San Diegoans know Hob Nob Hill as a historical landmark. The menu never changes and that's the way they like it. On DDD, Guy raved about the fall-apart corned beef. But the comforting chicken and dumplings were the real deal — he called them "the definition of chicken and dumplings."
This San Carlos destination puts its spin on classic Italian food with wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas. The restaurant makes a knockout Ricotta Gnocchi with artichoke, lemon and mint that's absolutely worth your time and taste buds.
The Dad's Burger is so popular that when the current owners bought the restaurant, they kept it on the menu. Guy describes the signature 8-ounce bacon and blue cheese-encrusted beef patty as the most "righteous" and "juiciest" burger ever. If you prefer chicken, try the Hot Blonde with avocado.
Only at Guy's restaurant can you get a little Italian, Mexican, Cajun and Asian. The grilled-onion-and-garlic tortilla stack, inspired by Guy's mom, has "dynamite" texture and flavor. Guy's Sashimi Won Tacos dressed with eel sauce were double gold winners at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.
The Golden Bear quickly became a Sacramento, Calif., favorite and Guy couldn't agree more. His visit changed his attitude about slaw, as he called The Sausage and 'Slaw pizza with homemade sausage and smoked slaw "out of control." The taco with citrus-achiote chicken's also a flavor town winner.
This tiny burger joint is short on space, but customers pack in for favorites like the Squeezeburger with Cheese. A 1/3-pound patty is heaped with so much cheese (more than half a pound) that the topping forms a crisp skirt of sorts after a turn on the flat top. “That thing is money,” said Guy of the cheese-blanketed burger, which comes topped with dill pickles, tomatoes, mustard and mayonnaise.
Quiche on a salad and a grilled ham and Brie cheese sandwich are just some of the French country-style favorites at this deli. Guy appreciated the nice and rich flavors of the chicken pate and goat cheese sandwich and loved the "floral notes" found in the chilled lentil salad with roasted prawns.
The only way you'll find this unmarked dive bar is if you know to look for its green awning. The filet mignon sandwich with toasted garlic bread left Guy speechless. He also appreciated the melt-in-your-mouth smoked prime rib with au jus. Be sure to check out their rotating daily specials too.
Visit Gatsby's Diner for Old World European comfort food and unique vegetarian dishes. The pastrami-marinated beet sliders with green goddess dressing and homemade chips were meaty and tender according to Guy. Meat lovers should try the flavorful beef rouladen or the brined pork chops.
This Palo Alto destination serves up a farm-to-table experience with organic and locally-sourced ingredients. The result: fresh California cooking with dishes that won't leave you feeling weighed down. Guy suggests trying the Calafia Citrus Carnitas or the Vegan Gnocchi.
Guy had to check out Gorilla Barbeque, which is housed in a bright orange boxcar. Regardless of size, Gorilla Barbeque still grills 1,500 pounds of meat each week. The Philly cheese steak with barbecued brisket explodes with flavor, just like the mac 'n' cheese baked with a Goldfish cracker crust.
Tamarindo serves Mexican dishes made with organic, local ingredients. Guy declares his love for the drunken torta, which dresses up flank steak with salsa, onion, tomatoes, arugula, bean spread and mayo. Another must-try dish is the chicken chilaquiles with achiote marinade for a tangy, spicy taste
This Puerto Rican hot spot is known for its bold flavors and (bottomless) brunch bashes. Regulars love the Chicharron Mofongo and Canoa, but the restaurant also offers up some incredible vegan options.
Hodads' burgers don't simply have bacon strips on top. Instead, this funky joint adds an entire bacon patty to the mix. They really "put the shama lama in ding dong," Guy says of his favorite burger, which includes two sizzling beef patties and cheese — a "run-down-your-arm burger," for sure.
Southern flavors reach the west coast at this Oakland hot spot. Comfort food favorites include Beef Meatloaf, Southern Fried Chicken, slow-cooked Oxtails, Macaroni and Cheese, Collard Greens and more. Plus, the Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding are absolute winners.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.