an+extra+moment+to+really+savor%22+%22a+lunch+based+on+luscious+fresh%22+%22from+your+own+garden+or+bought+at+your+local%22&pg=PA5 |quote= It's taking an extra moment to really savor ... a lunch based on luscious fresh vegetables from your own garden or bought at your local farmer's market.}} A unique sourdough-style bread has its origins in San Francisco.{{Cite web|last=Saekel|first=Karola|date=2005-09-07|title=CULINARY PIONEERS / From Acme bread to Zuni Cafe, the Bay Area has shaped how America eats|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/CULINARY-PIONEERS-From-Acme-bread-to-Zuni-Cafe-2570561.php|access-date=2021-07-20|website=SFGATE|language=en-US}}

The California coast, especially the North Coast and Central Coast regions, is a source of seafood, which is a staple in the California diet.

California produces almost all of the country's almonds, apricots, dates, figs, kiwi fruit, nectarines, olives, pistachios, prunes, and walnuts. It leads in the production of avocados, grapes, lemons, melons, peaches, plums, and strawberries. This agricultural diversity of California's Central Valley provides fresh produce in the state. With less than 1% of the total farmland in the US, the Central Valley produces 8% of the nation's agricultural output by value.{{cite web|title= California's Central Valley |date= 2017-03-20 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |website= USGS California Water Science Center |publisher= United States Geological Survey |url= https://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects/central-valley/about-central-valley.html |quote= Using fewer than 1% of U.S. farmland, the Central Valley supplies 8% of U.S. agricultural output (by value) and produces 1/4 of the Nation's food, including 40% of the Nation's fruits, nuts, and other table foods.}}

Sunset, a lifestyle magazine of the West published in California, has featured recipes that have influenced the cuisine of California, including the promotion of outdoor eating.

Image:Sanfran 2 bg 032605.jpg in San Francisco]]

In Northern California and the Central Coastal region, Dungeness crab is abundant. Sardines, oysters, and salmon were formerly major industries in the state, before declines in fish stocks.{{cite journal |url=http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/on-californias-coast-farewell-to-the-king-salmon-11992359/ |title=On California's Coast, Farewell to the King Salmon |first=Abigail |last=Tucker |author-link= Ross Douthat |date=October 2008 |journal= Smithsonian}}{{cite news |url=http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20150415/NEWS/150419817 |title=California salmon outlook is good for 2015, ominous in the long run |first=Aaron |last=Kinney |date=April 15, 2015 |newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel}}{{Cite web |date=2023-01-21 |title=California oysters are in short supply. Here's why the rain is to blame |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-21/rains-bring-a-california-oyster-shortage |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} The Chinook salmon is native to California and are known to spawn in local rivers, however they are considered an endangered species in 2023.{{Cite web |last=Pulver |first=Elizabeth Weise |last2=Voyles |first2=Dinah |title=West Coast king salmon are so depleted officials just canceled the Oregon and California season |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2023/04/06/california-chinook-salmon-season-canceled-until-spring-2024/11618489002/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Juliana |date=April 7, 2023 |title=California salmon fishing slated to shut down this year due to low stock |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/04/07/1168595658/california-salmon-fishing-shutdown-low-stock |website=NPR}}

As one of the U.S. states nearest Asia and Oceania, and with long-standing Asian American and Oceanian American populations, the state tends to adopt foods from those national styles.{{cite web|last= Wang |first= Oliver |title= We Are What We Eat: Asian Americans and Food |date= 2015-11-11 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |website= PBS |url= https://www.pbs.org/food/features/eat-asian-americans-food/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151121153616/http://www.pbs.org/food/features/eat-asian-americans-food/|url-status= dead|archive-date= November 21, 2015}} The American style of sushi possibly began in California; the term "California roll" is used to describe sushi with avocado as a primary ingredient.

East Asian confectionery such as mochi ice cream and boba have gained popularity throughout California and the United States, with many establishments that produce them beginning in California.

File:Tacqueria Cancun, Mission, San Francisco.jpgBecause of California's mostly colonial European Spanish roots, Mexican territorial history, and its original population consisting of Meso-Americans, Spanish colonizers and Mexican ranchers, Mexican and Spanish-origin cuisine is very influential and popular in California, particularly Southern California.{{cite interview|last= Oden |first= Barrett |interviewer= Katherine Spiers |title= Fry Bread, Casinos and Mexican Cuisine: Native American Food in California |url= http://www.laweekly.com/restaurants/fry-bread-casinos-and-mexican-cuisine-native-american-food-in-california-7616473 |newspaper= LA Weekly |date= 2016-11-21 |access-date=2017-06-13}}

Commercial taquería-style Mexican fast food, consisting of offerings such as burritos, refried beans, tortas, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas, is widely popular. Taquerías can be found throughout California.

Traditional Mexican food, while not as common as commercial food, is still widely prepared and abundant in the ethnic Mexican American border communities of San Diego, the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the San Francisco Bay Area, and in Mexican-American enclaves throughout California. Examples of these foods include tamales, tortillas, tostadas, mole, menudo, pozole, sopes, chile relleno and enchiladas.

In addition to Mexican food, California restaurants serve up nearly every variation of Central American food there is. For example, pupuserías are common in areas with a large population of Salvadorans (pupusas are stuffed tortillas from El Salvador).{{cite web|last= Villanueva |first= Ivan |title= A View From Within: Salvadorans in America |date= 2014-08-12 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |url= http://latamthought.org/2014/08/12/a-view-from-within-salvadorans-in-america/ |quote= Consequently, there are more Salvadorans in Los Angeles than any other place in the world outside of El Salvador}}

"Fresh-Mex" or "Baja-style" Mexican food, which places an emphasis on fresh ingredients and sometimes seafood, inspired by Baja California fare, is popular. El Pollo Loco, a fast-food chain that originated in Northern Mexico, is a common sight. Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, Baja Fresh, Wahoo's Fish Taco, Chronic Tacos, Chipotle, Qdoba and La Salsa are examples of the Baja-style Mexican-American food trend.

{{See also|California cuisine}}

Fusion cuisine is quite popular in California.{{cite web |last= Bowers |first= Sharon |title= California Fusion |url= http://berncity.tripod.com:80/California.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20010407225409/http://berncity.tripod.com/California.html |archive-date= 2001-04-07 |url-status= dead }} The emphasis of California cuisine is on the use of fresh, local ingredients which are often acquired daily at farmers markets. Menus are changed to accommodate the availability of ingredients in season. Some restaurants create a new menu daily.

California chef Wolfgang Puck is known as one of the pioneers of fusion cuisine, popularizing such dishes as Chinese chicken salad at the restaurant Ma Maison in Los Angeles. His restaurant Chinois{{Cite web|title=Wolfgang Puck {{!}} Chinois, Santa Monica|url=https://wolfgangpuck.com/dining/chinois-santa-monica/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Wolfgang Puck|language=en-US}} in Santa Monica was named after the term attributed to Richard Wing, who in the 1960s combined French and Chinese cooking at the former Imperial Dynasty restaurant in Hanford, California.{{cite news | first=Sasha | last= Khokha | url= https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5298206 | title= In Rural California, an Imperial Dynasty Ends | publisher=National Public Radio |date=2005-07-15}}

Barbecue has been a part of California cuisine since Mexicans cooked beef in pit barbecues on ranches since the 1840s. Santa Maria, California, is famous for the tri-tip, a special kind of beef cut that can be grilled, baked, braised, or roasted.{{cite journal|last= Morris |first= Jim |title= Legendary barbecue |journal= California Country Magazine |publisher= California Farm Bureau Federation |location= Sacramento, California |date= July–August 2007 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |url= http://californiacountry.org/features/article.aspx?arID=274}}

California's barbecue style is also influenced by the styles of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, brought by Dust Bowl migrants. Chicken, beef ribs, sausages, and steaks are also grilled or smoked in a barbecue pit.

The barbecue sauce used in this state is tomato-based,{{cite web|last= Westerman |first= Kim |title= Bay Area Bites Guide to the 10 Best American-Style Barbecue Joints in the East Bay |date= 2015-08-14 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |website= KQED |url= https://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/2015/08/14/bay-area-bites-guide-to-the-10-best-american-style-barbecue-joints-in-the-east-bay/ |quote= The homemade sauces, spicy and mild, are mostly tomato-based.}} as with all other western states. Santa Maria barbecue, however, uses no sauce, relying instead on the flavor of the tri-tip and the slow live-oak fire over which it is cooked.

Pork baby back ribs are popular for barbecue in the Western region in comparison to the popular use of spare ribs in the United States.

{{Further|Drive-in|Drive-through}}

Image:In-N-Out Burger cheeseburger and fries.jpg "Double-Double" cheeseburger with fries in a box for consumption in a car|left|alt=An In-N-Out "Double-Double" cheeseburger with fries in a box for consumption in a car]]

Southern California's car culture and the population's reliance on automobiles for transportation throughout California's vast cities, has widely contributed to the popularity of the classic drive-in and modern drive-through restaurants. Fast food restaurant chains such as McDonald's,{{cite news|title= TODAY IN HISTORY: Original McDonald's opened in San Bernardino in 1940 |date= 2016-05-15 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |newspaper= The Press-Enterprise |url= http://www.pe.com/2016/05/15/today-in-history-original-mcdonalds-opened-in-san-bernardino-in-1940/}} Jack in the Box,{{cite web |title= Our Company |access-date= 2017-06-13 |website= Jack in the Box |url= http://www.jackintheboxinc.com/company/history |quote= In 1951, a businessman named Robert O. Peterson opened the first Jack in the Box restaurant in San Diego |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171119161849/http://www.jackintheboxinc.com/company/history |archive-date= 2017-11-19 |url-status= dead }} In-N-Out Burger,{{cite web|title= Replica of the First In-N-Out Burger |access-date= 2017-06-13 |website= RoadsideAmerica.com |url= http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/42365 |quote= In-N-Out Burger was started in Baldwin Park [California] in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder.}} Carl's Jr.,{{cite web |title= CKE Restaurants - History |access-date= 2017-06-13 |website= CKE Restaurants |url= http://www.ckr.com/about_history.html |quote= In 1956, Carl expanded his business by opening the first two Carl's Jr. restaurants in Anaheim and nearby Brea. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170518135030/http://www.ckr.com/about_history.html |archive-date= 2017-05-18 |url-status= dead }} Wienerschnitzel,{{cite news|title= 1938-2013: John Galardi, founder of Wienerschnitzel, opened first stand in Wilmington |date= 2013-04-15 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |newspaper= Daily Breeze |agency= Associated Press |url= http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20130415/1938-2013-john-galardi-founder-of-wienerschnitzel-opened-first-stand-in-wilmington |quote= John Galardi, who opened his first Wienerschnitzel hot dog stand in Wilmington [California] in 1961}} Del Taco,{{cite web |url=http://deltaco.com/history.html |title=Del Taco - History |access-date= 2017-06-13 |publisher= Del Taco |quote= Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson opened the first Del Taco in Yermo, CA in 1964.}} Taco Bell,{{cite news|last= Luna |first= Nancy |title= Saved from the wrecking ball: Taco Bell to relocate original 1962 Downey food stand to Irvine |date= 2015-11-18 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |newspaper= Orange County Register |url= http://www.ocregister.com/2015/11/18/saved-from-the-wrecking-ball-taco-bell-to-relocate-original-1962-downey-food-stand-to-irvine/ |quote= Glen Bell opened the first Taco Bell March 21, 1962 at 7126 Firestone Blvd. in Downey [California].}} Panda Express,{{cite news |last= Greenfeld |first= Karl Taro |title=General Tso, Meet Steven Covey |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/magazine/content/10_48/b4205098143983.htm |access-date= 2017-06-13 |work= Bloomberg Businessweek |publisher= Bloomberg, L.P. |date= 18 November 2010 |quote= In 1983 he opened the first Panda Express in the Glendale Galleria mall.}} Original Tommy's,{{cite news|last= Kallas |first= Anne |title= Original Tommy's opens in Ventura |date= 2011-12-15 |access-date= 2017-06-14 |newspaper= Ventura County Star |url= http://archive.vcstar.com/business/original-tommys-opens-in-ventura-ep-364105348-352207651.html |quote= Original Tommy's was founded in 1946 by Tom Koulax, and the first stand opened at Beverly and Rampart boulevards in Los Angeles.}} Fatburger,{{cite news|title= Founder of Fatburger has died |date= 2008-02-02 |access-date= 2017-06-14 |website= KABC-TV |url= http://abc7.com/archive/5931464/ |quote= Lovie Yancey, who started Fatburger in South Los Angeles in 1947}} The Habit,{{Cite web |title=About us |url=https://www.habitburger.com/about-us/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=The Habit Burger Grill |language=en-US}} and Big Boy{{cite news |first=Barbara |last=Slavin |title=Drive-ins and carhops are things of the past |newspaper= The Day |location= New London, Connecticut |page= 5 |agency= New York Times News Service |date= 1978-08-10 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19780809&id=OqpGAAAAIBAJ&pg=1364,1510484&hl=en |quote= the California-based chain Bob's Big Boy—a chain whose founder, Bob Wian, is generally credited with opening the first drive-in restaurant on Aug. 6, 1936, in Glendale}} were all established in Southern California.

Regional fast-food menus differ, generally depending on the ethnic composition of an area. In Southern California, smaller chains like The Hat feature hamburgers, Mexican food, chili fries, and pastrami.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Bradley |date=2019-05-02 |title=California Institution The Hat Heads to Las Vegas |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2019/5/2/18526176/the-hat-opens-soon-las-vegas |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Eater Vegas |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2011-11-21 |title=The Hat vs. Johnnie's Pastrami: 30 Sandwiches in 30 Days (Day 11) |url=https://www.laweekly.com/the-hat-vs-johnnies-pastrami-30-sandwiches-in-30-days-day-11/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=LA Weekly |language=en-US}}

In Northern California, smaller chains like Gott's Roadside feature Niman Ranch hamburgers with toppings like avocado, ahi burgers, salads, and they have a full wine bar with many local varieties;{{Cite web |date=2017-06-29 |title=The 13 Best Local Food Chains In The Bay Area: SFist |url=https://sfist.com/2017/06/29/best_local_food_chains_sf/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=SFist |language=en |archive-date=2023-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412063741/https://sfist.com/2017/06/29/best_local_food_chains_sf/ |url-status=dead }} and the local chain Original Joe's is a steakhouse that serves Italian-American food, which includes their noted dish Joe's Special.

While gastropubs are not unique to California, the concept of the gourmet hamburger is very popular.

Image:Chez Panisse pizza.jpg topped with egg from the Chez Panisse cafe]]

File:Tacos El Gordo Carne Asada Fries close up.jpg]]

File:Cioppino.jpg]]

File:French Dip Sandwich.jpg sandwich with au jus and french fries]]

{{main|California-style pizza}}

California-style pizza focuses on non-traditional pizza ingredients, such as fresh produce and barbecued meats. First popularized by Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurants, it was later brought to the masses by restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen.{{cite news|last= Lauriston |first= Robert |title= Pizza Smackdown: SoCal chain goes head to head with hometown favorite |newspaper= SF Weekly |date= 2007-09-26 |access-date= 2017-06-13 |url= http://www.sfweekly.com/2007-09-26/dining/pizza-smackdown/ |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071225220411/http://www.sfweekly.com/2007-09-26/dining/pizza-smackdown/ |archive-date= 2007-12-25}}

{{main|Carne asada fries}}

Carne asada fries are a Mexican-American dish originating in the Chicano community in San Diego.{{Cite web |title=The Issue With Eliminating the Context of Califas’ Carne Asada Fries |url=https://remezcla.com/features/culture/san-diego-carne-asada-fries-new-york-times-context-backstory/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Remezcla |language=en-US}} The dish typically consists of french fries, carne asada, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.{{cite news |title=Stop at Picante and say, `Fill 'er up!' |author=Allen Borgen |url=http://www.sbsun.com/living/ci_11309839 |newspaper=San Bernardino Sun |date=25 December 2008 |access-date=22 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229152052/http://www.sbsun.com/living/ci_11309839 |archive-date=29 February 2012 }}
{{cite book|author=Maria Desiderata Montana|title=Food Lovers' Guide to® San Diego: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kcp6jYtTcBUC&pg=PA69|date=18 September 2012|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-0-7627-8904-7|page=69}}

{{Main articles|Cioppino}}

Cioppino is an Italian-American seafood stew invented in San Francisco.{{Cite news |last=Rao |first=Tejal |date=2022-05-02 |title=Cioppino This Good Can’t Be a Cliché |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/dining/cioppino-anchor-oyster-bar.html |access-date=2023-04-12 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Riely |first=Elizabeth |date=1988-04-24 |title=Fare of the Country; Cioppino: Fish Stew From the Pacific |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/24/travel/fare-of-the-country-cioppino-fish-stew-from-the-pacific.html |access-date=2023-04-12 |issn=0362-4331}} It often features crab, shrimp, clams and firm-fleshed fish cooked with herbs in olive oil and wine, with onions, garlic, tomatoes and sometimes other vegetables. It was said to be created by immigrants in San Francisco from Genoa in the late 1800s. It is a type of Buridda and may be related to the Bourride and Bouillabaisse.

{{Main articles|Crab Louie}}Crab Louie is a type of salad that prominently features crab meat. The recipe dates back to the early 1900s and originates on the West Coast of the United States.{{Cite book |last=Hamburg |first=Terry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GUUWEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT140 |title=Quotable San Francisco: Historic Moments in Memorable Words |date=2015-10-26 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-1-4396-7214-3 |pages=140 |language=en}} The exact origins of the dish are uncertain, but it is known that Crab Louie was being served in San Francisco as early as 1910 and was popularized in the 1930s in Fisherman's Wharf.{{Cite web |last=Stradley |first=Linda |last2=Brenda |date=2015-05-30 |title=Crab Louie Salad History and Recipe |url=https://whatscookingamerica.net/salad/crablouiesalad.htm |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=What's Cooking America |language=en-US}}

{{Main articles|Fortune cookie}}

{{Main articles|French dip}}

A French dip sandwich, or beef dip, is a hot sandwich consisting of thinly sliced roast beef on a "French roll" or baguette that is usually served plain, but a variation is to top with Swiss cheese, onions, and a dipping container of beef broth produced from the cooking process (termed au jus, "with juice").{{Cite web |last=Lurie |first=Joshua |date=2017-07-20 |title=10 fantastic French dip sandwiches to try in Los Angeles |url=https://la.eater.com/2017/7/20/15999754/best-french-dip-sandwiches-los-angeles-map |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Eater LA |language=en}}

Two Los Angeles restaurants have claimed to be the birthplace of the French dip sandwich in 1908: Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe the Original.

{{Main articles|Hangtown fry}}The Hangtown fry, is a type of scrambled eggs made of a concoction of eggs, bacon, and oysters.{{Cite news |date=2008-04-16 |title=Hangtown Fry (Eggs With Bacon and Oysters) |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/dining/161mrex.html |access-date=2023-04-12 |issn=0362-4331}} It was a Gold Rush-era invention popularized in Placerville and San Francisco, and it was considered an expensive luxury.{{Cite news |last=Karlamangla |first=Soumya |date=2023-04-11 |title=What Should California’s Official State Food Be? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/11/us/california-state-food.html |access-date=2023-04-12 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=2013-01-18 |title=Hangtown Fry |url=https://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Saveur-100-Hangtown-Fry/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Saveur |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Hangtown Fry |url=https://www.foodandwine.com/hangtown-fry-7112558 |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Food & Wine |language=en}}

{{Main|Mission burrito}}A Mission burrito is a type of burrito that first became popular during the 1960s in the Mission District of San Francisco, California.{{Cite news |last=Krich |first=John |date=1989-10-01 |title=San Francisco's Real Mission |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/01/magazine/san-francisco-s-real-mission.html |access-date=2023-04-12 |issn=0362-4331}} It features a large size, the inclusion of rice, and is often cooked on the flattop.{{Cite web |last=Bicchieri |first=Paolo |date=2023-04-11 |title=The Three Definitive Burrito Styles in San Francisco |url=https://sf.eater.com/2023/4/11/23669660/san-francisco-burrito-guide-mission-wet |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Eater SF |language=en}}

Gourmet bakeries and makers that had their start in California include:

{{Columns-list|1=

• Acme Bread Company
• La Tempesta Bakery
• Semifreddi's Bakery
• Takaki Bakery
• Your Black Muslim Bakery

}}

Gourmet cheese and dairy companies and makers that had their start in California include:

{{Columns-list|1=

• Cowgirl Creamery{{Cite web |last=Guerrero |first=Susana |date=2022-08-04 |title=Cowgirl Creamery is closing its last Bay Area retail store |url=https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/cowgirl-creamery-closing-last-store-17351755.php |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}}
• Clover Sonoma
• Laura Chenel
• Marin French Cheese Company{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Janet |date=2005-04-14 |title=London calling: Petaluma triple cream brings home the gold |url=https://www.sfgate.com/food/cheesecourse/article/london-calling-petaluma-triple-cream-brings-home-2642009.php |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}}
• Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

}}

Gourmet chocolatiers and manufacturers that had their start in California include:

{{Columns-list|1=

• Dandelion Chocolate{{Cite book |last=Jung |first=Carolyn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e7WsAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA82 |title=San Francisco Chef's Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the City by the Bay |date=2013-12-17 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-4930-0710-3 |pages=82 |language=en}}
• Dreyer's
• Baskin Robbins
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Company{{Cite book |last=Richards |first=Rand |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SMuQi_WnKyQC&pg=PA177 |title=Historic Walks in San Francisco: 18 Trails Through the City's Past |date=2002 |publisher=Heritage House Publishers |isbn=978-1-879367-03-6 |pages=177 |language=en}}
• Guittard Chocolate Company
• It's-It Ice Cream
• Jelly Belly
• Joseph Schmidt Confections{{Cite web |last=Bogues |first=Maureen |date=2009-04-12 |title=Joseph Schmidt chocolates will be missed |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/joseph-schmidt-chocolates-will-be-missed-3164996.php |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}}
• Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker{{Cite web |last= |date=2008-09-28 |title=Robert Steinberg dies at 61; founded chocolatier Scharffen Berger |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-steinberg28-2008sep28-story.html |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}
• See's Candies{{Cite book |last=Pick |first=Margaret Moos |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zib3xz4CRisC |title=See's Famous Old Time Candies: A Sweet Story |date=2005-12-29 |publisher=Chronicle Books |isbn=978-0-8118-4867-1 |language=en}}
• TCHO

}}

{{Columns-list|1=

• Blue Bottle Coffee
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
• Folgers
• Hills Bros. Coffee
• MJB (coffee)
• Oakland Coffee Works
• Peet's Coffee & Tea{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Carolyn |date=2007-09-03 |title=Alfred H. Peet, 87, Dies; Leader of a Coffee Revolution |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/03/us/03peet.html |quote=Mr. Peet, often called the 'grandfather of specialty coffee,' started his business in Berkeley, Calif., in 1966}}
• Philz Coffee

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Category:Culture of California

*California

California

Category:Cuisine of the Southwestern United States